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100 of the Easiest 30-Minute Meals You Can Make

Short on time doesn't mean short on flavor! Get these highly rated 30-minute meals ready in a snap—perfect for a busy weeknight.

Flavorful Chicken Fajitas

This flavorful recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The chicken fajita marinade in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. They go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, KY

Go to Recipe

Quick Apricot Chicken
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Quick Apricot Chicken

This simple apricot chicken is one of my favorite dishes. Everybody just loves it, and leftovers are always just as good the next day. For variation, I’ve used pork instead of chicken and added additional ingredients like pineapple, mandarin oranges, snow peas and broccoli. —Vicki Ruiz, Twin Falls, ID. We’ve curated a list of foods that taste like chicken.

P.S. Never eat these leftovers that can make you sick.

Bean Burritos
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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, TN

Here are some simple money-saving tricks for eating at restaurants.

One-Dish Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
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One-Dish Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

I’m still settling into married life and learning how to balance our busy schedules. This quick one-dish ground turkey sweet potato skillet helps keep us on track throughout the week. —Shannon Barden, Alpharetta, GA

Next, try these time-management tricks that actually work.

Quick Beef and Noodles
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Quick Beef and Noodles

We love stroganoff, and this beef and noodles dish is my lightened-up version. Using meat from the deli saves the hours spent cooking a beef roast. I serve this with a salad for a great, homestyle meal. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, WV

Here’s the best deli in every state.

Hawaiian Pork Chops
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Hawaiian Pork Chops

Looking for a great last-minute meal when friends drop in? “This is so easy, tastes just like Hawaiian pizza, and I usually have all ingredients on hand.” —Michelle Cavalier, Hampton, VA

Here’s what you need to know before booking that Hawaiian vacation.

Fast Baked Fish
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Fast Baked Fish

We always have a good supply of fresh fish, so I make fish recipes often. This recipe is my favorite because it is moist, tender and flavorful. —Judie Anglen, Riverton, WY

Learn how to know which fish are safe to eat.

Pineapple Chicken Casserole
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Pineapple Chicken Casserole

I’m always looking for one-dish dinners like this Hawaiian chicken casserole that save time and cleanup. I love to cook, but with teaching school, playing handbells at church and juggling my husband’s and teen twins’ schedules, I have little time in the kitchen. —Susan Warren, North Manchester, IN

Here’s the best casserole recipe from every state.

Easy Pad Thai
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Easy Pad Thai

Skip the takeout restaurant and give this easy pad thai recipe a try if you need a quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WI

We bet you didn’t know about these genius takeout container hacks.

Big Kahuna Pizza
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Big Kahuna Pizza

A pre-baked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, CA

Here’s your perfect pizza topping, based on your zodiac sign.

Pork Cabbage Stir Fry
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Pork Cabbage Stir-Fry

The ginger comes through nicely in this colorful napa cabbage stir-fry that’s lower in fat and sodium than many. It’s great served over steamed rice or cooked noodles. —Marcie Nor, Macungie, PA

Lemon Mushroom Chicken
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Lemon Mushroom Chicken

There’s a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn’t seem light at all! —Carrie Palmquist, Canova, SD

Nacho Pie
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Nacho Pie

In place of the ground beef and mozzarella cheese, consider topping this zesty pie with lean ground sausage and cheddar cheese. It tastes just as good. —LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, MN

Chicken Enchiladas For Four
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Chicken Enchiladas for Four

These chicken enchiladas put a little zip into any menu. The rolled tortillas are filled with a hearty mixture of cheese, chicken and green chiles, and then topped with a creamy sauce and more cheese. I sometimes use leftover turkey instead of chicken. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta, Canada

Asparagus N Shrimp With Angel Hair
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Asparagus ‘n’ Shrimp with Angel Hair

We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It’s easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, MD

15 minute microwave meatloaf
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15-Minute Microwave Meat Loaf

I combined a few great-tasting meat loaf recipes to create this flavorful version, which my husband loves. And because it’s made in the microwave, the entree is ideal for busy nights. —Deb Thompson, Lincoln, NE

Lemon Batter Fish
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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, MI

Angel Hair Pasta With Sausage Spinach
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Angel Hair Pasta with Sausage & Spinach

You won’t miss the marinara sauce once you taste this pasta dish flavored with chicken broth and Italian sausage. The sauce simmers away on its own, without much work on your part. My husband likes it so much that I make it twice a week. —Daphine Smith, Baytown, TX

scrimp scampi
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Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, NE

Chicken Thighs With Shallots Spinach
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Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach

What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, WI

Crab Topped Fish Fillets
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Crab-Topped Fish Fillets

Crab-Topped Fish Fillets are elegant enough for company but truly no-fuss. We live in south Florida, where fish is abundant. We like to get together with friends in the afternoon, so I often need to whip up a quick dinner when we get home. This special fish is one of our favorites. —Mary Tuthill, Fort Myers Beach, FL

spicy shepards pie
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Spicy Shepherd’s Pie

Taco seasoning adds zip to this hearty main dish. It’s easy to top with instant mashed potatoes, which I stir up while browning the beef. —Mary Malchow, Neenah, WI

beef and spinach lo mein
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Beef & Spinach Lo Mein

If you like a good stir-fry, this beef and spinach lo mein will definitely satisfy. I discovered the recipe at an international luncheon, and it’s now a favorite go-to meal. —Denise Patterson, Bainbridge, OH

Apple Mustard Chicken Tenders
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Apple-Mustard Chicken Tenders

My husband says this dish is sweet and a little bit sassy, just like me. I like to use Granny Smith apples for a bit of tartness. Winesaps are great for this dish too. —Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, IL

Tenderloin With Herb Sauce
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Tenderloin with Herb Sauce

Tender pork is treated to a rich and creamy sauce with a slight red pepper kick. This hearty dish is very simple to prepare and is always a dinnertime winner at my home. —Monica Shipley, Tulare, CA

blt skillet
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BLT Skillet

This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O’Brien, Denver, CO

baked tilapia
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Baked Tilapia

I’ve decided to cook healthier for my family, and that includes having more fish at home. After looking at easy tilapia recipes, I decided to try baked tilapia. I love that it’s fast too! —Hope Stewart, Raleigh, NC

broccoli shrimp alfredo
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Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

After tasting fettuccine Alfredo at a restaurant, I came up with this shrimp Alfredo with broccoli version at home. Not only does my family love the creamy dish, but my husband prefers it to the one at the restaurant. —Rae Natoli, Kingston, NY

Beef Fillets With Portobello Sauce
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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, FL

Swiss Mushroom Chicken
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Swiss Mushroom Chicken

Everyone enjoys these golden chicken breasts topped with ham, melted Swiss cheese and fresh mushrooms. It’s easy to prepare but looks and tastes special enough for company. —Jan Baxter, Humarock, MA

One Skillet Lasagna
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One-Skillet Lasagna

This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Fresh Corn Tomato Fettuccine
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Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine

This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with the best of fresh garden produce. It’s tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a little feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, FL

Cajun Shrimp
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Cajun Shrimp

These zippy shrimp bring a lot of pizazz to the table. Use as much or as little cayenne pepper as you’d like, depending on your family’s tastes. We love ours served alongside rice pilaf. —Donna Thomason, El Paso, TX

quick chicken piccata
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Quick Chicken Piccata

Laced with lemon and simmered in white wine, this stovetop entree is super easy and elegant. Just add a side of veggies and bread to make it into a wonderful meal. —Cynthia Heil, Augusta, GA

No Fuss Pork Chops
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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, NH

Broccoli Beef Braids
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Broccoli Beef Braids

Each slice of this fast-to-fix golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. —Penny Lapp, North Royalton, OH

Quick Chicken And Dumplings
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Quick Chicken and Dumplings

Using precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It’s the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, NY

Vegetarian Linguine
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Vegetarian Linguine

Looking for a tasty alternative to the usual meat-and-potatoes meals? Try this colorful pasta dish. My oldest son came up with the scrumptious supper that takes advantage of fresh mushrooms, zucchini and other vegetables as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, FL

Dijon Crusted Fish
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Dijon-Crusted Fish

Dijon, Parmesan and a hint of horseradish give this toasty fish lots of flavor. The preparation is so easy, it takes just five to seven minutes to get four servings ready for the oven. —Scott Schmidtke, Chicago

Sausage And Sauerkraut
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Sausage and Sauerkraut

