50+ Delicious 30-Minute Dinner Ideas Perfect for Busy Nights (2024)

Most nights, spending an hour making dinner isn't in the cards. Don't worry: These 30-minute dinner ideas make meal planning simple—and many of them require less than 15 minutes prepping!

The best part: Many of these dishes are fancy enough for entertaining—so having a dinner party or other get-together is even easier than ever.

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Salt and Pepper Chicken

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Make your favorite Chinese takeout at home with this fast-and-easy recipe. Chinese five-spice powder is the secret ingredient to give your chicken extra flavor.

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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Crispy Pancetta and Fried Eggs

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This comforting 30-minute salad uses only one pan to cook the ingredients. This recipe utilizes a package of pre-shredded Brussels sprouts to cut down on prep time. Swap the mayonnaise in the Caesar-ish dressing for Greek yogurt for similar taste and texture yet a protein boost.

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Shrimp Tacos with Caramelized Pineapple

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Shrimp cooks up in just minutes, so it's a great protein to include when you need to get dinner done fast. Here, it's paired with caramelized pineapple for a sweet and tasty meal.

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Green Olive and Rosemary Lamb Chops

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This super-tasty dish takes only 15 minutes to come together—including flavorful . rosemary-olive bulgur wheat and a smashed cucumber salad. The chops cook in the broiler in just eight minutes.

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Shrimp and Artichoke Scampi

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Pasta is one of the most popular picks for fast weeknight meals. Artichokes are added to turn shrimp scampi into a complete one-dish dinner.

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Sheet Pan Sausages and Veggies

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This 30-minute dinner couldn't be easier. Just pop sausage and some roughly chopped veggies onto the pan, and cook until sizzling.

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Antipasto Salad

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No cooking required for this hearty and delicious salad. Just chop and mix all your favorite antipasto fixings for a dinner that's ready in 15 minutes.

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Easy Green Shakshuka

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Shakshuka is generally eggs cooked in a spicy red sauce—but why not go green with artichokes, spinach, salsa verde, and avocado? (You can swap in other veggies, like kale, zucchini, or broccoli if you're not into what's in the recipe.)

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Pasta With Zucchini and Goat Cheese

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If you're someone who gets way too many zucchini in the summer, this 30-minute dinner idea will use up plenty of your bounty. Lemon zest adds a little brightness, and a creamy goat cheese.

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Carbonara Pizza

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Anything that's a delicious pasta dish can also be a decadent pizza. Pair pre-made pizza dough with traditional carbonara fixings for a delicious alternative to a standard margarita pie.

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Tofu Fried Rice

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Fried rice is a fast and easy weeknight meal—and a perfect way to toss in any leftover veggies you have in your fridge. This fresh take on fried rice includes Indian flavors like ginger, turmeric, and yogurt.

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Fast Italian Fish Stew

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Top a tomato-bean stew with a fish filet and plenty of fresh herbs for a cozy and quick weeknight dinner.

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Spicy Dumpling Soup

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Soup is a smart and speedy meal. This soup uses frozen dumplings and a generous helping of chili crisp for a flavorful and fast dinner idea.

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Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

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Sheet pan dinners make dinner prep simple and post-dinner cleanup even easier. This one takes 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to get on your table.

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Linguine With Cherry Tomato Sauce

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Skip the jarred pasta sauce and make your own with flavorful cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

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Miso Noodle Soup

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Ramen noodles and wilted spinach bulk up a traditional miso soup. You can add extra flavor by crisping up the tofu before you add it to the soup.

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Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs With Salsa Verde

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This Mexican-style sheet pan dinner is packed with flavor, thanks to salsa verde, cotija cheese, and plenty of cilantro.

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20+ Quick and Easy One-Pan Recipes For Nights When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

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Summer Tacos With Scallion-Peanut Relish

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These tacos swap out the traditional salsa for a flavorful and spicy chopped peanut and scallion relish. Using rotisserie chicken helps it come together in 25 minutes.

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20 Rotisserie Chicken Dinner Ideas That Are Quick and Easy

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Fancy Tomato Sandwiches

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For the very busiest nights, a tasty (and totally satisfying) sandwich that comes together in 15 minutes flat is the perfect fast and easy meal.

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Eggplant and Tomato Masala With Chickpeas

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Vegetarian dinners don't have to skimp on flavor—as this spicy Indian-style dish shows.

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Grilled Halloumi Salad

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Firm, grilled halloumi is the centerpiece of this Mediterranean-style salad that's gets onto the table fast.

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16 Grill Recipes That Take 40 Minutes or Less

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Southwestern Beef Chili With Corn

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Chili in under 30 minutes? This tasty beef chili recipe makes it happen. And if you like make-ahead meals, double up the recipe and stash a batch in the freezer.

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Grilled Turkey Zucchini Burgers

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Turkey has a bad reputation for drying out when cooked, but we have the solution. Mixing in shredded zucchini packs in vitamins and moisture for a perfect burger every time.

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Speedy Pork Banh Mi

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A sweet-tart marinaded and quick roast make for pork perfection for this variation on the Vietnamese classic sandwich. (You can skip the cilantro for anyone who hates the flavor.)

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Udon With Seared Beef and Zucchini

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Mushrooms, zucchini, and seared beef add plenty of flavor to this classic Japanese noodle dish.

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Pasta With Shrimp and Spicy Butter

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Add a little extra flair to pasta night with curly mafalde noodles and shrimp. Korean condiment gochujang spices up the butter for a perfect sauce.

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No-Bake Summer Lasagna

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Lasagna tends to be a cold-weather meal staple, but try this variation in the summer, when you can use up tomatoes and zucchini from your garden or farmer's market, and enjoy lasagna without having to turn on the oven.

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Crispy Peanut Tofu With Sugar Snap Peas And Peppers

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For a fast and easy dinner, you can't beat stir fry. Tofu and veggies get a generous helping of peanut sauce for added flavor (and protein).

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Black Bean and Eggs-Over-Easy Tostadas

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Eggs aren't just for breakfast. Pair them with black beans, crispy tortillas and an array of veggies for an easy 30-minute dinner.

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Smoky-Sweet Steak Supper

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A brown sugar and paprika rub gives ribeye steak the sweet and smoky flavor. Pair it with a green bean and tomato salad for an easy date-night dinner.

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Real Simple Roasted Eggplant and Olive Pasta Salad

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Not only does this Mediterranean style pasta salad come together quickly—it also tastes better if you make it ahead and let the flavors meld together.

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Italian Sausage Burgers

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Trade in basic ground beef for ground Italian sausage for a more flavorful (but just as fast) burger.

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Thai Peanut Butter Ramen

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This may sound like a college kid's concoction, but don't knock it until you try it. Gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil combine with peanut butter for a sauce with plenty of kick.

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Sun-Dried Tomato Butter Salmon and Broccolini

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Compound butters are a great way to add plenty of flavor to a meal, fast. Sundried tomatoes, Italian seasonings, and garlic are mixed with butter, then slathered on salmon for an easy weeknight dinner recipe.

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Swiss Chard Mac and Cheese

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You can make homemade (and healthier!) mac and cheese in the about the same time it takes for the boxed style. This version calls for parmesan and mozzarella cheeses in lieu of cheddar.

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Mango Chicken Curry

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Mango adds a little extra sweetness to this quick-to-make curry recipe. It's pureed into a coconut milk curry sauce for a sweet-and-savory base to cook chicken thighs in.

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Five-Spice Steak With Couscous

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Chinese five-spice powder—a potent mix of cinnamon, cloves, fennel seed, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns—gives steak a perfect crisp crust and plenty of flavor.

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Soppressata Pizza With Arugula and Honey

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This pizza still has the classic tomato sauce and mozzarella, but finishing it with soppressata, arugula, and a drizzle of honey will elevate your pizza night.

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Speedy Linguine and Clam Sauce

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You don't have to worry about cleaning clams (or dealing with any that fail to open when cooked) to get that white clam sauce flavor. Just sub in canned clams and clam juice for a 30-minute pasta dinner.

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Crispy Chicken-And-Cheddar Sandwich With Pickle Dijon

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No need for the drive-through when you can make an even better crispy chicken sandwich at home in just 15 minutes. Bake up some crispy homemade chips on the side, and kiss fast food goodbye.

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Chicken Satay Lettuce Wraps

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This fresh and easy weeknight meal is perfect picky eaters. You prep all the ingredients, and everyone can stuff their lettuce leaves (or make a little platter) of their favorites.

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Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

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We love a good sheet pan recipe, and this veggie-packed fajita recipe will definitely end up in regular rotation.

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Clam Pizza

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Think pasta with clam sauce, but on a pizza. Store-bought pizza dough and canned clams help this meal come together in 25 minutes.

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These 18 Pizza Recipes Are So Good, You'll Never Order In Again

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Buttery Shrimp With Marinated White Beans

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If you need a fast (but sophisticated) dinner fast, bookmark this favorite. You'll likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge on any given day—and you can sub in chickpeas or cranberry beans if you've run out of cannellini.

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Almond-Crusted Chicken With Arugula Salad

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For a more keto-friendly crust, this 30-minute dinner recipe calls for almond flour in lieu of panko crumbs.

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Spring Minestrone

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When you're feeling under the weather, opt for this veggie-filled minestrone to soothe your symptoms and help you pack in a healthy dose of nutrients.

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Vegetarian Tacos With Sweet Potatoes and Corn

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Spicy sweet potatoes and corn stand in for meat in vegetarian tacos in this 20-minute diner idea.

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Orange Chicken Stir-Fry With Rice Noodles

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Shhh...the secret for this Chinese takeout favorite is orange marmalade. If you don't have rice noodles, plain rice is an alternative accompaniment.

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Hummus, Tomato, and Feta Pita Pizzas With Arugula Salad

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This no-cook dinner can be assembled in minutes, and features plenty of flavor, thanks to the hummus and feta cheese.

