85 Cheap and Easy Dinner Ideas You Can Make in Half an Hour

This well-loved dish has been popular for decades—and for good reason: Few simple meals are more satisfying.

Get the recipe for Salisbury Steak.

Check out more ground beef dinner ideas here.

Honestly, we could eat this soup for days. It's simple, it's tasty, and it's a great way to stretch a rotisserie chicken!

Get the recipe for Chicken-and-Spinach Tortellini Soup.

Check out more inexpensive family-friendly dinner ideas here.

If you're looking for ways to make chicken a little less boring, put this recipe in your pocket. The classic creamy, savory sauce is easy to make and so good you'll want to drizzle it over everything.

Get the recipe for Chicken Marsala.

With a fast sauce made from pantry staples, and an even faster sear, this classic takeout staple comes together in less time than you can get it delivered. And it's fresher, too!

Get the recipe for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry.

Adult and kid friendly, this fun pasta dish boasts loads of roasted salmon, fresh spring peas, and oodles of flavorful dill. And any leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delicious lunch.

Get the recipe for Spring Pasta with Salmon, Peas, and Dill.

Get more kid-friendly recipes right here!

Sure, you could order some from the local place. Or, for a fraction of the price (and in the same amount of time) you could just make your own—and it'll be much tastier.

Get the recipe for Chinese-Style Orange Chicken.

Keep this endlessly adaptable recipe in your back pocket for the next time you have leftover rice in the fridge. It's delicious. It's easy. And there's just 20 minutes between you and big comforting bowl of it.

Get the recipe for Fried Rice.

Other versions of this classic Eastern European comfort food can take hours to put together. This one can beat your go-to delivery app to the table, and it's yummy enough that the kids'll lick their plates clean.

Get the recipe for Beef Stroganoff.

This fast and flavorful dinner uses a neat technique: cooking the ingredients in a thick sauce, so they're less likely to fall out from between the tortillas. It's tasty and clever!

Get the recipe for Chicken Quesadilla.

If getting dinner on the table STAT is of utmost concern, then you want fish. Paired with a simple salad, this whole meal can be ready in about 10 minutes.

Get the recipe for Lemon-Butter Broiled Salmon.

It's easy to keep nearly everything you need to make this classic comfort-food dish in the pantry or freezer, making it both delicious and easy. What else could you want?

Get the recipe for Tuna Noodle Casserole.

This elegant-enough-for-a-date dinner only has four main ingredients: pasta, butter, cream, and Parm!

Get the recipe for Easy-Peasy Fettuccini Alfredo.

The trick to making this super-hearty salad extra fast? Rotisserie chicken breast!

Get the recipe for Cobb Salad.

Though it's perfect for picnics, this easy dish also makes a great light summer dinner. It comes together in 20 minutes and tastes delicious warm or cold.

Get the recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad.

Seared in a little oil until just tender, salmon is delicate, tender, and delicious.

Get the recipe for Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon.

If you've got a little extra time, however, a sauce can add tons of flavor, and it doesn't need to be complicated. Case in point: this honey teriyaki sauce.

Get the recipe for Teriyaki Salmon.

You're 15 minutes from having a plate of this inexpensive and satisfying dish on the table in front of you.

Get the recipe for Ground Chicken Pad Thai.

Looking for an easy Tex-Mex meal? Try making these delicious ground chicken meatballs, which are packed with flavor from spices and mild Hatch chiles. They make an excellent light taco salad-style dinner.

Get the recipe for Tex-Mex Chicken Meatballs.

We love this frugal masterpiece of a dish in part because it's so easy to clean up. You can even prep the foil packets up to a day in advance. Just toss them in a hot oven and let them cook!

Get the recipe for Salmon in Foil with Vegetables.

This spicy, buttery, citrusy dish is an old-school classic. It's great for a fancy dinner, but equally good when you're pressed for time.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Scampi Pasta.

This recipe is fast—just 25 minutes—and the result tastes like your favorite takeout dish.

Get the recipe for Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Meatballs.

Here's a fast and easy, kid-friendly dish that only takes about as much time as you need to brown some ground chicken.

Get the recipe for Ground Chicken Tacos.

If you're frustrated because your salmon always ends up overcooked, try this recipe, which keeps it moist and delicious—and still cooks it quickly.

Get the recipe for Butter Baked Salmon.

Hearty, healthy, and super easy to make, these fast burritos make a great dinner, or an excellent next-day lunch!

Get the recipe for Veggie-and-Bean Burritos.

Ground chicken is less expensive, but no less delicious, in this quick dish. Serve it with reheated mashed potatoes.

Get the recipe for Swedish Meatballs with Chicken.

Corn tortillas, rotisserie chicken, Monterey Jack, and a creamy cilantro-packed green salsa make up the layers of this Mexican-inspired pie.

