Back-to-school season is a whirlwind of activities, from homework and extracurriculars to managing everyone’s schedules. With so much going on, preparing a nutritious and delicious supper every night can feel like a daunting task. But don’t worry! With a little bit of planning and meal prepping, you can have tasty, homemade dinners ready in no time. Here are five easy meal prep ideas to help streamline your evening routine.

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1. **Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies**

**Why It’s Great:** Sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. They’re simple to prepare, easy to clean up, and can be customized with your family’s favorite proteins and vegetables.

**How to Prep:**
– **Ingredients:** Chicken breasts or thighs, assorted veggies (like bell peppers, zucchini, potatoes, and carrots), olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
– **Prep Steps:** Chop veggies and place them in a large ziplock bag. Add the chicken and seasonings, then drizzle with olive oil. Seal the bag and shake to coat everything evenly. Store in the fridge.
– **Cooking Day:** Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the contents of the bag on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

**Pro Tip:** Make a double batch and freeze one for a future meal!

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2. **Make-Ahead Taco Casserole**

**Why It’s Great:** Tacos are a family favorite, and this casserole combines all the best parts of tacos into a single dish that can be made ahead and baked when ready.

**How to Prep:**
– **Ingredients:** Ground beef or turkey, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, salsa, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
– **Prep Steps:** Cook the ground meat with taco seasoning. Mix in black beans, corn, and salsa. Layer in a casserole dish with tortilla chips and cheese. Cover and store in the fridge.
– **Cooking Day:** Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted.

**Pro Tip:** Serve with a side salad or fresh guacamole for a complete meal.

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 3. **Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff**

**Why It’s Great:** The slow cooker is an MVP in meal prepping. This creamy beef stroganoff is comforting, delicious, and requires minimal effort.

**How to Prep:**
– **Ingredients:** Beef stew meat, onions, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, mushrooms, sour cream, and egg noodles.
– **Prep Steps:** Place all ingredients except sour cream and egg noodles into a slow cooker insert. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
– **Cooking Day:** In the morning, put the insert in the slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 6-8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in sour cream. Cook egg noodles according to the package directions and serve the stroganoff over the noodles.

**Pro Tip:** This dish also freezes well, so consider making extra for a freezer meal.

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4. **Chicken Fried Rice**

**Why It’s Great:** Fried rice is a versatile dish that’s great for using up leftover rice and veggies. It’s also quick to make and reheats well for leftovers.

**How to Prep:**
– **Ingredients:** Cooked chicken (leftover or rotisserie works great), cold rice (day-old rice is best), peas, carrots, eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.
– **Prep Steps:** Dice chicken and chop veggies. Store them in separate containers. Whisk eggs in a small bowl and store.
– **Cooking Day:** Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. Add chicken and veggies and cook until heated through. Push to the side and scramble the eggs in the skillet. Add rice and soy sauce, mixing everything together. Cook until the rice is heated and slightly crispy.

**Pro Tip:** Make extra rice when you cook it earlier in the week, so you always have some ready to go!

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 5. **Baked Ziti with Veggies**

**Why It’s Great:** This hearty, cheesy pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser and can be made entirely ahead of time. It’s also a sneaky way to get more veggies into your kids’ diet.

**How to Prep:**
– **Ingredients:** Ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and Italian seasoning.
– **Prep Steps:** Cook pasta according to the package directions and drain. Sauté veggies in a bit of olive oil until soft. Mix pasta, veggies, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese in a large bowl. Pour into a baking dish and top with mozzarella and parmesan. Cover and refrigerate.
– **Cooking Day:** Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

**Pro Tip:** Prepare two smaller dishes instead of one large one and freeze one for later!

With these five easy meal prep ideas, you can conquer the back-to-school supper rush with minimal stress and maximum flavor. Not only do these meals save time, but they also ensure your family enjoys wholesome, homemade dinners every night. Give them a try, and enjoy more time around the table with your loved ones this school year!

Happy meal prepping!