The 29 Recipes That Got Me Through Not Wanting to Cook

ByMandy

Not every day comes with the energy to whip up something complicated, which is where those 29 recipes step in like reliable stand-ins. They cut down the hassle and keep meals interesting without requiring Olympic-level effort. Instead of dragging yourself to cook, you actually want to get it done because it’s simple and quick.

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Comfort dishes like this one make dinner easier when you’re tired. French Onion Casserole packs flavor into every forkful. It’s easy to serve up and always goes well with simple sides. People are surprised at how simple the prep can be. Seconds are common at the table.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Banana Pudding Brownies

Several squares of chocolate brownies with a yellow and brown marbled pattern are stacked and arranged on parchment paper.
Banana Pudding Brownies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet cravings are solved fast with this treat. Banana Pudding Brownies mix creamy and rich in every bite, perfect for dessert or snacking. Each square is just the right size for sharing. Kids reach for extra pieces right away. Good for potlucks or a night in.
Get the Recipe: Banana Pudding Brownies

Air Fryer Chicken Fritters

Stack of golden-brown fritters topped with a red sauce, showing crispy edges and bits of herbs.
Air Fryer Chicken Fritters. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Quick meals are a lifesaver after a long day. Air Fryer Chicken Fritters come out crisp and easy to dip, making them a great choice for busy families. They work as snacks or a simple main. A crowd favorite, especially for little ones. Any extras reheat easily.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fritters

Big Mac Sloppy Joe

Two sesame seed burgers with cheese, shredded lettuce, ground meat, and pickles, stacked on a plate.
Big Mac Sloppy Joe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sandwiches like this bring fun to plain weeknights. Big Mac Sloppy Joe has all the classic flavors that get people talking. It’s a twist that everyone wants again once they try it. Great for fast dinners without much fuss. The leftovers never last long.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sloppy Joe

General Tso’s Chicken

Stir-fried chicken pieces in a spicy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions, served in a round metal dish on an orange placemat.
General Tso’s Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Skip takeout and make things easier at home. General Tso’s Chicken offers big, bold flavors in less time, so you don’t have to wait for delivery. It goes well with rice or noodles. Perfect when you want something different without leaving the house. Always gets requested again.
Get the Recipe: General Tso’s Chicken

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple sides always save dinner plans when you’re running behind. Mashed Potatoes turn out creamy and smooth without much work. They fit with almost anything you’re serving. Kids clean their plates every time. Reheats fast the next day.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Close-up of a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup garnished with herbs, seeds, and two slices of seasoned bread. The soup has a swirled texture and a vibrant orange color.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soup can make a meal feel warm and complete with minimal effort. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is smooth and full of flavor in each spoonful. Easy to match with bread or salad. Filling without being heavy. Makes lunch or dinner more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Meatball Sliders

Close-up of a cheesy meatball slider with a seasoned bun, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. Other sliders are visible in the background.
Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A tray of these is always popular at parties and busy dinners. Meatball Sliders pack lots of flavor in each small bun and look great stacked up for sharing. Kids like grabbing one with each hand. Good for game nights, too. Leftovers are perfect for the lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Aglio e Olio

Close-up of fettuccine pasta tossed with grated cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes being lifted with a fork.
Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Pasta recipes like this make dinner quick and budget-friendly. Aglio e Olio brings simple, classic taste with very little fuss. It’s a popular go-to for busy evenings. Good for serving solo or with a protein side. Always manages to please picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Aglio e Olio

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges.
Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mixing things up with pasta brings new life to dinner. Taco Pasta Salad is tossed with bright flavor and comes together in almost no time. Works well for groups, lunches, or even picnics. All ages scoop it up. Easy to double for even more servings.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Baked Chicken Thighs

Roasted chicken thighs with sliced potatoes garnished with herbs.
Baked Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Adding this to your meal plan never feels complicated. Baked Chicken Thighs come out juicy and tender and pair well with any side you like. People always ask how such a simple idea tastes so good. Cleanup is quick, which helps on busy nights. There’s rarely anything left over.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fast meals keep everyone happy, especially when you’re short on time. Vegetable Stir Fry brings color, crunch, and a healthy option in minutes. It goes with rice or noodles. Reheats well for lunch next day. A staple for any weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

White Chicken Chili

A bowl of creamy White Chicken Chili with chunks of chicken, sliced avocado, green jalapeño peppers, white beans, and fresh cilantro.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Changing up traditional chili is easy with this idea. White Chicken Chili is creamy, flavorful, and doesn’t take long to put together. It makes lunch and dinner both warm and filling. Great for serving a crowd. Leftovers work for busy schools or offices.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Baked Zucchini

