You’ve committed to The Dinner Habit — Tessemae’s initiative with National Family Meals Month to eat more dinners at home together as a family — and you’ve read our tips for creative ways to get kids involved in the kitchen. Now, it’s time to get cooking!

With the little ones back in school and schedules more hectic than ever, we understand the need for meal ideas that are healthy, fun, and efficient. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 easy, fall-primed recipes to add to your repertoire. There’s something for everyone, from a slow-cooker dish and quick salads to vegetarian options and a platter that’s a cinch to pull together. Let’s dig in:

1. Sausage Stuffed Zucchini

The beauty in this warm, stomach-satisfying dinner is it doesn’t require 100% precision. Task your kids with scooping out the zucchini flesh, while you saute the sausage. They can jump in again when it’s time to fill the zucchini “boats” and drizzle with Tessemae’s Organic Creamy Ranch. 

2. Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Nothing says “quickie dinner” like a dish you’ve prepped the night before. That’s why we love this salad that combines pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, salami, and Tessemae’s Pantry Organic Classic Italian dressing. Not a fan of olives? Swap in something cheesy like an umami-rich Parmesan. Keep in mind this dish is best enjoyed after the flavors have marinated in the fridge for up to 24 hours. 

3. Orecchiette, Broccolini, & Chickpeas

This pasta recipe is perfect for a Meatless Monday. Using canned chickpeas and dry pasta means everything comes together quickly, ideal when you decide on what to make for dinner at 4 p.m. Dress the dish in our flavorful Organic Lemon Garlic dressing, and your kids won’t even realize you didn’t use tomato sauce.

4. Ginger & Lemon Turkey Meatballs

It’s an unscientifically proven fact that kids love meatballs. Please their palettes while giving them a leaner option with this savory turkey version. Kids can grate the zucchini — make sure to hand them the appropriate sized tool — and mix the meatball mixture. As we say, hands work best! Top the ‘balls on salad greens for a light meal or pair with our Greek Lemon Soup (below) for a warm, filling dinner.

5. Greek Lemon Soup with Quinoa Orzo

This is our version of chicken soup for the soul, made in less than 30 minutes! It’s filled with nourishing ingredients like protein-packed quinoa and egg yolks, plus a twist of lemon and Tessemae’s Organic Lemon Garlic dressing. Once the chicken has cooled (if you cooked it yourself), your littles can shred the meat to save you time. 

6. Everything Ranch Breakfast Bowls with Bacon & Eggs

Breakfast, it’s what’s for dinner! These bowls aren’t just keto-friendly and Whole30-approved, they’re easy to make, too. Have your kids drizzle Tessemae’s Organic Lemon Garlic dressing over the tomatoes (or butternut squash for a fall-centric ingredient) then pop them in the oven alongside bacon strips. Once the rest of the ingredients cook, all you have to do is assemble and top with our Organic Everything Bagel Ranch dressing.

7. Grilled Butterflied Lemon Garlic Chicken

Meet your new favorite five-ingredient dish — chicken, salt and pepper, greens, lemon, and Tessemae’s Organic Lemon Garlic dressing. That’s it! Have the littles ones toss the salad with a ¼ cup of the dressing while you tend to the chicken, which takes max 30 minutes to brown. The best part? Leftover chicken can be used the next night for tacos, grain bowls, and more. 

8. Slow Cooker Pork with Sauerkraut, Apples & Dijon

Tender pork, crisp apples, tangy sauerkraut—this dish is fall on a plate. All you need is 20 minutes to prep ingredients before work, then leave it in the slow cooker for 6 hours (or more). Once the kids set the table in the evening, dinner’s ready to be served with Tessemae’s Organic Dijon Mustard.

9. Fig & Goat Cheese Pizza with Slow Roasted Garlic

We’re firm believers that at least one night a week should be pizza night. But you can ditch greasy, calorie-laden takeout pies in favor of this easy make-at-home version. For the dough, you can opt for store-bought, homemade, or one of our favorite methods, buy some from your favorite local pizzeria. The kids will love stretching out the dough into a thin pie and layering Tessemae’s Organic Slow Roasted Garlic spread, gouda, and goat cheese. If you’d rather keep this vegetarian, simply omit the post-bake Prosciutto. 

10. Grilled Sausage & Veggie Platter

The grandparents just called — they’re coming over for dinner. And they’re bringing the aunts and uncles, too. Now’s the time for a DIY dinner buffet, which is perfect for groups. Once you heat up the grill, this sausage and veggie number cooks quickly. Arrange the roasted veggies, potatoes and meat on a pretty platter and pair with a zesty sauce, like Tessemae’s Organic Yellow Mustard or Organic BBQ Sauce. A full extended family is a happy extended family.

Looking for More Tasty Ideas?

Check out our Tessemae’s blog, where we’re sharing back-to-school lunches, Whole30 recipes and other tips on how to maximize family mealtime so you can reap the benefits of happier, healthier kids. Remember, small effort creates big impact.