It’s hard to believe but school is officially back in session around here! Isn’t that nuts? Why, back in my day (I think I’m officially old enough to use a phrase like that now by the way,) we didn’t start school until the very end of August and it was amazing. Ah, those were the good old days!
What am I saying here? Oh yes, now that school is in session, summer hours are over (RIP summer hours – one of the glorious perks of my time spent in Minneapolis where everyone had a lake house to get out to on the weekends. In central Iowa? Not so much.) and vacations have been had, I think we’re all starting to feel those lazy summer days slip through our fingers giving way to the stresses of hectic, everyday life.
Busy, busy life. When the HECK did life get so busy?? There was an article floating around last year about people glorifying being busy. Like, being super busy was a status symbol. Well that’s just crazy. Everyone’s busy and I’m pretty sure we’d all like to be less so.
While I can’t take your son to soccer practice, do your homework, pick up your dry cleaning, or mop the floors you’ve been pretending don’t have crusted strawberries on them for two weeks, cough, what I CAN do is help you out with dinner. I can give you lots – 16, in fact – of fresh, wholesome, family-friendly 30-minute meals. Some 20-minute meals, and one, gasp!, 15-minute meal.
You’re busy – I get it. Take 30 minutes or less tonight to stop and smell the roses er, garlic. Enjoy any of these simple recipes that will have dinner on the table quick, and you on your way!
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(By the way, since some of these recipes were created before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I’ve noted which ones are gluten-free and GF-friendly. I’m calling all pasta dishes gluten-free because that’s a simple swap. Cool? Cool.)
Thai Peanut Chicken Quinoa Bowls (Gluten-Free)
I busted this pantry-staple supper out of the archives for dinner earlier this week – OMG it was even better than I remembered! Thai Peanut Chicken Quinoa Bowls take 30 minutes to make and taste just like Pad Thai made with protein-packed quinoa instead of rice noodles. So yum and also great for little ones. I scooped out a bowl of the mix before I added the sauce and Lincoln devoured the entire thing lickity split.
Psst! I reduced the amount of rice vinegar in the sauce and liked it even better so be sure to re-print a new copy of the updated recipe!
15 Minute Tomato Basil Soup with Cheese Tortellini (GF-Friendly)
I tried waiting for my annual soup recipe roundup to re-share 15 Minute Tomato Basil Soup with Cheese Tortellini with you but I just couldn’t wait. Pantry staples + 15 minutes = total dinner winner. A must try recipe for you busy soup-lovers! (Use gluten-free tortellini to make gluten-free.)
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches (GF-Friendly)
I’d say 80% of the time I meet a reader out in the wild they tell me how much they love the recipe for Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches, and every time I tell them, ME TOO! Crock pot meals are a busy person’s best friend and rarely do they taste as mouthwatering as these sandwiches. (Use gluten-free Italian dressing mix and hoagie buns to make gluten-free.)
Mini Pizza Quinoa Bites (Gluten-Free)
Make dinner fun with these quick and easy Mini Pizza Quinoa Bites. Make the base then let everyone choose their pizza topping mix-ins. Leftovers freeze perfectly, too. These are the real deal pizza bites!
Lighter Orange Beef and Broccoli (Gluten-Free)
I tinkered and toyed with the orange sauce in this quick stir fry meal until it tasted exactly like the restaurant version. You’re welcome. Skip take out and make this easy, healthier Lighter Orange Beef and Broccoli tonight.
Honey and Balsamic-Onions Chicken Skillet (Gluten-Free)
Ok, Honey and Balsamic-Onions Chicken Skillet might take you 35 minutes to make, on account of the caramelized onions, but it’s not really active cooking. A stir here, a stir there – you catch my drift .The end result of tender chicken smothered in sticky balsamic-glazed caramelized onions, drizzled in a 1-minute honey-balsamic pan sauce is totally worth a few extra minutes at the stove.
Crispy Baked Asian Salmon (GF-Friendly)
If you want the simplest, most elegant 20 minute supper of your life, look no further than Crispy Baked Asian Salmon. Healthy, savory, crispy, and QUICK. LOVE this meal! (Use crushed Rice Chex instead of panko bread crumbs to make gluten-free.)
One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta (Gluten-Free)
I just posted this 30 minute, one-pan (hell-O easy cleanup!) recipe for One-Pan Italian Sausage and Peppers Pasta, but it’s too good not to put back in front of you. One reader who already made it declared, “Made this for dinner tonight and it was epic! I didn’t have provolone on hand so I added dollops of ricotta cheese! Thank you for one pan meals!!!!!!” What she said!
Grilled Caprese Chicken with Basil Vinaigrette (Gliten-Free)
This 30 minute meal has several components that you can prep ahead of time which means Grilled Caprese Chicken with Basil Vinaigrette can be grilled and on the table in no time. Enjoy this one al fresco (outdoors, y’all.) It truly tastes like summer.
Teriyaki Fried Rice (Gluten-Free)
Join me in just saying no to bottled Teriyaki Sauce! Why buy when it’s so easy (and healthier!) to make from pantry staples at home? Teriyaki Fried Rice is seriously killer and ready to go in 20. Another one of my absolute favorite take-out fake-out recipes.
