Dinner in 30 minutes or less: 15 recipes that will make weeknights a breeze

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Weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. These 15 recipes prove that you can create delicious meals in 30 minutes or less, making your evenings much easier. Perfect for busy families or anyone with a packed schedule, these recipes are designed to minimize the time in the kitchen while maximizing flavor. Transform your weeknight meals into a hassle-free experience with these quick and easy options that will make weeknights a breeze.

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheeseburger Casserole

A top-down shot of Cheeseburger Casserole with pickles and cheese nearby.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When craving comfort but short on time, this is your go-to dinner. Cheeseburger Casserole transforms a classic burger into a one-dish meal that everyone around the table will dive into. It’s as easy as layering and baking, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ll be setting the table. All the flavor, none of the fuss, making your weeknight smoother.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For those evenings when you want a touch of special without the effort, fire up the grill. Midweek meals upgrade instantly with Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter, adding a punch of flavor in no time. This is about enjoying more than just a meal; it’s about the experience, quickly and deliciously. Serve up a dish that looks like you’ve been preparing all day, but only you need to know it was quick.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Coronation Chicken Salad

A pan of coronation chicken salad next to a plate of lettuce and tomatoes.
Coronation Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Refresh your dinner routine with a dish that is both light and quick to prepare. Coronation Chicken Salad offers a unique twist on traditional salads, making it ideal for busy evenings. It’s ready to eat in just 30 minutes, providing a perfect balance of flavors that light up your mealtime. Quick to prepare, this is weekday eating made easy and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Coronation Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Who says you can’t have a mini getaway on a weeknight? Bring the seaside to your kitchen with Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp, packed with flavors that are bright and filling. It’s all about less time cooking and more time enjoying, with dinner ready in a flash. Perfect when you want something nourishing yet quick, getting you back to your evening relaxation faster.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

A white plate with Montreal smoked meat hash on it.
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Busy nights call for hearty dishes that come together quickly. Pull out Montreal Smoked Meat Hash for a comforting meal that puts dinner on the table fast. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for when chilly nights hit and you need something substantial. Plus, it respects your time, letting you wind down while dinner cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving Italian but not the wait? Turn to Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe for a quick solution that brings everyone to the table. It’s a filling skillet meal that combines comforting flavors in no time. Pull this together for a last-minute dinner that feels thoughtfully prepared but is deceptively simple.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Lighten up your evening with a meal that’s as simple as it is quick. Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich can be your next weeknight favorite, combining classic flavors in a fresh, easy package. Grill, assemble and serve; it’s that quick, perfect for a hassle-free evening. This is your answer to a busy day when you still want a meal that feels special without all the effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a bed of rice in a black oval dish.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want something delicious that’s ready in a snap? Garlic Shrimp Scampi is your weeknight superstar, saving you time with a meal that cooks faster than you can set the table. Quick cooking means more time to enjoy with family, not to mention it’s a dish that everyone’s bound to love. Enjoy the burst of flavors in this simple yet fast recipe, ideal for a fuss-free night.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spice up your dinner landscape with something fast and hearty. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is quick to prepare, offering a rich and robust meal without hours in the kitchen. It’s great for those days when you want a flavorful dinner that doesn’t keep you standing over the stove. Quick, flavorful, and on your dinner table before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Keep things light and simple with a meal that speaks of sunny Mediterranean coasts. Enjoy Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp, which combines simplicity with quick preparation. It’s the kind of meal that fills you without weighing you down, available in just 30 minutes. This dinner option keeps your evening calm and enjoyable, effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re after something that warms and fills you up quickly, look no further. Corned Beef Hash Casserole brings homey comfort without the long waiting times. It’s a straightforward dish that’s ready before you know it, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd fast. A true weeknight winner, getting you from kitchen to dinner in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a little sophistication to your dinner table quickly and conveniently. Cooking with Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is as simple as it is rewarding, providing a gourmet meal in minutes. Impress with less effort and enjoy more downtime, thanks to this speedy cooking method. This dish marries convenience and elegance, offering a fast solution to dinner on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, all you need is a meal that brings simple ingredients together quickly. With Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish, you’re looking at minimal cooking for maximum flavor. Easy and quick, this dish is perfect for a no-fuss dinner that still feels complete. Wrap up your day with a meal that’s straightforward and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Blackstone Smash Burger

A burger held in two hands.
Blackstone Smash Burger. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who doesn’t love a good burger, especially when it’s this easy to make? Blackstone Smash Burger turns your average weekday into a burger bar sensation, all in under 30 minutes. It’s fun, fast, and foolproof, giving you more time to enjoy your evening. Grab this recipe when you’re craving a real crowd-pleaser that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mix up your typical dinner routine with a quick and flavorful twist. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are packed with flavor and can be ready in a flash, making them perfect for a busy night. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and a great way to spice up your mealtime. This dish is a surefire way to bring some excitement to your dinner table quickly and effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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