EASY 30-Minute Meals

Jamielyn Nye
Updated July 16, 2021

4 comments

It may sound impossible, but I promise you, you really CAN make easy 30-minute meals! Not only are they incredibly simple, but they are also delicious recipes you will reach for again and again.

Weeknights get super busy and hectic, so I’m always looking for quick dinners to have in my back pocket. With this list of easy 30-minute meals, you’ll find fast and delicious main dish recipes that your family will love.

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Favorite Family Dinners
Meals with Chicken
Meals with Beef
Vegetarian
Low Carb
Healthy

Favorite Family Dinners

Dinner time is generally my favorite time of the day. I love getting to sit around the table and catch up with my family for an hour or so. What I don’t love as much is all the prep work that can go into making a meal. I don’t mind taking extra time every once in a while, but why spend an hour or more cooking when you can make quick 30-minute meals instead?

Thankfully, it’s super easy to find 30-minute meals that taste incredible. Whether it’s chicken or beef recipes, vegetarian favorites or healthy and low carb dishes…you’ll find it all here. These are easy dinner ideas that my family ask for again and again, and I’m happy to oblige! Here is a list of my favorite 30-minute meals that your family will love too.

Meals with Chicken

Chicken is a staple ingredient, but there are times when it can be a bit of a challenge to cook. If you want flavorful chicken, that often means it needs to be cooked longer than you might like.

I’m happy to say that these 30-minute meals with chicken have all the flavor with virtually none of the stress and time. You can even save more time by making one of these into a leftover rotisserie chicken recipe! Try them out and see—you may be surprised at how excellent these dinners are!

Chicken Stir Fry

This chicken stir fry is loaded with fresh veggies and coated in a flavorful stir-fry sauce. It's an easy 30-minute meal better than takeout and perfect for weeknights!

Total Time: 30

Baked BBQ Chicken

Juicy and tender baked chicken breast coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze is an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. This is a no fuss baked BBQ chicken recipe made with only 2 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep!

Total Time: 35

crispy chicken tenders with parsley on top

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders

These baked chicken tenders are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A family-favorite recipe that's simple, delicious and ready in just 30 minutes!

Total Time: 45

Mexican Chicken Casserole

This Mexican chicken casserole is easy to make with a creamy shredded chicken mixture, rice, beans, tortilla chips and gooey cheese. It's perfect for weeknights!

Total Time: 30

Chicken Marsala

This easy chicken marsala recipe is an Italian-American favorite made with pan-fried chicken, mushrooms and rich marsala wine sauce. Restaurant quality made at home in 30 minutes!

Total Time: 30

Chicken Pasta Caprese

Onepot chicken pasta caprese is the easiest, most incredible pasta dish ever. It takes less than 20 minutes to make this dish and since it's only one-pot, clean up will be a snap too!

Total Time: 18

Pizza Chicken Roll Ups

These pizza chicken roll ups are stuffed with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni and marinara sauce. A dish the whole family will love!

Total Time: 30

Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Buffalo chicken wraps are a quick and easy way to have a healthy flavorful lunch on the go. A tortilla filled to the brim with saucy buffalo chicken, and fresh veggies, drizzled with a homemade ranch dressing!

Total Time: 10

Chicken Taquitos

These homemade baked chicken taquitos are easy to make with a creamy, cheesy chicken filling, rolled up in flour tortillas then baked until crispy. They are a family favorite!

Total Time: 30

Chicken and Rice Soup

This easy chicken and rice soup is a comforting and delicious one-pot meal loaded with tender vegetables, chicken and a flavorful broth that the whole family will love! Makes the perfect soup recipe for chilly weather!

Total Time: 30

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Tender fettuccine noodles covered in a creamy homemade alfredo sauce and then topped with seasoned chicken. This chicken fettuccine alfredo is easily made in under 30 minutes and is loaded with Italian flavor!

Total Time: 25

Chicken Taco Soup

Easy chicken taco soup made in just one pot in 30 quick minutes. Our favorite hearty and flavorful soup recipe to enjoy during the fall season.

Total Time: 30

BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

This BBQ chicken pizza is topped with BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, mozzarella, red onion and cilantro. It has tons of flavor and is ready in just 30 minutes!

Total Time: 30

Bruschetta Chicken

Juicy and tender seared chicken topped with a flavorful homemade bruschetta made with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This bruschetta chicken is an easy and delicious dinner recipe that has the perfect combination of flavors.

