29 Recipes For When You’re Just Not In The Mood To Cook
There are days when cooking feels like too much effort, but something tasty and easy can still save the day. Simple meals that don’t take much time are perfect for moments like this. These 29 dishes often use just a few ingredients and come together with very little work. They’re great for keeping things stress-free while still having something delicious.
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Sometimes, all you need is a dish that takes little effort. Dauphinoise Potatoes fit the bill with their creamy texture and ease of preparation. Just pop them in the oven, and you can relax. This dish is a great option when you want something comforting. Plus, it pairs well with almost any meal.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Ravioli Casserole
Feeling too tired to cook, consider making a Ravioli Casserole. It’s quick to assemble and makes for a hearty meal. Just layer it up and bake; you don’t need any complicated steps. Perfect for busy weeknights. Meals like this make it easy to enjoy good food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole
Pea and Mint Soup
Need something light but not too labor-intensive. Pea and Mint Soup is the way to go. It’s easy and refreshing, and you can make it in no time. Just blend and heat, and you’re done. Great for days when you want a simple meal. Just a little bit of cooking is needed to enjoy this effortless dish.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup
Spaghetti Marinara
Some nights, all you want is something classic. Whip up some Spaghetti Marinara for an easy, fulfilling meal. Just a few simple steps and you’re all set. This dish is great when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. It never fails to please.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara
Lentil Soup
For a healthy option that’s easy to prepare, Lentil Soup is perfect. It’s simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of attention. Just let it simmer while you relax. Great for when you want something nutritious without the fuss. Enjoy it as a go-to easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup
Tuscan Pasta
When cooking feels like a hassle, Tuscan Pasta comes to the rescue. It’s simple and flavor-packed. Just toss everything together and you’re good to go. Ideal for nights when you want a warm meal quickly. Enjoy the ease of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta
Egg Bites
For quick breakfasts or snacks, consider making Egg Bites. They’re incredibly easy to mix and bake. Prepare them ahead of time and grab when needed. Perfect for busy mornings or when you’re not in the mood to cook. You’ll appreciate the convenience.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Corn Casserole
On days when cooking feels like a chore, Corn Casserole is a lifesaver. It’s super simple to prep and fulfilling to eat. Just toss everything in a dish and bake. Ideal for busy days with little kitchen time. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Sometimes, quick and refreshing is all you need. Make a Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad for a light and easy option. It comes together fast and packs a punch. Perfect as a side dish or quick snack. You’ll love the minimal effort involved.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Hashbrown Casserole
Cooking can feel like too much sometimes. That’s where Hashbrown Casserole shines. Simple to prepare and very comforting. Just mix everything together and let it bake. Simply heat and serve for an easy meal option. Great for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Best Lemon Pasta
This pasta is perfect when you’re short on time. It’s quick, simple, and tasty with minimal effort. The light, citrus flavor is refreshing and easy to love. For those nights when cooking seems like a chore, Best Lemon Pasta is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Craving something warm and easy. The Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole meets your needs. It’s comforting and straightforward, with minimal prep time. Perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking but want something hearty. Just toss it in the oven and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Looking for a quick, delicious meal, Jamaican Red Beans and Rice is the answer. It’s flavorful and fills you up without much effort. Perfect when you want something different with minimal cooking. Easy and delicious, you’ll love how simple it is.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Cacio e Pepe
On days when cooking feels like a hassle, turn to Cacio e Pepe. It’s incredibly simple but tastes amazing. No need for a lot of ingredients or time. It’s a perfect dish for those lazy evenings. You’ll be surprised how something so easy can be so good.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Vegetable Soup