Roasted zucchini halves garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate.
Baked Zucchini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes plain sides are the key to dinner done fast. Baked Zucchini keeps things simple and is easy to season. Each slice holds its shape, making plating neat. Works for snacks or main meals. Kids come back for more, which helps with healthy eating.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing bakery favorites to the table doesn’t need to be hard. Garlic Knots come out soft, warm, and packed with flavor. People enjoy pulling them apart, so they’re gone quick. Pair with pasta or soup for a complete meal. They stay good even the next day.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

A baked potato topped with shredded barbecue chicken, sour cream, and chopped herbs on a white plate.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fun meals can be quick with a hearty choice. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes combine all the best flavors in one bite. Everyone gets their own portion. It fills you up and can be tweaked for any taste. Clean plates are a common result.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

Zucchini Brownies

Several brownies are arranged on parchment paper with crumbs scattered around and a piece of zucchini placed next to them.
Zucchini Brownies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Even picky eaters like sneaky veggie treats. Zucchini Brownies come out rich and moist, perfect for dessert or snack time. Nobody guesses what’s inside. Each pan disappears fast at gatherings. Always good for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Brownies

Kimchi Stew

Close-up of a wooden spoon in a vibrant kimchi stew with tofu and pork, garnished with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes.
Kimchi Stew. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bold flavors shake up the usual dinner plan with almost no extra work. Kimchi Stew brings warmth and hits the mark for anyone wanting to try something new. It’s easy to adjust for spice lovers. Bowl after bowl gets finished quickly. Good for cold nights or simple lunches.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Big Mac Crunchwrap

Close-up of a stack of folded tortillas filled with beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and onions on a white plate.
Big Mac Crunchwrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fast food meets home kitchen with this clever idea. Big Mac Crunchwrap gives you layers, crunch, and flavor without much effort. Each bite feels satisfying and cleaning up is easy. Kids ask for seconds. Works well for lunch, dinner, or leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Looking for something to change up burger night? Korean Burgers bring new flavors and work for quick dinners or weekend meals. They’re easy to pack for lunches too. Guests remember these for their bold taste. Makes family dinners more fun.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Cashew Chicken

Close-up of Cashew Chicken featuring tender chicken, broccoli, edamame, cashews, and red bell peppers. This delightful dish is topped with sesame seeds and served over a bed of rice.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Make takeout favorites at home in less time. Cashew Chicken is packed with crunch and goes well with rice or noodles. It’s quick to serve and pleases all ages. Easy to double for busy nights. Everyone asks for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Filling soups turn leftovers into lunches in no time. Leek and Potato Soup comes out creamy and holds heat well for busy schedules. Each bowl is easy to customize. Great with a fresh slice of bread. Keeps people full without much work.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Three rectangular slices of baked fruit-studded cake, topped with powdered sugar, are stacked on a white plate.
Sheet Pan Pancakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Feed a crowd without standing over the stove for hours. Sheet Pan Pancakes get breakfast on the table quickly and everyone gets their own piece. It’s easy to add extras for variety. Kids grab seconds every time. Makes weekends a bit easier.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pancakes

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Lighter meals help when you’re not in the mood for cooking big dinners. Healthy Chicken Salad mixes fresh texture with filling protein for lunches or snacks. It’s simple to prepare ahead of time. Works well wrapped in bread or served alone. Great for busy weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hearty meals are possible with little effort after busy days. Cattle Drive Casserole covers all the bases for dinner in one pan. It works for large groups or a simple family meal. Clean plates are guaranteed. Any leftovers make easy lunches.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Give a new twist to traditional soup nights with this one. Marry Me Chicken Soup is creamy and warms up quickly, keeping everyone happy at the table. It’s good for sharing. Any extras reheat easily. Always popular with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy-looking sides don’t need to be a challenge. Hasselback Potatoes are easy to prep and come out crisp on the edges. Each one is easy to portion for plates. Great with simple meats or alone. They’re a good way to get veggies on the table.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Cheese Grits

Creamy polenta in a skillet, topped with chopped herbs and black pepper, and stirred with a wooden spoon.
Cheese Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Simple comfort works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Cheese Grits cook up quick and stay creamy, making them an easy pick for busy days. Each bowl pairs well with proteins or veggies. Leftovers work as snacks. People ask for seconds, especially kids.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Brighten up your dinner plans with quick flavors. Kung Pao Chicken brings a mix of heat and crunch for anybody looking for something different. It works well with rice. Perfect for quick lunches or dinners. Gets requested again and again.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

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