21 Meals for When the Bare Minimum Is All You Can Muster
When life’s got you running on fumes, these 21 meals step in to save the day. They’re ridiculously easy to pull together, no superhero skills required—just you and the bare minimum. Perfect for when the couch looks more inviting than the kitchen and dinner feels like a chore. Let’s be honest, some days the “bare minimum” isn’t lazy; it’s genius.
Penne Alla Vodka
If dinner feels like a chore, Penne Alla Vodka is here to save the day. It’s creamy, comforting, and perfect for nights when you want effort-free satisfaction. This dish is the ultimate way to feel fancy without trying. It’s the meal that makes lazy evenings feel okay.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka
25 Minute Black Bean Burger
When you need something quick, this 25 Minute Black Bean Burger delivers. It’s a solid option for fulfilling that burger craving when you’re short on time. No frills, no stress—just a reliable meal you can whip up fast. Perfect for skipping the takeout guilt.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger
Best Lemon Pasta
Best Lemon Pasta brings simple and fresh vibes to your plate. It’s light but filling, making it perfect when you want something easy. This one has just the right amount of comfort without overthinking it. A go-to for keeping things low-key but still delicious.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Vegetable Stir Fry
Need a quick meal without breaking a sweat? This Vegetable Stir Fry keeps things easy and versatile. It’s great for clearing out the fridge and still feeling like you’ve got it together. A simple way to make dinner stress-free yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry
Egg Bites
Egg Bites are perfect for those “bare minimum” moments. They’re easy, versatile, and a great way to keep meals effortless. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a snack, they’re a no-fuss solution. Bonus: they feel fancy without actually being fancy.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Neapolitan Pizza
The classic Neapolitan Pizza is the hero of last-minute dinners. It’s simple, fulfilling, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a solo night or feeding the family, it never disappoints. This is pizza night made easy without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Neapolitan Pizza
Chickpea Nuggets
Chickpea Nuggets are a no-fail option when you want something fun but simple. They’re quick, easy, and oddly fulfilling when you’re short on time. Perfect for dipping, snacking, or just filling up. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Nuggets
Tortilla Pizza
When effort is at zero, Tortilla Pizza is the answer. It’s as easy as it sounds and still feels like a real meal. Perfect for using up whatever you’ve got lying around without much thought. Dinner doesn’t get much simpler than this.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza
Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera is a feel-good meal that takes no time to make. It’s comforting without being heavy and hits the spot when effort isn’t in the cards. This dish keeps things light and easy, perfect for any weeknight. It’s a go-to for when you need low-key perfection.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera
French Bread Pizza
This pizza is your fast track to dinner with no hassle. French Bread Pizza is cheesy, crispy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Great for those nights when cooking feels impossible. This is a meal that delivers without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
Craving comfort but don’t want to work for it? Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for those “just get me through the day” moments. A soup that doesn’t ask much from you but delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
Cacio e Pepe
The ultimate lazy-night dish, Cacio e Pepe feels fancy but takes almost no effort. It’s all about simple comfort with zero stress. Perfect for when you want something warm and filling without overthinking it. Dinner doesn’t get easier than this.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)
Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow) is a lifesaver when you need fast comfort. It’s fluffy, filling, and ready in minutes. This is the meal you make when standing over the stove feels like too much. Simple, tasty, and a total win for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Quick Thai Omelet Recipe (Kai Jeow)
Spaghetti Marinara
This dish is the OG of quick and easy dinners. Spaghetti Marinara is comforting, reliable, and perfect for keeping things simple. Whether you’re cooking for one or the whole crew, it’s always a hit. A no-fuss classic that never lets you down.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
Easy Flatbread Pizza
When you need something quick that doesn’t feel like a struggle, this one delivers. Easy Flatbread Pizza is simple, comforting, and still feels like a treat. It’s perfect for when you want a meal without too much effort but still crave something satisfying. Grab it, enjoy it, and get back to whatever you were doing without missing a beat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza
Hash Browns
A classic that always hits the spot, Hash Browns are the ultimate no-fuss comfort food. They’re crispy, filling, and just what you need when energy is low but hunger strikes. Pair them with your go-to sides, or just enjoy them solo—they’re that good. Either way, they’ll never let you down.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Margherita Pizza
Keeping it simple is the charm of a Margherita Pizza—no overthinking required. It’s light, fulfilling, and comes together with zero stress, making it a go-to favorite. Great for when you’re not up for a big production but still want something that feels like a treat. It’s a classic for a reason and never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Margherita Pizza
Waffles
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—Waffles always have your back. They’re quick to whip up and somehow always feel a little fun, even on your laziest day. Top them however you like, or enjoy them plain; they’ll still hit the spot. When energy is scarce, waffles make life easier and tastier.
Get the Recipe: Waffles
Pizza Salad
The perfect balance between “I should eat better” and “I just want pizza.” Pizza Salad gives you both without making life hard or taking too long to prep. It’s simple to throw together, surprisingly filling, and exactly what you need on those no-energy days. Honestly, you’ll forget you’re even eating a salad—it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta keeps things comforting yet simple, making it an easy win. It’s rich without being over-the-top and feels like it took more effort than it actually did. Perfect for a quick meal that still has a little something special to it. Just plate it up, relax, and let the pasta do the work.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta
Easy Burrito
Sometimes, all you need is an Easy Burrito to make everything better. It’s quick, reliable, and feels like a proper meal with barely any effort. You can eat it on the go, or settle in with it—it’s flexible enough to match your vibe. When you want big flavor with minimal work, this burrito delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito
