We can’t believe these 20 meals are made in 30 minutes

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Every meal here can be made in just 30 minutes, a fact that might surprise you. In our busy lives, cooking a good meal can seem too time-consuming. These 20 recipes change that. They’re not just quick. They’re designed to make the most of simple ingredients, so every meal is as good as it is easy to make. For anyone with a tight schedule or looking to cut down kitchen time, these dishes show that you don’t need hours to make a great meal — just the right recipe.

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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.

In just 30 minutes, you can cook up this ground beef, cheese, cauliflower, and mushrooms recipe. The beef is browned to perfection, then mixed with steamed cauliflower rice and melted cheese for a rich and hearty skillet meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Quickly put together a delicious meal with this cabbage and sausage combination, ready in less than 30 minutes. Sausage slices are sautéed with chopped cabbage, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and filling, all in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Need a fast meal? Try this spinach and chicken bake, ready in just 30 minutes. Layers of chicken are topped with cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella, then baked to create a creamy, comforting casserole.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This broccoli and cauliflower casserole, ready in 30 minutes, combines steamed vegetables with cheese and bacon. The result is a hearty, cheese-laden dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Dijon Chicken, a 30-minute dish, features chicken seasoned and cooked to perfection, then topped with a creamy mustard sauce. Fresh spinach and bacon add extra layers of flavor to this quick dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

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.

In just 30 minutes, this sheet pan dinner brings together roasted sausage and a variety of vegetables. It’s a straightforward way to get a full meal on the table quickly, with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Prepare this chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in 30 minutes for a quick and memorable meal. Tender chicken is smothered in a velvety mushroom sauce, creating a dish that’s both easy to make and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach dish, ready in 30 minutes, combines shrimp, garlic sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach. It’s an elegant yet easy dinner choice, perfect for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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 just half an hour, make this Cheesy Beef Casserole that combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. It’s a straightforward, hearty meal that comes together quickly for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garnished creamy garlic chicken over cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe involves cooking chicken with a rich garlic flavor, making it a great protein-rich dish that pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken in a sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 20 minutes, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick meal option. Bite-sized chicken pieces are cooked until tender and then coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce for a simple and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

A dish of cauliflower risotto with mushrooms with a fork.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms can be made in 30 minutes. It’s a creamy dish that combines the flavors of cauliflower with earthy mushrooms for a comforting and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Sausage Soup, ready in 30 minutes, combines Italian sausage with cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream. The result is a creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken in just 30 minutes. This one-pan dish features tender chicken thighs in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for a meal that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Make and enjoy this Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken in just 30 minutes. Seasoned chicken is topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, creating a dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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

In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. This dish includes tender chicken thighs in a creamy sauce, making it a protein-packed and straightforward meal to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Try this Fried Cabbage with Bacon for a quick 25-minute meal. This dish combines cabbage, bacon, and onion, creating a simple yet flavorful meal that’s great for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with 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.

These Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs can be made in 30 minutes. Ground turkey, coconut milk, and curry spices create a richly flavored dish that’s a great choice for a fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Easy keto cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Prepare this Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup in 30 minutes. This soup combines cauliflower, broth, and cheese, topped with bacon, for a comforting meal that’s both quick and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Bowl of creamy bacon asparagus pasta with a fork.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon is a flavorful and impressive 30-minute meal. Enjoy asparagus noodles topped with homemade Alfredo sauce and bacon crumbles for a memorable dinner that’s quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

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