80 Contest-Winning Dinners That Are Ready in 30 Minutes or Less

Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet

I'm the proud mother of wonderful and active children. Simple, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

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Bean Burritos Exps Ft20 8898 F 0521 1 Home 3

Bean Burritos

I always have the ingredients for this cheesy bean burrito recipe on hand. Cooking the rice and shredding the cheese the night before save precious minutes at dinnertime. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee Asian Noodle Beef Salad Exps Sdam17 200573 C12 06 4b 2

Asian Noodle & Beef Salad

My Asian-inspired pasta salad is crunchy, tangy and light. If you have fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro, on hand, add them to the mix. —Kelsey Casselbury, Odenton, Maryland Coconut Citrus Sauced Cod Exps Rc20 251607 B07 14 5b 1

Citrus Coconut Steamed Cod

I love to make this fusion meal on weeknights when I am short on time but want something big in flavor. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California Blue Plate Beef Patties Exps Ft21 10256 F 0713 1

Blue Plate Beef Patties

A friend and I discovered this recipe together and both consider it a staple menu item. I fix the moist ground beef patties often for family and friends. We love them with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and the gravy, which gets great flavor from fresh mushrooms. —Phyllis Miller, Danville, Indiana Chicken Rice Bowl Exps Dydap21 25774 B04 06 1b

Chicken Rice Bowl

This chicken rice bowl recipe is so simple to toss together on a busy weeknight, and I usually have the ingredients already on hand. I start sauteing the onion and pepper first, then I prepare the instant rice. If you like, top it with some shredded sharp cheddar cheese. —Tammy Daniels, Batavia, Ohio Loaded Mexican Pizza Exps Ft21 39441 F 0721 1

Loaded Mexican Pizza

My husband is a picky eater, but this healthy Mexican-style pizza has lots of flavor, and he actually looks forward to it. Leftovers are no problem, because this meal tastes better the next day. —Mary Barker, Knoxville, Tennessee Exps38787 Sd153319c10 14 1b 5

Homemade Chicken Potpie

Why look for potpie in the frozen food aisle when this simple version tastes much better? The chicken pot pie's crust is so tender and flaky, and underneath you'll find the ultimate comfort food for kids and adults. —Amy Briggs, Gove, Kansas © Taste of Home

Scrum-Delicious Burgers

I'm not sure where this recipe originated, but it's one of my family's summertime favorites. I usually serve these juicy mushroom burgers when we have company. The guests rave about the flavorful cheesy topping. It's fun to serve a burger that's a little more special. —Wendy Sommers, West Chicago, Illinois Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts Exps Sdas18 214835 D03 27 2b 14

Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts

These open-faced steak sandwiches play up the popular combo of steak and garlic bread. The salsa, sour cream and garnish elevate it into quick, satisfying meal. Substitute chopped green onions or chives for the cilantro if desired. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois © Taste of Home

Chicken & Spanish Cauliflower "Rice"

I learned about the paleo diet from some friends who now have tons of energy and are super fit. Since then, I’ve changed my eating habits, too. Everyone from my dad to my little nephew loves this chicken in Spanish cauliflower rice. —Megan Schmoldt, Westminster, Colorado Sausage Tomato Coconut Curry Exps Sdam19 234272 B12 05 8b 14

Sausage-Tomato Coconut Curry

Made in one pan, this tasty recipe can be altered to fit vegetarian diets. —Jessie Apfe, Berkeley, California Contest Winning Chicken With Mushroom Sauce Exps Sdon16 24891 D06 08 1b 13

Contest-Winning Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

It looks impressive, but this mouthwatering chicken and mushroom sauce comes together in no time. I think its flavor rivals that of many full-fat entrees found in fancy restaurants. —Jennifer Pemberton, Muncie, Indiana Skillet Tacos Exps Sdfm19 37332 C10 19 8b 3

Skillet Tacos

This fast and healthy alternative to traditional tacos has a delicious southwestern flair. The fact that is comes together in just 30 minutes makes it even more irresistible. —Maria Gobel, Greenfield, Wisconsin © Taste of Home