Man-Pleasing Chicken (Gluten-Free)
Don’t let the name fool you, 30 minute Man-Pleasing Chicken will make anyone – man or woman – lick their chops. It just so happens to contain all my man’s favorite things!
Crunchy Taco Homemade Hamburger Helper (Gluten Free)
Think outside the (Hamburger Helper) box with this easy, homemade version that calls for just 7 ingredients. Crunchy Taco Homemade Hamburger Helper is fast and family-pleasing. I think I’ll make this for dinner tonight, actually!
Broccoli-Chicken Mac & Cheese (Gluten-Free)
Mac & Cheese in 30 minutes? You bet. Broccoli-Chicken Mac & Cheese combines pasta, veggies, and a quick, super-cheesy sauce in a decadent, comforting supper.
Chicken with Cherry-Wine Pan Sauce (Gluten-Free)
This 20 minute, one-skillet supper will knock the socks off your friends and family. Made with frozen cherries, Chicken with Cherry-Wine Pan Sauce could not be any easier but they’ll think you spent hours slaving over a hot stove thanks to a sophisticated-tasting, yet quick, pan sauce.
Steak Salad with Crispy Shallots, Dried Cherries, Candied Pecans and
Goat Cheese (Gluten-Free)
Want a restaurant quality meal without leaving the house? This stunning Steak Salad with Crispy Shallots, Dried Cherries, Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese is it. No grill? No problem. I’ve included instructions for cooking your steaks to perfection indoors on the stove top, too.
Crock Pot Sweet Potato & Quinoa Turkey Chili (Gluten-Free)
Like I said, a crock pot is a busy person’s best friend! Thick and hearty Crock Pot Sweet Potato & Quinoa Turkey Chili slow cooks to perfection all day long without needing a thing. Top with cheese, avocado, and crunchy crushed tortilla chips and you. are. set. What a meal to come home to!
BONUS! The Well-Stocked Kitchen: Freezer, Fridge, and Pantry Staples
Get dinner on the table even faster by keeping your kitchen stocked with these freezer, fridge, and pantry staples. Nearly all of the recipes above utilize 90% of the ingredients I always keep on hand in the house. This list will make grocery shopping and, more importantly, cooking go much, much faster!
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Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share these delicious recipes with the rest of us! You ROCK!
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Kaileigh 08.21.2014
Thank you! My boyfriend and I were just talking about finding some quick recipes for dinner. I just sent him this link!
Maryea {happy healthy mama} 08.21.2014
Ahh thank you for this!! So needed around here. :)
Amy @ Thoroughly Nourished Life 08.20.2014
I’m going to try your Thai Peanut Chicken with chickpeas instead to make it GF and Vegetarian friendly :) And I can’t wait to make Man-Pleasing Chicken for my man. I do love seeing him smile after an awesome dinner :) Thanks Kristin
JennP 08.20.2014
Thanks! I don’t remember the Pad Thai quinoa, but I must try it. I’ve made the Italian Beef sandwiches and they are so good. I make the taco helper skillet a couple times a month too :)
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup 08.20.2014
Everything looks so delicious! Thanks so much. Quick and healthy meal recipes are always a great thing to have on hand. Thanks, again.
Debra Hand 08.20.2014
OMG!!! I just made copies of 9 of your easy 30 minute meals, and that is only because I already had 4 of them printed out!!! I just LOVE your Blog I feel like I know you and your adorable family. I just had to tell you how much I enjoy your posts and I have made alot of your recipes, and have the bannana bread granola on my counter as we speak. I just bought the yonannas from your Amazon site, wouldnt mind seeing some recipes for that LOL
Amy S. 08.20.2014
Thanks for the recipe round-up! I added several of these to my list for next week :)
Lisa 08.20.2014
Some great recipes here to try. I’ll be trying quite a few for sure.
Lisa x
Sarah (People, Places & Plates) 08.20.2014
Great round-up! Also people around here always go back to school first week of September …can’t imagine going in August! Thats still summer!
Sara 08.20.2014
Oh man I have made those Italian Beef Sandwiches about six times and everyone goes crazy every time! I am totally putting them on the menu for tomorrow night-super easy for the 2nd day of school :) And that tomato basil soup is going in the rotation for Fall when the time comes…I am soooo not ready for that yet!!
Chicago Jogger 08.20.2014
This round-up is a great reminder of recipes at IGE I still need to try! Wonderful list :)
Danielle 08.20.2014
I love when you do recipe round-ups! I find myself referencing them multiple times over the week after you post them. Also, this is the perfect time for a “quick meal” themed collection. Thank you!
Emily @ Life on Food 08.20.2014
I have tried some of these already and they are good. Love the quick meals.
Lea J. 08.20.2014
Yum! Some of my favorites on this list and a few I have been meaning to try. Nothing better than a quick 30 minute meal (except maybe crockpot meals?).
Also, my friends daughter went back to school on AUGUST 11!! That is just insanity. Around DC most schools don’t start up again until after Labor Day.
Bri | Bites of Bri 08.20.2014
Great roundup. I always love when you do these since they remind me of older favorites! Can’t wait to try that Pad Thai Quinoa either :)