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    The BEST 30-Minute Meals

    Are you looking for quick and delicious meals without taking up too much time? Look no further!

    All of these 30-Minute Meals that are both satisfying and delicious, all in half an hour or less.

    You’ll find plenty of quick recipes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry so you can whip up a tasty dinner fast!

    Whether you’re feeding yourself or the whole family, these meal ideas pack big flavor with minimal prep time.

    So get ready, it’s time to whip up some amazing 30-minute meals!

    30-minute meals pin

    30-Minte Meals:

    1. Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

    Nothing is as easy as some simple, yet flavor jammed Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. This is a one pan, 30 minute meal you can whip up in a breeze.

    Any great stir fry is all about the sauce. Add in all the amounts correctly and have a great beef and broccoli over steaming hot white rice.

    Get the Recipe


    2. Mushroom Stroganoff

    This easy Mushroom Stroganoff is a lighter and healthier take on your traditional beef stroganoff. It’s also super quick, and super tasty!

    With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can have this meatless dinner on the table in under half an hour. Great weeknight dinner option!

    Get the Recipe


    3. Salisbury Steak

    Indulge in this delightful dish! A scrumptious ground beef patty smothered with a rich and savory gravy of mushrooms.

    Believe it or not, deliciousness can be effortless. Enjoy it over warm mashed potatoes or rice, and you are guaranteed to have a cozy and comforting night. All in under 30 minutes!

    Get the Recipe


    4. Shrimp Foil Packets with Summer Veggies

    We’re giving you a great summer dinner idea with shrimp that is quick to prepare, with easy clean up later. Plus, it’s fun to eat with your friends and family. 

    These Shrimp Foil Packets are a delicious healthy meal with all your favorite summer veggies.

    Ready in just 12 minutes on your grill, campfire or even in the oven, this is great meal prep for all your future camp outs, Sunday cookouts, or simply great weeknight dinners.

    Get the Recipe


    5. Ground Turkey Stir Fry

    If you’re craving a healthier and lighter stir fry option, give this ground turkey stir fry a go.

    It’s a quick and effortless recipe that combines bell peppers, carrots, and cabbage with the lean protein. Plus, it’s entirely customizable, just add whatever veggies you have on hand.

    Whip up a big batch ahead of time and portion it out for easy meal prep.

    Get the Recipe


    6. Mediterranean Cannellini Beans

    Looking easy and delicious meatless meal? Look no further than this amazing recipe for Cannellini Beans!

    These beans are generously seasoned with garlic, herbs, and olive oil, giving them a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with rice or pasta.

    Plus, not only do they taste amazing, but these cannellini beans are quick and budget friendly!

    Get the Recipe


    7. Ham and Cheese Gnocchi Skillet

    This Ham and Cheese Gnocchi Skillet is a super easy one pan meal that is absolute comfort food.

    It’s a great use for leftover ham, and it only takes a few simple ingredients to make this magic happen.

    Best of all, it can be on the table in about 20 minutes. Sounds like a winner to me!

    Get the Recipe


    8. Antipasto Salad

    For those who can’t resist hovering over the antipasto bar in the grocery store, look no further!

    This salad is an explosion of flavor and texture, with salami, tomatoes, artichokes, olives, pepperoni, and cheese complemented by a delicious homemade Italian dressing.

    Pair it with crusty bread and your favorite wine, and you’ll have a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

    Get the Recipe


    9. Salmon Patties

    Canned salmon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, but perhaps the most well-known use is in salmon patties.

    These patties are not only easy to make, but they’re also incredibly satisfying. Imagine biting into a crispy little fried cake, with the flavorful and savory taste of salmon bursting in your mouth.

    It’s no wonder that the whole family loves them!

    Get the Recipe


    10. Mediterranean Flatbread

    Mediterranean cuisines are always a hit, and what better way to explore these flavors than on pizzas and flatbreads?

    This savory Mediterranean flatbread raises the bar by featuring kalamata olives, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, and more.

    So, why wait? Dig in and savor the goodness!

    Get the Recipe


    11. Taco Pasta

    If you’re looking to spice up your next pasta night, why not go beyond Italian flavors? Give your taste buds a fun and flavorful twist with this delicious Taco Pasta recipe!

    Trust us, Taco Pasta will become your new go-to recipe for a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.

    It’s one of our favorite 30-minute meals!

    Get the Recipe


    12. Blackened (AKA Cajun) Shrimp and Grits

    Indulge in the Lowcountry southern classic – shrimp and grits. This delicious recipe features succulent Cajun-spiced shrimp perfectly complemented by a bed of creamy, cheesy grits.

    And the cherry on top? The dish is garnished with sizzling bacon pieces that add a burst of flavor to every bite.

    Give it a try, and find your new comfort food!

    Get the Recipe


    13. Welsh Rarebit

    Want a tasty and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any time of day? Look no further than this British classic!

    Whether you need a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a cozy dinner, you’ll be all set with this delicious dish.

    Simply pile some flavorful, cheesy sauce on top of toasted bread and enjoy. It’s a versatile and comforting option that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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    14. Greek Chicken Souvlaki

    Super juicy, tender kabobs made with the best marinade ever!

    Serve it with grilled pita bread, English cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cubed feta, kalamata olives, and tzatziki sauce and you are all set for a great Greek night.

    Great 30-minute dinner idea!

    Get the Recipe


    15. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    This soup is packed full of flavors and textures that blend together perfectly, and its creamy and velvety texture makes it downright irresistible.

    But it’s not just about taste; this soup is also loaded with nutritious veggies, making it a healthy and fulfilling meal.

    And the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, so you can enjoy this flavorful and wholesome soup without any hassle!

    Get the Recipe


    16. Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Fettuccine

    Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a classic Italian-American dish that consists of tangy tomato sauce and juicy shrimp that are cooked to perfection.

    Prepared with a blend of spices and herbs, it has a rich flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy!

    It’s an easy-to-prepare meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook.

    Get the Recipe


    17. Easy Chicken Tacos

    Looking for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner or meal prep idea? These authentic Mexican Street Style Chicken Tacos are sure to satisfy!

    Packed with flavor from a delicious marinade, these tacos are perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on your own.

    Top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

    Get the Recipe


    18. Vegetarian Black Bean Chili

    This vegetarian black bean chili is the ideal choice for a busy weeknight when you’re looking for something that is both quick and healthy.

    Inspired by the delicious black bean soup at Panera, this recipe can be whipped up in 30 minutes or less!

    Packed full of protein and loaded with flavor, this meatless dish is perfect for any day of the week.

    Get the Recipe


    19. Garlic Butter Steak Bites

    Looking for a special dish to blow the minds of your dinner guests? These pan-seared garlic butter steak bites are just what you need!

    Imagine the juicy, tender steak in bite-sized pieces, dripping with garlicky butter, seasoned to perfection!

    They’re perfect for both casual meals and special occasions alike. Go ahead and indulge in the goodness!

    Get the Recipe


    20. Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

    Your meatless night never looked so fancy and tasty! These Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are what my dream looks like when I steer away from protein some days.

    These big ol’ mushrooms are tender, fleshy goodness stuffed to the brim with everyone’s classic summer favorite… Caprese!!

    Get the Recipe


    21. Thai Cashew Chicken

    Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is great way to use up whatever vegetables you have in your fridge. The crunchiness and flavors of cashews go extremely well in Asian stir fries.

    Make a huge batch, as it’s a great meal prep option. You can pair it with rice or lo mein for all your weekly lunches.

    All this in under 30 minutes!

    Get the Recipe


    22. Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread

    This Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread is absolutely gorgeous, and would be a WOW-worthy center piece for get togethers and parties. 

    Plus, is its super quick and easy too. Make this sweet and savory gourmet flatbread today, and get amazed with the simple, yet elegant flavors.

    Get the Recipe


    23. Steak Gyros

    These Steak Gyros are sure to win your heart (and your taste buds)! Imagine juicy, tender strips of the finest steak, marinated to perfection so flavors are bursting in every bite.

    Nestled inside a warm, fluffy pita bread and wrapped in your favorite fixings, it’s no surprise these delicious concoctions have earned the title of our new favorite handheld meal!

    Get the Recipe


    24. Baked Salmon with Mango Salsa

    This recipe is perfect for those who crave a mix of sweet and spicy flavors in their meals.

    The spicy-limey salmon is not only flavorful but also packed with healthy omega-3s, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

    And when paired with the fresh mango salsa, the sweetness of the mangoes complements the spiciness of the salmon perfectly, creating a unique and tropical taste that’s sure to excite your taste buds.

    Get the Recipe


    25. Korean Ground Beef Bowl

    This Korean Ground Beef Bowl has just the right combination of sweet, salty, umami and just a touch of spicy.

    Try it when you crave some Asian flavors, or just need something super quick! Excellent ground beef recipe for a busy weeknight.

    Get the Recipe


    26. Beer Battered Fish Tacos

    Got 30 minutes?

    Our Beer Battered Fish Tacos are the best ever! I mean, what’s not to love? Extra crispy fried white fish gets wrapped up in everyone’s favorite handheld meal. You just can’t beat them!

    One bite into these deliciously crunchy tacos and we bet you won’t be able to stop. They’re that addictive.

    Get the Recipe


    27. Chicken Shawarma 

    This easy Chicken Shawarma brings the flavors, big time! Marinated with vibrant and aromatic spices, it can be your easy weeknight dinner, or a big crowd pleaser for company nights.

    You can grill it, cook it in a skillet, or bake it. Whichever way you choose, you’re in for one delicious dinner.

    Get the Recipe


    28. Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

    This Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe recipe is easy and packed with flavor.

    The dish hails from the southern tip of Italy and is made with al dente orecchiette pasta, delicious sausage, and flavorful broccoli rabe.

    These simple yet rich and robust ingredients combine to create an incredibly satisfying meal in no time flat.

    Get the Recipe


    29. Chicken Fried Steak

    This chicken fried steak is a classic Southern dish that boasts a crispy fried texture. The cubed steak is moist and flavorful, perfectly complemented by a rich white country gravy.

    One bite and you’ll agree that it’s comfort food at its finest!

