23 Recipes For When You’re Too Tired To Cook

We all have those days when we’re just too tired to cook. That’s where these 23 recipes come in handy. Each one is designed to be straightforward and quick to prepare, ensuring you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. These dishes are all about making your life easier without sacrificing flavor, so even on those extra tiring days, a good meal is within reach.

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

These black beans are a go-to for days when energy is low but cravings are high. They’re a breeze to whip up, needing just a few simple ingredients and a pot. The result is a comforting, protein-packed side dish with rice or tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Penne Alla Vodka

Check out this restaurant-quality dish made with minimal fuss. It’s a simple yet elegant pasta dish with a rich, creamy tomato sauce that will impress. The best part? It comes together quickly, making it a lifesaver on exhausting days.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Tortilla Pizza

When the pizza craving hits, but the energy to cook doesn’t, tortilla pizza is the answer. Top a tortilla with your favorite sauce and toppings, bake, and voila! You’ve got a crispy, thin-crust pizza in minutes. It’s the ideal quick fix for those evenings when even ordering out feels like too much.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza

25 Minute Black Bean Burger

In just 25 minutes, you can have a hearty, nutritious, and satisfying black bean burger. These burgers are easy to make and packed with flavor. They’re perfect when you need something filling but don’t have the time or energy for a complicated meal.
Get the Recipe: 25 Minute Black Bean Burger

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Add excitement to your meals with this easy-to-make corn salsa inspired by the beloved Chipotle version. It’s a mix of sweet corn, peppers, and a hint of lime, bringing freshness to any dish. This salsa is perfect for those nights when you want something tasty but effortless.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Cacio e Pepe

This classic Italian pasta is all about simplicity and flavor. It’s astonishingly easy to make with just pasta, cheese, and pepper. It’s the ultimate comfort food when you’re too tired to cook but still want something utterly delicious. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a bowl of creamy, peppery pasta ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Air Fryer Asparagus

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy side dish, this air fryer asparagus is a game-changer. It’s as simple as seasoning the asparagus and letting the air fryer do all the work. In minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy asparagus that pairs well with almost any main dish. It’s effortless, nutritious, and downright delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Veggie Pizza

Bring a fun twist to pizza night with this easy veggie pizza. It’s a great way to use up whatever vegetables you have in the fridge. Just spread your toppings over a pre-made crust, bake, and you’ve got a delicious, healthy meal in no time. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy pizza without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pizza

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

This salad is the epitome of simplicity and freshness. Chop up tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, toss them with a simple dressing, and you’re done. It’s a light, refreshing side dish perfect for those nights when you want something quick and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion Salad

Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

You can’t go wrong with a cheese quesadilla in the air fryer for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s super easy to assemble and takes just minutes to get that perfect, crispy exterior with gooey melted cheese inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Quesadilla

Hash Browns

There’s something deeply comforting about crispy, golden hash browns; making them at home is surprisingly easy. Grate some potatoes, give them a quick fry, and have a delicious side or main in no time. They’re perfect for those mornings or evenings when you need something comforting but straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Lemon Cookies

These lemon cookies are a delight when you need a sweet treat without the fuss. They’re easy to make with just a few ingredients and have a wonderfully tangy and fresh flavor. Perfect for a quick snack or a simple dessert, these cookies will brighten up any tired evening.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cookies

7 Layer Salad

This 7 Layer Salad is easy to assemble and incredibly versatile. Layer your favorite salad ingredients, top with a simple dressing, and chill until you’re ready to eat. It’s a great make-ahead option when you know you won’t have the energy to cook later.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Easy Flatbread Pizza

Turn flatbread into a delicious pizza in just minutes. Top it with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, bake until crispy, and you’ve got a custom pizza with hardly any effort. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something homemade but don’t have the energy for a total cooking session.
Get the Recipe: Easy Flatbread Pizza

Mashed Potato Fritters

Upgrade leftover mashed potatoes into crispy, golden fritters in no time. Just mix with a few simple ingredients, pan-fry, and enjoy. They’re a great way to use up leftovers and make a satisfying meal or side dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Fritters

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Turn your meals special with this easy-to-make Thai sweet chili sauce. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, and you can adjust the heat to your liking. Use it as a dip, a glaze, or a sauce to add flavor to any dish.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Pizza Salad

Who says you can’t have pizza in a salad? Toss your favorite pizza toppings with greens and a tangy dressing for a fun, easy meal. It’s a great way to enjoy pizza flavors in a lighter, more straightforward form. Perfect for when you want something quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Crispy Shallots

Add a burst of flavor to any dish with these crispy shallots. They’re surprisingly easy to make and add a delightful crunch and richness to salads, soups, or as a topping on nearly anything. It’s a simple way to add a gourmet touch to even the most basic meals.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Refried Beans

These homemade refried beans are an excellent staple for when you’re too tired to cook. Just mash up some cooked beans with a few spices, and you have a versatile, delicious side. They’re great in burritos, as a dip, or simply on their own.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Easy Burrito

Wrap up a satisfying meal in minutes with this easy burrito recipe. Just fill a tortilla with your favorite ingredients, roll it up, and you’re ready. It’s a customizable, no-fuss meal perfect for those evenings when even minimal cooking feels too much.
Get the Recipe: Easy Burrito

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara is a top pick for a classic comfort dish that’s easy and quick. Boil some pasta, heat up a jar of marinara sauce, and combine for a delicious meal in minutes. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Jalapeno Poppers

Spice up your snack time with these easy jalapeno poppers. Stuff jalapenos with cheese, wrap them in bacon if you like, and bake. They’re a deliciously spicy treat that’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for when you want a flavorful snack without much work.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Poppers

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian dish is simple at its best. With just spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of chili flakes, it’s effortless to make. It’s a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for those evenings when you’re too tired for anything elaborate.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio