20 Meals Under 30 Minutes
As someone who enjoys staying busy and occupying my time, sometimes that means that I don’t set time to cook a complicated or time-consuming meal. To be completely honest, sometimes, I simply don’t want to! Now, I do not have children but I do know that all of you amazing and BUSY parents don’t always have the option to make a long and complicated meal. Sometimes, doing less IS more because making sure that you and your family are fed is so much more important than making something extravagant.
However, there are ways to bring a little elegance and creativity into a time-crunch meal! In this article, I wanted to share with you my favorite time-crunch meals that are not only efficient, but DELICIOUS! Follow along with me as I was you through my favorite meals in under 30 minutes. There is something for everyone in Emy’s Kitchen.
- Grilled Cheese!
Okay, I know that this seems like such a simple and easy idea that maybe you already thought of, but this is one of my FAVORITE go-to meals when im short on time. There are so many variations and ways to make this grilled sandwich exactly what hits the spot!
When I was younger, my mom gave us stars for being the best at something every week. Well, my sister absolutely deserved her star for the BEST grilled cheese! Luckily enough for you, she taught me how to make the best, crispiest, and most flavorful grilled cheese.
While bread and cheese may not be the healthiest option for you or your family, I recommend many different variations with leftovers, deli meat, or fried eggs. Click here if you would like to see my favorite grilled cheese variations and recommendations.
2. Tuna Pasta
This super quick tuna pasta has always been a staple in my home. Not only is this a healthy option, it’s also full of flavor! It is so quick to make and uses the ingredients that you already have in your kitchen.
3. Chicken Quesadillas
When I think “fast”, I think of quesadillas. If you’re a cheese lover like me, this delicious chicken quesadilla will definitely hit the spot! With a crispy tortilla, gooey cheese, and savory chicken, this quick meal will be an all-time favorite in your home.
4. One-Pan Taco Pasta
Cheesy, creamy, and family-friendly
What more can be said to describe this delicious one-pot taco pasta. With savory flavors, this easy meal will feed your whole family all while using simple ingredients that you already have ta home!
5. Honey Glazed Salmon
Made in an oven or a skillet in 20 minutes, this tasty meal is a perfect option if you’re looking for a healthy yet simple meal that screams elegance. This Honey Glazed Salmon recipe is perfect when paired with items such as brown rice, fried potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, or sweet potatoes! If you want to save some time, I recommend purchasing the frozen vegetables at any grocery store and simply steaming in the microwave to pair with your salmon.
6. Veggie Stir-Fry Noodles
Veggie Stir-Fry is an easy and delicious meal that can easily feed your whole family! This meal also offers so many variations. You can choose what protein to pair it with(chicken, steak, shrimp), as well as the vegetables that you use! I personally am a huge fan of squash and zucchini, but if you want more vegetables and less prep time, I recommend a frozen vegetable medley.
7. Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are one of the easiest and quickest recipes I have! I absolutely love a big, messy Sloppy Joe. I grew up eating this meal as it’s also an easy meal when you are cooking on a budget. You can make this meal super quickly with store-bought sauce, but If you have a little time to spare, try my homemade pasta sauce!
8. Grilled Chicken Cesar Wraps
Refreshing, easy, and delicious! I am a huge fan of chicken cesar wraps. If there is one on the menu, I will pick it every time! For a crunchier version of this delicious meal, follow my recipe for fried chicken fingers, or purchase frozen chicken fingers and bake in your oven or air fryer. I also have a recipe for home-made cesar dressing, but store-bought works great too!
9. Chicken Fajitas
Tasty and colorful! Bring life to your table with this easy, skillet meal. Chicken Fajitas are quick, simple, and a good option for a busy-night meal! East them as-is or pair it with rice or tortillas (I always recommend corn tortillas).
10. Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is one of my boyfriend’s favorite meals. He had never had it until I made it for dinner one night and since then he asks for this easy yet delectable meal regularly! This recipe includes my homemade Alfredo sauce, but if you want to save time, you can use a pre-made Alfredo sauce.
11. Steak and Veggie Bowls
I know what you’re thinking. “Emy, won’t this actually take more than 30 minutes?” Nope! While it looks like a complicated and time-consuming project? It is actually so simple and packed with flavor!
12. Cheeseburger Quesadillas
Try this cheesy take on burgers and you will never go back! With a crunchy outer tortilla and all of your favorite burger fixings, this simple time-crunch meal will easily become a family favorite.
13. Emy’s Skillet Bake
This yummy skillet bake uses potatoes, eggs, squash and zucchini and will feed your whole family! This recipe really came to me on a whim while I was trying to find a new way to use what few ingredients I had available and it was a success! I was so pleased by not only the ease, but the FLAVOR in this easy skillet bake!
14. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for the family and pair with almost anything! I personally believe that you can never go wrong with anything made with garlic butter, and this recipe proves me right! Pair this dish with roasted or sautéed vegetables for a healthy twist, or my favorite, place them on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and homemade gravy.
15. Cajun Sausage Pasta
Does pasta really get better than smokey sausage in a creamy cajun sauce? If it does, then I don’t know about it! This simple meal is the perfect combination of savory and spicy. This meal is great for those who like a little spice in life.
16. Veggie Fried Rice
While similar to the vegetable stir fry, this hibachi style meal is perfect to feed your whole family! Pair this with any protein you have available to elevate your meal. I personally am a steak lover but you can also pair this with garlic butter shrimp, or garlic butter chicken bites (all prepared in less than 30 minutes!) to really make this meal stand apart.
17. Rice and Scrambled Eggs
I know, while this sounds ridiculously simple, don’t be fooled! This scrumptious meal is incredibly fast and full of flavor using only the ingredients you already have at home! This meal has become a staple for my boyfriend and I since moving to Colombia. If you would like to learn more about my journey, click here!
18. TexMex Protein Bowl
As someone who likes to exercise regularly, protein is very important to me. This delicious TexMex style protein bowl has been a favorite go-to meal for me. It is so simple and yet people will think that you spent hours making this dish. From the homemade avocado protein dressing, to the juicy steak, this meal has it all!
Read more about my favorite protein packed meals here!
19. Bagel Breakfast
Bagels are one of my FAVORITE easy meals. There are so many variations that you can choose from to make this meal perfect for your cravings! I personally like to use fried eggs and pair with fruits and vegetables. If you’d like to see how I make mine, follow the link to my recipe!
20. Avocado Toast with Eggs
If it sounds simple, that’s because it is!
Sometimes simple is exactly what you need when you’re in a rush. This time-crunch meal is not only simple, but it’s healthy and balanced! To read more about my recommendations for the healthiest option, follow the link to my recipe!