What to Cook this Week: October 19, 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.

Taco Salad

If you love a classic taco salad, you will always be happy to see this recipe on the menu. It’s quick, easy, and always hits the spot. Ground beef cooks super fast, making it a great weeknight option. Put out all of the salad components and let everyone make their own salad.

Get the Recipe: Taco Salad.

Naan Pizzas

These easy mini naan pizzas are perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking as they take just a few minutes to prep. Put out toppings and let everyone make their own.

Get the Recipe: Naan Pizzas.

Slow Cooker Turkey Butternut Squash Chili

This hearty slow cooker turkey quinoa chili combines lean ground turkey with cubed butternut squash, black beans, and protein-packed quinoa in a rich marinara base. The convenient one-pot meal develops incredible flavor as it simmers, while the quinoa adds satisfying texture and extra nutrition. Using pre-cubed frozen squash makes prep even easier, and you can customize the heat level with your favorite spices.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Butternut Squash Chili.

Ground Pork Stir-Fry

Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that comes together in no time at all? This ground pork stir-fry is a total weeknight winner! Made with juicy ground pork, tender veggies, and a simple stir-fry sauce, everything cooks up in one dish for a dinner that’s ready in less than 30 minutes and better than takeout!

Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir-Fry.

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

This buffalo chicken cheesesteak recipe is easy to make, delicious, and packed with flavor. It has a mouthwatering combination of tender sliced chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, gooey cheese, and spicy buffalo sauce. Top with melty white American cheese for a dinner you’ll want on repeat.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak.

Peanut Butter Toast

You’ll love this list of creative and interesting peanut butter toast ideas! Not only is this a healthy breakfast, but it’s also endlessly customizable, and pretty affordable as well! Keep it classic with peanut butter banana toast or try a savory peanut butter toast.

Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Toast.

Refried Black Beans

Sure, you can buy canned refried beans, but why would you when you can make these flavorful and delicious homemade refried black beans in just 15 minutes?! They are made with simple ingredients and are so much tastier than the ones you get at the store. Serve them up with rice for a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.

Get the Recipe: Refried Black Beans.