30-Minute Meals to Get You Over That Wednesday Hump
Updated: Mar. 15, 2024
Quick dinners are a must for weeknights. Check out our favorite 30-minute meals that can help you get through hump day (and the rest of a long week, too).
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Skillet Mac & Cheese
This creamy mac ’n’ cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
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Tex-Mex Chicken Strips
I was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
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School-Night Sausage Stroganoff
I found this recipe in an old church cookbook about 25 years ago and tweaked it to fit my family's tastes. It's a savory, creamy dish that's quick to fix on a busy school night. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
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Mughali Chicken
I enjoy cooking for my family and try to incorporate healthy new foods into our menus. This authentic Indian dish is a favorite. —Aruna Kancharla, Bentonville, Arkansas
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Refried Bean Tostadas
For a change of pace, you can substitute purchased tostada shells for tortillas or add more lettuce and use taco salad shells. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Gnocchi with Spinach and Chicken Sausage
Dinner is easy when I can use ingredients typically found in my fridge and pantry. —Laura Miller, Lake Ann, Michigan
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Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
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Shrimp & Corn Stir-Fry
I make this seafood stir-fry at summer’s end when my garden is producing plenty of tomatoes, squash, garlic and corn. For a quick supper, we serve it over rice. —Lindsay Honn, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
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Bacon-Chicken Club Pizza
A chicken club pizza topped with lettuce, tomatoes and dressing? You’re in for a treat! Vegetables give the cheesy crust a cool crunch. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
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One-Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
When my garden basil goes nuts, I make pesto and keep it frozen in small containers for the right opportunity, like this saucy one-pot chicken pesto pasta recipe. —Kimberly Fenwick, Hobart, Indiana
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Weeknight Chicken Chop Suey
If you'd like a little extra crunch with this colorful chop suey, serve with chow mein noddles. —George Utley, South Hill, Virginia
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Pork Chops 'n' Pierogi
The Polish dumplings are traditionally served as a meal, with applesauce or sour cream. This meal in one is a different way to use pierogi. —Greta Igl, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
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Sausage-Topped White Pizza
I love cooking, and I learned from Nana and Mom. Pizza is easily one of my favorite dishes to prepare. I switched up this recipe to make it my own. —Tracy Brown, River Edge, New Jersey
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The Ultimate Fish Tacos
This recipe is my favorite meal to prepare. Adding my own personal touch to the marinade makes my fish tacos pop with flavor. I warm corn tortillas on the grill and add salsa, cilantro, purple cabbage and fresh squeezed lime. —Yvonne Molina, Moreno Valley, California
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Contest-Winning Thai Peanut Chicken
Here’s a colorful and comforting Thai peanut chicken stir-fry with just a touch of heat from crushed red pepper. If you want even more color, add frozen stir-fry veggies. —Lisa Erickson, Ripon, Wisconsin
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Tomato-Basil Baked Fish
This recipe works successfully with many kinds of fish, while the rest of the ingredients are things you’re likely to have on hand. Baked fish is so simple and so good for you. I make this often! —Annie Hicks, Zephyrhills, Florida
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California Burger Wraps
I love the way these fresh flavors blend. It's a snap to throw these wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa
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Tacos in a Bowl
This easy skillet dish offers a delicious use for leftover taco meat. Garnish it with sour cream and salsa for southwestern flavor. —Sue Schoening, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
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Cobb Salad Wraps
A homemade dressing lightens up these refreshing tortilla wraps. The avocado, bacon, blue cheese and tomato deliver the flavors I enjoy most while keeping me on my healthy eating plan. -Lynne Van Wagenen of Salt Lake City, Utah
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Maple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
My husband and I think this roasted pork tenderloin tastes like a fancy restaurant dish, but it couldn’t be simpler to make at home. The maple-mustard glaze makes it extra special. It's a modification of a recipe we first tasted at a friend's house. —Colleen Mercier, Salmon Arm, British Columbia.
