What to Cook this Week: October 5, 2025

That 5 pm panic when you realize you have no idea what’s for dinner? Consider it solved. Every week, I’m sharing five family-friendly dinner recipes that actually work for busy weeknights, plus bonus breakfast and lunch ideas to keep the whole week running smoothly. Real food, simple ingredients, zero stress.

Slow Cooker Italian Sloppy Joes

Switch up your sloppy joe night with these easy slow cooker Italian sloppy joes! They are full of flavor and take just 20 minutes to prep. Serve over garlic toast for a fresh take and pair with a simple green salad.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Sloppy Joes.

Dumpling Soup

Save your money and skip the takeout because you can make this delicious and easy dumpling soup at home in just 15 minutes. Frozen dumplings cook in a garlic and ginger broth and spinach wilts in the last few minutes of cooking for a light, but satisfying soup. Top with chili crisp oil and sesame oil for more flavor.

Get the Recipe: Dumpling Soup.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

You’re going to love how quickly this healthy sheet pan chicken fajitas recipe comes together! You’ll need just 10 minutes to prep and 7 everyday ingredients (plus tortillas and toppings!). Make this easy chicken fajita recipe next time you need a quick dinner that the whole family will love.

Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas.

Crispy Panko Cod

Indulge in a delightful combination of flavors and textures with this crispy Parmesan-baked cod. The tender cod fillets are coated in Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs and then baked until golden and crispy. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli for a comforting dinner.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Parmesan Cod.

Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders

Sliders made of turkey slices and cheese, with onions and mushrooms. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

Caramelized onions and mushrooms layered with cheese and slices of turkey make the best sliders. These are so easy that you can make them on the busiest weeknight for a 30-minute meal. These might be easy but they deliver amazing flavors in each bite.

Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders.

Mini Pumpkin Muffins

What could be better than a fresh batch of mini pumpkin muffins? This recipe creates light, airy bite-sized pumpkin muffins that deliver bakery vibes, right from your home kitchen.

You will appreciate how easy these are to make and that they start with simple wholesome ingredients to make a treat that works as breakfast, a snack, or even a fall-inspired dessert.

Get the Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Muffins.

Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad

dense bean salad — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

When you’re in the mood for a salad that’s incredibly delicious, fun to eat, and super nutritious, this garbanzo bean salad is what you’re going to want to make! Made with crunchy and fresh veggies, satisfying garbanzo beans, and a homemade vinaigrette, this salad can be prepped ahead for quick and healthy lunches or served as a side dish to your favorite protein.

Get the Recipe: Garbanzo Bean Salad.