I created this tasty, quick and easy sauerkraut and sausage dish so I can throw it together in no time on those extra busy nights. —Mary Lyon, Spotsylvania, VA

Chicken Provolone
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Chicken Provolone

Chicken Provolone, though one of my simplest dishes, is one of my husband’s favorites. It is easy to prepare and looks fancy served on a dark plate with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. Add some buttered noodles for an easy side dish. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, NE

Penne With Veggies And Black Beans
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Penne with Veggies and Black Beans

Full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add a half cup of salsa or thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, IN

cheese tortellini with tomatoes and corn
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Cheese Tortellini with Tomatoes and Corn

Fresh corn and basil make this dish taste like summer. I think it’s a good one for bringing to picnics or gatherings, but it’s great along with any side dish for a weeknight dinner! —Sally Maloney, Dallas, GA

Asparagus Beef Saute
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Asparagus Beef Saute

I love filet mignon, but I’m not crazy about its price, so I came up with a recipe for more affordable beef tenderloin. Now I cook it once a week. My husband loves the leftovers too. —Linda Flynn, Ellicott City, MD

busy day pork chops
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Busy-Day Pork Chops

It was time to use or lose some pork chops I had in the fridge, so I dressed them in bread crumbs and Parmesan and baked them up. Necessity sure is the mother of invention, and in this case I invented an amazing healthy pork chop recipe. —Dee Maltby, Wayne, OH

Cod With Sweet Peppers
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Cod with Sweet Peppers

This quick and delicious recipe is a longtime family favorite. I like to use three or four different-colored peppers for an extra-pretty presentation. Then serve with couscous or brown rice to round out the meal. —Judy Grebetz, Racine, WI

Black Bean Chicken With Rice
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Black Bean Chicken with Rice

This spicy family favorite calls for just a few basic ingredients, including chicken, black beans and rice, so it’s quick and easy to stir up in your skillet on a weeknight. —Molly Newman, Portland, OR

Easy Sausage And Vegetable Skillet
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Easy Sausage and Vegetable Skillet

This is an old recipe that has been passed down in our family through my sister-in-law. When I was a child, she did most of the cooking in our house, and this was my favorite meal. The variety of vegetables makes this an attractive dish, and the cooking time is minimal. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, LA

Nutty Cheese Tortellini
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Nutty Cheese Tortellini

I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, NY

Smothered Chicken
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Smothered Chicken

You can’t go wrong when serving this speedy skillet creation. Top tender chicken breasts with mushrooms, bacon, green onions and cheese for a swift and savory sensation that’s sure to become a family favorite. —Penny Walton, Westerville, OH

feta shrimp skillet
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Feta Shrimp Skillet

My husband and I tried a dish similar to this on our honeymoon in Greece. I re-created the flavors in this recipe when we got home. When I make it now, it brings back wonderful memories. —Sonali Ruder, New York City

korean beef and rice
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Korean Beef and Rice

A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It’s delicious! You’ll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, MN

Pesto Shrimp Pasta
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Pesto Shrimp Pasta

A dash of red pepper puts zip in this lively main dish from Gloria Jones Grenga of Newnan, Georgia.

Crescent Turkey Casserole
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Crescent Turkey Casserole

How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, MN

Crusted Salmon
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Crusted Salmon

These delicious salmon fillets are wonderful for company since they take only a few minutes to prepare, yet they taste like you care. I receive requests for the recipe every time I serve them. —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, UT

Soupy Chicken Noodle Supper
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Soupy Chicken Noodle Supper

At least once a week my 6-year-old son, also known as Doctor John, hands me a “prescription” for chicken noodle soup. Needless to say, I’m always happy to fill it. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, MN

Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
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Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash gets a sweet and savory treatment when stuffed with sausage, onion, spinach and cranberries to make this pretty autumn entree. Cooking the squash in the microwave makes this quick enough for a busy weeknight. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

skillet shepherds pie
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Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

This is the best shepherd’s pie recipe I’ve ever tasted. It’s very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego

Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
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Brown Sugar–Glazed Salmon

Pop these protein-packed salmon fillets in the oven before whipping up a sweet basting sauce. This tangy entree cooks up in minutes, making it a perfect meal for busy families and unexpected weekend guests. —Debra Martin, Belleville, MI