Total Time: 25

Grilled BBQ Chicken Foil Packets

This grilled BBQ chicken foil dinner takes 5 simple ingredients and only 30 minutes to make! An EASY and delicious dinner with no clean up.

Total Time: 30

greek chicken burger with lettuce, tomato and onion

Greek Chicken Burger Recipe

A delicious Greek chicken burger stuffed with feta cheese, red pepper, parsley, garlic, red onion and seasonings. This burger is light on calories without sacrificing flavor!

Total Time: 20

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

These sheet pan chicken fajitas are easy to make with seasoned sliced chicken and bell peppers. Serve this one pan dinner with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings!

Total Time: 30

Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowl Recipe

Easy instant pot chicken taco bowls that take just 5 minutes of prep. A family favorite meal idea that's perfect for busy weeknights. Just simply dump and go!

Total Time: 30

chicken and dumplings in a white bowl with spoon

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

These Instant Pot chicken and dumplings take less than 10 ingredients and are ready in 30 minutes. The perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love!

Total Time: 25

orange chicken with green onions in white bowl

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Sweet and tender instant pot orange chicken covered in a juicy sauce. Made with less than 10 ingredients and done in 30 minutes!

Total Time: 30

chicken and vegetables cooked on sheet pan

Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

This sheet pan chicken and veggies is easy to make with tender pieces of chicken, a rainbow of colorful vegetables and herbs and spices all baked on one pan!

Total Time: 35

Pesto Chicken

This pesto chicken is made with baked or grilled chicken breast and homemade basil pesto! With only 2 main ingredients, this low carb dinner is perfect for a weeknight meal.

Total Time: 17

Stuffed French Bread

Stuffed French bread is a loaded bread appetizer or dinner that's so full of cheesy goodness. It's an easier version of my stuffed cheesy garlic bread but with a buffalo chicken twist!

Total Time: 35

Chicken Pad Thai

This chicken pad Thai is quick, easy and better than takeout! Made with juicy pieces of chicken, peanuts, eggs and veggies smothered in a flavorful sweet and salty sauce.

Total Time: 30

Meals with Beef

Whenever ground beef goes on sale, double (or triple!) up and stick a few in the freezer so that you can easily make these 30-minute meals with ground beef. There’s a wide variety of meals that can be made with ground beef, and most of these will even work as a freezer meal.

Wooden spoon getting some burrito bowl out of pot.

Burrito Bowl Recipe

Easy and delicious Mexican burrito bowls made in just one pot in 30 minutes…making clean up a breeze. Perfect for busy week nights!

Total Time: 35

Sloppy Joe Recipe

A nostalgic, economical and easy recipe that feeds the whole family. These easy sloppy joe recipe is hearty, savory and have the best flavor!

Total Time: 30

A close up of spaghetti in the instant pot

Instant Pot Spaghetti

Instant pot spaghetti is perfect for those busy nights where you need dinner to come together quickly. It's cooked in just one pot in 30 minutes, making the clean up a breeze!

Total Time: 30

Ground Beef Tacos

These easy ground beef tacos are a classic family dinner made with flavorful, homemade taco meat stuffed into a tortilla shell. It's simple, delicious and ready in 20 minutes!

Total Time: 20

Easy Spaghetti Recipe

This easy spaghetti recipe with meat sauce is a family favorite for a weeknight dinner. With a few simple ingredients, this hearty classic is always a hit with kids!

Total Time: 30

Best Hamburger Recipe

The BEST hamburger recipe that's super simple and tastes absolutely delicious! This grilling classic is perfect for summer cookouts or get-togethers and makes the most juicy homemade hamburger patty that's filled with tons of flavor.

Total Time: 18

Taco Casserole

This taco casserole is made with layers of tortilla chips, ground beef and cheese then baked to perfection. Top with your favorite toppings for an easy dinner the whole family will love!

Total Time: 15

Stuffed Pepper Soup

This stuffed pepper soup is easy to make with ground beef, bell peppers, rice and a flavorful tomato broth, it's the perfect one pot meal!

Total Time: 30

Goulash in a white pot with wooden spoon.

Easy Goulash Recipe

This easy homemade goulash is made in one pot (including the noodles) in just 30 minutes. It's a classic, family-favorite dish packed with tons of flavor!

