If you’re someone who finds more joy in activities other than stirring pots and chopping vegetables, this list of 21 easy meals is a lifesaver. We’ve got you covered with straightforward, no-nonsense recipes that are great for those busy evenings when you’ve got a million other things you’d rather be doing. These are the perfect go-tos for quick prep and minimal time in the kitchen, so you can spend more time doing what you love and less time cooking.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
The Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a great choice when you’d rather not be cooking. Just toss dried split peas, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. You’ll have a comforting soup ready whenever you are, with plenty of leftovers to freeze for quick meals later on. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with good stuff and gives you a filling meal without the hassle. Plus, coming home to the smell of soup that’s been simmering all day is a surefire way to boost your mood after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
This cabbage and sausage skillet is perfect when you’re not up to cooking. It features cabbage, sausage, and onion. Chop stuff up, throw it in a pan, and in about 25 minutes, dinner is served. Mix it up with different sausages if you want, or serve it with a salad or rice for a complete meal. Got leftovers? They reheat great for a delicious lunch the next day, so nothing goes to waste. This dish is a great way to get some veggies in without the blandness of typical health foods.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
The Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe is a winner for anyone who’d rather not be cooking. It’s super easy — just coat the pork chops with mayo and shake them in a bag with breadcrumbs and seasoning. In 25 minutes, you’ll have crispy, flavorful pork chops without any frying. This family favorite is great for beginner cooks or anyone who wants a quick and delicious meal with minimal effort. You’ll love how the mayo keeps the pork chops juicy and tender while the breadcrumbs give them that beautiful-sounding crunch.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup is your hero on days you can’t deal with cooking. Throw ground beef, cream cheese, tomatoes, and taco seasoning into the crockpot and let it work its magic. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a filling meal with minimal effort — just 20 minutes of prep, and you’re free. Toss on some cheese and sour cream before you serve for that extra wow. Feel free to add black beans or corn if you like. This soup is a stress-saver, guaranteeing a flavorful dinner without the hassle of constant kitchen attendance.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
These garlic butter chicken bites are a lifesaver when you can’t even think about cooking. With just chicken, butter, garlic, and 20 minutes, you’ve got a solid meal. Switch up the spices whenever you want something different, and serve it with veggies or rice on the side. Leftovers are awesome cold or warmed up, making them perfect for a quick snack or lunch. These chicken bites are so versatile you can use them in salads, wraps, or even as a topping for pasta – the possibilities are endless.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This one-pan wonder is perfect when you’re not in the mood for cooking. Toss sausages and your favorite veggies on a pan, season, and let the oven handle the rest. You’ll have a great meal with minimal cleanup — it’s that easy. Serve it with bread for an easy dinner, and enjoy the leftovers the next day. They’re just as good reheated. This sheet pan meal is a great way to clean out your fridge and use up any veggies that are on their last legs.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This stuffed bell pepper casserole is a great choice when you’d rather not be cooking but still want a hearty meal. Bell peppers, ground meat, rice, and cheese come together in this no-nonsense casserole that’s perfect for nights when you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. A side of creamy cucumber salad rounds it out nicely, and a dollop of sour cream on top before serving ties it all together. The casserole keeps well in the fridge, so you’ll have dinner ready to go for tomorrow, too. This dish is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone complaining.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
The Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a great pick when you’d rather not be cooking. Using stuff you probably already have, like egg noodles, canned tuna, and cheddar cheese, this casserole comes together quickly and easily. Just mix it, bake it, and enjoy — with leftovers for the next day. Pair it with a green salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal that doesn’t take much effort. The casserole also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep and making sure you have a delicious, hassle-free meal whenever you need it. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any canned tuna that’s been sitting in your pantry for a while.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Baked Ravioli
This Baked Ravioli is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s reminiscent of lasagna, but with a lot less effort. Using frozen cheese ravioli cuts down on prep time, and layers of marinara sauce and melted cheeses create a great meal that’s easy and comes together in 1 hour. So, if you’re looking for an extra easy meal that is comforting but takes minimal effort on your part to make, choose this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Chicken Tortellini Soup