Get the recipe for Salsa Verde Enchilada Pie.

If you like the classic stir-fry, you'll love this meatball version!

Get the recipe for Sesame Chicken Meatballs.

This hearty vegetarian dish is inexpensive and comes together in just 20 minutes. Make extra and enjoy the leftovers cold the next day!

Get the recipe for Orzo Pasta Salad.

Stuffed with butter and herbs, traditional Chicken Kiev is a miracle of flavor. We've turned the same idea into a fun, 15-minute meatball—ideal for switching up your dinner rotation.

Get the recipe for Chicken Kiev Meatballs.

If your idea of chicken for dinner is boneless breast meat, then this 30-minute recipe will show you just how juicy and delicious—and easy to cook—the thighs can be.

Get the recipe for Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Escarole.

Get more one-pot meals right here.

This elegant, easy white pizza is surprisingly satisfying.

Get the recipe for Pear, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese Pizza with Arugula.

The kids will come running when you serve up this fast version of a perennial favorite. Ground turkey or chicken replaces the usual ground beef, and a fresh cucumber onion relish tops it all off!

Get the recipe for Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes.

Made with cucumbers and quick-cooking salmon, this salad is as refreshing as it is easy to put together. Add the toasted bread of your choice for a satisfying crunch.

Get the recipe for Cucumber-Salmon Panzanella .

With an air fryer, these shrimp go from fully frozen to ready-to-eat in less than half an hour. They're perfect for a healthy last-minute meal and are great for salads, pasta, or more.

Get the recipe for Super Fast Scampi-Style Air Fryer Shrimp.

Steak is one of those dinners that manages to be both easy and decadent. Prepared in the air fryer—faster than the oven, far less messy than a frying pan—it's even easier.

Get the recipe for Air Fryer Steak.

Some days you just feel like having a cold beer and a pile of wings. With an air fryer, you don't even have to go anywhere to get 'em.

Get the recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Wings.

This recipe is ready in 30 minutes and that includes the marinating! You can whip up a bed of sautéed spinach while it's cooking.

Get the recipe for Easy Marinated Air Fryer Salmon.

Here's a recipe to convince you that canned pumpkin is good for far more than just making pie. Get this pantry-based meal on the table in just 25 minutes.

Get the recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata.

Simply seasoned with Herbes de Provence, this quick meal is served with a flavorful lemony pea couscous.

Get the recipe for Herbes de Provence Shrimp.

Your whole family will fall in love with these crispy chicken thighs (emphasis on "crispy"). Garlic and rosemary make them as aromatic as they are delicious. Serve with a fresh salad for an extra touch of green.

Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs.

The beans for this classic camping meal can be made just as easily on the stove, and oven-toasted hot dogs will taste nearly as good, if you don't want to build a campfire.

Get the recipe for Hot Dogs with Quick Cast-Iron Beans.

We love this flavorful spin on the tried-and-true steak and potatoes dinner. Not only is it a quick dinner idea, but it'll satisfy the whole family too.

Get the recipe for Strip Steak with Lemon Mashed Potatoes.

Throw your pot pie ingredients into a single saucepan and let the stove do the work.

Get the recipe for Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie.

Sweeten skillet chicken with brown sugar and roasted apples.

Get the recipe for Skillet Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Apples.

These spicy fajitas take barely any time to make and require just one cast iron skillet. (Plus they taste great!)

Get the recipe for Chipotle Chicken Fajitas.

A fennel, avocado, and red onion slaw lightens up smoky chicken cutlets.

Get the recipe for Blackened Chicken with Fennel Slaw.

Pack some protein into a butternut squash ravioli dish with sliced seared chicken.

Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken.

Crispy onion rings and a homemade pickled slaw bring some crunch to your favorite sloppy Joes.

Get the recipe for Sloppy Joes with Pickled Okra Slaw.

Butter lettuce cups are the new tortilla—and spicy ground chicken and juicy mango is your new favorite taco filling.

Get the recipe for Jerk Chicken and Mango Lettuce Cups.

Bursting Campari tomatoes add juicy sweetness to breaded chicken cutlets.

Get the recipe for Roasted Parmesan Chicken and Tomatoes.

This dish makes the case for cooking your carrots with the stem on—how pretty are they?

Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken with Roasted Carrots and Couscous.

Use the kiddos' favorite cereal to make an easy and quick breading for chicken.

Get the recipe for Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Potatoes and Peas.

Tomatoes, basil, and melted mozz upgrade potato wedges to the max.

Get the recipe for Italian Potato Wedge Nachos.

Give this go-to chili recipe some fall flair with seasonal squash.

Get the recipe for Butternut Squash and Chicken Chili.

Dijon mustard makes everything—yep, even drumsticks—tastier.

Get the recipe for Dijon-Smothered Chicken Legs with Broccolini.

