27 easy meals that are ready in just 30 minutes

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Looking for meals that are ready in just 30 minutes? You’ve hit the jackpot. These 27 recipes are super easy to make and perfect for those times when you want great food without the wait. We’re keeping it simple so you can get in, get out, and get eating. Whether it’s dinner for one or feeding the family, these quick dishes are sure to hit the spot fast.

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This sheet pan dinner is your shortcut to a quick, hearty meal. Toss your favorite sausages and veggies on a pan, bake, and you’ve got dinner ready in no time. It’s an easy way to get a good meal on the table without the extra effort or a call for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this Italian sausage soup in 30 minutes and forget about ordering out. It packs a punch with Italian sausage, Parmesan, and cream cheese, turning the idea of a cozy dinner at home into something to get excited about. Quick, easy, and way better than your average takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is a 30-minute meal that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. With chicken, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella all baked in one dish, it’s a great homemade alternative to takeout. Easy and a hit for dinner, it makes choosing to cook at home easy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 20 minutes, these garlic butter chicken bites are a quick win. Cook them in one skillet and serve with whatever you’ve got—rice, veggies, salad. It’s the perfect answer to the what’s-for-dinner question, making takeout seem like the slower option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking pan.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole is a no-brainer: broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, baked till bubbly. It’s quick, especially with frozen veggies, and it’s a solid choice for a homemade meal that feels effortless. Makes ditching the takeout menu pretty easy.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute creamy garlic chicken is a solid reason to pass on ordering out. Chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce with Parmesan, garlic, and cream make for a dish that’s simple but packed with flavor. Pair it with whatever side you like for a quick meal that’ll make everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get a full meal on the table in less time than it takes to get takeout with this Cabbage and Sausage recipe. It’s straightforward – just cabbage, sausage, and onions, cooked up quickly. It’s easy to pair with any protein or side for a no-stress dinner that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A dish of cheesy spinach casserole with a spoon.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken and spinach bake comes together in 30 minutes and is as easy as it gets. Throw chicken, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a dish, bake, and voila — a comforting meal that beats any takeout option. Great for busy nights when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this Cucumber and Onion Salad in just 30 minutes for a refreshing addition to any meal. It’s cucumbers and red onions in a creamy dill dressing, making for a light lunch or dinner side. This quick, easy salad is a great homemade option to keep you away from the takeout menu.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 10 minutes, this Bell Pepper Sandwich swaps out traditional buns for bell peppers, filled with turkey, cream cheese, cucumbers, avocado, cheese, mustard, everything bagel seasoning, and bacon. It’s a quick, fresh option for anyone looking to switch up their sandwich game without heading out to eat.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute recipe turns a simple evening into a no-takeout night. Cook shrimp, grape tomatoes, and spinach in a savory garlic sauce, all in one pot. It’s quick, easy, and gives you a good reason to make dinner at home. Perfect for when you want a great meal without the wait or the hassle of multiple dishes.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken dish is a flavor-packed choice for dinner. With chicken thighs, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, it’s a rich meal that beats out takeout any day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Bowl of asparagus noodles with alfredo sauce and bacon with a fork.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get this: asparagus noodles, Alfredo sauce, and crispy bacon, all done in 30 minutes. It’s a fun take on dinner that brings something new to the table without any hassle. Skip the takeout and dive into this veggie-heavy, homemade dish that’s as quick as it is good.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s how to spice up your dinner in 30 minutes: Thai turkey meatballs in coconut curry sauce. It’s straightforward, packs loads of flavor, and keeps things interesting at the dinner table. Perfect for nights when you’re tempted to order in but want something healthier and just as fast.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, you can have a chicken meal that’s covered in a creamy mushroom sauce and forget about ordering food. It’s a great pick for busy nights when you still want a hearty dinner. Easy to cook and good with any side of grain or veggies, this dish shows you can make a good meal at home faster than delivery.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Kick the takeout habit with these lemon garlic scallops, ready in 30 minutes with just one pan. This recipe is your go-to for turning scallops into a great meal with minimal effort. It’s the perfect way to have a special dinner at home without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Beat the takeout blues with this 30-minute Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. A mix of ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar creates a hearty dish that’s both rich and packed with protein. Perfect for those looking for quick, delicious dinner options, it’s easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to please anyone.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 30 minutes, this casserole mixes beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar for a quick meal. It’s a straightforward way to get a comforting and good meal on the table, proving that homemade can be fast and better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes and made in one pan, this Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is your go-to for a quick side that pairs well with many main dishes. It brings a cozy taste to your table without the long prep time of traditional risotto, simplifying your dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Choose these cucumber boats filled with chicken, cheese, and bacon for a quick meal. They’re a fresh and fast choice for busy days, providing a good alternative to the usual lunch or light dinner options.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Opt for Creamy Dijon Chicken, a 30-minute meal that mixes chicken thighs with a Dijon mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon, all in one skillet. It’s a quick, good pick for weeknight dinners, making it easy to please the family without resorting to takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those evenings when takeout seems like the only option, these 20-minute canned chicken patties come to the rescue. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re perfect with salads, as sandwiches, or on their own. It’s a quick solution for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Opt for this Fried Cabbage with Bacon recipe as a quick, flavor-packed alternative to takeout, ready in less than 30 minutes. Combining the ease of cooking cabbage with the rich taste of bacon, it’s a great choice for an effortless homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Green Chile Chicken

A skillet of green chile chicken with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 20-minute Green Chile Chicken is a fantastic way to turn leftover chicken into a meal that’s quick and full of flavor. It’s an excellent choice for those nights when time is tight, but you’re still wanting something homemade and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Chicken thighs in cream sauce with artichoke hearts in a pan with a spoon.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, these creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts are a deliciously quick option for dinner. It’s an easy yet impressive dish for any occasion, providing a homemade alternative to takeout that’s full of flavor and easy to put together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy homemade Keto Chicken Nuggets, coated in pork rinds for that perfect crunch. Baked until crispy, these nuggets are a crowd-pleaser and a healthier alternative to takeout. Pair them with your favorite sides and dips for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

Three muffins on a white plate with green onions.
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are perfect for meal prepping and come together in only 30 minutes. They are customizable, high in protein, surprisingly filling, and delicious. Make them for breakfasts or even prep them in advance for workday lunches.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins

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