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Dinner 30 Minutes or Less

22 Back To School 30 Minute Dinner Recipes

By: Joanna Cismaru •8/26/22 Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

collage for 22 back to school 30 minute dinner recipes.

It’s that time of year again! Summer vacation is over, everyone is back to school, and it’s time to figure out what’s for dinner. But there is no need to stress. It doesn’t have to be a hassle. There are so many delicious quick and easy meals that you can whip up in no time. In fact, I’ve got lots to choose from on my blog. These are just 22 Back to School 30 Minute Dinner Recipes to both inspire and get you going!

collage for 22 back to school 30 minute dinner recipes.

Easy 30 Minutes Back To School Recipes

Trust me, I get it. You don’t have time on busy weeknights to be figuring out how to feed the family and make something kid approved. You’ve got errands to run, laundry to do, and homework to check. You are busy! But set your worries aside and allow me to help!

Here you will find a variety of easy recipes from flavorful stir fries and yummy pasta dishes to comforting casseroles and tasty tacos that take no more than 30 minutes to make! All of them only require easy to find ingredients and most are one pot meals! 

So whether you are craving beef, chicken, pork, or seafood, there is a recipe for everyone in this selection. And almost all of the recipes can also be made vegetarian too! So take a breather this coming week and test out a few of these incredibly easy and delicious dishes!

overhead shot of cheesy chicken broccoli pasta in a pot with a serving spoon taking a scoop

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta is a dish that is packed with cheesy, rich flavor, loaded with chicken and broccoli. It's prepared all in the same pot to ensure each bite is tasty and easy to whip up in a flash! One pot and only 30 minutes is all you require to make this incredibly delicious dish!
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side view shot of tongs lifting chicken ramen stir fry out of a skillet

Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a simple but tasty dish that is perfect for any night of the week. Packed full of crunchy veggies cooked down in a savory spicy sauce, served over ramen noodles, this dish is a home run!
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overhead shot of beef and broccoli on a bed of white rice, with chopsticks resting in the bowl

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Forget takeout with my Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe –  In 15 minutes you can have this insanely delicious beef and broccoli stir fry! Way better than any restaurant version!
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beef lo mein in a black wok.

Beef Lo Mein

Layered with deep umami flavors, delicious Beef Lo Mein is going to become your new favorite 30-minute meal! It's tender stir-fried beef with perfectly cooked crisp veggies smothered in an addictively delicious sauce and then tossed with rich yummy Chinese-style egg noodles!
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chicken mushroom stir fry in a bowl with chop sticks.

Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry

A Chicken Mushroom Stir Fry Recipe that's so easy and quick to make, perfect for any night of the week and so much better than takeout! Tender and tasty chicken, earthy mushrooms and stir fry veggies in a delicious sauce all come together in this amazing stir fry, ready to wow your family in just 20 minutes!
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air fryer salmon with creamy garlic sauce in a white bowl with rice and broccoli.

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Delicious, crispy Air Fryer Salmon Bites with a flavorful creamy garlic sauce, ready in less than 15 minutes. Make a dinner out of it and pair it with some cooked rice and your favorite steamed veggie. So good and so simple, you're going to love it!
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a serving spoon inside a skillet with chicken broccoli rice casserole.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is made all in ONE POT and ready in only 30 minutes. It’s cheesy, it’s comforting, loaded with broccoli and super simple to make!
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steak fajitas on a sheet pan.

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Easy homemade Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas, extra juicy and extra delicious, perfect for any time of the year, since no grilling is required. Healthy, tasty, perfect for the whole family, weeknight-friendly, totally customizable, super satisfying and ready in just 30 minutes!
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cheesy taco orzo in a white bowl.

One Pot Cheesy Taco Orzo

This One Pot Cheesy Taco Orzo is super cheesy and delicious! One pot of quick and feel-good comfort food, ready in just 30 minutes. This Cheesy Taco Orzo is topped with lots of cheese, and your favorite taco toppings. Enjoy a big bowl of cheesy gooey goodness!
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homemade hamburger helper lasagna from scratch in a skillet.