Want something nutritious and easy, go for Vegetable Soup. It’s light and delicious, without much effort. Perfect for a quick meal that’s also healthy. Just simmer everything together and you’re done. It’s a reliable go-to when convenience is key.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Days when you need comfort food but don’t want to cook much, try Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. It’s creamy and easy to make. Perfect for evenings when you need something hearty quickly. The simplicity and flavor will win you over. Ideal for a no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Mushroom Soup
When you’re in need of something easy, try Mushroom Soup. It’s earthy and simple to prepare. Perfect for a quick meal that requires little effort. Just a few steps and it’s ready. A great choice for a no-cook mood. Pairing it with some crusty bread makes for a perfect experience.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Soup
Fruit Pizza
Sometimes, you want something fun and super easy. Fruit Pizza is your go-to. It’s quick to put together and enjoyable to eat. Great for when you don’t feel like cooking. Just assemble and enjoy. It’s ideal for a hassle-free evening when you want something reliable.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Pizza
Minestrone Soup
Need a one-pot meal that’s easy and tasty, try Minestrone Soup. It’s full of veggies and simple to make. Just let it all simmer while you relax. Perfect for when you want something nutritious with minimal effort. This choice provides warmth and relaxation without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup
Pinwheel Sandwiches
For a fun, quick meal, try Pinwheel Sandwiches. They’re easy and different. Great for days when cooking isn’t on your agenda. Just roll them up and they’re ready. Ideal for any quick snack or meal. It’s perfect when you’re not in the mood to put in too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Pinwheel Sandwiches
Roasted Tomato Soup
When you’re feeling tired and want something easy, consider making some Roasted Tomato Soup. It’s a simple dish that involves letting a few ingredients come together while you take it easy. The soup is a comforting blend, perfect for a quick meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup
Morel Mushroom Pasta
Sometimes you just want a meal that’s tasty without a lot of fuss. Morel Mushroom Pasta fits the bill perfectly with its flavorful and simple preparation. The mushrooms add a nice depth, turning ordinary pasta into something special.
Get the Recipe: Morel Mushroom Pasta
Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
Finding a meal that feels indulgent without much work can be a challenge. Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup is a good choice for those nights when you want something comforting quickly. It’s a rich option, blending cheese and broccoli together in a way that’s warming and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, Broccoli Soup
Pasta Primavera
Meal times can be effortless with Pasta Primavera. It mixes fresh ingredients with pasta for a quick and easy dining option. It’s a great choice when you’re not up to cooking anything complicated. With minimal effort, it all comes together in a tasty way. This dish is practical and enjoyable, perfect for uncomplicated meals.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Primavera
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Easy to prepare and comforting, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is great for those days when cooking feels like a chore. It offers a nice warmth with a touch of sweetness. Just roast and blend, and you’ve got a delicious soup ready to go. It’s ideal for quick and relaxing dinners at home. You’ll find it’s a simple yet fulfilling choice.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Wild Rice Casserole
There’s something wonderfully simple about throwing together a Wild Rice Casserole. It requires minimal effort and time, making it fantastic for a lazy day. You just need to combine a few items and let it cook while you take a break. It’s hearty and filling, perfect for when you don’t want to cook much. It makes for an easy, no-fuss meal option.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Some days call for a simple yet perfect side like Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Its fragrant aroma fills the kitchen, ready in just a short while. It’s a fantastic complement to many dishes or just on its own. Quick to prepare, it suits those evenings when cooking is not a priority. The result is soft, delicate, and delicious rice with minimal effort involved.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Asparagus Casserole
If you’re looking for a fuss-free meal, check out Asparagus Casserole. It’s incredibly easy to put together and cooks up without much hands-on work. Just layer the ingredients and let the oven do its thing. It’s perfect for days when you want something tasty without all the prep. This dish hits the spot without requiring much from you.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Penne Alla Vodka
For those nights when you want something delicious but quick, consider Penne Alla Vodka. Its creamy sauce gives a rich flavor without needing many ingredients. Quick to come together, it doesn’t require much kitchen time. Just cook the pasta, mix, and you’re good to go. A convenient option when you’re not in the mood to do much.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka