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Turkey Biscuit Skillet
My mother always made this while I was growing up. Now I make it for my husband and kids. I cut the biscuits into smaller pieces so they will brown nicely on top. I also sometimes add mushrooms to this recipe because my family likes them so much. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
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Asian Turkey Lettuce Cups
Such a cool idea for a light lunch or even an appetizer simply served in small lettuce leaves. When I want to make it easier for my kids to eat, I mix it all up with shredded lettuce and serve in a bowl. —Diana Rios, Lytle, Texas
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Chicken Ranch Flatbreads
To get my son to try new things, I revamped this mini pizza. Mr. Picky ate it, so it’s definitely family-friendly, even for those with fussy tastes. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
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Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs
A fabulous sauce, green pepper and pineapple chunks transform premade meatballs into something special. Serving them over rice makes for a satisfying main dish. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
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Baked Chimichangas
My baked chimichanga recipe is healthier than a deep-fried version, but it's just as delicious. You can omit the chiles for less heat. —Angela Oelschlaeger, Tonganoxie, Kansas
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Greek Tortellini Skillet
Looking to please picky little palates? One tester loved this simple skillet entree so much, she made it at home for her 2-year-old daughter, who said "Mmm!" after every single bite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Barbecue Chicken Tostadas
Lots of my recipes (just like this one) start out as fun ways to use leftovers. My kids love tostadas, so this day-after-cookout dinner was a big hit. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
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One-Pan Chicken Rice Curry
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
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Easy Swedish Meatballs
This recipe relies on ingredients we always have on hand. While the tender homemade meatballs cook in the microwave, make your favorite noodles on the stovetop to get this saucy entree on the table in minutes. —Sheryl Ludeman, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Mini Mediterranean Pizza
I was on a mini pizza kick and had already served up Mexican and Italian variations, so I opted for a Mediterranean version and came up with these. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
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Thai Lime Shrimp & Noodles
The flavors just keep popping in this quick dinner! Use as much lime peel and chili paste as you like. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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Mahi Mahi & Veggie Skillet
Cooking mahi mahi with a mix of vegetables may seem complex, but I developed this skillet recipe to bring out the wow factor without the hassle and fuss. —Solomon Wang, Arlington, Texas
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Quick Tacos al Pastor
We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
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Beef & Bacon Gnocchi Skillet
This gnocchi dish tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. Go ahead and top it as you would a burger—with ketchup, mustard and pickles. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
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Cheesy Summer Squash Flatbreads
When you want a meatless meal with Mediterranean style, these flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
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Chorizo Burrito Bowls
I'm always on the hunt for fast and filling meals. Chicken sausage makes an awesome one-dish dinner by itself or served with brown rice in a burrito. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Skewerless Stovetop Kabobs
My family loves this quick and easy recipe so much, we never have any leftovers. It's also great on the grill. —Jennifer Mitchell, Altoona, Pennsylvania
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Grilled Pork Tenderloins
We do a lot of outdoor cooking during the summer months, and this grilled pork tenderloin recipe is one my entire family loves. —Betsy Carrington, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
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Chicken with Couscous
My sister shared this recipe, and it’s been a hit with me, my husband and our friends ever since. After working all day, I love that this dish is fast to prepare. Plus, it's irresistibly bright and delicious. —Shari Ruffalo, Watertown, New York
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Spaghetti & Meatball Skillet Supper
I developed this one-skillet spaghetti and meatball dish to cut down on cooking time on busy nights. The beans, artichokes and tomatoes bump up the nutrition factor, while the lemon and parsley make it pop with brightness. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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BLT Pizza
I use a prebaked crust and fixings from the much-loved BLT sandwich to create this fun variation. It's my family's favorite pizza. —Marilyn Ruggles, Lees Summit, Missouri
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Black Bean Bulgur Salad
The only cooking in this easy bulgur salad is heating the broth and bulgur. You can adapt the recipe to your preference; if you want to add chopped cooked chicken, use chicken broth in place of vegetable broth. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
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Creamy Pasta Primavera
This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Lemon Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers with tender chunks of chicken and garden-fresh veggies are easy to assemble and are always a hit at parties. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
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Thai Salmon Brown Rice Bowls
This speedy salmon recipe couldn't be any easier. The store-bought sesame ginger dressing saves time and adds extra flavor to this healthy dish. — Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
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Veggie Tacos
These vegetarian tacos are stuffed with a blend of sauteed cabbage, peppers and black beans so filling, you won't miss the meat. Top with avocado, cheese or a dollop of sour cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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One-Pot Dinner
