School is starting this week — both kids are heading back! My daughter begins preschool and my son is moving into first grade. We’re all excited. After a long summer, I’m ready for the structure that school days bring, and as a work-from-home parent I welcome the return to more predictable hours. Routine helps everything run smoother, and dinner planning is no exception.
With less time in the evenings for elaborate cooking, the slow cooker and a few simple, reliable recipes are my go-to. This week’s menu focuses on easy, family-friendly meals that can be prepped quickly or left to simmer while I wrap up work and school drop-offs. I’ve included a mix of slow-cooked comfort, lighter options, and one-night favorites so dinners stay varied without taking over the week.
Here’s the plan for the week:
Monday – Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joes
A simple, kid-friendly favorite that’s perfect for easing back into the school week. Throw the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning and you’ll have a warm, saucy filling ready by evening. Serve on buns with a side of carrot sticks or baked sweet potato fries.
Tuesday – BLT Pasta Salad
A bright and satisfying salad that works well for school nights or leftovers for lunch. Crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a light dressing tossed with pasta make a balanced dish that keeps well for the next day.
Wednesday – Slow Cooker Fiesta Roast
Another slow-cooker winner: tender roast seasoned with bold flavors. Shred it for tacos, burritos, or over rice. It’s flexible, flavorful, and a great way to get a hearty meal on the table with minimal fuss.
Thursday – Chicken & Waffle Egg Sandwiches
A fun twist that feels like a treat but comes together quickly. These sandwiches are great for an evening when everyone needs something a little different — serve with a side salad or fruit to round out the meal.
Friday – Slow Cooker Pizza Soup
Comforting and easy, this soup captures classic pizza flavors in a bowl. It’s warming and simple to finish off after a busy week, and kids often love the familiar tastes.
Saturday – Summer Squash Pizza & Salad
A lighter weekend meal featuring seasonal squash on a homemade or store-bought crust alongside a crisp green salad. This is a quick dinner that still feels a bit special — great for a relaxed family night.
Sunday – Sweet Honey BBQ Ribs
Finish the week with something hearty and satisfying. These ribs are slow-cooked tender with a sweet barbecue glaze. Pair with roasted vegetables or corn on the cob for an easy Sunday supper.
Tips for the week: plan a quick prep session on Sunday or Monday morning to chop vegetables, portion out sauces, and label any containers going into the slow cooker. Keep a simple list of sides you can rotate — steamed vegetables, a quick grain like couscous, or a green salad — to make assembling dinner faster. Leftovers are your friend: many of these recipes reheat well and can be repurposed for lunches or a second dinner.
Happy planning and best wishes for a smooth back-to-school transition. If you need more recipe ideas or want to explore additional meal plans, check the recipe index that’s already available through the site. A little planning goes a long way toward keeping evenings calm and delicious as the school year begins.
Have you visited our Products list? Be sure and check out Mommy Hates Cooking Products and Services.
Need more recipe ideas? Check out the Recipe Index by Mommy Hates Cooking.