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Mom's Dinner Bell - Busy Night Recipes for Everyone to Enjoy

Mom's Dinner Bell focuses on creating simple, healthy, and family-friendly recipes that make mealtime stress-free and enjoyable. Whether you're looking for quick weeknight meals, meal prep ideas, or protein-packed snacks, our recipes are crafted to fit into a busy family's routine while keeping taste and nutrition in mind, perfect for busy nights.

Trending Recipes

Whether you are looking for weeknight dinner recipes, food ideas for family, high protein snack ideas, or your next chicken dish, explore our most popular recipes. Bring flavor, nutrition, and convenience to your table, loved by families everywhere. Check out Mom's Dinner Bell - Busy Night Recipes for inspiration.

  • Breakfast sandwich cut in half on a white plate showing scrambled eggs, spinach, tomato, and cheese inside a bagel
    Easy Egg Scramble Bagel Sandwich
  • A hand reaching into a muffin tin to grab a freshly baked chocolate chip protein muffin.
    Easy Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins with Banana
  • Homemade Strawberry and Raspberry Tru Fru
  • Fresh strawberry poppyseed salad with power greens, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and pistachios in a large bowl.
    COPYCAT PANERA BREAD STRAWBERRY POPPYSEED SALAD

One Pot Recipes

Discover our collection of one pot recipes that make family dinners simple, delicious, and easy to clean up, perfect for busy nights. These are perfect busy mom recipes! Most can be made as dutch oven one pot recipes, making them ideal for Mom's Dinner Bell - Busy Night Recipes.

  • A Dutch oven filled with creamy, homemade mac and cheese, with a rich cheese sauce coating every pasta shell.
    Homemade Boxed-Style Mac and Cheese
  • A beautifully plated bowl of Pasta Rosa garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese
    Pasta Rosa Recipe
  • A Dutch oven filled with creamy garlic parmesan pasta, freshly cooked and ready to serve.
    Easy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
  • Creamy One Pot Chicken simmering in a Dutch oven with a rich, golden sauce.
    Creamy One Pot Chicken
See more One Pot Recipes →

Busy Night Recipes

Here are perfect last-minute dinner recipes. No need to answer the everyday question "What's for dinner?". I have you covered as many are 20-minute recipes, ideal for when you need dinner recipes for a family.

  • Close-up showing the inside layers of tortilla, beef patty, melted cheese, and pico de gallo.
    Quesadilla Burger Recipe
  • Chocolate-dipped granola bars with M&Ms on a plate
    Copycat Kudos Granola Bar Recipe
  • late of chicken nuggets and French fries with Chick-fil-A sauce and metal cooling rack in the background
    Copycat Chick-fil-A Nugget Sauce
  • Plate of crispy Copycat Chick-fil-A nuggets with French fries and dipping sauce.
    Copycat Chick-fil-A Nuggets
See more Busy Night Recipes →

Armenian Family Recipes

Explore our cherished Armenian Family Recipes, passed down through generations. From Kessab to Smyrna, some recipes are over 100 years old, while others may be 20 years old. Either way, the recipes are full of beautiful memories and love.

  • A warm bowl of Armenian Tutmaj Soup with a creamy yogurt broth, shell noodles, and fresh herbs.
    Tutmaj Soup Recipe
  • A beautiful bowl of homemade Lemon Egg Drop Soup, garnished with fresh parsley and served with a spoon, showcasing its bright and comforting appearance.
    Lemon Egg Soup Recipe
  • Juicy chicken shawarma baked in a loaf pan with Middle Eastern spices, ready for slicing
    Loaf Pan Chicken Shawarma (Easy Oven Baked Recipe)
  • Spinach Pie
    Spinach Pie
See more Armenian Family Recipes →

momsdinnerbell

Easy, delicious recipes for busy families
New recipes every week
momsdinnerbell@gmail.com
📍 Michigan
🥘 Explore my latest dishes 👇

Yup, I cried my freaking eyes out like a little ba Yup, I cried my freaking eyes out like a little baby. 

