Hate to cook? You’re not alone. The kitchen can sometimes feel like a never-ending maze of gadgets and ingredient lists, where the idea of cleanup is just another layer of stress. For many of us, cooking feels more like a must-do task than a joy, and we’d happily skip it if we could still enjoy a decent meal at home. That’s where these 17 recipes come into play — they’re designed for those who want to spend as little time as possible in the kitchen but are still craving a comforting meal.
Spinach Chicken Bake
Chicken, cheese, and spinach combine seamlessly in a single pan for this quick meal. The preparation is simple, requiring minimal kitchen time for those who’d rather be elsewhere. Just pop it into the oven and wait for it to bake into a balanced combination of protein and greens. The cooking time is brief, and the cleanup is straightforward. All in all, it’s a no-fuss, efficient dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sometimes, you want a meal that tastes like you spent all day cooking without having to do so. This one-skillet wonder accomplishes just that. Tender chicken thighs meet a flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce, and it’s all done in 30 minutes. The dish is practical without sacrificing taste, and the cleanup is a breeze. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delectable but not to be tied to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Cabbage and Sausage
You’ll only need one pan and less than 30 minutes to pull off this dish. The combination of cabbage and sausage results in a meal that’s both simple to make and easy to clean up afterward. For those who find cooking tedious, this recipe is a practical choice. It’s straightforward, and you’re rewarded with a filling meal without any kitchen headaches. It’s a no-brainer for anyone looking to dodge extensive cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Crock Pot Taco Soup
This recipe needs just 20 minutes of your time for initial setup, freeing you from the kitchen for the rest of the cooking. Simply add ground beef and a few pantry staples into the slow cooker. If cooking isn’t your thing, this hands-off approach will suit you well. The slow cooker takes on the heavy lifting, simmering your ingredients into a hearty soup. Low effort and minimal time in the kitchen make this a go-to option.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
A 30-minute timer and a single pan are all you need to create this straightforward chicken dish. It’s cooked in a creamy garlic sauce and complements rice and vegetables. If cooking feels like a burden, this recipe won’t weigh you down. With simple steps and minimal cleanup, it’s a practical meal option. It’s an excellent fit for those who have better things to do than spend time in the kitchen.
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Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This 30-minute recipe uses just one pan, keeping your cooking experience as low-key as possible. It combines ground beef and cauliflower rice into a quick and uncomplicated meal. If you’re averse to spending time in the kitchen, this is a simple solution for dinner. You’ll find it easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. It checks the boxes for a hassle-free, complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This sheet pan dinner is a lifesaver for those who don’t like cooking. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a full meal featuring roasted sausage and vegetables. Prepping is a breeze, and cleanup is just as easy since it all cooks on one sheet. The focus here is on minimal effort and minimal kitchen time. It’s an ideal, low-maintenance option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Combining broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, this casserole requires only 30 minutes in the oven. It’s a quick and uncomplicated dish that requires very little hands-on time. If the kitchen isn’t your favorite place, this recipe keeps your time there brief. The simple baking process means you’ll be out of the kitchen sooner rather than later. You get a complete, filling meal without the usual cooking hassle.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
In 30 minutes, you can have this casserole ready, blending ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach. It’s a straightforward option for those who want to avoid any complicated kitchen work. Preparation is easy, cooking time is short, and the outcome is a well-rounded meal. This is a top pick for anyone seeking to minimize their culinary efforts. It’s as easy as combining the ingredients and letting the oven do the rest.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Canned Chicken Patties
Ready in just 20 minutes, these patties offer a quick escape from kitchen duty. They’re versatile, pairing well with a variety of sides to complete your meal. This is an easy, straightforward option for those not enthusiastic about cooking. The preparation is minimal, and the cooking time is quick, making dinner less daunting. It’s a simple, effective way to get dinner on the table with minimum effort.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
If you want to whip up something quick yet satisfying, this dish is your go-to. The mix of cabbage and bacon hits all the right flavor notes, and best of all, you only need one pan. So, if you dread a long cooking process or the ensuing cleanup, this is the meal for you. It takes 25 minutes from start to finish, letting you escape the kitchen almost as quickly as you entered. It’s both a time-saver and a taste-pleaser, making meal prep feel far less like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Italian Sausage Soup
Imagine a hearty soup that comes together in a single pot and is table-ready in just 30 minutes. Sounds like a dream, right? Especially for those of us who love the idea of a home-cooked meal but could do without all the fuss. With Italian sausage, heavy cream, and canned tomatoes, this soup is as straightforward as it is delicious. And the best part? Just one pot means the cleanup is almost as satisfying as the meal itself.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
If you’re new to cooking or simply short on time, this recipe is like a breath of fresh air. With chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers, you get a balanced meal that’s easy to prepare. The steps are simple, the flavors are rich, and you’ll have more time to unwind after a long day. Plus, streamlined cooking and cleanup mean that you can enjoy the meal without the looming thought of a messy kitchen. It’s essentially comfort food without the usual kitchen commotion.
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Big Mac Salad
Here’s a meal that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Imagine a Big Mac’s flavors but in a simpler salad form. You’re in and out of the kitchen in no time and have the creative freedom to toss in or take out ingredients as you please. It’s a win-win situation for anyone who wants a tasty meal without the tedious prep. In short, this salad makes life easier when you want something quick and customizable.
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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
This casserole offers a rich combination of chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños, and it doesn’t require a culinary degree to pull off. It’s designed to minimize your kitchen time while delivering a delicious meal. Pop it in the oven, and before you know it, dinner is served. If cooking often feels daunting, this dish can ease that burden. Plus, it simplifies the dreaded post-dinner cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Shawarma Kebabs
When you’re in the mood for something protein-packed but aren’t up for a cooking marathon, these Shawarma Kebabs have you covered. The prep is simple, and they cook up quickly, letting you get on with your evening. They’re also versatile, making for a stress-free dinner that can be dressed up or down with sides. It’s a laid-back approach to a flavorful and fuss-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
For nights when even cooking feels overwhelming, these poppers are a lifesaver. They come together quickly and are the kind of meal everyone in the family can get behind. Minimal effort, minimal time, but maximum flavor. And because they’re so straightforward, you can spend less time in the kitchen and enjoy your evening more. It’s comfort food that won’t weigh down your schedule.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers