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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    31 Easy 30-Minute Dinners for Busy Families

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 22, 2024, updated December 4, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook a tasty dinner can be a challenge for busy families. These 31 easy recipes are perfect for those hectic evenings when you need to whip up something quick and satisfying. With just 30 minutes or less, you can enjoy a variety of meals that everyone will love.

    Marry Me Chicken Pasta

    Marry me chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. With ingredients like crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, and a mix of dried herbs, it’s a simple yet delicious meal that requires very little prep.

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    Smash Burgers

    Easy Smash Burger Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These smash burgers are a simple and tasty dinner option that you can whip up in no time. Made on the stovetop with just ground beef and salt, they’re ready to enjoy in about 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal uses just 8 ingredients and is perfect for a quick dinner any night. With tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it’s a dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is quick to prepare and only requires three simple ingredients. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is quick and easy, using rotisserie chicken for a head start. It's packed with bright lemon flavor and aromatic rosemary, perfect for a family dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps

    Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps.
    Photo credit: The Gracious Pantry.

    These Thai peanut chicken wraps are quick to prepare and packed with a tasty peanut sauce and fresh veggies. They’re perfect for a family dinner when you need something delicious in 30 minutes or less.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Pizza

    A serving of sheet pan pizza.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This pizza features a thick, crispy crust topped with gooey mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and all your family's favorite toppings. It's a fun and easy meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Manestra (Greek-Style Orzo with Ground Beef)

    Greek orzo with ground beef.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    This Greek version of a classic comfort food, called "Manestra," is perfect for a quick family dinner. It's a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Tomato Soup

    Tomato soup in a white bowl.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This soup is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a busy evening. It's a tasty option that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Sticky Tofu

    A plate of sticky tofu.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This dish is quick and easy, perfect for busy nights. It's a very tasty option that everyone will enjoy, even the meatlovers!

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Tacos

    Ground beef tacos with salsa.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    Ground Beef Tacos are a quick and tasty meal that you can prepare in under 30 minutes. Just fill crispy taco shells with seasoned beef and your favorite toppings for a simple family dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

    Salisbury steak in mushroom gravy.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a tasty Salisbury steak topped with a hearty mushroom gravy. This easy and affordable meal is ideal for busy weeknights, all made in one pan for a simple family dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

    Creamy pesto gnocchi.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This dish is rich and tasty, ideal for a fast family meal. It's a great option when you need something satisfying in a hurry.

    Get the recipe

    Vegan Chickpea Tacos

    Chickpea tacos on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Veggie Inspired.

    Vegan Chickpea Tacos are quick to prepare and can be ready in just 20 minutes. With simple ingredients you probably already have at home, this tasty meal is perfect for any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-frying gnocchi instead of boiling it gives you a quick and tasty meal. Mixing it with crispy bacon and savory mushrooms adds a lot of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is quick and easy to prepare, using either store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Stir-Fry

    Stir-fried ground beef.
    Photo credit: Foodess.

    Prepare a quick Ground Beef Stir Fry loaded with fresh vegetables for a simple family dinner in just 30 minutes. This tasty dish comes with a great sauce that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    One-Pot Greek Salmon with Feta & Peppers

    A plate of rice, salmon and veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This salmon dinner is packed with flavor and everything cooks together in one pot, including the rice. It's a simple and quick meal that's perfect for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Hamburger Soup

    Hamburger Soup.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    In under 30 minutes, you can make a filling Hamburger Soup loaded with sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, onions, celery, and fire-roasted tomatoes. This is a great option for easy family dinners and works well for meal prep lunches.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

    Cheeseburger sliders.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    Cheeseburger sliders made with Hawaiian rolls come together in just 30 minutes. These sliders are filled with juicy ground beef, cheese, pickles, and a tasty burger sauce, making them great for a family meal or a quick snack.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines creamy, tangy, and crunchy flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. It's a satisfying option for any meal.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

    Chicken and mushroom stroganoff with sour cream in a sour cream sauce.
    Photo credit: Lavender & Macarons.

    Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is a quick and delicious dinner that's rich and flavorful, drawing inspiration from Eastern European cuisine. It's a great option for a family meal that can be on the table in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Mini Calzones

    Mini Calzones
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These mini calzones are simple to make with store-bought biscuit dough and only require 5 ingredients. In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a fun family meal where everyone can choose their own fillings.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Feta Cheese

    finished pasta with chicken and feta cheese
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Feta cheese gives this creamy pasta sauce a tasty kick. It's a simple way to elevate your dinner in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Taquitos

    AIR FRYER TAQUITOS.
    Photo credit: Emily Fabulous.

    Air Fryer Taquitos are simple to make and packed with flavor. Your family will enjoy them, and you can fill them with whatever you like.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Halloumi with Ratatouille

    Halloumi and ratatouille in a bowl.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This easy one-pot dish is great for hectic weeknights and is sure to be a family favorite. It's quick to prepare and will help you get dinner on the table in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Flautas

    Ground beef flautas.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These crunchy flautas are filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, and they come together in just half an hour. Pair them with a refreshing avocado cilantro sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Noodle Soup

    A bowl of chickpea noodle soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish uses easy-to-find ingredients and is full of comforting flavors that your family will love. It's a quick meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

    Get the recipe

    30 Minute Parmesan Chicken Casserole

    Parmesan chicken on a casserole dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Parmesan Chicken Casserole is a quick and tasty dinner that you can have on the table in just 30 minutes. It brings together the familiar flavors of chicken parmesan in an easy-to-make casserole.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This dish is easy to make, cheesy, and really delicious. It's just right for a cozy family dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings all the tasty flavors of tacos into one easy dish. Loaded with ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese, it's great for a quick family dinner or a potluck.

    Get the recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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