Total Time: 30

Taco Soup Recipe

This easy taco soup recipe is hearty with the best Mexican-inspired taco flavors! Simple to prep in one pot in only 10 minutes.

Total Time: 30

French Dip Sandwich Recipe

A delicious french dip sandwich made with a toasty baguette, flavorful roast beef and melted Swiss cheese. So easy to make and done in 10 minutes!

Total Time: 10

Beef Ramen

Make your own take out at home with this easy veggie beef ramen recipe! This dish is filled with tender steak, crisp vegetables and the perfect sauce.

Total Time: 25

Meatloaf Muffins

Juicy and tender mini meatloaf muffins coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. An easy, kid-friendly dinner idea that's on the table in just 35 minutes!

Total Time: 35

Hamburger Soup

Easy hamburger soup made in just one pot in 30 quick minutes! It's loaded with lean ground beef, mixed vegetables, tomatoes and seasonings and is budget-friendly, hearty and satisfying.

Total Time: 30

Steak and Potatoes

This garlic butter steak and potatoes recipe is made in the skillet for an easy 30 minute weeknight dinner. Juicy tender steak with crispy potatoes is a family favorite!

Total Time: 25

Cooking steak in the oven in a white skillet.

How to Cook Steak in the Oven

Make the perfect steak in the oven that's caramelized, juicy and tender. It's quick and easy to prepare by first pan-searing the steak and then finishing it in the oven.

Total Time: 20

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Juicy, tender meatballs simmered with marinara and then tossed with spaghetti noodles. These homemade spaghetti and meatballs taste like they came straight from an Italian restaurant!

Total Time: 35

Walking Taco Recipe

These walking tacos are made with taco meat and toppings served in a bag of Fritos or Doritos. They are not only fun to eat on-the-go but are quick to make for parties or meals.

Total Time: 15

Baked Hamburger Recipe

Skip grilling this winter and make these baked hamburgers in the oven. They are easy to make with juicy, flavorful results!

Total Time: 20

navajo taco with hamburger and sour cream

Navajo Taco Recipe

These easy and delicious Navajo tacos are a family favorite made with soft and crispy fry bread piled high with seasoned ground beef, beans and all your favorite taco toppings!

Total Time: 30

This ONE POT cheesy enchilada pasta recipe is so simple and completely delicious. It's done in 30 minutes from start to finish and is a family favorite!

One Pot Enchilada Pasta Recipe

This one pot cheesy enchilada pasta is made with cheese, beef, enchilada sauce and pasta for an easy weeknight dinner! It's a family favorite that is packed full of flavor.

Total Time: 30

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

This cheeseburger soup is thick and hearty made with ground beef, carrots, celery, tender potatoes and plenty of cheese.

Total Time: 30

chili in a white bowl with tortilla chips and cheese

Easy Chili Recipe

This 3-ingredient chili recipe is made in 30 minutes or less! Thick, hearty and filled with flavor. This is the perfect easy soup recipe for fall!

Total Time: 35

Teriyaki Burger

This teriyaki burger recipe is a must-try! Juicy burger flavored with a sweet teriyaki sauce and served with grilled pineapple and onions on a crispy brioche bun!

Total Time: 20

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Enjoy the classic flavors you love with this easy homemade Hamburger Helper. It’s full of ground beef and macaroni all simmered in a creamy cheddar sauce. A quick meal for weeknight dinners, this is one both the kids and adults will adore!

Total Time: 30

Vegetarian

Any of these vegetarian recipes are perfect to serve as your main dish for Meatless Monday. In place of meat, these meals are filled with hearty vegetables like potatoes, rice, legumes or pasta. They are super flavorful and filling, so you won’t even miss the meat!

Sweet Potato Bowls

These sweet potato bowls are a meatless dinner idea that are easy to make in one pot! Loaded with spices, they are full of texture and flavors for a hearty meal.

Total Time: 30

Mexican salad in white bowl on marble countertop.

Mexican Salad Recipe

This Mexican salad is a great side dish to any Mexican meal or summer barbecue. It's fresh and flavorful made with chopped romaine, beans, veggies, avocado and a cilantro lime dressing!

Total Time: 20

Minestrone Soup

A hearty and flavorful minestrone soup packed full of fresh veggies. This healthy soup recipe is easily made in one pot in just 30 minutes!

Total Time: 30

Fried Rice Recipe

Easy restaurant style fried rice that you can make at home in 20 minutes! The perfect way to use up leftover rice sitting in the fridge.

