Back-to-School, Full of Flavor: Easy Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Families

A blue lunchbox with chicken meatballs, penne pasta, strawberries, bell peppers, and crackers, shown with pesto, a seasoning jar, a “First day of 2nd grade” flag, and a card reading “Making new friends!”

Backpacks are packed. Alarms are set. And if you’re anything like us, you’re already wondering: What’s for lunch? What’s for dinner? And how do we make it all work?

Back-to-school season brings full schedules and hungry kids—and that’s where we come in. With a little help from Chef Paul’s Magic Seasoning Blends®, you can pack flavor into every part of your day. From lunchbox-friendly favorites to quick-prep dinners the whole family will love, these tasty and freezer-friendly recipes make it easy to keep everyone full and happy.

They’re simple. They’re satisfying. And best of all—they’re seasoned with Magic.

1. Breakfast Pizza

A sausage pizza on a wooden board, partially sliced, with a pizza cutter. Nearby are blueberries, melon, eggs, flowers, and a glass of juice, creating a fresh, inviting breakfast setup.

This one’s a morning game-changer: a crispy pizza crust layered with seasoned sausage, eggs, and Herbal Pizza & Pasta Magic®. It’s great straight from the oven—or prepped ahead and reheated by the slice for a fast, filling breakfast before the school bell rings.

2. Chicken Meatballs with Pesto Sauce

Plate of browned meatballs garnished with basil, served with green pesto sauce. A spice jar is nearby on a striped cloth. Mood is appetizing and fresh.

Juicy, bite-sized, and full of flavor, these meatballs are a school-year staple. Seasoned with Herbal Pizza & Pasta Magic®, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or post-practice snacks.

Blue lunchbox with pasta and meatballs, sliced strawberries, green bell peppers, fish-shaped crackers, and grape juice. Nearby: card with motivational note, pesto dip, and turquoise "First day of 2nd Grade" pennant. Bright, cheerful tone.

Make a batch ahead, stash in the freezer, and reheat as needed—oven, air fryer, or microwave. Serve with pasta, leftover rice, or enjoy on their own with optional pesto for dipping.

3. Pasta in Cream Sauce

Creamy pasta in a white bowl on a wooden table, topped with herbs. In the background, a bowl of grated cheese. The setting feels warm and rustic.

This creamy, adaptable pasta is a weeknight go-to. Start with a butter and cream base, stir in your favorite Magic Seasoning Blend, then toss with cooked pasta and whatever’s in the fridge—veggies, chicken, seafood, you name it.

It’s kid-friendly, reheats well, and makes a solid lunch the next day.

4. Tomato Basil Sauce 

A bowl of fusilli pasta topped with red tomato sauce and basil. There's sliced baguette on a board, grated cheese, seasonings, and a blue towel nearby.

Craving something classic? This Tomato Sweet Basil Sauce with Poultry Magic® or Seafood Magic® brings bold, fresh flavor with minimal effort. Pour it over pasta, add your favorite protein—meatballs, shrimp, shredded chicken—and dinner’s done.

It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and the kind of meal that packs perfectly in your kids’ lunchboxes.

Pink lunchbox with pretzels, blueberries, pasta, near strawberries in a cup. A notebook reads “First day of preschool.” Colorful magnets spell “BE KIND.”

5. Cauliflower Mash

Creamy, cozy, and full of veggie goodness, this cauliflower mash is a smart swap for traditional mashed potatoes. Seasoned with Vegetable Magic®, it pairs perfectly with meatballs, grilled chicken, or hearty roasts.

Tuck it into lunch containers as a warm, comforting side—especially alongside those tasty Chicken Meatballs.

Mashed cauliflower in a yellow dish, garnished with chives. Surrounding are bowls of chives, cauliflower florets, seasoning, a wooden spoon, and a striped napkin.

6. Cauliflower & Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

A lighter take on a classic comfort dish, this shepherd’s pie swaps mashed potatoes for cauliflower and ground beef for lean turkey—without sacrificing any flavor.

A casserole dish with a cheesy golden topping sits near a plate with a serving. Seasoning bottles, herbs, and utensils are displayed around, evoking a cozy, home-cooked meal.

Seasoned with Poultry Magic® and Vegetable Magic®, it’s a great option to prep ahead and freeze in individual portions for quick reheats on busy nights.

Green lunchbox with a note, filled with carrots, grapes, and an omelette. Nearby are a milk carton, utensils, a notebook, and colorful pencils.

7. Chicken or Turkey Noodle Soup

A comforting classic with a Louisiana twist. This soup is perfect for those first Fall evenings or when someone’s feeling under the weather. Made with Poultry Magic®, it’s a warm hug in a bowl—and even better the next day.

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with carrots and celery, garnished with herbs. It conveys warmth and comfort. Colorful corn cobs in the background.

8. Chipotle Black Bean Butternut Chili

Packed with hearty black beans, sweet butternut squash, and chipotle flavor, this one-pot chili is fall comfort in a bowl. Made with Magic Chipotle Seasoning, it’s a plant-forward favorite that reheats beautifully for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

A bowl of hearty chili with black beans, diced vegetables, and a dollop of sour cream topped with chopped green onions. A spoon and lime wedges are nearby.

Make School Nights a Little Easier

With these simple and satisfying recipes in your rotation, getting back into the school-year groove can actually feel manageable—and even delicious. Whether you’re batch cooking on Sunday or throwing together dinner in 30 minutes or less, these meals have you covered.

Ready for more weeknight wins?

Explore all our family-friendly favorites at magicseasoningblends.com/recipes