8 Complete Menus for 30-Minute Meals

By Carl Hanson
Updated October 13, 2020

If you have a half hour in the evening, then you have time to make these complete dinners. We've gathered a full week's worth of recipes, pairing some of our favorite main dishes with top-rated sides dishes. There's a lot of variety in the mix, to keeps things interesting. These are complete meals that are ready in the time it takes to watch a sit-com. 

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30 Minute Burrito Night

Quick and easy black bean burritos pair with a simple salsa salad and Mexican-inspired rice for a healthy meal that's on the table in 30 minutes.

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30 Minute Blackened Chicken Menu

A packet of dray ranch dressing makes quick work of these tasty chicken thighs. "Using a cast iron skillet means these blackened ranch chicken thighs take only a few minutes to cook," says Yoly. "Great for a weeknight dinner." For a side dish, we have a couple options: a fresh kale salad that's tossed and ready in 10 minutes or a simple cabbage salad ready in about 15. 

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30 Minute Asian Noodle Bowl Menu

Here's a super quick-and-easy noodle bowl pairs with a simple sugar snap peas recipe and/or a quick cucumber salad. Lots of healthy veggies in this combo. The noodle bowl features ground beef, ramen noodles, and mixed vegetables cooked in an Asian-flavored sauce. "Great for a busy school night," says Yoly.

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20 Minute Southwest-Style Burgers

Serve these sizzling southwest burgers with a healthy Mexican-inspired chopped salad, featuring corn, black beans, avocado, and tortilla chips tossed with romaine lettuce in a super-quick homemade dressing. Enjoy with tortilla chips and salsa.

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Fab Fish Dinner in 30 Minutes

This simple tilapia recipe is a broiled beauty, served with a super quick side of orzo and rice and sauteed spinach. Easy and healthy.

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30 Minute Veggie Pizza Night

This pizza swaps in healthy hummus for the usual red sauce. Top with your favorite veggies and cheese. Enjoy with a simple green salad for a quick and healthy mid-week meal.

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30 Minute Shrimp Supper

You'll toss sauteed shrimp and sugar snap peas with pasta. Add a quick salad, and, if you like,  end the meal with a scoop of cool, refreshing lemon sorbet. To save time, use frozen shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. 

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Shrimp Tortilla Soup and Side in 30 Minutes

Top this spicy shrimp tortilla soup with your favorite taco toppings (tortilla strips, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream) and enjoy with quick-and-easy creamy Mexican corn . 

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