It’s back to school week here in Minnesota and I know for many busy families, it also means back to crazy nights of post-school activities, sports practices, and arts lessons. Trying to get a family fed in the midst of all that activity can be a challenge for even the most prepared and experienced home cooks. This week’s Good Food Reads is a collection of easy, hearty meals perfect for these busy back to school weeks. Most of the recipes are designed for slow cookers or the Instant Pot (or another electric pressure cooker) in an effort to make these hectic days a little less crazy.

50 Tastiest Meal Prep Recipes for Fall from Fit Foodie Finds. I’m especially excited to try some of the breakfast prep recipes, like the Paleo Pumpkin Pancakes or the Vegetarian Black Bean Burritos.

30 Minute Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta from The Butterhalf. Perfect one pot meal for those crazy busy back to school/activities nights!

I love curry and can’t wait to try this Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken from Fit Foodie Finds. It would be great with some fresh green beans and rice!

This Honey Mustard Slow Cooker Pork Loin and Rice from Food, Faith, Fitness is gluten free and adds fresh spinach at the end of cooking!

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore (Lexi’s Clean Kitchen) is packed with veggies and can easily be served over rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

A fun twist on slow cooker soups: Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup (Foodie Crush).

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken (Two Peas and Their Pod) is an easy slow cooker classic and can be used for tacos, burritos, or quinoa bowls. Such a great recipe for meal prep, too!

And if you’re looking to keep things on the lighter side, check out these recipes from the always genius SkinnyTaste: Unstuffed Cabbage Bowls  and One Pot Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce (Pressure Cooker or Slow Cooker).

Here’s hoping your back to school weeks are great ones! Let us know when you’re cooking and as always, we’d love to hear from you with your Good Food Reads.