A pumpkin carving night is more fun when dinner doesn't take up the whole evening. These easy meals include cheesy casseroles, handheld favorites, quick skillet dinners, and family-friendly recipes that won't keep you in the kitchen for hours. Whether everyone is eating before the carving starts or grabbing a bite between pumpkins, there's something here to make dinner simple.
Baked Chicken Taco Casserole with Flour Tortillas (No Canned Soup)

All the flavors of chicken tacos are layered into a cheesy, satisfying casserole with soft flour tortillas. It is an easy way to feed everyone before the pumpkin carving supplies come out.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Taco Casserole with Flour Tortillas (No Canned Soup)
Barbecue Chicken Sliders

These buttery, cheesy barbecue chicken sliders are a convenient dinner when everyone is ready to get started on their pumpkins. The buns bake up without getting soggy, making them great for serving a hungry group.
Get the Recipe: Barbecue Chicken Sliders
Taco Hotdish (Without Canned Soup)

Crispy tater tots top a hearty, taco-seasoned filling in this family-friendly hotdish. It's the kind of cozy casserole that makes an ordinary weeknight feel a little more festive.
Get the Recipe: Taco Hotdish (Without Canned Soup)
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas

Chicken and colorful peppers get fajita-style flavor in the air fryer in about 15 minutes. Add warm tortillas and toppings for a quick dinner before everyone starts carving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Crispy chicken pieces are coated in a sticky, sweet citrus sauce for a takeout-inspired dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a useful recipe when you want to keep the evening moving.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cornbread

Saucy ground beef gets a golden cornbread topping in this comforting casserole. It delivers the familiar taste of sloppy joes without needing to assemble individual sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cornbread
Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet gives this homemade pizza a crisp exterior and chewy, deep-dish-style crust. Prepare the no-knead dough ahead of time so dinner is easier on carving night.
Get the Recipe: Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet
Shrimp Quesadillas

Marinated shrimp, grilled corn, and green onions fill these flavorful quesadillas. Cut them into wedges for an easy dinner that everyone can enjoy before getting back to the evening's activities.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Quesadillas
Bourbon BBQ Hamburger Sliders

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These small burgers are coated in a slightly sweet, spicy bourbon barbecue sauce. Their party-friendly size makes them a fun choice when dinner is part of a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon BBQ Hamburger Sliders
Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef

Seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tortilla chips make this cheesy casserole a filling family dinner. It brings plenty of Tex-Mex flavor to the table without complicated preparation.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef
Chicken Mini Pot Pies with Golden Crust

Shredded chicken, vegetables, and cheese are tucked into golden biscuit dough for individual pot pies. Their smaller portions are especially convenient for serving kids before an evening of pumpkin carving.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mini Pot Pies with Golden Crust
Bean and Cheese Tacos

Refried beans and melted cheese make these tacos an easy meatless dinner. Serve them soft or crispy and let everyone choose their favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Bean and Cheese Tacos
Beef Nachos Supreme

Loaded beef nachos bring together crunchy chips, seasoned meat, and plenty of toppings. Set out a big platter for a casual dinner that fits right into a family activity night.
Get the Recipe: Beef Nachos Supreme
Baked Chicken Gnocchi

Rotisserie chicken and packaged gnocchi make this baked dinner especially convenient. It delivers a comforting meal in under 30 minutes without a long ingredient-prep session.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Gnocchi
Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Golden Puff Pastry

A creamy chicken and vegetable filling bakes beneath a flaky puff pastry crust. This one-dish meal is a cozy option when you want dinner ready before the evening gets busy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Golden Puff Pastry
Eggplant Pizza

Eggplant slices stand in for pizza crust in these customizable little pizzas. Set out different toppings so everyone can build a few pieces just the way they like them.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Pizza
Pasta with Italian Sausage

Savory Italian sausage and a creamy sauce turn pasta into a hearty dinner in less than 30 minutes. It is a practical choice for feeding everyone before the pumpkin carving begins.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Italian Sausage

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