One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna

This One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna is the perfect quick weeknight dinner! Ditch the boxed mix Hamburger Helper and make your own, lasagna style, much healthier and homemade. Comfort food at its finest.
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rigatoni fiorentina in a white bowl with a bit of parmesan cheese.

Rotini Fiorentina

This easy Rotini Fiorentina recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes. A comforting pasta dish with an incredibly flavorful creamy tomato sauce and lots of mozzarella. The perfect easy pasta dinner for a busy weeknight.
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tomato spinach chicken pasta in a white bowl.

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

This tremendously delicious Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta is definitely a winner. It's quick and easy to make, incredibly rich in flavors, and can be on your table in about 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
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alfredo salmon pasta in a white bowl with a wooden spoon inside.

Salmon Alfredo

The all popular Alfredo sauce kicked up a notch with some delicious smoked salmon and tossed with your favorite pasta. This Salmon Alfredo really is incredibly easy and simple to make and ready in less than 30 minutes! Quick, delicious, perfect for any night of the week!
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yakisoba noodles with chicken and vegetables in a large serving platter.

Yakisoba

Yakisoba is a delicious Japanese inspired dish made with noodles, vegetables, and meat. This recipe uses healthy lean chicken, cabbage and shiitake mushrooms. Finally, an amazing sweet and savoury sauce finishes off this noodle dish.
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chicken alfredo pasta bake fresh out of the oven with a serving spoon inside.

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

This Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is a simple, no-fuss dinner that you can easily make right at home with very few ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, it's a definite crowd pleaser for even the pickiest eaters.
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chicken scampi with linguini garnished with parmesan cheese on a white platter.

Chicken Scampi

Here's a super simple way to cook chicken for an easy weeknight meal! My Chicken Scampi takes only 20 minutes from start to finish! Chicken breast pieces lightly coated with cornstarch and spices, pan fried until golden and served in a delicious white wine sauce! Perfect for busy weeknights!
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closeup of italian mac and cheese in a white bowl with a big serving spoon.

Italian Mac And Cheese

Classic comfort food, with an Italian twist! This Italian Mac And Cheese is loaded with cheesy, herbaceous flavor and takes under 30 minutes to make! Penne noodles are smothered in a luscious mozzarella cheese sauce, spiked with Italian seasoning and parmesan.
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hamburger helper in a bowl with a serving spoon inside.

Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Who needs the box when you can have this homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper on your table in less than 25 minutes! Easy, delicious comfort food made entirely in one pot.
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a large white bowl with freshly cooked chili mac with a serving spoon inside.

Instant Pot Chili Mac

Easy, cheesy, Instant Pot Chili Mac! This dish is the epitome of comfort food. Combining two classics to create one epic meal, perfect for busy weeknights! Using staple kitchen and pantry ingredients, this recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, all thanks to the instant pot!
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overhead shot of a fork with spaghetti twirled around it in a plate full of spaghetti.

Instant Pot Spaghetti

Classic spaghetti, made in the Instant Pot! My Instant Pot Spaghetti recipe is as easy as 1,2,3! Requiring simple, kitchen staple ingredients and minimal prep, you can sit back and let the instant pot do all the work for you! Perfect for busy weeknights!
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pepper steak over a bed of rice in a bowl

Easy Pepper Steak

This Easy Pepper Steak recipe utilizes simple ingredients to create a bold and flavorful stir-fry dinner all in one pot, in just 30 minutes!
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overhead shot of steak tacos on a platter with chimichurri sauce and garnished with tomatoes, avocado and feta

Steak Tacos

Steak Tacos with Chimichurri Sauce – Tender steak cooked to medium-rare perfection, piled up into soft tortillas, and topped with a super easy and fresh chimichurri sauce. Add your favorite taco toppings, and voila! Dinner is served, and it's never been more drool-worthy.
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Home Recipes
Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Headshot of Joanna Cismaru

Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
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Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

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