78 Contest-Winning Dinners That Are Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet

I’m the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

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Bean Burritos

I always have the ingredients for this cheesy bean burrito recipe on hand. Cooking the rice and shredding the cheese the night before save precious minutes at dinnertime. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee

Asian Noodle & Beef Salad

My Asian-inspired pasta salad is crunchy, tangy and light. If you have fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro, on hand, add them to the mix. —Kelsey Casselbury, Odenton, Maryland

Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod

I love to make this fusion meal on weeknights when I am short on time but want something big in flavor. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Blue Plate Beef Patties

A friend and I discovered this recipe together and both consider it a staple menu item. I fix the moist ground beef patties often for family and friends. We love them with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and the gravy, which gets great flavor from fresh mushrooms. —Phyllis Miller, Danville, Indiana

Chicken Rice Bowl

This chicken rice bowl recipe is so simple to toss together on a busy weeknight, and I usually have the ingredients already on hand. I start sauteing the onion and pepper first, then I prepare the instant rice. If you like, top it with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese. —Tammy Daniels, Batavia, Ohio

Loaded Mexican Pizza

My husband is a picky eater, but this healthy Mexican-style pizza has lots of flavor, and he actually looks forward to it. Leftovers are no problem, because this meal tastes better the next day. —Mary Barker, Knoxville, Tennessee

Homemade Chicken Potpie

Why look for potpie in the frozen food aisle when this simple version tastes much better? The chicken pot pie’s crust is so tender and flaky, and underneath you’ll find the ultimate comfort food for kids and adults. —Amy Briggs, Gove, Kansas.

Scrum-Delicious Burgers

I'm not sure where this recipe originated, but it's one of my family's summertime favorites. I usually serve these juicy mushroom burgers when we have company. The guests rave about the flavorful cheesy topping. It's fun to serve a burger that's a little more special. —Wendy Sommers, West Chicago, Illinois

Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts

These open-faced steak sandwiches play up the popular combo of steak and garlic bread. The salsa, sour cream and garnish elevate it into quick, satisfying meal. Substitute chopped green onions or chives for the cilantro if desired. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower “Rice”

I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado

Sausage-Tomato Coconut Curry

Made in one pan, this tasty recipe can be altered to fit vegetarian diets. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

Easy yet elegant, chicken with mushroom sauce begs to be made on a cozy autumn evening. Serve over a bed of potatoes or polenta to soak up all the yummy sauce.

Skillet Tacos

This fast and healthy alternative to traditional tacos has a delicious southwestern flair. The fact that is comes together in just 30 minutes makes it even more irresistible. —Maria Gobel, Greenfield, Wisconsin

Cashew Chicken with Noodles

I tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It’s quick and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia

Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers

My husband and I entertain a lot in summer, and this has quickly become the most-requested dish. I usually serve it with Mexican rice and a tossed salad.

Mongolian Beef

My family—including my husband, who is truly a meat-and-potatoes guy—just loves this meal-in-one option. The dish uses inexpensive ingredients to offer big flavor in a small amount of time. —Heather Blum, Coleman, Wisconsin

Seared Scallops

This scallops recipe has everything you need to give these tender mollusks a golden sear. Serve them solo or with a tangle of buttery pasta for a delightful and effortless dinner.

Turkey Meatballs

We make our turkey meatballs with spinach to ensure they turn out tender, juicy and moist. They freeze beautifully, so don’t be afraid to make a double (or triple) batch.

Cilantro Lime Shrimp

A quick garlicky lime marinade works magic on these juicy shrimp. They come off the grill with huge flavors perfect for your next cookout. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California

Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice

I like the challenge of inventing recipes with ingredients I have on hand. This weeknight meal fits the bill. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia

Nectarine Chicken Salad

When guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I've passed it on many times.

Cola Burgers

A friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. -Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania

Fried Lemon Fish

This fried lemon fish is savory, crispy, a little bit sweet and full of lemon flavor. If you're craving something fried for dinner, give this recipe a try.

Almond-Crusted Chops with Cider Sauce

I use finely ground almonds to give pork chops a crunchy crust. The cider sauce makes them tangy, creamy and sweet. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois

Chimichurri Steak

This flavorful chimichurri steak recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. Spoon the bright, zesty, herbaceous sauce over any type of grilled steak, like flat iron, top sirloin, ribeye, flank or skirt steak.

Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Fresh flavor with a flair describes this quick recipe. Fajitas are just right for hot summer evenings when you want to serve something fun and tasty, yet keep cooking to a minimum. Try topping them with sour cream, guacamole or both. —Lindsay St. John, Plainfield, Indiana

Pork Chops and Noodles

Indulge in the comforting flavors of tender pork chops smothered in a tangy mustard sauce, served over creamy egg noodles. This hearty dish, inspired by classic European cuisine, is a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Lemon-Butter Tilapia with Almonds

Sometimes I want a nice meal without a ton of effort or wait time. Thankfully, I have this lemony, buttery fish that's super fast and totally tasty. —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia

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

Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken

My husband and children love this tender chicken with its spicy sauce. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give the dish some kick. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona

No-Fuss Pork Chops

These tender chops taste like sweet-and-sour pork but require little attention or time. I prepare them year-round, whenever I'm on a tight schedule but still want something scrumptious. —Sally Jones, Lancaster, New Hampshire

Grilled Pineapple Chimichurri Chicken

Classic chimichurri gets a Hawaiian twist thanks to pineapple and macadamia nuts. For a spicier version, substitute red serrano pepper for the bell pepper. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Sage Pork Chops with Cider Pan Gravy

A creamy sauce flavored with apple cider and sage makes for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. If you'd like, serve these lightly seasoned chops with couscous, rice or noodles. —Erica Wilson, Beverly, Massachusetts

Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad

I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah

Herb & Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

Tired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

Steak and Portobello Mushrooms

Steak and portobello mushrooms is a dish inspired by French cuisine, which is known for its rich, yet simple flavors. While this dish looks and tastes gourmet, it takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

Caesar Chicken with Feta

My tomatoey chicken is the perfect answer on those crazy days when supper has to be on the table in 30 minutes, tops (doesn't hurt that it's delicious, too). —Denise Chelpka, Phoenix, Arizona

Reuben Pizza

This one will definitely be a hit on pizza night! Reuben pizza captures all the meaty, cheesy, tangy flavors of your favorite sandwich—just in pizza form.

Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard Sauce

This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Balsamic Pork Chops

Rich pork pairs well with tangy sauces and these balsamic pork chops are a slam-dunk. The balsamic-and-honey glaze comes together quickly, and it's pure magic on thick-cut pork loin chops.

Sausage Bow Tie Pasta

This easy sausage bow tie pasta recipe is fantastic for busy weeknights. Whip it together with simple but tasty ingredients, and it will feed the whole family in just a few simple steps.

BLT Chicken Salad

Featuring all the fun fixings for a BLT chicken sandwich, this salad is so lovable. I can prep the ingredients ahead of time and just throw it together at the last minute. Barbecue sauce in the dressing gives it unexpected flavor. Even picky eaters love my chicken salads. —Cindy Moore, Mooresville, North Carolina

Chipotle Citrus-Glazed Turkey Tenderloins

This simple skillet recipe makes it possible to cook turkey on a weeknight. The combination of sweet, spicy and smoky flavors from orange, peppers and molasses is amazing.—Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

Tilapia with Corn Salsa

My family loves fish, and this quick and tasty dish is very popular at my house. Though it tastes like it takes a long time, it cooks in minutes under the broiler. We enjoy it with lemon wedges with couscous on the side. —Brenda Coffey, Singer Island, Florida

Prosciutto-Pepper Pork Chops

Here’s a dish that’s simple, fast and most importantly, delicious. Serve these prosciutto-stuffed pork chops with pasta salad for a satisfying meal. —Donna Prisco, Randolph, New Jersey

North Carolina Shrimp Saute

Seafood is very popular in my state. I altered this recipe several times and now it's truly a family favorite. —Teresa Hildreth, Stoneville, North Carolina

Smothered Chicken Breasts

After trying a similar chicken dish in a restaurant, I decided to re-create it at home. Topped with bacon, caramelized onions and shredded cheese, this savory dish comes together in no time, and uses ingredients that I usually have on hand. And since it cooks in one skillet, it’s a cinch to clean up! —Brenda Carpenter, Warrensburg, Missouri

Vegetarian Linguine

Looking for a tasty alternative to a meat-and-potatoes meal? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs meal that includes loads of fresh veggies as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida

Spicy Mac and Cheese

The heat in our spicy mac and cheese comes from Cajun seasoning, pepper jack cheese and chopped jalapeno. To turn things up a notch, add hot sauce to the bechamel!

