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Short on time for dinner tonight? These 30-minute meals are here to save the day! These family-friendly dishes are easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, but they don’t skimp on the flavor. Whether you’re craving pasta, love a stir fry, or want something handheld, you can rest easy knowing these recipes will satisfy. The next time your schedule is overloaded or you’re just too darn tired to spend lots of time in the kitchen, turn to these fast favorites!

Three cooked pork chops with herbs in a blue cast iron skillet on a wooden surface.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops. Photo credit: Stetted.

Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans

A plate with ground beef and green bean stir fry along with rice.
Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans. Photo credit: Stetted.

Quiick-cooking ground beef is the basis of this simple stir fry. Try it with broccoli or snow peas instead of green beans if theyโ€™re more your familyโ€™s style.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry with Green Beans

Honey Garlic Pork Chops

A cooked pork chop on a plate with sides.
Honey Garlic Pork Chops. Photo credit: Stetted.

Ready in minutes and coated with a sweet-savory glaze, honey garlic pork chops are sure to be a new family favorite. They’re juicy, tender, and so easy!
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Pork Chops

One-Pot Skillet Spaghetti

A bowl of spaghetti with red meat sauce, topped with grated cheese and fresh basil, with a spoon resting inside the bowl.
One-Pot Skillet Spaghetti. Photo credit: Vintage Recipes.

Made together in one pot, this 30-minute skillet spaghetti is a dish everyone will love. All you need is bread on the side for dipping into the sauce!
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Skillet Spaghetti

Lemon Chicken

Lemon chicken on two plates with rice and asparagus.
Lemon Chicken. Photo credit: Stetted.

Lemon chicken is an easy, flavorful way to dress up plain chicken breast. The fresh lemon adds sunny flavor to your weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chicken

Easy Pork Meatballs

A bowl of spaghetti with meatballs in tomato sauce, garnished with grated cheese and parsley, sits on a crumpled brown paper with a fork and knife beside it.
Easy Pork Meatballs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pasta is made better with juicy pork meatballs. This special recipe features a secret ingredient that has been passed down for generations!
Get the Recipe: Easy Pork Meatballs

Pesto Shrimp

Pesto shrimp on top of creamy polenta with forks.
Pesto Shrimp. Photo credit: Stetted.

Shrimp is the perfect weeknight protein because it cooks so quickly. Add herby pesto sauce and you’ve got a simple, flavorful meal in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Shrimp


Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A bowl of stir-fried vegetables, ground meat, and sesame seeds garnished with black and white sesame seeds, with chopsticks resting on the bowl.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crunchy cabbage, peppers, and other veggies round out this simple Asian-inspired skillet meal. The light savory sauce ties it all together.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A wooden bowl of chicken caesar pasta salad with serving utensils aside it.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Stetted.

Pasta salad is a great quick option any time of year. Add summery flavor with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes in this chicken caesar pasta salad recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Italian Sliders

A close-up of baked sandwiches with ham, cheese, and roasted red peppers on herb-topped bread, arranged on a parchment-lined surface.
Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Happy Snackcidents.

Easy Italian sliders aren’t just for game day parties! They’re quick to whip up for a warm, cheesy meal everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Ground Bison Burgers

A burger with vegetable toppings on a plate with cooked pea pods.
Ground Bison Burgers. Photo credit: Stetted.

Give ground bison a try for these simple bison burgers. They’re a leaner, juicy option to hit the grill.
Get the Recipe: Ground Bison Burgers

Pumpkin Lentil Soup

A ceramic bowl filled with orange lentil soup, garnished with chopped parsley and black pepper, placed on a light-colored cloth.
Pumpkin Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Life Currents.

Quick and budget-friendly, this pumpkin lentil soup is a great option for a cozy vegetarian meal. It’s filling but not too heavy, with aromatic spices that will warm you right up.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Lentil Soup

Bean Tostada

Bean tostadas with lettuce, tomato, and avocado on top.
Bean Tostada. Photo credit: Stetted.

Simple bean tostadas are perfect for tossing together at a moment’s notice. Add your favorite toppings to customize, from salsa to sliced avocad.
Get the Recipe: Bean Tostada

Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe

Sheet pan with roasted potatoes, sliced sausage, broccoli, red onion, and red bell pepper on foil. Small bowls of cheese and vegetables are nearby.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe. Photo credit: Walking on Sunshine Recipes.

Keep cleanup to a minimum with this easy sheet pan sausage and vegetables recipe. It’s great for using up lots of different vegetables from the fridge!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables Recipe

A woman in a black shirt smiling in a kitchen.

About Megan

I learned how to cook by exploring seasonal ingredients, and you can too! Meal time shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and with fresh ingredients and easy methods, Iโ€™m here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen.ย Read moreโ€ฆ

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