Cooking isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Whether it’s the time, effort, or cleanup, the thought of preparing meals can be overwhelming if you’re not a fan of the kitchen. But even the most reluctant cooks need to eat! Luckily, there are plenty of simple, delicious meals you can whip up with minimal effort and ingredients.
Here are 15 meals that make cooking feel less like a chore and more like an easy win.
One-Pot Chicken and Rice
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One-pot chicken and rice is a lifesaver for anyone who dreads washing dishes. Season chicken thighs or breasts, add rice, broth, and a handful of your favorite vegetables, then let everything simmer together. The rice soaks up the savory juices from the chicken, creating a flavorful and hearty meal. It’s comfort food made with almost zero effort and cleanup.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
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There’s a reason grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic combo—it’s quick, easy, and pure comfort. Grab some bread, your favorite cheese, and a can of tomato soup. Toast the sandwich in a skillet while the soup heats up, and in less than 10 minutes, dinner is served. The best part? You only need two pans to make it happen.
Breakfast for Dinner
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Breakfast for dinner is the ultimate lazy meal with endless possibilities. Pancakes, eggs, and bacon can all be cooked quickly, and you don’t need fancy ingredients. Add a side of fruit or hash browns if you’re feeling fancy, but it’s just as satisfying without extras. The best part? You’ll have a cozy, hearty meal ready in no time.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes
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A baked potato stuffed with toppings is practically a meal in itself. Pop a potato in the oven or microwave, and while it’s cooking, prep simple toppings like shredded brisket, chicken, or classic sour cream, cheese, and bacon. Once the potato is cooked, load it up with your favorite flavors for a filling and customizable dish. It’s perfect when you want comfort food without any fuss.
Easy Hamburger Helper Meals
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Hamburger Helper has been saving weeknight dinners for decades. Brown some ground beef, add the packaged mix and let it cook into a cheesy, hearty delight. Throw in some frozen peas or chopped spinach to make it feel a bit healthier. It’s a no-fail way to get a meal on the table with zero stress.
Mac and Cheese
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Nothing says easy like boxed mac and cheese. Whether you choose the neon-orange classic or a fancier brand, the instructions are as simple as boiling water and stirring in the cheese packet. Add frozen peas or diced hot dogs for a little extra nutrition or protein. In under 10 minutes, you’ll have a nostalgic and delicious meal.
French Bread Pizza
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French bread pizza is the ultimate customizable lazy meal. Take a loaf of French bread, slice it in half, and layer on your favorite pizza toppings. Pop it in the oven for 10-15 minutes, and you have a crispy, cheesy dinner that everyone can tailor to their tastes. Cleanup is a breeze since there’s no dough to roll out or extra pans to wash.
Sheet Pan Meal
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Sheet-pan meals are the epitome of one-and-done cooking. Toss your protein (like chicken, sausage, or fish) and vegetables onto a baking sheet with olive oil, salt, and spices. Roast everything together until golden and tender, and dinner is served. Bonus: the baking sheet is the only dish you’ll need to clean.
Frittata
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A frittata is fancy enough for brunch but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. All you need are some eggs, leftover vegetables, and cheese. Mix everything, pour into a skillet, and let it bake or cook on the stovetop until set. Serve with toast or salad for a quick meal that feels more gourmet than it is.
Grocery Store Rotisserie Chicken Paired With Steamed Veggie Pack
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Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate lazy cook’s best friend. Pair it with a microwaveable steamed veggie pack for a balanced meal with zero prep. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can shred the chicken and toss it into a quick salad or pasta. It’s proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
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This creamy pasta dish feels fancy but takes just minutes to prepare. Cook some spaghetti, then mix in ricotta cheese, lemon zest, juice, and a little pasta water for a light, tangy sauce. Add some spinach or peas for extra greens, but it’s just as good on its own. It’s a meal that tastes gourmet without the effort.
Quesadillas
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Quesadillas are a quick and satisfying solution to dinner. Layer cheese and your favorite fillings (like shredded chicken, beans, or veggies) between two tortillas and toast them in a skillet. They’re perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Plus, they’re so easy that you might find yourself making them on repeat.
Ground Beef Tacos
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Tacos are a lazy cook’s dream meal because they’re endlessly customizable and quick. Brown some ground beef with taco seasoning, then serve it with tortillas and your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Everyone can build their tacos exactly how they like, which means less work for you. Cleanup is minimal, and the flavor payoff is huge.
Easy Salmon and Asparagus
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Salmon and asparagus cooked together on a single sheet pan is as effortless as it gets. Drizzle both with olive oil, add a sprinkle of garlic, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and some capers for extra flavor. It’s a healthy, elegant meal that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Chili Dogs
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Chili dogs are a fun, crowd-pleasing meal that’s ridiculously easy to throw together. Heat hot dogs and canned chili, then assemble with buns and shredded cheese. For an extra touch, add diced onions or jalapeños. They’re messy, delicious, and perfect for nights you don’t want to cook.
20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)
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A well-stocked pantry can provide peace of mind and empower you to handle any situation. Whether it’s a natural disaster, economic instability, or simply unexpected guests, having a stash of versatile essential foods can make all the difference. Here’s a list of 20 of the best foods to stockpile, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)
12 Everyday Foods Some People Just Can’t Stand
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When it comes to their foods, some people are just picky eaters. It’s surprising how certain popular foods can be so divisive. While many people love them, others can’t stand the taste, texture, or even the idea of eating them. Here are some surprising foods that some people just can’t stand.
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