These 30-minute recipes have helped us cut down on ordering takeout

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Switching to 30-minute recipes has been a game-changer for us, seriously cutting down how much we order takeout. These 33 recipes are a perfect mix of quick, easy, and good food that fits into our busy lives. They’re about getting back to cooking without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s been a real shift, showing us that making a homemade meal fast is totally doable and definitely worth it.

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute recipe is perfect for nights when you’re tempted to order out. You’ll cook shrimp in a garlic sauce, adding grape tomatoes and spinach for a complete, easy meal. It’s quick, cooked in one pot, and gives you a great reason to skip the takeout and enjoy a homemade dinner instead.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Make a hearty chicken meal with a creamy mushroom sauce in just 30 minutes. This recipe is great for when you’re short on time but still want a filling dinner. It’s easy to make and goes well with any grain or veggies. A solid choice for an easy, homemade meal that’ll make you forget about takeout.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

End your takeout habit with these easy-to-make lemon garlic scallops. Ready in 30 minutes and needing just one pan, this dish turns scallops into a flavorful meal with a simple lemon garlic sauce. It’s the perfect quick, homemade dinner for when you want something special without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Italian sausage soup is your quick fix for a hearty meal, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a flavorful alternative to traditional tomato soup, enhanced with Italian sausage, Parmesan, and cream cheese. The creamy texture and refreshing tomatoes make it a hit for a cozy, filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Bowl of asparagus noodles with alfredo sauce and bacon with a fork.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Switch up your dinner routine with asparagus turned into noodles, tossed with Alfredo sauce and crispy bacon. This 30-minute meal is a creative, veggie-loaded alternative to traditional pasta, serving up a fresh, homemade option that’s far from your typical takeout fare.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and 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.

Spice up dinner with turkey meatballs in a Thai curry sauce, a meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy, flavorful choice that provides a nutritious and pleasant break from the usual, helping you to easily move past the temptation of takeout.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A dish of cheesy spinach casserole with a spoon.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute casserole combines chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. It’s a practical pick for any night, delivering a fast way to enjoy a homemade meal that keeps you away from ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Forget takeout and whip up these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in just 20 minutes. Juicy chicken cooked in a rich buttery garlic sauce, all in one skillet for easy cleanup. Serve with rice and veggies for a hearty meal, or over salad for something lighter. It’s a quick, flavorful option that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Combine steamed broccoli and cauliflower with a cheesy sauce and bacon, then bake until bubbly. Using frozen vegetables cuts down on prep and cleanup time, making this a simple, yet effective way to enjoy a homemade meal instead of reaching for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Switch up your fry game with these 25-minute Halloumi Fries. Made from a cheese that doesn’t lose its shape when heated, these fries are delicious and such a great side dish or appetizer. They’re fantastic on their own or paired with your favorite dip for a homemade alternative to takeout fries that’s quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Say goodbye to takeout with this creamy garlic chicken, ready in 30 minutes. Chicken breasts simmer in a white sauce with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and cream, creating a simple yet filling dish. Serve it with your go-to side for a quick dinner that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage meal is quicker than takeout, ready in 30 minutes with just cabbage, sausage, and onions. It’s simple, fast, and can be paired with any protein or side for a complete, filling dinner that’s effortlessly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a flavorful dinner fix, this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is ready in 30 minutes. It combines juicy chicken thighs with a rich sauce of heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning for a hearty meal that easily outdoes takeout.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Create this refreshing Cucumber and Onion Salad in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple mix of cucumbers and red onions in a creamy dill dressing, perfect as a light lunch or dinner side. This easy recipe is a great way to add a fresh, quick dish to your meal, cutting down on the temptation of ordering out.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

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

For a speedy takeout alternative, try this 30-minute Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken. It’s packed with the flavors of chicken, spices, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, all baked together for a delicious meal. Easy to make in one dish, it’s a delicious, hassle-free dinner that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken

Bell Pepper Sandwich

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

Swap out traditional buns for bell peppers and fill them with turkey, cream cheese, cucumbers, mashed avocado, cheese, stone-ground mustard, everything bagel seasoning, and bacon for a fresh, quick sandwich. Ready in 10 minutes, it’s the perfect fast fix for a sandwich craving without heading to a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This sheet pan dinner is your go-to for a quick, filling meal that beats takeout any night. Just toss everything on a pan, bake until everything’s perfectly cooked, and you’ve got a customizable, easy meal. Mix in any veggies you like for a dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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.