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Cheesy Chicken Nachos With Avocado and Radish

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Nachos for dinner will likely be a popular addition to your menu rotation. Plenty of veggies and shredded rotisserie chicken make this a healthier alternative to the traditional nachos.

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Spanish Omelet With Potatoes and Chorizo

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If you like breakfast for dinner, try this quick and easy meal. Spanish omelets are like a crustless quiche—and this one is packed with spicy chorizo and lots of potatoes.

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50+ Delicious 30-Minute Dinner Ideas Perfect for Busy Nights (2024)

FAQs

Who is famous for 30 minute meals? ›

30 Minute Meals is a Food Network show hosted by Rachael Ray. Her first of four shows on Food Network, its original run aired from November 17, 2001, until May 5, 2012.

What to eat when too busy to cook? ›

Buy pre-cut and pre-bagged foods.

Vegetable trays pre-cut, frozen vegetables, or bagged salads that come with all the mix-ins can all help you get a meal on the table in less time. “Sure, these are a little more expensive, but they save you time and give you energy.”

What is a good dinner that everyone would like? ›

27 Quick And Easy Dinners Your Whole Family Will Love
  • One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta. tasty.co. ...
  • Garlic Broccoli Shrimp Stir-Fry. tasty.co. ...
  • 3-Ingredient Teriyaki Chicken. tasty.co. ...
  • Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa. ...
  • Taco Soup. ...
  • One-Pot Chicken and Mushroom Pasta. ...
  • One-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon. ...
  • 20-Minute Beef and Broccoli Noodle Stir-Fry.
Oct 25, 2023

What is 5 10 30 meals? ›

5 Cuisines, 10 Full Meals, 30 Total Ingredients!

What food is Rachael Ray known for? ›

Ray owes some of her gastronomic appreciation to her Italian genealogy, and regularly defers to classic Italian family dishes as part of her 30-Minute Meals format.

Who is the American TV personality who host 30 Minute Meals on the Food Network? ›

She hosted the syndicated daily talk and lifestyle program Rachael Ray. Other programs to her credit include 30 Minute Meals, Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels, $40 a Day, Rachael Ray's Week in a Day, and the reality format shows Rachael vs.

How do you cook for busy people? ›

Suggestions include:
  1. Make your time in the kitchen count - make double (or even quadruple) the quantity you need. ...
  2. Double up on tasks – you can save time if you do 2 things at once. ...
  3. Prepare one-pot meals – such as soups, risottos, slow-cooked curries and casseroles to save on time and washing up.

How do you cook when you have no motivation? ›

Planning your menus can make cooking easier. If you wait until you're hungry to decide what to make, you'll probably just end up making something quick and boring or make an unhealthy choice. Mapping things out gives you time to think of some interesting meals and stock up on the ingredients you need.

What is a food that almost everyone likes? ›

Here is the top 10:
  • Pizza.
  • Burger.
  • Ramen.
  • Paella.
  • Pierogi.
  • Moussaka.
  • Boeuf Bourgignon.
  • Eisbein.
May 24, 2023

What is a dish that everyone likes? ›

Meals Everyone Loves
  • Guacamole Recipe: Simple, Easy, Authentic & The BEST! - Fantabulosity. ...
  • Ultimate Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese - Seasons and Suppers. ...
  • Baked Turkey Meatballs - No Breadcrumbs, Low Calorie. ...
  • Roasted Garlic Broccoli with Soy Sauce. ...
  • Easy Homemade Maple Syrup Recipe!

What is the 40 30 30 meal plan? ›

The theory behind the Zone diet is all in the numbers: 40-30-30. Zone dieters balance their meals and snacks so that their calories come from a mix of 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 30 percent “friendly” fats.

What is 55 25 20 diet? ›

Macro-Morphing

Ectomorph: If you're an ectomorph, you're naturally thin with skinny limbs and a high tolerance for carbohydrates. Usually, your metabolic rate is fast. A good starting macronutrient ratio for you would be something like 25% protein, 55% carbs and 20% fat.

What is a 5x5x5 meal plan? ›

In my book, I've developed something called the 5x5x5 framework that will help you eat to beat disease. In simple terms, it's a strategy to support the five health-defense systems by eating up to five times a day and incorporating a minimum of five health-supporting foods into the meals and snacks you already eat.

Who does 30 Minute Meals on Food Network? ›

Each of these family-friendly dinners can be on your table in a half hour or less.

Where is Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals filmed? ›

After filming the new season of 30 Minute Meals in the heart of Brooklyn, Rachael is set to dish on the restaurants she loves most in the borough on the brand-new digital companion series Rachael's Best of Brooklyn.

Who started 3 meals a day? ›

They ate when they were hungry. The three meals per day concept originated with Englanders who achieved financial prosperity. European settlers brought their eating habits with them to America. Unfortunately, practicing antiquated, meal etiquette often causes you to consume calories when you're not hungry.

Where is Jamie's 15 minute meals from? ›

Jamie's 15-Minute Meals is a UK food lifestyle programme which aired on Channel 4 in 2012. In each half-hour episode, host Jamie Oliver creates two meals, with each meal taking 15 minutes to prepare.

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