Springtime Penne

With ham, asparagus, onion and pasta in a creamy sauce, this stovetop supper is tasty enough for even your pickiest guests. It's great with penne, but you can also try it with mostaccioli or another type of pasta.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli

If chicken cordon bleu and stromboli had a baby, this would be it. Serve with jarred Alfredo sauce, homemade Alfredo sauce or classic Mornay sauce on the side if desired. —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

Asian Long Noodle Soup

This flavorful soup is perfect for when you want something warm and filling in a hurry. If you can't find long noodles, angel hair pasta is a good substitute. —Carol Emerson, Aransas Pass, Texas

Grilled Ham Burgers

My family loves my ham loaf, so I decided to make the ham loaf mixture into patties and grill them—it was an instant hit. Adding the arugula gives these burgers a peppery bite and honey mustard dressing adds just the right sweet and sour flavor. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Spicy Sweet Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

I wanted to find a way to use pineapple salsa in a recipe. I came up with this super simple, delicious and quick dish! —Erin Schillo, Northfield, Ohio

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it's love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

Southwest-Style Wedding Soup

I turned leftover ground chicken into meatballs and dreamed up this cozy southwestern soup. Now my Italian family asks for it over traditional wedding soup. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Ham & Swiss Baked Penne

As a kid I loved to the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa

Southwestern Pork Salad

As pork producers, we’re proud to cook and serve the delicious product we raise. This tempting salad is refreshing and colorful. It’s a succulent showcase for pork. I know your family will enjoy this easy dinner idea as much as we do. —Sue Cunningham, Prospect, Ohio

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

Fajita-Style Shrimp and Grits

I combined two of my favorite dishes—fajitas and shrimp with cheesy grits—into this spicy one-dish meal. For more heat, use pepper jack cheese instead of a Mexican cheese blend. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Asian Turkey Burger with Apple Slaw

I wanted to make turkey burgers a lot more fun. On a whim, I added hoisin sauce, gingerroot and garlic. Now we eat them about once a week. —Ashley Gayle, Ellicott City, Maryland

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

Shortcut Sausage Jambalaya

Secret ingredient alert: A pinch of coffee crystals gives my jambalaya its roasty, toasty flavor. This quick dinner is one of my husband’s top picks. —Betty Henagin, Medford, Oregon

Summer Chicken Macaroni Salad

Sure, you have a macaroni salad recipe, but do you have a chicken macaroni salad? This one's filled with bright, fresh flavors, and it's hearty enough to stand on its own as a light meal.

Dilly Turkey Melt

This is a hearty grilled sandwich with a distinctive and delicious combination of ingredients. The pickle slices add a bit of fun, and the barbecue sauce provides a hint of sweetness that's irresistible. —Henry Mujica, North Riverside, Illinois

Minestrone with Turkey

I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii

Pork with Mustard Sauce

Back when I was a girl, I couldn't wait until I was grown up and could start cooking for my own family! Now that I am, I really enjoy using pork. The tender meat and the rich mustard sauce in this recipe are delectable together. —Irma Pomeroy, Enfield, Connecticut

Feta Shrimp Tacos

A unique combination of taco seasoning and feta cheese works remarkably well in these refreshing tacos. It’s a goodthing you get two per serving, because you won’t want to stop at one! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina

Italian Steak Sandwiches

My sister came up with these quick sandwiches that use minced garlic and other seasonings to bring pizzazz to deli roast beef. Add some carrot sticks or a tomato salad for a fantastic lunch in no time. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts

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

Thai-Style Cobb Salad

This veggie salad is like a mix of Cobb salad and my favorite summer rolls. If you have leftover chicken, toss it in. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Caribbean Potato Soup

My bright and hearty soup features an unusual blend of ingredients, including okra, kale and black-eyed peas. No kale on hand? Use spinach instead. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Smoked Mozzarella Chicken with Pasta

Take an ordinary chicken breast into wow territory with just a few extra ingredients. Use prosciutto instead of ham to make the dish extra smoky. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Easy Crab Cakes

Just a few ingredients, including already-cleaned fresh or frozen crabmeat, make these easy crab cakes something you can throw together any day of the week.

Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa

My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to use. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan

Garlic Bread Tuna Melts

There's something extra comforting about a tuna melt on a chilly day. Take it up a few notches with garlic, cheese and tomatoes. —Aimee Bachmann, Bellevue, Washington