It’s hard to close a chapter after being part of such an amazing school for eight years. All three of my kids have attended, and this place truly helped shape them in the most positive way.

This school reminds me of old-school love. They loved—and still love—my children deeply. They hugged them when they were sad. They hugged them when they were happy.

This was emotional for me. It was emotional for so many of us.

That’s when you know you’re part of a one-of-a-kind community.

Thank you, Isbister family. We’ve shared so many highs and lows together. You know our stories, and you’ve shared many of yours with us. From Kindergarten through 5th grade, I am forever in your debt for loving my children.

We already miss you all. 😘

Love you ❤️

#GratefulHeart #SchoolFamily #EndOfAnEra #ThankYouTeachers #communitylove
This Egg Scramble Bagel Sandwich is everything a w This Egg Scramble Bagel Sandwich is everything a weekday breakfast should be — quick, filling, full of veggies, and totally customizable. It comes together in one pan and is super adaptable with whatever cheese or bread you have on hand.

Why you’ll love it:
✔️ Ready in 15 minutes
✔️ Packed with protein & veggies
✔️ Works great on bagels or English muffins
✔️ Feeds hungry people fast!
📌 Save this reel so you always have a breakfast go-to when mornings get chaotic.

🌐 Get the full recipe here:
https://momsdinnerbell.com/easy-egg-scramble-bagel-sandwich/

#QuickBreakfast
#EasyMorningMeals
#BreakfastSandwich
#EggRecipes 
#bagellovers
Sneak peek 👀🍫🧁 These Chocolate Chip Prote Sneak peek 👀🍫🧁
These Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins are on repeat at our house — soft, fluffy, just sweet enough, and full of feel-good ingredients. I grab one before school drop-off, throw a few in the freezer for busy weeks, and they’re always a hit with the kids.

And let’s talk about the eggs — I used @happyegg in this batch, and wow. The yolks are this gorgeous deep amber color, and you can literally taste the difference. 

Here’s what you’ll need:
🥣 Flour
🧁 Baking powder + baking soda
🍬 Sugar
🧈 Melted butter
🥚 Eggs (I used @happyegg )
🥛 Milk
🍌 Banana
💪 Protein powder
🍫 Chocolate chips
✨ A little decorative sugar on top (totally optional, but adds perfect sweetness since these are not loaded with sugar)

The full recipe is up on the blog — head here to snag it:
https://momsdinnerbell.com/easy-chocolate-chip-protein-muffins-with-banana/

📌 Save it for snack prep, breakfast on-the-go, or a quick treat for you.

#HappyEggAmbassador #sponsored
#proteinmuffins #chocolatechipmuffins #easybaking #momssnackstash #bakingwithprotein #snackonrepeat #bananachocolatechip #familyfriendlyfood #homemademuffins #betterforyoubaking #schoollunchideas #mealprepsnacks #backtoschoolbaking #muffinmealprep #highproteinrecipes #snackhacks #momsdinnerbell #happyegg #simpleingredients #postworkoutsnack
Do your kids ever ask for a second dinner? How do Do your kids ever ask for a second dinner? How do you handle it?? 

How I Cook the Best Steak at Home (Even at 10PM… Thanks to My Hungry Teens)

No fluff—just what works. If you want a steak that tastes like a $50 restaurant meal, here’s how I do it:

	1.	Start with a good cut – I grab New York strips from Costco. Great marbling and the quality is so consistent.
	2.	Let it sit at room temp – 30–60 minutes before cooking. Helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
	3.	Use a hot pan – My @lodgecastiron is non-negotiable. Preheat until it’s super hot.
	4.	Oil the steak, not the pan – I use avocado oil for its high smoke point.
	5.	Season well – Just kosher salt + black pepper, maybe garlic powder. Keep it simple.
	6.	Sear, then butter-baste – 3-4 minutes per side, then add butter. You can add garlic and rosemary to spoon over for extra flavor but that’s totally optional. The butter however is a must! 
	7.	Use a thermometer – I pull it at 140-145°F for medium. You decide your preference. 
	8.	Let it rest – At least 5 minutes so the juices don’t run out.
	9.	Slice against the grain – Always. It makes a big difference.