Easy Cuban Picadillo
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Easy Cuban Picadillo

My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, NJ

Hurry Up Ham N Noodles
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Hurry-Up Ham N Noodles

The rich-tasting dish is ready to serve in almost the time it takes to cook the noodles. I’ve made it for luncheons and potlucks, but mostly I make it on days when I’m in a hurry to get something on the table. —Lucille Howell, Portland, OR

Creamy Curried Chicken
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Creamy Curried Chicken

This is a big hit in our house. My young son and daughter gobble it up. With its irresistible blend of curry and sweet coconut milk, it’ll become a favorite with your family too. —Tracy Simiele, Chardon, OH

egg roll noodle bowl
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Egg Roll Noodle Bowl

We love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, KS

Easy Glazed Salmon
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Easy Glazed Salmon

It takes only four ingredients and a few moments to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, WV

shrimp orzo with feta
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Shrimp Orzo with Feta

Tender, hearty and flavorful, this recipe is one of my favorites! Garlic and a splash of lemon add to the fresh taste and heart-healthy benefits of shrimp. —Sarah Hummel, Moon Township, PA

Fried Chicken Strips
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Fried Chicken Strips

I recently made this recipe of Mom’s for my in-laws, and they told me it was the “best fried chicken ever.” Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, CA

Savory Beer Pork Chops
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Savory Beer Pork Chops

These tender chops cooked in a savory sauce are perfect for a hectic weeknight because they’re so easy to prep. Try them with hot buttery noodles. —Jana Christian, Farson, WY

beefy buscuit cups
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Beefy Biscuit Cups

On-the-go families will love these pizza-flavored goodies. They’re made in a wink with convenient refrigerated biscuits and a jar of prepared spaghetti sauce. —Kimberly Ledon, St. Marys, GA

Lemon Shrimp With Parmesan Rice
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Lemon Shrimp with Parmesan Rice

I grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi, where rice, garlic and seafood are staples of Gulf Coast cuisine. This easy shrimp and rice dish is a longtime family favorite that’s ready in minutes. —Amie Overby, Reno, NV

Italian Sausage With Bow Ties
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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, WA

tasty burritos
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Tasty Burritos

My cousin is of Mexican heritage, and I’ve watched her make this crunchy beef burrito recipe for years. The very first time I made them for my own family, they instantly became a favorite meal. They’re even better warmed up the next day in the microwave. —Debi Lane, Chattanooga, TN

meatball pizza
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Meatball Pizza

I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, MD

Parmesan Baked Cod
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Parmesan Baked Cod

This is a goof-proof way to keep oven-baked cod moist and flavorful. My mom shared this recipe with me years ago, and I’ve been loving it ever since. —Mary Jo Hoppe, Pewaukee, WI

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza

This recipe combines my two favorite foods—pizza and chicken cordon bleu. I’ve made this for my family and the teachers at my school. Now the teachers ask me to make it for them for lunch! —Justin Rippel, Colgate, WI

Pierogi Beef Skillet
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Pierogi Beef Skillet

Hearty and thick with beef, veggies and potatoes, this is a complete meal in one. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Shrimp Pad Thai
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Shrimp Pad Thai

You can make this yummy Thai classic in no time. Find fish sauce and chili garlic sauce in the Asian foods aisle of your grocery store. —Elise Ray, Shawnee, KS

cinnamon apple pork chops
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Cinnamon-Apple Pork Chops

When I found this pork chops and apples recipe online years ago, it quickly became a favorite. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand, and the one-pan cleanup is a bonus. —Christina Price, Pittsburgh

Southwestern Goulash
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Southwestern Goulash

I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn’t want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, OH

Turkey Breast Tenderloins With Raspberry Sauce
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Turkey Breast Tenderloins with Raspberry Sauce

Sweet and tangy raspberry sauce is a perfect complement to versatile turkey tenderloins. In fact, this sauce is so good, you’ll be tempted to eat it with a spoon. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, MO

Seared Salmon With Strawberry Basil Relish
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Seared Salmon with Strawberry Basil Relish

Salmon and basil take a sweet new approach when topped off with a relish of strawberries, honey and pepper. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, OR

Tangy Sweet And Sour Meatballs
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Tangy Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