    This is one of our all time favorite 30-minutes meals!

    Get the Recipe


    30. Healthy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

    Easy to make and healthy?!? It may sound too good to be true, but yes, this healthy chicken ramen stir fry will impress you!

    It can be made in less than twenty minutes, and this recipe shows how to adapt it to your liking. This stir fry is one of the best!

    Get the Recipe


    31. Shish Kebabs

    Take your taste buds on an incredible journey with these colorful shish kebabs!

    Mouthwatering marinated sirloin, juicy bell peppers and savory onions are skillfully layered onto skewers and grilled to absolute perfection.

    It’s the perfect summer cookout treat that’s sure to impress your guests and leave you craving for more!

    Get the Recipe


    32. Fettuccine Alfredo

    Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian dish that warms the soul with its pure comfort food goodness.

    When perfectly cooked, the pasta is smothered in a decadent creamy cheese sauce that melts in your mouth and leaves you feeling happy and satisfied.

    The best part is that it can be whipped up in about 20 minutes, making it one of the quickest and most delicious pasta recipes out there!

    Get the Recipe


    33. Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

    Dinner ready in 20 minutes? Honey Garlic Chicken Bites… Music to the ears… And when you look into the pan, the sticky delicious honey garlic sauce laced chicken bites, they look so tempting to dig in to. 

    This is your perfect weeknight dinner idea that happens with regular every day pantry ingredients. Nothing fancy… nothing difficult… just simple good old flavors.

    Get the Recipe


    34. Shanghai Noodles

    Restaurant style fried noodles, stir fried quick in your very own kitchen!! Shanghai Fried Noodles is a one pan Asian dish that is a complete meal with noodles, meat and veggies.

    The chewy, thick noodles are so much fun to slurp when coated in a delicious sweet and savory sauce…

    Get the Recipe


    35. Gorgonzola Portobello Steak Skillet

    This Gorgonzola Portobello Steak Skillet is the perfect meal to serve for dinner parties or even a cozy evening in.

    The tenderness of the steak and the umami richness of the portobello pair beautifully with the sharpness of the Gorgonzola cheese.

    The resulting flavor combination is a true masterpiece – an absolute flavor bomb that your family will come back to again and again!

    Get the Recipe


    36. Rasta Pasta

    This is a creamy pasta loaded with red, green and yellow peppers. You can also top it off with shrimp or chicken.

    It’s generously seasoned with Jamaican jerk seasoning and finished off with freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

    Get the Recipe


    37. Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice

    Aloha! Is that what this bowl of Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice is saying to you? This colorful, pretty little bowl is loaded with so many flavors.

    Sweet? Yup. Savory? Yeah. Umami? Oh boy!! All this from a few left over ingredients lying around your house.

    Get the Recipe


    38. Caribbean Coconut Mussels

    Looking for a dish that’s bursting with Caribbean flavor? Look no further than these delicious Coconut Mussels!

    With a creamy, coconutty, and slightly seafoody flavor, each bite is an explosion of tropical goodness.

    Get the Recipe


    39. Mediterranean Zucchini Boats

    Zucchini boats are a cute and creative way to make zucchini, and we’re starting off this list with these Mediterranean zucchini boats.

    They’re stuffed with a flavorful, yet low-carb filling, and they aren’t just healthy – they’re gorgeous!

    As an extra bonus, you don’t bake them, so no heating up the kitchen!

    Get the Recipe


    40. Sesame Chicken

    Another SUPER EASY 30 minute chicken stir fry dish. This sesame chicken is a copycat of the sweet and savory sesame chicken from the Chinese restaurant.

    It’s an easy weeknight meal you can throw together quick, with mostly staple pantry ingredients. Tasty meal prep option, too!

    Get the Recipe


    We hope you enjoyed this list of the best 30-minute meals. There’s so many yummy recipes to choose from, every palate will be satisfied!

    Pin or bookmark this collection of great dishes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes!

    Check out these other great recipe collections!
    Ground Beef Recipes
    Chicken Breast Recipes
    Chicken Thigh Recipes
    Ground Turkey Recipes
    Pasta Recipes
    Stir Fry Recipes
    Flatbread Recipes

    featured image for 30-minute meals post

    The BEST 30-Minute Meals

    This collection of 30-Minute Meals will help you enjoy a delicious and satisfying dinner in half an hour or less. Perfect for busy weeknights!

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tbsp Butter
    • 1 small onion, chopped
    • 16oz mushrooms, sliced
    • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
    • 2 Tbsp flour
    • 2 cups vegetable or beef stock
    • 1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
    • 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
    • 3/4 cup sour cream
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 8oz egg noodles
    • Parsley, for garnish

    Instructions

    1. Cook noodles according to directions on package. (Alternately, you can serve this mushroom stroganoff with rice or mashed potatoes)
    2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium high heat. Add onions and mushrooms and sauté until soft, about 6-8 minutes.
    3. Add in garlic and stir for a minute, then stir in flour.
    4. Stir in stock, worcestershire sauce and dijon mustard. Simmer for about five minutes.
    5. Fold in sour cream. Once nicely mixed, stir in noodles and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Picture of Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate

    Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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