And yes, this one was cooked at 10 o’clock at night because my boys wanted a second dinner. Welcome to teen life… with expensive taste.

#NewYorkStrip #TeenBoyLife #SecondDinner #CostcoFinds #CastIronCooking #LodgeCastIron #ButterBaste #SteakhouseAtHome #MomLifeUnfiltered #FeedingTeens #MediumRareClub #KitchenWins #HungryTeens #WeeknightDinner #LateNightCooking #SearItRight #HomeChefLife #RealLifeCooking #EasyDinners #MeatThermometer #CraveWorthy #HomeCooked #AvocadoOil #RestYourMeat #whatteenseat
Sneak peek 👀🍫🧁 These Chocolate Chip Prote Sneak peek 👀🍫🧁
These Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins are on repeat at our house — soft, fluffy, just sweet enough, and full of feel-good ingredients. I grab one before school drop-off, throw a few in the freezer for busy weeks, and they’re always a hit with the kids.

And let’s talk about the eggs — I used @happyegg in this batch, and wow. The yolks are this gorgeous deep amber color, and you can literally taste the difference. 

Here’s what you’ll need:
🥣 Flour
🧁 Baking powder + baking soda
🍬 Sugar
🧈 Melted butter
🥚 Eggs (I used @happyegg )
🥛 Milk
🍌 Banana
💪 Protein powder
🍫 Chocolate chips
✨ A little decorative sugar on top (totally optional, but adds perfect sweetness since these are not loaded with sugar)

The full recipe is up on the blog — head here to snag it:
https://momsdinnerbell.com/easy-chocolate-chip-protein-muffins-with-banana/

📌 Save it for snack prep, breakfast on-the-go, or a quick treat for you.

#HappyEggAmbassador #sponsored
#proteinmuffins #chocolatechipmuffins #easybaking #momssnackstash #bakingwithprotein #snackonrepeat #bananachocolatechip #familyfriendlyfood #homemademuffins #betterforyoubaking #schoollunchideas #mealprepsnacks #backtoschoolbaking #muffinmealprep #highproteinrecipes #snackhacks #momsdinnerbell #happyegg #simpleingredients #postworkoutsnack
Use What You Have. Save Money. Waste Less. Eat Bet Use What You Have. Save Money. Waste Less. Eat Better.

If you’re tired of wasting food or overspending on groceries—this trick will change everything. 👇

Next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, open up ChatGPT and say:

🗣
“I have milk, lettuce, cucumbers, eggs, leftover rice, and a block of cheese in the fridge.
In the freezer, I’ve got frozen chicken, frozen veggies, and tortillas.
In the pantry, I’ve got beans, pasta, and tomato sauce.
Can you give me a 7-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner plan using what I already have?
Add a short list of any extra ingredients I might need so I can check if I have them too.”

you can add dietary preferences, such as high protein, vegan recipes, protein, free, gluten-free. Honestly, the opportunities and options are endless.

👊 That’s it.
You’ll get a full meal plan in seconds—custom to your kitchen.
✅ Save money
✅ Waste less
✅ Help the environment
✅ Use that grocery savings toward something fun… like a vacation ☀️✈️

This tip alone could save you hundreds. Try it next time you go to meal plan—you’ll be shocked what’s already possible with what you already own.

#MealPlanningHack
#UseWhatYouHave
#ChatGPTRecipes
#FridgeForage
#BudgetFriendlyMeals
#NoWasteKitchen
#PantryChallenge
#SaveMoneyOnGroceries
#HomeCooking
#MealPlanMagic
#FamilyMeals
#EcoFriendlyLiving
#SmartShopping
#LeftoverMakeover
#WhatCanIMakeWith
#GroceryBudget
#WasteLessLiveMore
#FoodWasteWarrior
#MealPrepGoals
#vacationsavings
I can be obnoxiously obsessed with spending as lit I can be obnoxiously obsessed with spending as little money as possible.  It’s a game to me! Then when we go on vacations they feel….. free. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️😂😂😂 you like my math. 😂

After spending $35 at the grocery store this week, $9 of that went to yesterday’s meal and $0 went to today’s meal. 

