Best 30-Minute Meals For When You Just Don’t Have Time
Updated on March 13, 2023
A busy week is ahead and you’re prepping your menu for the week; how do you make it a bit less stressful and time-consuming? Well, you can scour the Internet for quick and easy meals – or allow us to do the homework for you. Below, you’ll find 15 30-minute meals for when you just don’t have the time to spare. From breakfast, lunch, to dinner, there are plenty of recipes that you can whip up in a jiffy.
1. Salmon Salad Veggie Bowls
Full of color and full of fresh ingredients, this salmon bowl will power you up while satisfying your taste buds. From raspberries to avocado oil, there are tons of flavors that you’ll want to dive into. Check out all the ingredients you need at Cotter Crunch.
2. One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole
Turn Taco Tuesday in One-Skillet Wednesday with this Mexican rice creation – that has all the delicious and fresh ingredients you could dream of. This is the vegetarian version but feel free to add in some ground beef or ground turkey. Making Thyme for Health has all the details!
3. Roasted Pork Tenderloins with Apples
Doesn’t this skillet from The Seasoned Mom look beautiful? We all know that pork and apple goes together like a timeless, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, so we knew this was a solid recipe from the start. And the fact that it only takes a mere 30 minutes to whip up makes us love it even more.
4. Stromboli
The Recipe Rebel will walk you through making another family favorite without taking up too many minutes in your evening routine. These strombolis can be filled with anyone and everyone’s favorites including classic pepperoni and cheese. Just have some extra sauce on the side for dipping.
5. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
Don’t order in. Instead, whip up a plate of your own pineapple teriyaki chicken and rice! Kleinworth & Co has an easy, 30-minute recipe to try and it includes some greens! You can even grab some low-sodium teriyaki sauce if you want to feel less guilty about it (and brown rice too!).
6. Baked Egg and Sausage Casserole
Are you looking for an easy way to feed the fam in the morning and not have too much to prep? Check out this breakfast casserole from Sauder’s Eggs! Use turkey sausage crumbled, maple bacon, or just add in extra veggies.
7. Baked Ground Chicken Tacos
Have you ever baked your tacos? Whip up the meat, fill the shells, top with cheese and melt them together in an ooegy gooey goodness. Visit Together As Family for the tutorial.
8. Vegan Pad Thai
For families that was no-meat options, Vegan Heaven gives you a fun and flavorful bite. This vegan pad Thai has tofu, fresh veggies, and even some peanuts for a lovely crunch. Serve it alongside some brown rice if the kiddos won’t go for the noodles.
9. Chicken Fajitas
Make your job a bit easier tonight. Throw everything you need for a killer fajitas on a pan. Pop it in the oven and let it do its magic. Recipe can be found at Midwest Foodies.
10. Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
Shugary Sweets will walk you through this creamy and indulgent Italian chicken pasta dish. With a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella, everyone will be asking for seconds. Cesar salads and garlic bread make for a nice accompaniment.
11. Loaded Potato Soup
Those chilly fall and winter nights call for a hot pot of soup. And this one is our favorite. Top it off with all your best baked potato favorites including bacon and sour cream. You can thank Natasha’s Kitchen for the easy recipe.
12. Pesto Tortellini
Another pasta dish that’s full of flavor but doesn’t take too long is this recipe from Life Made Simple. Cheese tortellinis, mushrooms, zucchini, and lots of delicious pesto. This one could even be served cold as leftovers!
13. Balsamic Glazed Steak Tips and Mushrooms
Who wants to indulge a bit tonight? At The Kitchn you’ll find a recipe that will have you serving this up in a half an hour with time to baked some rolls in the oven and bake some potatoes too (in the microwave). Even the kiddos will want to take a bite.
14. Chicken Parmesan
Whole and Heavenly Oven will show you how to whip up a classic, Italian dish in just 30-minutes. Serve it up with some garlic bread or a mixed green salad for an easy dinner for the family. And, trust us, everyone will be satisfied with it.
15. Butternut Squash Chili
Savory Tooth whipped up a bowl of butternut squash chili. It includes all the classic flavors that this winter-inspired treat usually serves up but with a healthy twist (yet just as hearty!). Serve up with some Texas-toast on the side.