Cool down Indian-inspired chicken kebabs with a refreshing cucumber and mint salad.

Get the recipe for Grilled Spiced Chicken Skewers with Cucumber Salad.

This colorful chicken stir-fry (oranges bring a bright pop!) is as healthy as it is pretty.

Get the recipe for Sugar Snap, Orange, and Teriyaki Stir-Fry.

Pierogies are a great shortcut item that can be found in the freezer section of the grocery store. Steam for a softer texture, or fry if you prefer a few crispy edges.

Get the recipe for Pierogies with Sausage, Cabbage & Pear.

This tasty fall soup can be made in just 25 minutes.

Get the recipe for Thai Noodle Soup with Shrimp & Pumpkin.

Find more hearty fall soup recipes here.

Charred summer squash pairs perfectly with pesto-glazed chicken breasts.

Get the recipe for Grilled Pesto Chicken with Summer Squash.

This colorful veggie medley brightens up just about any plate.

Get the recipe for BBQ Drumsticks with Edamame Succotash.

Put a fresh-veg twist on spaghetti night.

Get the recipe for Pasta with Sautéed Peppers, Zucchini, and Smoked Mozzarella.

Put your rotisserie chicken leftovers to use by adding shredded meat to a melty Parmesan pasta dish.

Get the recipe for Chicken and Arugula Cacio e Pepe.

This hearty soup is summer's version of chicken noodle.

Get the recipe for Summer Vegetable, Chicken, and Gnocchi Soup.

Ready in under 30 minutes, this deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation come winter.

Get the recipe for Bucatini with Winter Pesto and Sweet Potatoes.

Lighten up spaghetti night with lean turkey meat and fresh zoodles.

Get the recipe for Turkey Meatballs over Zucchini Noodles.

Risotto makes for not-too-leftover-y leftovers because you can serve it in patty form the next go-round. Fry in oil or butter for a few minutes for a delicious turn of events.

Get the recipe for Corn-and-Ham Risotto.

Fresh seasonal veggies are an easy (and healthy!) way to upgrade the classic chicken dinner.

Get the recipe for Skillet Chicken and Spring Vegetables.

Fresh strawberries add a sweet and juicy element to this spring salad.

Get the recipe for Grilled Chicken-and-Strawberry Cobb Salad.

Get dinner on the table quick (and keep dirty dishes to a minimum) with these simple fish packets.

Get the recipe for Bass Packets with Tomato, Corn, Chickpeas, and Olives.

Put a fresh spin on the classic steak dinner. While the steak rests, brush slices of country bread with olive oil and toss them on the grill—divine!

Get the recipe for Grilled Cumin-Rubbed Hanger Steak.

Bring a little snap (peas) to the table with this quick and easy dinner.

Get the recipe for Gingery Snap Pea Slaw.

These bright, spicy tacos are the ultimate party food and take just 20 minutes to make.

Get the recipe for Mini Chicken Tacos.

Crispy pancetta and caramelized onions give this simple dish plenty of flavor.

Get the recipe for Pancetta-and-Brussels Sprouts Linguini.

This light and refreshing dinner gets some color from a vegetable sauté.

Get the recipe for Seared Grouper with Corn, Zucchini, and Tomato Sauté.

A quick and easy flank steak gets acidity from roasted grapes in this easy, weeknight recipe.

Get the recipe for Herb-Garlic Crusted Flank Steak with Pan-Roasted Grapes.

Spice up your weeknight dinner with this quick and easy skillet recipe.

Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs with Peppers and Salsa Verde.

This crunchy salad gets a protein boost from rotisserie chicken.

Get the recipe for Crunchy Carrot, Pea, and Chicken Salad.

This salad is a light and flavorful way to savor the classic pairing of steak and potatoes.

Get the recipe for Steak-and-Potato Salad.

Warm up a cool night with this flavorful and filling pork stew.

Get the recipe for Spicy Pork Posole .

Try juicy Thai-marinated steak for a new spin on tacos. These are ready in just 30 minutes!

Get the recipe for Thai Steak Tacos.

Toasted pecans add unexpected warmth and crunch to this creamy pasta dish.

Get the recipe for Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties.

Use quick-cooking ramen and store-bought chicken broth to get this hearty rendition of the Chinese-restaurant classic on the table in a jiffy. Fortune cookies optional.

Get the recipe for Egg-Drop Noodle Soup.

This recipe features a flavorful salsa of green tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro. Also try it on other types of grilled fish or in burritos.

Get the recipe for Grilled Sea Bass with Green Tomato Salsa.

Quick and easy pasta begins with basic ingredients, such as mushrooms, onions, and red peppers. An egg yolk is tossed with the ingredients and heated through before serving to glaze the pasta in rich, creamy flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of a fragrant, nutty cheese.

Get the recipe for Easy Pantry Pasta.