Favorite Meat Loaf Cups

My family enjoys meat loaf, but sometimes I can't spare the hour or more it takes to bake in the traditional shape. A quick alternative is to divide the meat mixture into muffin cups for individual servings that are ready in less than 30 minutes. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Cashew Chicken With Noodles Exps Chbz19 122361 C10 24 9b 4

Cashew Chicken with Noodles

I tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia © Taste of Home

Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers

My husband and I entertain a lot in summer, and this has quickly become the most-requested dish. I usually serve it with Mexican rice and a tossed salad. Mongolian Beef Exps Sdon18 24888 C06 15 7b 3

Mongolian Beef

My family—including my husband, who is truly a meat-and-potatoes guy—just loves this meal-in-one option. The dish uses inexpensive ingredients to offer big flavor in a small amount of time. —Heather Blum, Coleman, Wisconsin Exps38772 Sd163324b08 11 4b 4

Skillet Sea Scallops

You'll want to slip this recipe into the front of your last-minute guests file. Pasta and mixed greens nicely complement the tender, citrusy shellfish. —Margaret E. Lowenberg, Kingman, Arizona © Taste of Home

Spinach Turkey Meatballs

Our children call these "Gramby Meatballs" because the recipe came from my dear mother-in-law. It's a great way to make spinach palatable. I usually make a triple batch, bake them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York © Taste of Home Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Cilantro Lime Shrimp

A quick garlicky lime marinade works magic on these juicy shrimp. They come off the grill with huge flavors perfect for your next cookout. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California Parmesan Chicken With Lemon Rice Exps Sdam17 200544 C12 07 5b 2

Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice

I like the challenge of inventing recipes with ingredients I have on hand. This weeknight meal fits the bill. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia Nectarine Chicken Salad Exps Sdjj19 12507 E02 05 2b 4

Nectarine Chicken Salad

When guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I've passed it on many times. Cola Burgers Exps Sdjj19 10699 C02 05 3b 13

Cola Burgers

A friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. -Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania Lemon Batter Fish Exps Hca19 10179 E06 22 5b 24

Lemon-Batter Fish

Fishing is a popular recreational activity where we live, so folks are always looking for ways to prepare their catches. My husband ranks this as one of his favorite fish fry batters. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan © Taste of Home

Almond-Crusted Chops with Cider Sauce

I use finely ground almonds to give pork chops a crunchy crust. The cider sauce makes them tangy, creamy and sweet. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois © Taste of Home

Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri

Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California Skillet Chicken Fajitas Exps Cimz17 154 D07 18 7b 5

Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Fresh flavor with a flair describes this quick recipe. Fajitas are just right for hot summer evenings when you want to serve something fun and tasty, yet keep cooking to a minimum. Try topping them with sour cream, guacamole or both. —Lindsay St. John, Plainfield, Indiana

Pork Chops With Creamy Mustard Noodles Exps138737 Cw2235114a10 11 4b Rms 2

Pork Chops with Creamy Mustard Noodles

A fast, creamy skillet sauce dresses up everyday pork chops and noodles. Chicken also works well with this recipe and the zesty mix of mustards.—Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama © Taste of Home

Lemon-Butter Tilapia with Almonds

Sometimes I want a nice meal without a ton of effort or wait time. Thankfully, I have this lemony, buttery fish that's super fast and totally tasty. —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia Exps193270 Th163622c04 20 3b 11

Beef & Bacon Gnocchi Skillet

This gnocchi dish tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. Go ahead and top it as you would a burger—with ketchup, mustard and pickles. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin Sweet N Spicy Chicken Exps9165 Mrr133247d07 30 4bc Rms 2

Sweet 'n' Spicy Chicken

My husband and children love this tender chicken with its spicy sauce. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give the dish some kick. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona No Fuss Pork Chops Exps Sdfm18 10549 C10 04 1b 4

