Easy 30-minute dinner recipes your family will love
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the steak bites until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onions, beaten eggs, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and seasonings. Form into patties for Salisbury steak and cook until done.
- For the pasta dishes, boil medium pasta shells in salted water until al dente.
- In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms with butter and garlic until soft.
- Mix in the browned meat, gravy mix, and beef broth until thickened.
- Serve your mixed pasta and sauces together, garnished with fresh parsley.
- For chicken dishes, bake chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream until fully cooked. Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan.
Best ways to enjoy it
These 30-minute dinner recipes shine when plated beautifully! Serve steak bites atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, garnish dumplings with fresh parsley, or dress pasta shells with a rich sauce and loads of cheese. Don’t forget to complement your meal with a light side salad or garlic bread to make it a complete feast.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Most dishes will last for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through—just make sure to check the internal temperature of cooked chicken to reach at least 165°F for safety. If you want to freeze, ensure the meal is cooled completely and wrap tightly; it should maintain quality for up to 3 months.
Helpful cooking tips
- Searing beef properly enhances the flavor—don’t overcrowd the pan!
- Incorporating a splash of beef broth secret can add richness to your sauces.
- Experiment with fresh herbs and spices to elevate the dish according to personal taste.
- If you’re short on time, pre-chop your ingredients the night before to ease the cooking process.
Creative twists
- Add a little heat! Spice it up with jalapeños in the beef mixture, or kick your cream sauce with a hint of sriracha.
- Swap standard pasta for zucchini noodles for a lighter version of the dish.
- Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lean alternative, and adjust the seasonings to maintain flavor.
FAQs
What is the total prep time for these recipes?
Typically, total prep and cooking time is around 30 minutes. Depending on your efficiency in the kitchen, it may vary slightly.
Can I substitute ground beef for another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even plant-based meat substitutes work beautifully in these recipes.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure you use airtight containers for best preservation.
Is it safe to reheat chicken multiple times?
Reheating cooked chicken is safe as long as you ensure it reaches at least 165°F when warmed. However, it’s best not to repeatedly reheat the same piece multiple times to maintain quality.
Quick and Scrumptious Family Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the steak bites until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, diced onions, beaten eggs, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and seasonings.
- Form into patties for Salisbury steak and cook until done.
- Boil medium pasta shells in salted water until al dente.
- In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms with butter and garlic until soft.
- Mix in the browned meat, gravy mix, and beef broth until thickened.
- Serve your mixed pasta and sauces together, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Bake chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream until fully cooked.
- Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan.