A tangy sauce, green pepper and pineapple transform premade meatballs into something special. Serve them over rice for a satisfying main dish. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, WA

Quick Beef Vegetable Soup
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Quick Beef Vegetable Soup

At the end of a long day, you want to put something quick, warm and substantial on the table for your family. This hefty vegetable soup delivers. It will have you out of the kitchen in no time flat! —D.M. Hillock, Hartford, MI

Southwest Chicken Dinner
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Southwest Chicken Dinner

I created a lighter, no-guilt alternative with the bold flavors we love, but missing the calorie-laden tortilla. —Marquisha Turner, Denver

Saucy Mac Cheese
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Saucy Mac & Cheese

I love the curly noodles in this creamy recipe. Cavatappi, also sold under the name cellentani, is a corkscrew pasta, but any type of spiral pasta will work. This dish is fun to make and looks so pretty topped with extra cheese and crunchy, golden crumbs. I like to add ground pepper to my serving. —Sara Martin, Brookfield, WI

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
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Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia

I usually serve this crispy fish with tartar sauce and seasoned steamed veggies. It’s like a Friday night fish fry without all the calories! —Christi McElroy, Neenah, WI

Honey Chicken Stir Fry
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Honey Chicken Stir-Fry

I’m a new mom, and my schedule is very dependent upon our young son, so I like meals that can be ready in as little time as possible. This all-in-one chicken stir-fry recipe with a hint of sweetness from honey is a big time-saver. —Caroline Sperry, Allentown, MI

Beef Tenderloin In Mushroom Sauce
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Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce

When our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It’s a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine’s Day menu. —Denise McNab, Warminster, PA

Salmon With Creamy Dill Sauce
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Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

There’s nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just right so it nearly melts in your mouth. The sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn’t overpower the delicate salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, WA

Tortellini Carbonara
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Tortellini Carbonara

Bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese make a classic pasta sauce that’s absolutely heavenly. It’s a delightful option for company! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, PA

buttery parmesan chicken
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Buttery Parmesan Chicken

A rich, cheesy breading locks in this chicken’s natural juices, making it moist and tempting every time. Because it can be made in advance, I rely on it often during the week and when entertaining. —Kathie Landmann, Lexington Park, MD

Shrimp Monterey
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Shrimp Monterey

For a special occasion or when company’s coming, this delicious seafood dish makes a lasting impression. You’ll be surprised at how fast you can prepare it. A mild, fresh-tasting sauce and the Monterey Jack cheese nicely complement the shrimp. I serve it over pasta or rice. —Jane Birch, Edison, NJ

Cheeseburger Cups
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Cheeseburger Cups

A terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives, this simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go absolutely crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, OH

Seasoned Tilapia Fillets
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Seasoned Tilapia Fillets

If you need a healthy, keep-it-simple solution to dinner tonight, you just found it. This restaurant-quality tilapia fillet recipe relies on spices you’re likely to have on hand to deliver big flavor. This is how to make tilapia. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, MO

Smothered Chicken Breasts
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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, MO

Herbed Lemon Pork Chops
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Herbed Lemon Pork Chops

Expect to get plenty of compliments on these fast, flavor-packed chops. They’re tender and juicy. —Billi Jo Sylvester, New Smyrna Beach, FL

Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
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Parmesan Chicken Nuggets

My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, AL

Stovetop Meat Loaves
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Stovetop Meat Loaves

Who says meat loaf has to bake in the oven for hours? For this convenient recipe, all you need is your stovetop and 30 minutes. It’s a quick, simple dish to make for one or two people. —Emily Sund, Geneseo, IL

Tangy Parmesan Tilapia
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Tangy Parmesan Tilapia

If you want a gluten-free fish coating, this works beautifully! Some reduced-fat mayos may contain gluten, though, so check the label on yours to be sure. —Deborah Purdue, Westland, MI

Spinach And Mushroom Smothered Chicken
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Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken

Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It’s extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, MO

Sweet N Spicy Chicken
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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, AZ

Taste of Home
Originally Published on Taste of Home

Hazel Wheaton
Hazel is a writer, editor and enthusiastic home baker who has worked in the publishing industry for over 25 years in the fields of travel, jewelry arts and food. And she still wishes she could cook like her mother.