Total Time: 20

strawberry burrata salad on a white plate

Strawberry Burrata Salad Recipe

Strawberry, pistachio, and burrata salad with a poppyseed dressing…super fresh, flavorful and satisfying! This strawberry salad has the most perfect combination of flavors and will become your new favorite!

Total Time: 10

spinach salad with fresh berries and sliced almonds

Spinach Berry Salad Recipe

A refreshing salad made with spinach, mixed berries, almonds and a red wine poppyseed vinaigrette. Delicious, healthy and easy to make!

Total Time: 10

Alfredo Sauce with Cream Cheese

This alfredo sauce with cream cheese is smooth, creamy and has the perfect texture and flavor! Simple to whip up and always a family favorite.

Total Time: 15

Tomato Tortellini Soup

Creamy tomato tortellini soup topped with fresh parmesan and basil. An easy 30-minute meal that the whole family will love!

Total Time: 30

Asian Stuffed Mushrooms

Asian stuffed mushrooms are the perfect side dish or appetizer. This recipe is filled with flavor thanks to a simple creamy stuffing and a 2-ingredient drizzle sauce.

Total Time: 35

Caprese Pasta Bake

A delicious caprese pasta bake covered in creamy tomato sauce and bubbly mozzarella. This easy 30-minute meal is the perfect way to use up fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden!

Total Time: 30

Pesto Pizza

Spinach pesto pizza with fresh mozzarella – Only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to make! Flavorful, delicious and full of melted cheese!

Total Time: 10

Southwest Pasta Salad

Tender penne pasta, black beans, corn, peppers, cilantro, onions and tomatoes tossed in a delicious and creamy avocado lime dressing. This southwest pasta salad is easy, healthy and full of Mexican flavors!

Total Time: 30

Grilled Caprese Sandwich

Grilled caprese sandwich stuffed with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil pesto! Takes 10 minutes or less and requires just 5 simple ingredients!

Total Time: 10

Chopped Salad

This fresh chopped salad is made with 5 key ingredients in less than 10 minutes! Customize with all your favorite mix-in's and dig in!

Total Time: 10

Asparagus Pasta Recipe

Light and flavorful asparagus pasta that's loaded with fresh ingredients and a delicious cheese sauce. This is the perfect pasta dish for summer!

Total Time: 30

Spinach Strawberry Salad

A light and refreshing strawberry spinach salad filled with fresh strawberries, almonds, feta and greens. Top with poppy seed dressing to make the perfect summer salad recipe!

Total Time: 10

Sheet Pan Gnocchi

This sheet pan gnocchi is perfect for a last minute dinner or side dish. The gnocchi becomes crispy and the vegetables are roasted to perfection.

Total Time: 30

Low Carb

So many dinners can be very carb-heavy. We definitely love our carbs, but sometimes we need a bite to eat that feels lighter. These low carb 30-minute meals are just the thing to make after a heavy lunch or a day full of snacking.

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These buffalo chicken lettuce wraps are packed with flavor from shredded buffalo chicken and fresh veggies. Easy to make for a light dinner or a game day appetizer!

Total Time: 30

Pf Changs Lettuce Wraps on a white plate.

Pf Chang’s Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Copycat PF Chang's lettuce wraps taste like the restaurant version but made at home in 20 minutes. It's an easy weeknight meal that's easy and tasty!

Total Time: 20

Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These easy cashew chicken lettuce wraps are made in one pot in just 20 minutes! A better-than-takeout recipe that the whole family will love.

Total Time: 20

chicken club lettuce wraps with ranch drizzled on top

Chicken Club Lettuce Wrap Recipe

Chicken Club Lettuce Wraps… a quick and easy lunch idea made with only a few ingredients!

Total Time: 10

Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Chicken stuffed peppers made with 5 simple ingredients in just 30 minutes! A flavorful family-favorite that's perfect for busy weeknights!

Total Time: 30

lettuce cup with taco meat and pico de gallo

Taco Lettuce Wraps

Taco lettuce wraps are a healthy, flavorful and delicious protein packed, low-carb alternative to traditional tacos. They're paleo, gluten-free and an easy Whole 30 recipe!

Total Time: 15

Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

This egg roll in a bowl recipe is an easy low carb alternative to egg rolls! Made with ground turkey and veggies tossed in a flavorful sauce of choice and ready in 20 minutes.

