11 Thermos-Perfect Hot Lunches for Cold Back-to-School Days

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Creamy Tomato Soup With Grilled Cheese Croutons

Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for school lunches. This simple yet satisfying meal combines the rich flavors of creamy tomato soup with crunchy grilled cheese croutons, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s not only nutritious but also easy to prepare, ensuring a warm and cozy lunch experience.

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
4. For the croutons, butter one side of each bread slice, place cheese between two slices, and grill in a pan until golden brown on both sides. Cut into cubes.
5. Serve the hot creamy tomato soup in bowls, topped with grilled cheese croutons. Enjoy!

Hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole

Hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole is a warm, comforting meal that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for school lunches, as it can be made in advance, packed easily, and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, mixed vegetables, chicken broth, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Vegetable and Bean Chili

Vegetable and Bean Chili is a hearty, nutritious dish that showcases a colorful array of vegetables and protein-packed beans, making it an ideal choice for school lunches. This chili is full of flavor and can be made in a large batch, ensuring there’s enough to pack for multiple days. It’s also vegetarian-friendly, catering to diverse dietary preferences while providing essential nutrients.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add bell peppers, carrot, and garlic to the pot, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. If using corn, add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm or pack into containers for school lunches. Enjoy!

Classic Beef Stew With Potatoes

Classic Beef Stew with Potatoes is a comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul, making it a perfect hot lunch for school days. This stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, nutritious vegetables, and hearty potatoes, creating a filling meal that can be made in a large batch and stored for easy lunches throughout the week.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef stew meat and sear until browned on all sides.
2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce heat and cover the pot. Let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and flavors meld.
6. If desired, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry and add it to the stew in the last 10 minutes of cooking for thickness.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm or pack into containers for school lunches. Enjoy!

Cheesy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake

Cheesy Broccoli and Quinoa Bake is a delicious and nutritious dish that makes for an excellent hot lunch at school. This baked meal combines protein-rich quinoa, vibrant broccoli, and a gooey cheese sauce, creating a satisfying and wholesome option that kids will love. It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be easily portioned for lunchboxes throughout the week.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and then combine it with water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover, simmering for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy.
3. Meanwhile, steam the broccoli until bright green and tender, about 5-6 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the mixture is set.
6. Allow to cool slightly before serving or packing for school lunches. Enjoy!

Pasta Primavera in a Light Garlic Sauce

Pasta Primavera in a Light Garlic Sauce is a vibrant and fresh dish that’s perfect for a hot school lunch. This colorful pasta dish is filled with seasonal vegetables and tossed in a light garlic sauce that brings everything together beautifully. It’s not only easy to prepare but also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, making it a nutritious choice that kids will enjoy.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots to the skillet; cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach; cook until the spinach wilts.
5. Toss the cooked pasta into the vegetable mixture, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve warm or pack in lunchboxes to enjoy at school!

Loaded Sweet Potato With Black Beans and Avocado

Loaded Sweet Potato with Black Beans and Avocado is a delicious and hearty dish that makes for a perfect hot lunch for school. This nutritious meal combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the protein-packed goodness of black beans and the creaminess of avocado. It’s not only filling but also provides a vibrant array of flavors and textures that kids are sure to love.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the drained black beans for 3-4 minutes; season with salt and pepper.
3. Once the sweet potatoes are done, slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork.
4. Top the sweet potatoes with black beans, diced avocado, lime juice, and fresh cilantro.
5. Optionally add cheese on top, then serve warm or pack in lunchboxes for a nutritious school meal!

Lentil and Spinach Soup

Lentil and Spinach Soup is a nutritious and comforting dish that serves as an excellent hot lunch for school. Packed with protein from lentils and vitamins from spinach, this simple yet flavorful soup is easy to prepare and can be made in large batches, making it perfect for meal prepping. Kids will enjoy this warm and hearty soup, especially when paired with a slice of crusty bread.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetable broth, lentils, and diced tomatoes to the pot; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then serve warm or let cool and store in lunch containers for school.

Curry Chicken Pockets

Curry Chicken Pockets are a delightful handheld dish that combine tender chicken with a spiced curry flavor, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. These pockets make for a perfect school lunch, as they are easy to eat and can be prepared in advance, providing kids with a warm, tasty meal that satisfies their hunger.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft, then add shredded chicken, curry powder, grated carrot, and peas. Cook until heated through and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut into squares. Place spoonfuls of the chicken mixture in the center of each square, fold over, and seal the edges with a fork.
4. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before packing for school lunches.

Macaroni and Cheese With Peas

Macaroni and Cheese with Peas is a classic comfort dish that combines creamy cheese sauce with pasta and sweet peas, making it a perfect school lunch option. It’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare, providing kids with a satisfying meal that keeps them energized throughout the day.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, adding frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Combine the cooked macaroni and peas with the cheese sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with bread crumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before packing for school lunches.

Mini Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Mini Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are a delightful and hearty option for school lunches, combining savory meatballs with a rich tomato sauce. These bite-sized meatballs can be served alone or over pasta, making them a versatile choice that kids love. They’re easy to prepare in advance and can be packed in thermoses or lunch boxes to keep warm until lunchtime.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and bake for 15-20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
5. In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat; add the cooked meatballs and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Let cool slightly before packing in lunchboxes or thermoses for school.