If you've got about eight mouths to feed in 30 minutes or less, these fun, family-friendly dinner recipes are for you! Get the kids to set the table, and start cookin'. Dinner will be ready in no time.
44 Quick-Prep Meals for Big Families
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
1/44
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Buffalo Sloppy Joes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 279 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch.
3/44
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A chicken club pizza topped with lettuce, tomatoes and dressing? You’re in for a treat! Vegetables give the cheesy crust a cool crunch. —Debbie Reid, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 444 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 939mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.
4/44
Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the most fantastic, flavorful burgers I've ever made. Ranch is a favorite in dips and dressings, and believe me, it doesn't disappoint in these burgers, either! —Kari Shifflett, Lake Mills, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 371 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
5/44
6/44
Broccoli Beef Braids
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 loaves (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Each slice of this fast-to-fix golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. —Penny Lapp, North Royalton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces : 396 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
7/44
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Chop Suey
Total Time
25 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a wonderful way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty, traditional—and easy, too. —Melody Littlewood, Royal City, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 182 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
8/44
Heavenly Crab Cakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I switched to a low-fat diet, I thought I'd never be able to eat crab cakes again. But then I found this recipe. Now I can enjoy these little patties of paradise—without any guilt! —Laura Letobar, Livonia, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 150 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 lean meat, 1 starch.
9/44
Wasabi Beef Fajitas
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Beef fajitas get an eastern spin with gingerroot, sesame oil and wasabi, a type of Japanese horseradish. You can find it in the Asian section at your supermarket. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 287 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
10/44
Flavorful Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Folks can find me grilling, no matter the weather. This moist pork tenderloin has loads of flavor thanks to its special spice blend, and it doesn't get much easier to make. My wife especially likes that she doesn't have to do the cooking! —Steve Ehrhart, Villa Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 135 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
11/44
Haystack Meal
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 casseroles (6 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Served as the main dish at our family reunion buffet, this flavorful layered taco-style dish was a true crowd-pleaser. Folks were pleasantly surprised to find a rice layer, and everyone enjoys the creamy cheese sauce. —Jill Steiner, Hancock, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 888 calories, 55g fat (24g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1746mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
12/44
Garlic Lime Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This moist and tender fish is lightly seasoned, so leftovers work well in other recipes. —Gail Uchwat, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (4 ounces) equals 380 calories, 30 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 67 mg cholesterol, 68 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 23 g protein.
13/44
Huli Huli Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I lived in Hawaii, I got this recipe for chicken marinated in a ginger-soy sauce from a friend. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian and refers to turning the meat on the grill. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs: 391 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.
14/44
Sloppy Joe Pizza
Total Time
22 min
Servings
2 pizzas (8 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
If your kids like sloppy joes, they'll love this pizza. I came up with the six-ingredient recipe that's easy to assemble. —Brenda Rohlman, Kingman, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 218 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
15/44
Homemade Corn Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn dog: 316 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
16/44
Chili Beef Noodle Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this recipe. My husband likes the hearty blend of beef, onion and tomatoes. I like it because I can get it to the table so quickly. —Deborah Elliott, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 344 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
17/44
Crescent Roll Hot Dogs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 325 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
18/44
Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Instant Pot chicken and broccoli is a simple riff on a classic Chinese chicken dish that proves you can savor the takeout taste you crave while still eating right. —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 241 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/44
Shrimp Fried Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can't get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 332 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 236mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
20/44
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Total Time
5 hours 10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
8 meatballs: 794 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
21/44
Hay and Straw
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 410 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
22/44
Tangy Turkey Tostadas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a health fitness specialist and personal trainer, so I know how important it is to make smart food choices to fuel my day. These fast and filling tostadas are packed with lean protein, fiber and a good dose of veggies. Have them any night of the week. —Julie Huntington, Memphis, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 356 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
23/44
Italian Turkey Skillet
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's a challenge to find imaginative ways to use leftovers, especially for turkey after Thanksgiving. Here's a favorite of mine that you can easily make ahead for another dinner option. Prepare the recipe as directed, then transfer to a casserole dish and freeze up to three months. —Patricia Kile, Nokomis, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 337 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
24/44
Garlic Bread Pizza
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 281 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
25/44
Spicy Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This spicy, saucy chicken is great served with basil-buttered grilled corn on the cob and fresh coleslaw. —Rita Wintrode, Corryton, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 179 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
26/44
Rosemary Garlic Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Delicate shrimp take on fabulous flavor when simmered in a chicken broth mixed with garlic and ripe olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 110 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
27/44
Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings (2 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup salsa : 131 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fruit.
28/44
Pork Chops with Glaze
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rosemary adds a special touch to these beautifully glazed pork chops that are just right for any meal. —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 246 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.
29/44
Grilled Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak. For a special occasion, you can also brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill them. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer: 201 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein.
30/44
Corn, Rice & Bean Burritos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will miss the meat when you dish up these satisfying burritos bursting with a fresh-tasting filling. They’re fast to fix and won’t put a dent in your wallet. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito with 1 tablespoon salsa: 326 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
31/44
Hearty Vegetable Beef Ragu
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes, and it's something that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 302 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
32/44
Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
6 nuggets (calculated without marinara): 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
33/44
Pizza Ring
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom made a ring with chicken and broccoli one night. I said I’d rather have pizza. That’s how this recipe was born! —Tricia Richardson, Springdale, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces with 2 tablespoons pizza sauce: 214 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
34/44
Texas Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe by combining a bunch of taco ingredients that my kids like. Once it’s ready, I often keep the beef mixture warm in a slow cooker so the kids can quickly fill taco shells after an afternoon of rigorous soccer practice. —Susan Scully, Mason, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 294 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
35/44
Broiled Chicken & Artichokes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My wife and I first made this chicken entree as newlyweds, and we have been hooked on it ever since. We make it almost weekly now. It's so simple and affordable, yet delicious and healthy. You can't beat that! —Chris Koon, Midlothian, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 288 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 584mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein.
36/44
Grilled Flank Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 186 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
37/44
Sausage and Mushroom Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In Rome, we dined near the Pantheon. The amazing restaurant is now history, but its memory lives on in this tasty pasta with mushrooms and sausage. —Barbara Roozrokh, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup meat mixture with 1 cup pasta: 570 calories, 37g fat (19g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
38/44
Crab-Stuffed Avocado
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled avocado half: 325 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
39/44
Sausage Squash Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Expect a crowd to gather around the grill when these flavorful kabobs are cooking. The zesty honey-mustard glaze gives a lovely sheen to the sausage and veggies. —Lisa Malynn Kent, North Richland Hills, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 385 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1491mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
40/44
Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed squash half: 275 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
41/44
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 35g fat (22g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
42/44
Ginger Veggie Brown Rice Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Once I discovered brown rice pasta, I never looked back. Tossed with ginger, bright veggies and rotisserie chicken, it tastes like a deconstructed egg roll! —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 270 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
43/44
Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 312mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
44/44
Grilled Ham Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 632 calories, 28g fat (9g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 1430mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 40g protein.
