39 quick and irresistible dinners for your hectic schedule

Life’s busy, and you need meals that can keep up. These 39 irresistible dinners are ready in 30 minutes or less. Whatever you’re in the mood for we’ve got you covered—and you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds. — Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Hot honey chicken on a bed of rice. — Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Want something spicy and sweet? This Hot Honey Chicken is air fried to perfection, making it both crispy and juicy. It’s an irresistible combo that’ll have you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken

Reuben Pizza Rolls

Cheesy Reuben rollups with pastrami and Swiss cheese. — Reuben Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, you’ll love these pizza rolls. Just stuff, roll, and bake! It’s a creative twist that makes for a killer weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Pizza Rolls

Nacho Fries Supreme

Nacho fries covered with beans and cheese. — Nacho Fries Supreme. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who doesn’t love nachos and fries? Combine them and you’ve got a 30-minute meal that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Just layer and bake, and you’re set!
Get the Recipe: Nacho Fries Supreme

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil. — Instant Pot Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When you’re craving something warm and hearty, Instant Pot Minestrone Soup is your go-to. Packed with veggies and flavor, it’s a complete meal that you can put together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Forget takeout; this Mongolian Beef is ready in just 30 minutes and it’s incredible. The beef is tender and the sauce is just the right mix of sweet and salty. Perfect for when you want a flavorful dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Instant pot pulled chicken sliders on a cutting board. — Instant Pot BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This BBQ chicken is fall-apart tender and it’s ready in a flash thanks to the Instant Pot. Perfect for those nights when you need to get dinner on the table, like, yesterday.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Legs – Crispy Drumsticks

Four chicken drumsticks with parsley on a plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Legs – Crispy Drumsticks. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. These chicken legs are so good, you won’t believe they’re air-fried. Plus, they’re ready in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Legs – Crispy Drumsticks

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes. — Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Forget the separate pots and pans, this Taco Rice Skillet is a one-dish wonder. It’s everything you love about tacos but in a convenient rice dish.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Air Fryer Steak Bites

Air fried steak bites on a white plate. — Air Fryer Steak Bites. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Got a meat craving? These steak bites are juicy, flavorful, and ready in minutes. It’s the perfect quick protein fix.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites

French Bread Pizza

Pepperoni pizza on a plate next to a jar of the best pizza recipes. — French Bread Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn a loaf of French bread into a pizza party. Just slice, top, and bake. It’s a fun and easy dinner that everyone can customize.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza

Pork Kebobs

Three pork kabobs with pineapple on a wooden cutting board. — Pork Kebobs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These pork kebobs are a simple and tasty option that you can whip up in no time. Just skewer, grill, and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Pork Kebobs

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Three bacon wrapped hot dogs in buns topped with cheese and onions. — Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Talk about a flavor explosion! Wrap your hot dogs in bacon and pop them in the air fryer. You won’t regret it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Forget the delivery. This skillet pizza is crispy, cheesy, and you control the toppings. Plus, it’s ready in half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Fried chicken with lemon wedges on a plate. — Air Fryer Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Another win for the air fryer! These chicken thighs are cooked to perfection: crispy skin and tender meat. It’s a must-try for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Pork Medallions with Apples

Pork chops with apples and onions in a skillet. — Pork Medallions with Apples. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sweet apples and savory pork come together in this quick and delicious dish. It’s a balanced meal that screams comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Pork Medallions with Apples

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken drumsticks and thighs coated with BBQ sauce on a wooden cutting board with herbs. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Yep, another BBQ chicken, but this one’s air fried. It’s a quicker way to get that smoky flavor we all love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Fajita Burgers

A burger topped with peppers and onions with guacamole. — Fajita Burgers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Fajitas meet burgers in this epic mash-up. You get all the fajita flavors in a juicy burger that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Burgers

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

This isn’t your usual pork tenderloin. Air frying gives it a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Thai Red Curry Chicken

A plate of Thai chicken curry with rice and vegetables. — Thai Red Curry Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Want something exotic without the wait? This Thai Red Curry Chicken is packed with flavors and it’s ready in a jiffy.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Chicken

Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes

Kielbasa with Potatoes on a plate. — Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This dish is hearty and filling, thanks to the kielbasa and potatoes. And it’s all done in the air fryer, so cleanup’s a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes

Naan Pizza

No time to make pizza dough? No problem! Use naan as the base, add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got pizza in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizza

Italian Chicken Cutlets

These easy, crispy, savory Italian chicken cutlets are perfect for a weeknight! They’re ready in under 30 minutes and the whole family will love them.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Cutlets

Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

This southwestern inspired ground beef and sweet potato skillet is an easy one-pan meal everyone will love. This recipe works great for meal-prepping, the leftovers are delicious!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet

Caprese Panini

This simple caprese panini takes classic Italian flavors and melds them into a delicious and simple sandwich filled with melty cheese and layers of comfort. It’s sure to be a go to when you want something “fancy” that takes just a few minutes to whip together.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini

Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

Mexican Chicken and Rice in a red bowl, topped with avocado slices. — Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

This is a great meal for families! Try 15 Minute Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice tonight and wow the family!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

Kung Pao Chicken

This kung pao chicken is just like what you get at your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant. Tender bits of chicken, crunchy peanuts, a salty-sweet sauce, and a hit of spice all come together to make one delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a delicious one-pan skillet dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The boneless skinless chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that is made with ingredients like heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Miso Glazed Salmon

Miso Glazed Salmon has only a few ingredients, but it is big on taste. And it takes just minutes to prepare!
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Indulge in the flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak with this easy 30-minute casserole. Savory beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and melted cheese come together for a satisfying and cheesy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

Tomato Basil Bisque

Experience the comforting harmony of tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil in this rich and velvety Tomato Basil Bisque. This classic soup is a delightful blend of flavors, offering a warm and satisfying dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Chicken Fried Rice

Ready in a jiffy, turn humble rice into a show-stopping meal in no time! Made with common ingredients, the garlic and ginger in this recipe really shine, along side tender chuncks of chicken. Its a meal in one dish!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Turkey Smash Burgers

A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile. — Turkey Smash Burgers. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this delicious turkey smash burgers recipe is the best you’ve ever tasted. Turkey patties are smashed onto a hot cast iron skillet to produce a caramelized exterior that’s crisp, savory, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Smash Burgers

Cabbage and Sausage

This Cabbage and Sausage is a one-pan recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes and yields a delicious and filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Baja Fish Tacos

Fresh, flavorful, and with big, bold spices, Baja Fish Tacos are perfect for Taco Tuesday – or any day of the week! They’re so quick and easy to make, and they’re bursting with fresh flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This easy Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe comes together in a snap when you make it with pantry staples, frozen foods and leftover chicken. It’s a great soup for busy weeknights or to reheat for quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Shaved Beef Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate. — Shaved Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thinly sliced shaved beef is perfect for a quick stir-fry dinner you can make in minutes including a crave-worthy sauce that rivals any takeout order.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef Stir Fry

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This quick and easy chicken bacon ranch casserole is ready in just 30 minutes. Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch flavor, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Cuban Casserole

Cubano Casserole in a square baking dish. — Cuban Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Packed with flavor and all the deliciousness of a Cubano sandwich, this Cuban Casserole is about as good as meaty keto casseroles can get!
Get the Recipe: Cuban Casserole

Spaghetti and Meatballs Soup

Spaghetti and meatballs becomes even cozier when it’s made into soup. This 30-minute dinner idea takes pasta night to new heights.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs Soup