On days when cooking feels like a chore, Chicken Tortellini Soup comes to the rescue. Just toss chicken, tortellini, broth, and veggies into a pot, and in 40 minutes, you’ll have a steaming bowl of comfort. It’s not only quick but packed with nutrients and flavors that can lift your spirits. Serve with bread or croutons for added crunch. What’s even better? It freezes well, meaning less work for you next time. This recipe is a perfect example of how to keep dinner easy yet hearty, making your evening routine less of a burden.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick path to a luxurious dinner. In just 30 minutes, with chicken, garlic, cream, Parmesan, and a handful of spices, you’ll whip up something that seems like it took hours. It’s great for impressing guests or enjoying a ‘fancy’ night in without the complexity. Serve it over pasta or rice to soak up the sauce. Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of flavor. This dish will make your night easier, so you can enjoy a sumptuous meal without being stuck in the kitchen all evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake mixes chicken breast, spinach, cheese, and a dash of spices for a meal that’s both simple and hearty. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a dream for anyone trying to keep dinner effortless. This dish not only saves you time but also packs a healthy punch with the addition of spinach, making it great for a nutritious dinner option. Want to mix it up? Try adding kale or artichokes. It’s perfect for sneaking in those greens without the kids — or you — dreading it, simplifying your dinner routine while keeping everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Dive into the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole for a comforting meal that’s simple to make. In just 30 minutes, combine broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, and cheese for a dish that’s as hearty as it is easy. This casserole is a fantastic option for those evenings when you want to relax instead of cook. It’s also a clever way to get more veggies into your diet without anyone complaining. Serve it with a green salad for a complete meal that’s quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
White Bean Soup
White Bean Soup is the ultimate easy meal solution. With just white beans, vegetables, broth, and seasonings, you can have a comforting pot of soup ready in 40 minutes. It’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. Use pre-cut veggies to make preparation even faster. This soup is adaptable; feel free to add whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s perfect for a cozy night in without any need to spend a long time in the kitchen. Plus, serving it with grated Parmesan and crusty bread turns it into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken brings the flavor easy and fast. In just 30 minutes, chicken, bell peppers, onions, and a mix of fajita spices come together under a layer of melted cheese. It’s the perfect dish for when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours cooking. Easy to prepare and even easier to clean up, it’s a weeknight winner. You can customize the veggies or swap the chicken for beef or shrimp, making it versatile. This recipe is great for spicing up your dinner routine without adding extra stress to your evening.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli Casserole is a straightforward, delicious way to enjoy your veggies. With just broccoli, cheese, and a few pantry staples, you can have a comforting meal ready in about 50 minutes. It’s a no-brainer for a stress-free dinner. This casserole is also customizable, allowing you to throw in any extra veggies you have. It’s a great strategy for a busy night, giving you the option to get a good meal on the table with minimal effort. A perfect dish to encourage more vegetable intake without the usual resistance.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is your quick fix for a savory, hearty meal. With cabbage, bacon, onion, and garlic, this one-pan wonder is ready in 25 minutes. It brings rich flavors to the table even on a busy evening. Enjoy it as a stand-alone dish, or pair it with mashed potatoes for extra comfort. It’s also adaptable; feel free to add sausage or apples for variety. This dish shows that you can have a delicious, hearty meal without spending a lot of time or energy, helping you wind down after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Italian Sausage Soup
For a hearty, comforting meal that’s ready in no time, Italian Sausage Soup is a go-to. With Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, broth, and a dash of cream, you can whip up a rich, flavorful soup in just 30 minutes. It’s easy, filling, and pairs perfectly with garlic bread. Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition. This soup is a lifesaver on busy nights, serving a delicious meal that feels like a hug in a bowl without the long prep and cooking times. It’s a fantastic way to quench your craving for something comforting and hearty without the usual kitchen time investment.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
The Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a fast and flavorful dinner option. With ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, cheddar, and spices, you can enjoy a comforting meal in 30 minutes. It’s perfect for keeping things low-carb without losing out on taste. This skillet meal is not only quick to prepare but also easy to clean up, making your evening much more relaxed. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without the long cooking process, ensuring you spend more time enjoying your evening and less time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is an easy recipe that features beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese for a quick, one-dish dinner. It’s ready in 30 minutes and is incredibly delicious and filling. This recipe is a perfect example of how to whip up a hearty meal with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s also customizable, letting you mix in different veggies as you like. A great pick for busy nights when you want a filling dinner without a lot of work, this casserole helps you enjoy your evening without the dread of a messy kitchen afterward.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a warming, one-pot meal that’s perfect for when you want something comforting but easy. Ready in about an hour, it combines sweet potatoes, red peppers, onions, and spices for a creamy soup that’s full of flavor. It’s straightforward, with minimal cleanup required, perfect for a stress-free evening. Customize it with your choice of spices to fit your taste. This soup is a great way to include more vegetables in your diet in a hassle-free way. With this recipe, you can relax and enjoy a cozy meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup