17 dinner ideas for people who hate to cook

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Looking for dinner ideas for people who hate to cook? You’re not alone. The prospect of spending hours in the kitchen can be daunting for many, especially after a long day. While cooking might be a joy for some, for others it’s just another chore on an already long to-do list. If you fall into the latter category, these 17 recipes are designed with you in mind. They are straightforward and quick to make, so you can have a satisfying meal on the table without investing too much time or effort.

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Crock Pot Taco Soup calls for only 20 minutes of initial prep time, after which your slow cooker takes over. Including ingredients like ground beef and common pantry items, this recipe aims to minimize the effort needed in the kitchen. If you’re not a fan of cooking, this almost entirely hands-free meal is a smart choice. The outcome is a filling and flavorful soup.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy spinach chicken bake in a glass baking dish.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a meal that combines chicken, cheese, and spinach in one pan, try the Spinach Chicken Bake. It’s an uncomplicated solution for those who aren’t enthusiastic about cooking. The whole dish comes together easily and quickly. You’ll end up with a meal that balances protein and greens.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cabbage and Sausage dish is a one-pan creation requiring under half an hour to prepare. If cooking isn’t your forte, the quick prep and easy cleanup make this a wise pick. The result gives you a meal rich in flavor and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with fresh herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken offers a one-pan solution and goes well with either rice or vegetables. If cooking feels like a chore, you’ll find this recipe takes just 30 minutes to complete. It’s straightforward to prepare, resulting in a hearty meal that ticks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is ready in 30 minutes using just one pan. It’s an easy choice for people who prefer a hassle-free cooking experience. This dish provides a complete meal, blending ground beef with cauliflower rice. Its quick and simple preparation makes it a preferred option for those who dislike spending time in the kitchen. Your dinner dilemma is solved effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner simplifies cooking by using a single sheet pan. In 30 minutes, you have a complete meal consisting of roasted sausage and vegetables. It’s an ideal solution for minimizing kitchen time and cleanup. Quick to prepare and easy to serve, it’s a straightforward approach to dinner. It’s a perfect pick for those who don’t enjoy cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon in a single dish. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a good choice for those in a hurry. The simple ingredients and quick baking time make this dish a go-to for dinner. It offers a complete meal without requiring a complex cooking process. It’s especially useful for people who want to spend as little time as possible cooking.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach offers a well-rounded meal with minimal effort. It blends ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach for a straightforward cooking experience. The dish is particularly suitable for those who want to keep dinner prep simple. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, it’s a time-saver. Those who dread spending time in the kitchen will love this one.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Canned Chicken Patties are done in just 20 minutes and offer a quick dinner option. Ideal for those who want to minimize time spent cooking, these patties are a solid option. They offer versatility, as you can pair them with a variety of sides. Their simplicity is their strength, making dinner a less daunting task. It’s a straightforward dish that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a one-pan, 25-minute meal that keeps things simple. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require extensive cooking skills. The cabbage and bacon combine to offer a balanced, easy-to-make dinner. This dish takes the hassle out of meal prep, making it a favored choice for those who dislike cooking. Minimal ingredients and minimal time are what make this a quick and easy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Italian Sausage Soup is a one-pot meal ready in 30 minutes. It combines Italian sausage, heavy cream, and canned tomatoes for an easy yet filling dinner. It’s a convenient choice for those who want a flavorful meal but don’t want to spend hours cooking. With just one pot to clean, it also minimizes cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fajita Baked Chicken offers a complete meal with chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers. Its simple preparation is perfect for those new to cooking or short on time. The dish doesn’t compromise on flavor, despite its easy steps. It’s a quick homemade meal solution, cutting prep time and stress. It’s well-suited for those who prefer to keep their cooking endeavors simple.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Big Mac Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Big Mac Salad simplifies dinner. It offers a familiar flavor profile in a less complex form. You get a complete meal without unnecessary steps, making it a time-saving option. Plus, you can customize the salad to include or omit any ingredient you want, and it should still work out just fine. It’s a straightforward approach for anyone who doesn’t like to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole offers an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal. It combines chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños into an uncomplicated dish. It’s a suitable option for those who don’t enjoy intricate recipes. The straightforward preparation means you can have dinner ready in less time. This dish keeps both cooking and cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken gets dinner on the table in 30 minutes. It uses one skillet to prepare chicken thighs in a sun-dried tomato sauce. This dish is convenient for those who want a quick meal without multiple pans to clean. Its uncomplicated method saves time and effort in the kitchen. It’s ideal for those who’d rather not spend a lot of time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Shawarma Kebabs require simple preparation and are oven-ready quickly. This makes them a suitable choice for people who want a protein-packed dinner without the fuss. They offer a simple yet hearty option for those less inclined to cook. These kebabs are quick to make and easy to enjoy, serving as a convenient meal option. It’s a stress-free way to get dinner sorted.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers make for an easy and quick dinner. The dish is particularly good for those who want something simple and straightforward. They’re quick to prepare, making them perfect for those evenings when cooking seems like a chore. These poppers offer a laid-back meal without demanding much effort. Minimal time and minimal hassle make this a convenient dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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