When there are a lot of people in your crew and you need a dinner that can feed EVERYONE, turn to these easy recipes.
30-Minute Dinners for Big Families
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
1/43
Beef Skillet Supper
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes I'll make extra of this comforting, noodle-y supper to guarantee leftovers. It's a great take-along dish for work or school. Trim calories from the entree by substituting ground turkey for the beef and low-fat cheese for the full-fat cheddar. —Tabitha Allen, Cypress, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 368 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
2/43
Meatball Pizza
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 320 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
3/43
Tangy Turkey Tostadas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a health fitness specialist and personal trainer, so I know how important it is to make smart food choices to fuel my day. These fast and filling tostadas are packed with lean protein, fiber and a good dose of veggies. Have them any night of the week. —Julie Huntington, Memphis, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 356 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
4/43
Haystack Meal
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Served as the main dish at our family reunion buffet, this flavorful layered taco-style dish was a true crowd-pleaser. Folks were pleasantly surprised to find a rice layer, and everyone enjoys the creamy cheese sauce. —Jill Steiner, Hancock, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 888 calories, 55g fat (24g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1746mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
5/43
Fiesta Turkey Tortilla Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always thankful when I can pull such a delicious soup together in under 30 minutes. —Amy McFadden, Chelsea, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without additional salsa): 203 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 1264mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
6/43
Pizza Ring
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom made a ring with chicken and broccoli one night. I said I’d rather have pizza. That’s how this recipe was born! —Tricia Richardson, Springdale, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces with 2 tablespoons pizza sauce: 214 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
7/43
Pulled Pork Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 428 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
8/43
Italian Joes on Texas Toast
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is toasty-good for a weeknight on the go. If you double the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, meat and wine, you'll have enough sauce to freeze. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 open-faced sandwich: 353 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
9/43
Gingered Spaghetti Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love this chilled chicken salad brimming with colorful veggies. Make it meatless by omitting the chicken and tossing in more edamame. —Cindy Heinbaugh, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 355 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 26g protein.
10/43
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 218 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 980mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
11/43
Bistro Mac & Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this mac & cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It's a satisfying meal that feels upscale, but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 468 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
12/43
Herbed Artichoke Cheese Tortellini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavor-packed meatless recipe features tomatoes, black olives and artichoke hearts tossed with tender cheese tortellini. —Karen Anzelc, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 474 calories, 28g fat (7g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 975mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
13/43
Hay and Straw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 410 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
14/43
Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband’s grandmother made this soup with her own homemade sausage and tortellini. We don’t make those ingredients these days, but we’re so happy to have the passed-down recipe—this version is almost as good as hers. It's also an excellent way to get the kids to eat spinach! —Joyce Lulewicz, Brunswick, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 354 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
15/43
Chimichurri Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked steak with 3 tablespoons sauce: 336 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 462mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
16/43
Texas Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe by combining a bunch of taco ingredients that my kids like. Once it’s ready, I often keep the beef mixture warm in a slow cooker so the kids can quickly fill taco shells after an afternoon of rigorous soccer practice. —Susan Scully, Mason, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 294 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
17/43
Rosemary Garlic Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Delicate shrimp take on fabulous flavor when simmered in a chicken broth mixed with garlic and ripe olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 110 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
18/43
Grilled Pork with Pear Salsa
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband, Dave, and I have been in a dinner group with three other couples for a few years. We often share our recipes. This grilled pork was served by one of the couples, and I decided to "pear" it with this fabulous salsa. —Suzan Ward, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1/2 cup salsa: 214 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit, 1/2 fat.
19/43
Wasabi Beef Fajitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beef fajitas get an eastern spin with gingerroot, sesame oil and wasabi, a type of Japanese horseradish. You can find it in the Asian section at your supermarket. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 287 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
20/43
Feta Steak Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love tacos, and came up with this version to make them with Mediterranean flavors as opposed to Mexican. They went over big with my family!—Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco with 1 tablespoon yogurt mixture: 317 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
21/43
Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
22/43
Potato Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 250 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
23/43
Blush Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 335 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
24/43
Ravioli with Snap Peas & Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Topped with the toasty texture and flavor of hazelnuts, this pasta makes an easy, earthy weeknight dinner. I serve it with an herb and lettuce salad and white wine. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 347 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
25/43
Chicken Cheese Strata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The spices in this simple strata with chicken, broccoli and cheese offer an extra special taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 570 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1282mg sodium, 77g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
26/43
One-Pot Chilighetti
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grab your stockpot for my meal-in-one chili and spaghetti. I’ve got a large family, and this hearty pasta takes care of everybody. —Jennifer Trenhaile, Emerson, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without sour cream and cheese): 508 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 32g protein.
27/43
Shrimp Fried Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can't get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 332 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 236mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
28/43
Chili Beef Noodle Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe. My husband likes the hearty blend of beef, onion and tomatoes. I like it because I can get it to the table so quickly. —Deborah Elliott, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
29/43
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were first married and poor college students, I found this sloppy joe recipe and tweaked it. The fresh bell peppers give it a wonderful flavor. —Kallee Twiner, Maryville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 251 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
30/43
Pork Chili
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband usually tries to avoid spending time in the kitchen, but he'll frequently offer to prepare this easy chili. Of course, he always eagerly serves as taste tester! —Linda Temple, St. Joseph, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 208 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
31/43
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 35g fat (22g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
32/43
Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed squash half: 275 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
33/43
Chili Dog Pizza
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 404 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 1113mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
34/43
Corn, Rice & Bean Burritos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will miss the meat when you dish up these satisfying burritos bursting with a fresh-tasting filling. They’re fast to fix and won’t put a dent in your wallet. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito with 1 tablespoon salsa: 326 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
35/43
Sausage and Mushroom Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In Rome, we dined near the Pantheon. The amazing restaurant is now history, but its memory lives on in this tasty pasta with mushrooms and sausage. —Barbara Roozrokh, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup meat mixture with 1 cup pasta: 570 calories, 37g fat (19g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
36/43
Muffuletta Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe when she learned that I love muffuletta sandwiches. Very rich and filling, this easy skillet supper goes together quickly on a busy weeknight. Serve with some cheesy garlic bread. —Jan Hollingsworth, Houston, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 739 calories, 48g fat (21g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 1638mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
37/43
Vegan Burritos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 345 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein.
38/43
Fire-Roasted Ziti with Sausage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We punch up our pasta with smoked sausage and fire-roasted tomato sauce. It's an easy recipe to switch up—use whatever noodles and spaghetti sauce are in your pantry. —Jean Komlos, Plymouth, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without optional toppings): 463 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 1634mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
39/43
Veggie Fajitas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 fajitas
From the Recipe Creator:
For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with crisp-tender vegetables are perfect. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 375 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
40/43
Pizza-Flavored Pasta Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been cooking since I was 6 years old and I’m always watching for recipes my friends and family will love. So when I tasted an unforgettable spaghetti sauce at a local restaurant, I just had to make my own version. —Angelina Falzarano, Midlothian, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without pasta): 200 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 934mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
41/43
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 431 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 752mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
42/43
Penne Gorgonzola with Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich, creamy pasta dish is a snap to throw together for a weeknight meal but special enough for company. You can substitute another cheese for the Gorgonzola if you like. —George Schroeder, Port Murray, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 489 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
43/43
Brief Burritos
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With three children in school, evenings are often hectic and short on time—especially during the holiday season. I can put this dish together after school and still have time to run back to town for evening activities. Best of all, the kids love it. —Ginger Burow, Fredericksburg, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 430 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1022mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
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