Total Time: 20

Chicken Fajita Salad

This fajita salad recipe is an easy and delicious twist on classic chicken fajitas. Crisp salad greens are topped with flavorful chicken, fajita veggies and fresh green salsa.

Total Time: 20

sliced pork tenderloin on a plate with green beans

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Only 5 simple ingredients and done in less than 30 minutes. Tender and juicy on the inside, with a flavorful seared outside.

Total Time: 27

Taco Salad Recipe

Fresh, flavorful and easy taco salad is made with seasoned ground beef, loaded with toppings then served over chopped greens with your favorite salad dressing.

Total Time: 20

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken

Easy instant pot buffalo chicken made in 30 quick minutes! Perfectly tender, juicy and packs a punch of tangy buffalo flavor. Use it to make salads, wraps, pizza, tacos and more.

Total Time: 30

Healthy

Healthy fast food may seem like an oxymoron, but this list proves it’s possible. These healthy dinner recipes are packed with fiber and good-for-you fats, along with plenty of vegetables. A lot of these are Whole-30 friendly or easily modified to be.

An easy way to meal prep and have healthy lunches for the week is to double these dinners and pack up enough leftovers for the kids to take to school for the week.

roasted sausage and veggies on a wooden spoon

Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

Quick and easy this sheet pan sausage and veggies is loaded with flavor from vegetables, sausage and simple seasonings. It's healthy, nutritious and made on one pan for easy cleanup!

Total Time: 30

Turkey Meatball Recipe

Easy, healthy and full of flavor. Low in carbs and fat and high in protein. This turkey meatball recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner!

Total Time: 35

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This chicken tortilla soup recipe is made in ONE pot in 30 minutes. Always a crowd pleaser and tastes great loaded with cheese, avocado and tortilla chips.

Total Time: 30

Buffalo Chicken Salad

This buffalo chicken salad is loaded with chopped lettuce, crunchy coleslaw, vegetables and buffalo chicken. Drizzle with ranch dressing and it will become your new go-to salad for lunch or dinner!

Total Time: 10

Steak Salad Recipe

A fresh and delicious salad made with lettuce, grilled corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, avocado and tender sliced steak. Then topped with a sweet and tangy balsamic dressing.

Total Time: 20

Cobb Salad Recipe

A delicious cobb salad that's fresh, flavorful and full of your favorite toppings! Makes the perfect lunch or dinner any day of the week. This recipe is a staple at our house.

Total Time: 20

Mediterranean Salad Recipe

This Mediterranean salad with creamy balsamic dressing is full of greens, protein and flavor! Comes together super quickly and tastes so fresh and delicious. Plus it's healthier than most restaurants, too!

Total Time: 5

Asian Chicken Salad

This Asian chicken salad is everything you want in a salad recipe…fresh, light, crunchy and delicious. It's super flavorful and is loaded with all your favorite toppings!

Total Time: 20

Baked Lemon Chicken

Tender baked lemon chicken coated in a flavorful lemon butter sauce. An easy 30-minute meal that requires only 7 simple ingredients!

Total Time: 30

Turkey Burgers

The absolute BEST turkey burgers that are moist, juicy and loaded with flavor. Only 5 ingredients and 20 minutes to prepare!

Total Time: 20

Chicken Taco Salad

Shredded chicken taco salad loaded with lettuce, black beans, grilled corn, avocado, tomatoes and bell peppers. Topped with a creamy salsa ranch dressing. Simple, flavorful and delicious!

Total Time: 20

Italian Salad

Quick and easy Italian salad loaded with tons of fresh and flavorful ingredients. It makes the perfect lunch, dinner or side salad recipe.

Total Time: 10

Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, Dinner, Recipe Roundup

Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

More about Jamielyn Nye

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4 comments

- mary
- August 31, 2019
I would like to subscribe to your offer but the link doesn’t work. Please add me to you list for:
Subscribe to receive 5 one-pot meals made in 30 minutes and FREE weekly meal plans!
- Reply
- Jamielyn Nye
  September 4, 2019
  Hi Mary! I signed you up. Now you just need to click the link in your email to confirm! :)
  Reply
- Ashley
- August 30, 2019
Now I know what I’m eating for the next month. We have loved so many of the recipes on this list!
- Reply
- Lucy Parissi
- August 30, 2019
You’ve got some great categories in this round up – something to match all moods.
- Reply