Ready in 30 minutes, this casserole is a mix of beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar, all baked together. It’s a fast, wholesome meal that’s a great alternative to takeout, delivering comfort and flavor without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get the rich taste of risotto without the usual hassle. This cauliflower risotto with mushrooms is easy, made in one pan, and ready in 30 minutes. It’s a comforting side that pairs well with many mains, simplifying your dinner prep.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Swap sub sandwich takeout for these cucumber boats filled with chicken, cheese, and bacon, seasoned with sea salt and pepper. They’re a quick, flavorful meal for busy days, providing a fresh spin on lunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Forget takeout with Creamy Dijon Chicken, ready in 30 minutes. This dish pairs seasoned chicken thighs with a Dijon mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon for a hearty, one-skillet meal. It’s an easy, delicious choice for weeknights, sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery whole roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute recipe transforms cauliflower into a buttery, roasted side dish. Simmered in chicken stock, then baked and broiled, it adds a flavorful addition to your dinner table effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Canned Chicken Patties

A plate with broccoli and chicken patties on it.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Break the dinner monotony with these 20-minute canned chicken patties. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these are versatile enough to pair with salads, serve as sandwiches, or enjoy solo. A quick solution for those nights when cooking seems like a hassle.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Mini spicy canned salmon patties in a serving bowl.
Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These mini spicy salmon patties, made with canned salmon and a kick of jalapeño and cayenne, are pan-fried to perfection. Served with lemon dill aioli, they’re a fantastic snack or party treat that’s easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Mini Spicy Canned Salmon Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon recipe is a straightforward, flavorful dish ready in less than 30 minutes. It combines simplicity and taste for a stress-free weeknight meal that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Green Chile Chicken

A skillet of green chile chicken with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken into this 20-minute Green Chile Chicken. A creamy, spicy mix of shredded chicken and green chilies makes for a flavor-packed, easy meal. It’s a great, hassle-free dish for those days when time is tight, but you still want something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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

Enjoy a dish of chicken thighs in a creamy artichoke sauce, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward yet impressive meal for family dinners or special nights in. A flavorful choice that proves homemade dinners can be easy and special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These 30-minute chicken nuggets, coated in crunchy pork rinds, are a homemade alternative to takeout. They’re baked to crispy perfection, making them a hit with both adults and kids. Serve with your favorite sides and dips for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Curb your takeout urge with this Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet, ready in 30 minutes. It combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheddar into a hearty, protein-packed meal. Perfect for quick dinners, it’s perfect for those just starting to cook or anyone in need of a speedy meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Zucchini Bites

A zucchini bite being dipped into a dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn zucchini into cheesy bites, mixed with Parmesan, cheddar, and Italian seasoning, for an easy 30-minute snack or side. They’re a delicious way to get more veggies into your meals, perfect for enjoying any time.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked sliced zucchini with parmesan on a white plate.
Baked Sliced Zucchini. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 20-minute baked zucchini, topped with Parmesan, is a simple yet appetizing side dish. It’s an excellent addition to any meal, delivering a quick way to bring flavor and crunch to your dinner table on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Curry salmon with coconut milk and bok choy in a bowl with a fork.
Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute Thai-inspired salmon curry, with coconut milk and veggies, is a comforting, flavorful meal. It’s a healthy, quick dish that’s perfect for when you want something light yet quenching, easily rivaling takeout options.
Get the Recipe: Curry Salmon with Coconut Milk and Bok Choy

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky sauce chicken, broccoli, and sesame seeds in a pot.
Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this sticky sauce chicken in less than 30 minutes for a quick, delicious dinner. Chicken in a tangy garlic and ginger sauce delivers a comforting meal on busy nights. Garnish with some sesame seeds and fresh herbs and serve alongside some steamed veggies for a complete meal, all made at home.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

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