17 of the easiest recipes for people who don’t love cooking

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Cooking doesn’t have to be a chore or a complex art form reserved for the few. If the kitchen feels more like a puzzle than a place of comfort, you’re not alone. We’ve put together a list of easy, fuss-free meals that cut down on time and cleanup but still pack a punch in flavor.

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sriracha Honey Salmon Vegetable Packets

Sriracha honey salmon vegetable packets cooked in foil.
Sriracha Honey Salmon Vegetable Packets. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These sriracha honey salmon vegetable packets make dinner effortless. Wrap salmon and vegetables in foil, bake, and you’re set for a meal with minimal cleanup. Ideal for those who prefer to minimize their time in the kitchen, this dish ensures a flavorful dinner is achievable with little effort, highlighting its convenience for anyone hesitant about cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sriracha Honey Salmon Vegetable Packets

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The bomb meatloaf is your go-to for an easy, no-fuss dinner. Just mix the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a juicy meatloaf with a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s a straightforward recipe that demonstrates a hearty meal doesn’t require extensive kitchen time, making it perfect for those who’d rather spend their evening relaxing than cooking.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Garlic Pizza Bread

Pepperoni garlic pizza bread on a cooling rack.
Garlic Pizza Bread. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Garlic pizza bread combines the ease of garlic bread with the flavors of pizza, offering a quick and irresistible meal option. It’s perfect for those seeking a simple yet enjoyable dinner, proving that creating a satisfying meal doesn’t require expert cooking skills. Ideal for a relaxed evening at home, it’s a fuss-free solution to dinner woes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Pizza Bread

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Greek shrimp skillet brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table without the complication of long prep times. In just 30 minutes, enjoy a dish filled with tomatoes, spinach, olives, feta, and a hint of lemon and oregano. It’s designed for those who want a delicious meal without the hassle, emphasizing ease and flavor in one skillet.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Opt for this shaved beef and broccoli stir fry when you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor. Ready in minutes, it’s a fresh alternative to takeout, offering a simple yet enjoyable dinner solution. This recipe caters to anyone seeking to keep dinner preparations uncomplicated and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Pretzel crusted pork chop on a plate with broccoli and sweet potato.
Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pretzel crusted pork chops, baked with a maple dijon sauce, offer a delicious meal without much effort. This recipe is especially suited for those looking for a hassle-free cooking experience, providing a flavorful and protein-rich dinner option. It’s an ideal choice for anyone wanting to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying their meal.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Pork Chops

Pesto Salmon

Pesto salmon is the answer for nights when cooking feels too much like a chore. With a handful of ingredients and less than 25 minutes needed, this recipe promises a healthy and flavorful meal with minimal kitchen time. It’s perfect for those who wish to avoid lengthy cooking processes, ensuring a nutritious dinner is easily attainable.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Burger bowls offer the flavors of a classic fast food burger in a simple, healthier format. With homemade sauce and classic toppings, this dish is an easy, fun dinner option that doesn’t require complex cooking steps. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a straightforward and enjoyable meal, emphasizing convenience and taste.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These smashed white bean and kale quesadillas bring an easy and enjoyable twist to dinner time. Featuring cheddar and a creamy BBQ sauce, they’re quick to whip up, making them perfect for those evenings when you’re not in the mood to cook. This recipe is a go-to for delicious, simple meals without the lengthy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Kale and Feta Egg Bake

Kale and feta egg bake in a white ramekin with a piece of toasted bread to the side.
Kale and Feta Egg Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The kale and feta egg bake offers an uncomplicated approach to dinner. Simply combine the ingredients and bake for a tasty meal that doesn’t require intricate cooking steps. It’s ideal for a laid-back dinner or a quick meal solution, providing taste without the complexity, appealing to anyone looking for an easy yet enjoyable dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Kale and Feta Egg Bake

Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp and steak fajitas with peppers and onions.
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy surf and turf at home with these sheet pan steak and shrimp fajitas. Seasoned and cooked together in under 20 minutes, this dish is the epitome of a simple yet hearty weeknight dinner. It’s perfectly suited for those seeking a delicious meal with minimal effort and cleanup, emphasizing the practicality and ease of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This garlic chicken bite skillet is a quick, one-pan meal that brings together chicken, mushrooms, onions, and peppers with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an excellent option for a fast and flavorful dinner, especially on those nights when time is of the essence. It highlights how simple ingredients can create a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Try this sheet pan pork chop dinner for a hassle-free evening. With pork chops, red cabbage, potatoes, and apples all cooked on one pan, it’s the ideal meal for busy nights. This recipe is a testament to the convenience and ease of preparing a fulfilling dinner with just one pan to clean afterwards, making it a favorite for those looking to simplify their cooking routine.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you’re not keen on spending much time in the kitchen, this sheet pan chicken and sweet potatoes recipe is a game changer. It’s an easy-to-make meal that simplifies dinner time, requiring minimal preparation and cleanup. The addition of caramelized pecans offers a unique flavor that pairs well with the savory chicken, proving that simple cooking can still result in a meal that’s enjoyable and straightforward to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lemon feta spinach pasta offers a quick and flavorful meal, infused with Mediterranean flavors. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking an uncomplicated yet tasty dinner option. This dish is proof that you don’t need extensive cooking skills to create a meal that’s enjoyable and appealing, making it a go-to option for a hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Air Fryer Salmon Bites

A plate with air fryer salmon bites, rice, broccoli and sauce on it.
Air Fryer Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer salmon bites, marinated in a garlic, ginger soy sauce and cooked to perfection, offer a simple yet flavorful salmon meal ideal for busy weeknights. Served with a dip for added flavor, this recipe is a testament to the convenience and appeal of quick, delicious meals, perfect for those who appreciate minimal effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites

Blackened Mahi Mahi

Blackened mahi mahi over white rice.
Blackened Mahi Mahi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Blackened mahi mahi is the perfect quick and effortless dinner choice. With a homemade seasoning and a few minutes under the broiler, you’ll enjoy a flavorful meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Ideal for those busy evenings or when you’re not in the mood to cook, this dish proves that preparing a delicious dinner can be straightforward and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi

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