Lazy? Busy? Hungry? Try These 30 Minute Meals

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

A gray plate with buffalo chicken casserole topped with green onions and ranch dressing. — Buffalo Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Creamy cheesy pasta with spicy buffalo chicken. Your favorite party dip turned into an easy 30 minute meal!
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Doritos Taco Casserole

Dorito casserole on a white plate topped with lettuce, black olives, and jalapeno. — Doritos Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Savory ground beef and gooey melted cheese come together in a crispy Doritos crust. Gather the family and watch as they come back for seconds! Pair it with queso, southwest egg rolls, and Mexican street corn to create a satisfying and complete meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Doritos Taco Casserole

Ham Fried Rice

If you’re searching for a delicious way to put holiday leftovers to good use, this Easy Ham Fried Rice recipe is a fantastic option. It’s a family favorite, loaded with flavor from simple ingredients like leftover ham, day-old rice, and a mix of veggies. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot meal is a quick and convenient way to create a satisfying dish from ingredients you probably already have at home. Plus, it’s a great recipe for transforming leftovers into something new and exciting!
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Marry Me Salmon

Large pan filled with five cooked salmon fillets resting in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley and more parmesan cheese. — Marry Me Salmon. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Prepare to be smitten with this “Marry Me” Salmon Recipe, where tender, flaky salmon fillets are enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce made with heavy cream, sundried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick yet impressive meal. Ideal for date nights or cozy dinners, this dish is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Salmon

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

A heaping plate of Chinese black pepper chicken served over white rice. — Chinese Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Garlic All Day.

Black Pepper Chicken is a popular Chinese takeout favorite, featuring stir-fried chicken breast tossed in a savory, peppery sauce with onions and bell peppers. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and bursts with bold garlic and spicy flavors that are truly irresistible. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it brings a delicious taste of takeout right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti garnished with parsley. — Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

Imagine this: you're rushing to get dinner ready, and you need a meal that allows you to juggle other tasks. Enter my Instant Pot spaghetti Bolognese! This recipe combines pasta and meat sauce all in one pot from start to finish, with just five minutes of prep time. Then, let the Instant Pot work its magic, freeing you up to focus on something else. It's a quick, hearty, and delicious option that makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple on Rosemary Skewers

Grilled shrimp on rosemary skewers and skewered pineapple wedges on parchment paper with sauce on the side. — Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple on Rosemary Skewers. Photo credit: In The Kitch.

Grilled shrimp on rosemary skewers with rum-soaked pineapple wedges make a standout party dish. The savory shrimp pairs perfectly with the sweet, liquor-infused pineapple, adding a touch of flair to any BBQ gathering.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple on Rosemary Skewers

Creamy Chickpea Salad

This Creamy Chickpea Salad is a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish that's ideal for a summer barbecue. It's loaded with protein and can conveniently be made the day before. Enjoy it as a refreshing, nutritious addition to any outdoor gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Salad

Sausage and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner

A close up of roasted sausage, potatoes and yellow peppers. — Sausage and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Enza's Quail Hollow Kitchen.

Often, the most delicious meals are surprisingly simple, and this Sausage and Potato Sheet Pan Dinner is a perfect example. In this recipe, potatoes are seasoned with Italian herbs and roasted alongside sausage, bell peppers, and onions until everything turns golden and tender. The result is a hearty, flavor-filled meal that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It's a one-pan wonder that makes cleanup a breeze, too!
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner

Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Quick to prepare, these air fryer turkey wings are dry-brined with a blend of savory and sweet spices. Perfect as a main course for family dinners or served as an appetizer for game days and holiday gatherings, they offer a healthier option compared to deep-fried wings. Full of protein and flavor, they make a tasty alternative to traditional chicken wings, especially during the turkey-loving season. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll want them on repeat all year long!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Wings

Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken Quesadillas make a quick and delicious dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy. Loaded with melted cheese, crisp vegetables, and savory chicken, this simple quesadilla recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a fun Friday night meal or any weeknight dinner. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas

Fish and Prawn Stew

A white bowl with fish and prawns stew, a pot of stew, and a green tea towel around them. — Fish and Prawn Stew. Photo credit: My Gorgeous Recipes.

This Fish and Prawn Stew combines tender sea bass, plump white prawns, juicy tomatoes, bell peppers, and a hint of coconut milk for a rich yet refreshing flavor. Nourishing and comforting, it’s a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner, ready in just 30 minutes, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crusty bread or rice for an extra filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Fish and Prawn Stew

Turkey Burgers on The Stove

Gluten free turkey burger topped with slices of tomato, thinly sliced red onions, pickles in a bun next to a dollop of ketchup. — Turkey Burgers on The Stove. Photo credit: My Chefs Apron.

These quick and flavorful turkey burgers cooked on the stove are an ideal weeknight dinner. Made without eggs or breadcrumbs, they’re seasoned with simple ingredients for a tasty bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, these burgers are both gluten-free and low-carb, making them a great choice for any dietary preference. Plus, they’re juicy and satisfying with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Burgers on The Stove

Meatloaf Muffins

These tasty Meatloaf Muffins bring the classic, comforting flavor of traditional meatloaf in a quick and easy mini version! You can prepare them in advance for a speedy, satisfying meal on hectic evenings. Perfect for families craving a homestyle dinner without the long cooking time!
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Muffins

Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken And Veggies Dinner

The completed sheet pan chicken and veggies ready to be served. — Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken And Veggies Dinner. Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

This easy sheet pan chicken dinner with vegetables is ideal for busy families looking to enjoy a nutritious, warm meal without the hassle. Simply toss the ingredients together, bake, and serve—it's that simple! With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a perfect solution for hectic weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken And Veggies Dinner

Beef and Chorizo Chili

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a hearty bowl of chili. Packed with bold flavors from ground beef and zesty Mexican chorizo, plus the richness of two types of beans, this chili delivers big taste in just 30 minutes. This Beef and Chorizo Chili recipe is simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying and cozy dinner. Top it with your favorite garnishes for an extra layer of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Beef and Chorizo Chili

Enchilada Pasta

Enchilada Pasta is easily one of my top picks for a weeknight dinner. This cheesy, beefy pasta simmers right in the enchilada sauce, creating a one-pot dish that’s both flavorful and simple to make, with hardly any cleanup required. If you're searching for a meal that everyone will enjoy and can be ready in under 30 minutes, enchilada pasta is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s perfect for satisfying cravings for both pasta and Mexican flavors in one delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Pasta

Skillet Sweet and Sour Meatballs

A cast-iron skillet brimming with sweet and sour meatballs garnished with green onions, placed alongside a bowl of rice and dining utensils. — Skillet Sweet and Sour Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you're a fan of bold flavors and easy cooking, skillet sweet and sour meatballs are a perfect choice. This timeless recipe brings together tender, juicy meatballs with a tangy sauce made from bell peppers and pineapple. It’s foolproof, delivering perfectly tender meatballs every time. The flavors are balanced and complement each other beautifully. Pair these piping-hot sweet and sour meatballs with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this simple dinner is bursting with flavor and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Skillet Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

These Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are a healthier twist on a favorite snack, combining shredded chicken, green chilies, and spices with cheese, all wrapped in warm tortillas and crisped in the air fryer. They’re quick to make and perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken. Serve them with your favorite dips for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Pork Chops and Apples

Pork chops topped with sauteed apples in a black skillet. — Pork Chops and Apples. Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

Pork chops and apples make an ideal fall dinner! This sweet and savory recipe combines tender pork chops with spiced apples, and it’s ready in only 30 minutes. It’s a cozy dish that brings out the best flavors of the season.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Apples