PROMPTS TO TRY:
• “Here’s what I have in my fridge and pantry: [list items]. What meals can I make this week?”
• “Give me a 5-day meal plan using chicken thighs, broccoli, rice, and canned beans.”
• “What can I make for dinner tonight with ground beef, tortillas, and cheese?”
• “I have eggs, spinach, potatoes, and feta—what can I make for breakfast or lunch?”
• “Create a meal plan for a family of 5 using the groceries I already have: [paste your list here].”

Save this reel to make meal planning so much easier next time you want to use what you already have! 🙌

#MealPlanningMadeEasy
#WhatsForDinner
#UseWhatYouHave
#PantryMeals
#ChatGPTMealIdeas
#FridgeForage
#EasyFamilyMeals
#DinnerInspo
#BudgetMeals
#kitchenhack
This may help you save a few hundred bucks every c This may help you save a few hundred bucks every couple weeks or month. 

Sorry I didn’t share this sooner — this is a game changer. If you’re tired of scrambling each week to figure out what to make for dinner (or breakfast or lunch!), you need to try this.

💡 Use ChatGPT to create an entire 7-day meal plan using just the ingredients you already have at home. No more food waste. No more last-minute grocery runs. And best of all — you’ll save so much money, it might just feel like your next vacation was free. 🏝️

✨ Just type (or talk to text like I do) 
“Create a meal plan for a family of 5 using the ingredients I already have. I’m looking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
Then list your ingredients and tweak meals you don’t like. You can even ask for a printable version to hang on the fridge!

Let’s stop overthinking dinner and start saving big 🙌 I don’t think people realize the amount of money they waste when it comes to food. 

#mealplanningmadeeasy
#chatgptmeals
#familymealsonabudget
#whatsfordinner
#easyfamilymeals
#mealprepideas
#budgetfriendlymeals
#fridgeforagedinners
#pantrymeals
#leftovermakeover
#mealplanning101
#saveonmeals
#momlifehacks
#easyrecipesforkids
#budgetmealsfor5
#chatgptforparents
#weeknightdinnerideas
#simplifydinnertime
#feedthefam
#homemadeandhealthy
Mom's Dinner Bell on Instagram
Cooking in the Kitchen

Lindsay Lehrer

I'm the creator behind Mom's Dinner Bell - Busy Night Recipes, and I have been creating recipe and meal planning content since 2020. I focus on easy-to-follow recipes that cater to busy families and individuals looking for healthier alternatives.

Learn more about me →

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Finding Purpose Through Food and Family

Welcome!

When I'm not spending my evenings driving my kids to all their activities, you can find me snuggling with our rescue pup, Wonder, meal planning, or creating new recipes.

More about me

Copycat Recipes

  • Homemade Strawberry and Raspberry Tru Fru
  • Fresh strawberry poppyseed salad with power greens, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and pistachios in a large bowl.
    COPYCAT PANERA BREAD STRAWBERRY POPPYSEED SALAD
  • Sliced honey wheat bread loaf with butter ready to spread
    Copycat Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread
  • A chilled glass of homemade Orange Julius with a straw and a fresh orange slice.
    Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

Busy Night Recipes

  • Baked Lemon Honey Salmon
    Baked Lemon Honey Salmon
  • Breakfast sandwich cut in half on a white plate showing scrambled eggs, spinach, tomato, and cheese inside a bagel
    Easy Egg Scramble Bagel Sandwich
  • Buttermilk chicken tenders arranged on a teal plate, crispy and golden brown
    Buttermilk Chicken Tenders Recipe (Lightly Fried & Family Favorite
  • Homemade Strawberry and Raspberry Tru Fru
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