No-Fuss Pork Chops

These tender chops taste like sweet-and-sour pork but require little attention or time. I prepare them year-round, whenever I'm on a tight schedule but still want something scrumptious. —Sally Jones, Lancaster, New Hampshire Grilled Pineapple Chimichurri Chicken Exps Sdam17 200591 C12 07 4b 3

Grilled Pineapple Chimichurri Chicken

Classic chimichurri gets a Hawaiian twist thanks to pineapple and macadamia nuts. For a spicier version, substitute red serrano pepper for the bell pepper. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida Sage Pork Chops With Cider Pan Gravy Exps Cwon16 45877 C06 29 087 2

Sage Pork Chops with Cider Pan Gravy

A creamy sauce flavored with apple cider and sage makes for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. If you'd like, serve these lightly seasoned chops with couscous, rice or noodles. —Erica Wilson, Beverly, Massachusetts Cashew Chicken Rotini Salad Exps Mrrmz16 32995 C09 01 4b 9

Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad

I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah Exps47164 Cw163683d03 31 1b 3

Herb & Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

Tired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio Beef Fillets With Portobello Sauce Exps Sddj18 23338 D08 09 6b 10

Beef Filets with Portobello Sauce

These tasty steaks seem special, but they are fast enough for an everyday dinner. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert. —Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida Exps184493 Sd153319d10 09 2b 11

Caesar Chicken with Feta

My tomatoey chicken is the perfect answer on those crazy days when supper has to be on the table in 30 minutes, tops (doesn't hurt that it's delicious, too). —Denise Chelpka, Phoenix, Arizona Reuben Pizza Exps Sdfm18 22883 D10 11 2b 9

Reuben Pizza

Fridays are pizza nights at our house. We do a lot of experimenting, so we don't have the same, old thing every week. With only five ingredients, this Reuben pizza is a snap to whip up, and it tastes just like a Reuben sandwich. —Nicole German, Hutchinson, Minnesota © Taste of Home

Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard Sauce

This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin Pork Chops With Honey Balsamic Glaze Exps160443 Th2379807a11 01 1bc Rms 15

Pork Chops with Honey-Balsamic Glaze

My husband loves pork chops, so I try to find new ways to use them. He calls this version "restaurant quality!" —Nicole Clayton, Prescott, Arizona Exps186343 Sd153320d12 10 3b 5

Asian Barbecue Chicken Slaw

When it’s springtime in the South, cabbage is plentiful and we use it. One of our favorite recipes is this combo of Asian slaw and barbecued chicken. Plus, it's a cinch to halve or double the servings as needed. —Paula Todora, Maple Valley, Washington Italian Sausage With Bow Ties Exps Sdjj17 38275 B02 09 3b 2

Italian Sausage with Bow Ties

We often have our favorite pasta when company comes over, and I’ve shared this Italian sausage recipe several times. Now many of my friends make it for their families, too. —Janelle Moore, Auburn, Washington Blt Chicken Salad Exps Chbz18 12369 C10 19 5b 2

BLT Chicken Salad

Featuring all the fun fixings for a BLT chicken sandwich, this salad is so lovable. I can prep the ingredients ahead of time and just throw it together at the last minute. Barbecue sauce in the dressing gives it unexpected flavor. Even picky eaters love my chicken salads. —Cindy Moore, Mooresville, North Carolina Chipotle Citrus Glazed Turkey Tenderloins Exps Sddj19 165180 C07 13 3b 4

Chipotle Citrus-Glazed Turkey Tenderloins

This simple skillet recipe makes it possible to cook turkey on a weeknight. The combination of sweet, spicy and smoky flavors from orange, peppers and molasses is amazing.—Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana © Taste of Home

Tilapia with Corn Salsa

My family loves fish, and this quick and tasty dish is very popular at my house. Though it tastes like it takes a long time, it cooks in minutes under the broiler. We enjoy it with lemon wedges with couscous on the side. —Brenda Coffey, Singer Island, Florida Prosciutto Pepper Pork Chops Exps Sdfm19 39898 B10 19 5b 7