Everyone comes back for seconds when I serve this well-seasoned skillet supper. I like the fact that it's on the table in just 30 minutes. —Bonnie Morrow, Spencerport, New York
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Teriyaki Glazed Chicken
I love to experiment with food. We're able to buy sweet onions grown on Maui, so I stir-fry them with chicken and carrots for a tasty teriyaki meal. —Kelly Brenneman, Riverdale, California
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Lemon-Dill Salmon Packets
Grilling in foil is an easy technique I use with foods that cook quickly, like fish, shrimp, bite-sized meats and fresh veggies. The options are endless—and the cleanup is easy. —A.J. Weinhold, McArthur, California
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Everything Bagel Chicken Strips
I love the flavor profile of everything bagels, so I re-created it with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite chicken finger dip. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
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Bavarian Apple-Sausage Hash
This awesome recipe reflects my German roots. In the cooler months, nothing is as comforting as a hearty hash. Serve this versatile recipe as a side dish at a holiday meal or as a brunch entree over cheddar grits or topped with a fried egg. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
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Easy Stuffed Poblanos
My partner adores these saucy stuffed peppers—and I love how quickly they come together. Top with low-fat sour cream and your favorite salsa. —Jean Erhardt, Portland, Oregon
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Easy Sweet and Spicy Chicken
Tangy pineapple and peppers, tender chicken and sweet marmalade make a delicious combo. The chili powder and picante sauce add zip. —Cassandra Corridon, Frederick, Maryland
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Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers
This is one of the most fantastic, flavorful burgers I've ever made. Ranch is a favorite in dips and dressings, and believe me, it doesn't disappoint in these burgers, either! —Kari Shifflett, Lake Mills, Iowa
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Tortellini with Asparagus & Lemon
This is a terrific warm-weather dish, loaded with fresh flavors. I make mine meatless, but some sliced grilled chicken on top would be awesome, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
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Smoked Sausage and Veggie Sheet-Pan Supper
This recipe is tasty and quick, and it can easily be doubled for last-minute dinner guests. Cook it in the oven or on the grill, and add the veggies of your choice. —Judy Batson, Tampa Florida
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Baked Tilapia
I've decided to cook healthier for my family, and that includes having more fish at home. After looking at easy tilapia recipes, I decided to try baked tilapia. I love that it's fast, too! —Hope Stewart, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice
My husband often ordered pineapple fried rice at Thai restaurants, so I surprised him by tweaking some similar recipes to come up with a version that's both simple and delicious. —Bonnie Brien, Pacific Grove, California
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Chicken Provolone
Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
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Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Fresh basil and dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively shrimp pesto pasta. — Gloria Jones Grenga, Newnan, Georgia
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Dinner in a Bag
I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Italian Sausage with Bow Ties
We often have our favorite pasta when company comes over, and I’ve shared this Italian sausage recipe several times. Now many of my friends make it for their families, too. —Janelle Moore, Auburn, Washington
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Hay and Straw
This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, it's pretty, too. This colorful pasta dish combines julienned ham, Parmesan cheese, peas and linguine.—Priscilla Weaver, Hagerstown, Maryland
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Skillet Chicken with Olives
While I was visiting my cousin Lilliana in Italy, she made this heavenly chicken for lunch. Now it's a family favorite stateside, too. —Rosemarie Pisano, Revere, Massachusetts
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Bacon and Spinach Pizza
Our go-to pizza is a snap to make using packaged pizza crust and ready-to-serve bacon. The kids don't even mind the spinach on top! —Annette Riva, Naperville, Illinois
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Skewerless Stovetop Kabobs
My family loves this quick and easy recipe so much, we never have any leftovers. It's also great on the grill. —Jennifer Mitchell, Altoona, Pennsylvania
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Black Bean & Sweet Potato Rice Bowls
I have three hungry boys in my house, so dinners need to be quick and filling, and it helps to get in some veggies, too. This one is a favorite because it's hearty and fun to tweak with different ingredients. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
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Favorite Skillet Lasagna
Whole wheat noodles and zucchini pump up nutrition in this delicious, family-friendly dinner. Topped with dollops of ricotta cheese, it has an extra touch of decadence. No one will believe this one’s lighter. —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah
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Easy Caribbean Chicken
This is a very simple recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients. Serve with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Use cubes of pork or even shrimp instead of the chicken. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Asian Chicken Dinner
This quick microwave dish for two is perfect for a busy day. Soy sauce and chicken broth bring out flavors of the chicken and veggies. —Carolyn Zimmerman, Fairbury, Illinois
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Honey Walleye
My state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so fishing is a favorite recreational activity here. This recipe is a quick way to prepare all the fresh walleye hooked by the anglers in my family. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota
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Quick Chili Mac
This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
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Summer Garden Pasta with Chicken Sausage
For a backyard bash, I do the busy work before the guests arrive so all I have to do is pour beverages, cook pasta and grill up the sausages. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, WAOriginally Published: March 02, 2020
