23 last-minute meals made in 30 minutes or less

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These 23 last-minute meals are made in 30 minutes or less. Whether you’re craving hearty casseroles, nourishing soups, easy one-skillet creations, or a convenient sheet pan dinner, you’ll find a variety of ideas to prepare tonight.

With these recipes, preparing a delicious and satisfying meal doesn’t have to mean sacrificing time. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to deliver maximum flavor in minimal time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on preparation time. So, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or are new to cooking and are just looking to whip up something quick and flavorful, these 23 recipes for last-minute meals have you covered.

A fork with cheesy broccoli on it being pulled up from a loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole.
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.

Prepare this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice in just 30 minutes. Combine ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a flavorful last-minute meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cook this Creamy Garlic Chicken hassle-free in one pan. Enjoy a flavorful dish in 30 minutes, perfect for a quick last-minute meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Indulge in this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, ready in 30 minutes. Steam broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and crispy bacon come together for a quick weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Make and enjoy this Cabbage and Sausage recipe in less than half an hour. It’s a convenient one-pan option for a last-minute dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Try this Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken for dinner tonight. In just 30 minutes, seasoned chicken topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and shredded mozzarella comes together for a hearty and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

Make these Canned Chicken Patties in 20 minutes. Serve them solo or in a sandwich for a quick and easy last-minute meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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.

Opt for this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner for a hassle-free meal. Roast sausage and veggies in just 30 minutes on a single pan to yield a filling meal that requires minimal after-dinner cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Whip up this recipe for Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts in 30 minutes. Enjoy tender chicken thighs coated in flavorful spices in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This Creamy Dijon Chicken is made in just 30 minutes. Seasoned chicken with dijon mustard sauce, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon result in a memorable meal choice that can be made surprisingly quickly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Enjoy this refreshing Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad in 30 minutes. It’s a balanced option with a dressing made with sour cream and mayo.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Cook this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce in 30 minutes. Savor succulent chicken with a velvety mushroom sauce for a quick and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Make this Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake in 30 minutes. Marinated chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach create a flavorful dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Prepare this Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach in 30 minutes. Shrimp, garlic sauce, grape tomatoes, and spinach make an elegant yet quick meal.
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.

Opt for this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Ready in 30 minutes, it combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Try this Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms for a creamy and flavorful dish in 30 minutes. It’s easy to make and is an impressive and quick dish.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cook this Fried Cabbage with Bacon in 25 minutes and enjoy the flavorful combination of cabbage, bacon, and onion.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

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

Whip up this Creamy Italian Sausage Soup in 30 minutes. Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream create a satisfying and filling meal option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy 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.

Indulge in this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken in 30 minutes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce come together perfectly for this easy-to-make meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Prepare this Sticky Sauce Chicken in 30 minutes. Enjoy chicken thighs coated in a sweet, tangy sauce for a protein-packed meal.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

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.

Enjoy this Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup in 30 minutes. Steamed cauliflower, chicken broth, butter, cream, and cheese come together in this comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Try these Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs in 30 minutes. Ground turkey, coconut milk, and curry spices offer rich flavor for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make and eat these Bell Pepper Sandwiches in 10 minutes. Substitute bread with bell peppers and fill them with ingredients like deli meat, bacon, and cucumbers for a unique meal option.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Make these Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon in 30 minutes. Asparagus is peeled into noodles and is served with homemade Alfredo sauce and bacon crumbles.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

1 thought on “23 last-minute meals made in 30 minutes or less”

  1. Your recipes sounds good and healthy. My daughter in law made up this dish of, sliced and chopped and zucchini put cherry tomatoes in it spices like oregano she put it in hamburger meat let it cook and it was delicious

    Reply

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