Finding the time to cook is not much of an option for some especially those individuals with hectic work schedules and household responsibilities. Hence, some people opt for popping a frozen dinner in the microwave to substitute hours in the kitchen. While going to your nearest fast food restaurant seems convenient, cooking a lovely dinner at home is absolutely doable. Moreover, you can cook a delicious dinner for you and your family in under 30 minutes.
While it may seem like 30 minutes is not enough time to whip together a fast and filling dinner, you’ll be surprised when you try the following recipes how you can make dinner in so little time. Preparing dinner no longer has to be stressful or a hassle. Not only will you enjoy the simplicity of cooking the following meals but you will also enjoy eating them. Feel free to modify recipes with alternative ingredients if preferred.
Read More »Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos
This Sheet Pan Shrimp Taco will enhance any taco Tuesday. This meal is not too heavy but also makes for a very filling dinner. Two or three of these delicious shrimp tacos will make your dinner complete. The coleslaw and shrimp within this recipe as well as the combination of toppings add a variety of flavors to this tasty meal.
Recipe:
- 2 lbs. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp dry taco seasoning
- 3 limes, divided
- 8 oz coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup plain Greek-style yogurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp honey
- salt and pepper to taste
- corn or flour tortillas
- optional toppings: salsa, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro, avocado slices
Spicy Butternut Squash Soup
Soups are always great to make when it comes to saving yourself some time. You’ll mostly have to prepare ingredients by chopping up your vegetables to add to the pot. Then, just wait for the soup to boil. With this Spicy Butternut Squash Soup, you’ll find that this recipe is packed full of nutrition. The coconut milk adds more volume to the soup as well as a subtle sweetness. The butternut squash and tomato paste also gives this meal a nice thickness, making it quite hearty.
Recipe:
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 stick celery
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 fresh chilli pepper
- 1/2 lemon, juice
Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
Another simple dinner recipe you can make is the Instant Pot Mac & Cheese. This particular recipe only requires 5 ingredients, most of which you likely already have somewhere in your pantry or cupboard. Mac and cheese makes for a great side dish. However, feel free to add some veggies or meat to make this recipe more filling. You’ll just love the cheesy goodness with each and every bite.
Recipe:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- kosher salt
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cups mild or medium cheddar, shredded
Pantry Pizza Pronto
The Pantry Pizza Pronto recipe is great for those who love a pizza with an assortment of tasty toppings. Most of the ingredients don’t require much preparation, only for you to arrange them on your pre-made, store-bought focaccia bread. Feel free to leave your pizza in the oven for a few extra minutes you enjoy a crunch to your crust.
Recipe:
- 1 store-bought focaccia round
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup jarred marinara
- 2 cups provolone, shredded
- 3 oz dry-cured sausage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup drained deli sliced hot cherry peppers
- 2 tbsp kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup drained quartered artichoke hearts
- 2 tbsp Manzanilla olives with pimentos, sliced
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- small fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Bean Burritos
Burritos are so versatile as there really is no limit to how many delicious items you can add to your burrito. You can do a soft wrap or put your burrito in the oven for a toasted wrap. Packed with protein, this Bean Burrito recipe is also topped with tasty melted cheese.
Recipe:
- 16 oz refried beans
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cooked long grain rice
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 flour tortillas
- lettuce, shredded
Beefy Biscuit Cups
Beefy Biscuit Cups are small cups comprised of ground beef, biscuit batter, and a few other things. You only need to combine 4 ingredients to achieve this delicious yet simple dinner recipe. Bake these biscuit cups in a cupcake pan or in a medium sized baking pan for bigger servings.
Recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 14 oz spaghetti sauce
- 1 tube large refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Sweet Thai Chili Salmon Skewers
Sweet Thai Chili Salmon Skewers are essentially delectable sauteed salmon assorted on a a skewer. The following recipe would compliment a delicious plate of couscous or fried rice for a complete dinner dish. You could also add some colorful roasted or grilled veggies to your salmon skewers as well for more variety.
Recipe:
- 4, 4 oz salmon fillets, cut into chunks
- a pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 bunch of green onions, sliced
- 1 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 limes, sliced
Cheesy Avocado Quesadillas
Eat this delicious, mouthwatering Cheesy Avocado Quesadillas. These quesadillas are layered with flavorful ground beef, creamy avocado slices, soft re-fried beans, and savory mozzarella cheese. Topped with fresh cilantro leaves, this dish looks even more appetizing. With prep time and cook time taken into consideration, you’re looking at a 30 minute wait until you get to devour these scrumptious quesadillas for dinner.
Recipe:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp Old El Paso taco seasoning mix
- 1 (4.5 oz) can Old El Paso chopped green chiles, drained
- 8 Old El Paso flour tortillas
- 16 oz can Old El Paso refried beans
- 2 avocados, peeled, halved, sliced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Last Minute Chicken Dinner
Winner winner chicken dinner! If you’re looking for a quick, warm, and filling meal after a long day of hard work, then look no further. This dinner recipe is great for any busy person’s dinner menu. The Last Minute Chicken Dinner has the perfect balance of starches, proteins, and fresh greens. The condensed cream of chicken soup in this recipe makes this dish undeniably favorable. Even more, this meal takes 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook which is less than 30 minutes total!
Recipe:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 10 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower combo
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp dried marjoram
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
The Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad is a healthy meal for you and the entire family. With the ranch dressing recipe below, you’ll love how the flavors compliment your lovely Cobb salad. Add more to this recipe if you’d like more flavor. Perhaps some crisp bacon bits, raisins, nuts, seeds, pita chips, peppers, or dried fruit would made great additional toppings.
Recipe:
- 1 lb chicken tender
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1/2 English cucumber, chopped
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
Ranch Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain full-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chives, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- sea salt and pepper to taste
Try some of these tasty meals so you can kiss a sink full of dishes and hours in the kitchen good bye. Each of these recipes are easy to make and will save you so much time, all made 30 minutes or less!