Prosciutto-Pepper Pork Chops

Here's a dish that's simple, fast and most importantly, delicious. Serve these prosciutto-stuffed pork chops with pasta salad for a satisfying meal. —Donna Prisco, Randolph, New Jersey North Carolina Shrimp Saute Exps Sdam18 3162 D12 06 3b 2

North Carolina Shrimp Saute

Seafood is very popular in my state. I altered this recipe several times and now it's truly a family favorite. —Teresa Hildreth, Stoneville, North Carolina Smothered Chicken Breasts Exps Sdon17 32248 B07 06 2b 4

Smothered Chicken Breasts

After trying a similar chicken dish in a restaurant, I decided to re-create it at home. Topped with bacon, caramelized onions and shredded cheese, this savory dish comes together in no time, and uses ingredients that I usually have on hand. And since it cooks in one skillet, it’s a cinch to clean up! —Brenda Carpenter, Warrensburg, Missouri © Taste of Home

Vegetarian Linguine

Looking for a tasty alternative to a meat-and-potatoes meal? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs meal that includes loads of fresh veggies as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida Spicy Chicken And Bacon Mac Exps Sdas18 215224 D03 27 6b 16

Spicy Chicken and Bacon Mac

I've been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, chicken, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate! I use rotisserie chicken and precooked bacon when I'm pressed for time. —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon © Taste of Home

Springtime Penne

With ham, asparagus, onion and pasta in a creamy sauce, this stovetop supper is tasty enough for even your pickiest guests. It's great with penne, but you can also try it with mostaccioli or another type of pasta. Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Exps Sdas18 215371 D03 28 3b 6

Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli

If chicken cordon bleu and stromboli had a baby, this would be it. Serve with jarred or homemade Alfredo sauce, or classic Mornay sauce on the side if desired. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida Asian Long Noodle Soup Exps Sdas17 201845 B04 11 2b 2

Asian Long Noodle Soup

This flavorful soup is perfect for when you want something warm and filling in a hurry. If you can't find long noodles, angel hair pasta is a good substitute. —Carol Emerson, Aransas Pass, Texas Grilled Ham Burgers Exps Thjj17 186158 C02 07 4b 110

Grilled Ham Burgers

My family loves my ham loaf, so I decided to make the ham loaf mixture into patties and grill them—it was an instant hit. Adding the arugula gives these burgers a peppery bite and honey mustard dressing adds just the right sweet and sour flavor. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania © Taste of Home

Spicy Sweet Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

I wanted to find a way to use pineapple salsa in a recipe. I came up with this super simple, delicious and quick dish! —Erin Schillo, Northfield, Ohio Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells Exps Sdfm18 202025 C10 06 4b 4

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Shells

When chicken Parmesan meets stuffed shells, it's love at first bite. The texture of the chicken holds up in the deliciously creamy and cheesy mixture. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida © Taste of Home

Southwest-Style Wedding Soup

I turned leftover ground chicken into meatballs and dreamed up this cozy southwestern soup. Now my Italian family asks for it over traditional wedding soup. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania Exps189159 Sd153323a06 04 2b 14

Ham & Swiss Baked Penne

As a kid I loved to the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa © Taste of Home

Southwestern Pork Salad

As pork producers, we're proud to cook and serve the delicious product we raise. This tempting salad is refreshing and colorful. It's a succulent showcase for pork. I know your family will enjoy this easy dinner idea as much as we do. —Sue Cunningham, Prospect, Ohio School Night Sausage Stroganoff Exps Sdas18 213669 D03 27 3b 3

School-Night Sausage Stroganoff

I found this recipe in an old church cookbook about 25 years ago and tweaked it to fit my family's tastes. It's a savory, creamy dish that's quick to fix on a busy school night. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York © Taste of Home Fajita-Style Shrimp and Grits

Fajita-Style Shrimp and Grits

I combined two of my favorite dishes—fajitas and shrimp with cheesy grits—into this spicy one-dish meal. For more heat, use pepper jack cheese instead of a Mexican cheese blend. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois © Taste of Home

Asian Turkey Burger with Apple Slaw

I wanted to make turkey burgers a lot more fun. On a whim, I added hoisin sauce, gingerroot and garlic. Now we eat them about once a week. —Ashley Gayle, Ellicott City, Maryland Blackened Tilapia With Zucchini Noodles Exps Toham23 200349 P2 Md 11 04 7b

Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles

I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas © Taste of Home

Shortcut Sausage Jambalaya

Secret ingredient alert: A pinch of coffee crystals gives my jambalaya its roasty, toasty flavor. This quick dinner is one of my husband’s top picks. —Betty Henagin, Medford, Oregon Exps192596 Th163621c02 10 6b 2

Summer Chicken Macaroni Salad

For sunny, lazy days, I make a loaded macaroni salad that’s like three salads in one. The mix of fresh veggies, sweet peaches and crunchy pistachios is a surprisingly delicious combo. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts Exps Sdas18 214835 D03 27 2b 14

Dilly Turkey Melt

This is a hearty grilled sandwich with a distinctive and delicious combination of ingredients. The pickle slices add a bit of fun, and the barbecue sauce provides a hint of sweetness that's irresistible. —Henry Mujica, North Riverside, Illinois Minestrone With Turkey Exps39085 Sd132779d06 05 3bc Rms 3

Minestrone with Turkey

I remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii Pork With Mustard Sauce Exps Sddj19 573 B07 17 8b 10

Pork with Mustard Sauce

Back when I was a girl, I couldn't wait until I was grown up and could start cooking for my own family! Now that I am, I really enjoy using pork. The tender meat and the rich mustard sauce in this recipe are delectable together. —Irma Pomeroy, Enfield, Connecticut © Taste of Home

Feta Shrimp Tacos

A unique combination of taco seasoning and feta cheese works remarkably well in these refreshing tacos. It’s a goodthing you get two per serving, because you won’t want to stop at one! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina © Taste of Home

Italian Steak Sandwiches

My sister came up with these quick sandwiches that use minced garlic and other seasonings to bring pizzazz to deli roast beef. Add some carrot sticks or a tomato salad for a fantastic lunch in no time. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts © Taste of Home

Teriyaki Glazed Chicken

I love to experiment with food. We're able to buy sweet onions grown on Maui, so I stir-fry them with chicken and carrots for a tasty teriyaki meal. —Kelly Brenneman, Riverdale, California Exps185958 Sd153320d12 10 13b 2

Thai-Style Cobb Salad

This veggie salad is like a mix of Cobb salad and my favorite summer rolls. If you have leftover chicken, toss it in. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah Caribbean Potato Soup Exps Sbz19 49612 E09 14 6b 5

Caribbean Potato Soup

My bright and hearty soup features an unusual blend of ingredients, including okra, kale and black-eyed peas. No kale on hand? Use spinach instead. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado Smoked Mozzarella Chicken With Pasta Exps170758 Sd143205b01 24 6bc Rms 2

Smoked Mozzarella Chicken with Pasta

Take an ordinary chicken breast into wow territory with just a few extra ingredients. Use prosciutto instead of ham to make the dish extra smoky. —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida Lemony Greek Beef And Vegetables Exps Thn17 204075 B06 20 4b Rms 2

Lemony Greek Beef and Vegetables

I love the lemon in this recipe—the latest addition to my collection of quick, healthy dinners. I'm sensitive to cow's milk, so I use goat cheese crumbles on my portion instead of Parmesan. —Alice Neff, Lake Worth, Florida © Taste of Home

Easy Crab Cakes

Ready-to-go crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can also form the crab mixture into four thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania Exps188017 Cw153050a06 24 6b 3

Salmon with Mango-Citrus Salsa

My mother would make this for us on weeknights in summer—this was the only way we would eat fish. You can make the salsa a day ahead of time. Just keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container until ready to use. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Canton, Michigan Exps181694 Sd153319d10 08 2b 4

Garlic Bread Tuna Melts

There's something extra comforting about a tuna melt on a chilly day. Take it up a few notches with garlic, cheese and tomatoes. —Aimee Bachmann, Bellevue, Washington  

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