The Fewer The Steps The Better 29 Easy Recipes To Make Life Simple

Life’s complicated enough without extra steps at mealtime, so why bother with anything that takes more effort than it should? These 29 quick fixes skip the drama and get straight to the point, saving energy for the things that actually matter. Less chaos in the kitchen, more calm everywhere else. Minimal moves, maximum payoff.

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Lamb Chops

Grilled lamb chops garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Lamb Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Perfect for when you’re short on prep time, lamb chops work well for a quick meal, offering a tender texture and distinctive flavors. Lamb Chops recipe stands out because of its simplicity, making it easier to enjoy a hearty dish without a big effort. Cooking it in one pan keeps cleanup manageable, which is always a win.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops

Ice Cream Cake

Close-up of strawberry shortcake slices topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Layers of cake, cream, and strawberries are visible.
Ice Cream Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Great for parties or celebrations, an ice cream cake delivers layers of chilled goodness and brings variety to dessert time. Ice Cream Cake recipe mixes different frozen textures and creates an easy, crowd-pleasing choice for gatherings. No need for baking skills here, making it ideal even if you’re not into desserts.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re craving a fast-food favorite without the bun, this salad delivers that familiar flavor in a lighter form. Copycat Big Mac Salad recipe brings together hearty components in a bowl, making it great for a quick lunch or dinner. It skips complicated steps so you can enjoy that nostalgic taste without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A creamy potato dish with rich textures, this recipe makes a side that pairs with almost anything. Dauphinoise Potatoes recipe uses thin slices to create layers that melt together, keeping things minimal while delicious. Its simplicity lies in putting everything together without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Oven Baked Ribs

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Perfect for when you want something tender and flavorful but low-effort, baked ribs simplify slow-cooked meals. Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe focuses on keeping things straightforward, making it manageable even for beginners. Plus, baking them avoids the mess of outdoor grills while still delivering that classic taste.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A crowd-pleaser that works well for breakfasts or gatherings, hashbrowns add both comfort and practicality to meals. Hashbrown Casserole recipe keeps ingredients accessible and builds layers into one dish for maximum ease. It’s a no-fuss way to make something hearty in one go.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Chinese Lemon Chicken

A colorful salad with shredded carrots, zucchini, chicken, orange slices, and sesame seeds on a brown plate, garnished with fresh herbs.
Chinese Lemon Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A shredded chicken dish that adds a citrus twist, this recipe is ideal for when you want variety and quick cooking. Chinese Lemon Shredded Chicken recipe skips complicated marinades yet delivers a surprising balance in its mix. It’s good for meals that call for a unique flavor without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Lemon Chicken

Coconut Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with noodles, bok choy, mushrooms, half a boiled egg, sesame seeds, and lime, garnished with chili slices. Black chopsticks hold some noodles above the bowl.
Coconut Ramen. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a simple weeknight dinner, this bowl combines hearty noodles with a rich base that feels comforting and easy. Coconut Ramen recipe focuses on blending contrasting textures without needing much prep. Whether you’re looking for one-pot simplicity or something warm, it works well.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Ramen

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan

Roasted chicken thigh with herbs, served on a bed of roasted vegetables.
Maple Chicken Sheet Pan. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sheet pan meals keep your cleanup to one tray, and this one combines sweet and savory flavors effortlessly. Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe is great for beginners since everything cooks together. This keeps things easy without overthinking timing or steps.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan

Pea and Mint Soup

A bowl of creamy green pea soup garnished with mint leaves, black pepper, and pieces of crusty bread.
Pea and Mint Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For quick lunches or creative starters, this soup blends balanced flavors in one pot. Pea and Mint Soup recipe keeps preparation minimal compared to complex soups out there. Its texture makes it light but filling without overcomplicated methods. Using everyday ingredients gets you results without stress.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup

Beef Stew

A close-up of a beef stew with green peas and chopped parsley, showing a spoon partially submerged in the rich, red sauce.
Beef Stew. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing fancy, just a straightforward way to get warm and filling comfort food in your bowl. Beef Stew recipe sticks to basics, focusing on hearty portions that work for all occasions. It keeps extra steps out of the mix so you can enjoy hands-off cooking. For something uncomplicated but still full of flavor, it doesn’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Ideal for when you want sushi-inspired flavors with less effort, this layered dish simplifies what you love about rolled sushi. Sushi Bake recipe skips tricky techniques but packs everything together in one tray. Easy to assemble ahead of time for meals or parties without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A great option if you’re looking for something fresh and balanced without cooking. Mango Shrimp Salad recipe provides variety in textures while staying fast to prepare. It bypasses complex elements and focuses on creating something simple yet interesting. Great for quick meals without dragging out tons of equipment.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a no-frills meal that comes together fast, this pasta dish makes weekday dinners approachable. Italian Pasta with Salami recipe combines minimal prep with good portions for busy nights. No fancy steps needed to get a balanced dish in one pot. If you need a backup meal when timing matters, this one works great.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Salami

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce.
Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A mix-and-match rice bowl that skips heavy preparation but still feels complete with minimal effort. Easy Bibimbap recipe lets you combine different layers for variety and ease. Everything in one bowl makes it practical for meals without extra steps. For busy setups, it’s approachable and adjusts well.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Mashed Potatoes

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

Smooth and hearty, no tricks or fluff—just basic comfort food done right. Mashed Potatoes recipe keeps tools and steps simple while delivering a filling side. Good for pairing with most meals when you need something quick and dependable. Straightforward to follow and doesn’t overcomplicate things.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Two pieces of fried chicken on a gray plate, garnished with small bits of green herbs.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crispy results without unnecessary coating tricks, this fried chicken keeps everything approachable for people new to frying. Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe focuses on basics that work well every time. No fancy devices or techniques required here. Perfect for when you want something crunchy but don’t want complex methods involved.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want pasta fast, this dish keeps prep simple while providing creamy layers. Pasta Carbonara recipe skips fancy equipment or long waits while delivering flavorful results. Good for busy evenings when you just want something straightforward. A quick option for anyone looking for comfort without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

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.

A warm and hearty option that doesn’t take hours, this soup works well with a small list of steps that pack plenty of flavor. Leek and Potato Soup recipe shows how simpler methods can make filling food without sacrificing convenience. Nothing complicated in the instructions, making it a manageable pick for everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Easy Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fast and filling, noodles come together in a few easy steps with this dish that avoids extra tools. Easy Chow Mein recipe keeps things practical and good for quick meals. Its simplicity makes it approachable even for inexperienced cooks. Great for busy nights when you need something done quickly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Takes away the need to boil pasta while delivering something baked and filling. Ravioli Casserole recipe lets you layer everything in one dish for maximum ease. It’s ideal for when you don’t want a lot of cleanup afterward. Easy enough for weeknights while still providing variety.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Honey Glazed Carrots

Close-up of a dish featuring glazed carrots garnished with chopped herbs, served in a white bowl.
Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Side dishes can be a pain, but this one keeps steps manageable while adding contrasting textures to the plate. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe focuses on simplicity for everyday meals. It’s a smart option when you’re pressed for time and need something quick. No unnecessary prep, just straightforward instructions.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

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.

Mini portions make them versatile and quick to assemble without overthinking things. Meatball Sliders recipe brings together small flavorful bites for a good balance. Using grab-and-go elements, this dish simplifies the process without sacrificing ease. Perfect for busy days when time is short but variety is needed.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders

Salmon Caesar Salad

Close-up of a Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, shredded chicken, grated cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Salmon Caesar Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

An option that combines easy prep with balanced components ready to go without cooking involved. Salmon Caesar Salad recipe shows how less effort can actually be smart meal planning. Light but filling without unnecessarily stretching the prep work unnecessarily. Great for quick lunches or creative at-home ideas.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad

Rice Paper Rolls

Close-up of sliced spring rolls filled with rice, avocado, purple cabbage, and sesame seeds, arranged on a white plate.
Rice Paper Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

No wrappers to fuss over cooking, just a simple way to mix ingredients into rolls. Rice Paper Rolls recipe cuts down the need for extensive prep. They’re portable and ready with minimal work making them ideal for gatherings or quick meals. Easy steps save time without compromising practicality.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls

Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Close-up of loaded Buffalo chicken nachos piled high with shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Adds variety to tortilla chips while sticking to quick layering techniques. Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos recipe skips complicated methods. Using easy-to-grab elements ensures assembly goes fast without hassle. Great for parties or snacks when you don’t want much cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Comfort food that avoids overspending time in the kitchen, this pasta recipe combines creamy textures with quick prep. Penne Alla Vodka recipe keeps instructions simple without unnecessary extras. Ideal for when you’re low on energy but still want something filling.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

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.

A fresh bowl that avoids tricky prep steps but still feels balanced and complete. Healthy Chicken Salad recipe works great for lunches or make-ahead meals. You don’t need fancy tools or tons of time here. It’s practical while giving enough variety to stay interesting.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A pasta option that stands out for staying easy while blending rich and fresh elements. Best Lemon Pasta recipe avoids complications and delivers balance in fewer steps. No special equipment is needed for this ideal weeknight dinner choice. Everything works well together without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

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