Hate cooking? here’s 21 extra easy dinners to change your mind

Photo of author

| Published:

Cooking doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. If the thought of chopping, stirring, and waiting around makes you want to grab takeout instead, you’re in the right place. These recipes are about as easy as it gets — quick to make, simple to clean up, and actually worth eating. No fancy techniques, no endless ingredient lists, just straightforward meals that get the job done without making you hate the process. If you’ve been avoiding the kitchen, this might just be the thing that changes your mind. Or at least saves you from another sad bowl of cereal for dinner.

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken in a sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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 meal is a breeze for those who’d rather not cook. Choose your veggies — potatoes, carrots, bell peppers — slice them up with some sausages, and spread them on a sheet pan to roast. It’s straightforward: no complex steps, just simple cooking. This dish proves that you can create a great meal without much work, perfect for changing the minds of cooking skeptics. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder. Cleanup is just as easy as the cooking part, giving you more time to relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole is the answer if you dread dinner prep. You need noodles, canned tuna, cream of mushroom soup, and peas. Mix them, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake until golden. Prep is only 15 minutes, leaving you more time to relax. This easy dinner is designed to convert anyone who hates cooking into a believer in quick, great meals. It’s also an excellent way to make a meal stretch, ensuring you have delicious leftovers for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Shake and Bake Pork Chops deliver crispy, flavorful results without the hassle of frying. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy nights. This recipe is great for anyone who wants a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli gives you all the cheesy goodness of lasagna with a fraction of the work. Using frozen ravioli eliminates extra prep, and layering it with marinara sauce and cheese makes for an easy, hands-off dinner. Just assemble, bake, and enjoy — no complicated steps required.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Achieve effortless elegance with this dish. Simply sauté chicken and then simmer in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight. This recipe is for those times when you want to impress, even when you don’t like cooking. It’s a simple way to make dinner feel like an occasion.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Tuna Melt Quesadillas

Four quesadilla slices on parchment paper, filled with melted cheese and tuna, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Melt Quesadillas. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Tuna Melt Quesadillas come together fast, making them a great option when you need something filling without much effort. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have crispy tortillas packed with melted cheese and a flavorful tuna mixture. They’re perfect for a quick dinner, a packed lunch, or even meal prep since leftovers store well for easy grab-and-go meals.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Melt Quesadillas

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Egg Salad is ready in 25 minutes and requires little more than mixing a few ingredients. Hard-boiled eggs, canned tuna, Greek yogurt, and crunchy add-ins like celery and pickles create a creamy, protein-packed dish that works for lunch or dinner. It’s great for making ahead, so you always have something ready when you don’t feel like cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re pressed for time but still want a meal that’s more than just edible, these chicken bites are the answer. Ready in 20 minutes with just chicken and a garlic butter mix, they’re fast to make and packed with flavor. This recipe is great for those hectic evenings when you need a quick yet delicious meal. It’s also a smart way to keep dinner light but appetizing, proving fast food can be homemade and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is built for convenience. Using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing, you can throw it together in just 25 minutes with almost no work. It’s a solid choice for meal prep, quick dinners, or potlucks when you need something easy but still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For an evening when you’re looking to relax rather than cook, this casserole is a top pick. With ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and plenty of cheese, it’s easy to prepare and bake. Enjoy a hearty dish with the least effort possible. This recipe is for anyone wanting to keep their evening hassle-free while still having a good meal. Plus, it’s a clever way to sneak in some veggies, making your dinner both wholesome and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This 30-minute meal blends cabbage and sausage in one pan for a quick, delicious dinner. Cooking them together brings out great flavors, serving a filling meal with minimal kitchen time. It’s the perfect solution for those busy nights when you want something good to eat without waiting too long. This dish also means less cleanup, streamlining your evening even further.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

When you’re juggling a busy schedule, this taco soup is a lifesaver. Brown some beef, then let the slow cooker do the rest with beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. With only 20 minutes of hands-on time, it’s perfect for those days when you’re all about multitasking. This meal is a comforting end to any day, serving a delicious dinner made with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a meal that’s straightforward yet full of good taste, this chicken bake hits the spot. Just layer chicken, spinach, and cheese, then let the oven do the work. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s an easy way to serve up a savory dinner on busy nights. This bake is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of time or have fancy ingredients to make something great to eat.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn to this casserole on those hectic days when time is scarce. Just mix broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, and bake. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a fast track to a flavorful meal. This recipe is a godsend for anyone needing a quick dinner that doesn’t fall short on taste, ensuring you get to enjoy your evening with less time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish combines cabbage and bacon for a simple, flavor-packed meal. It’s great for those evenings when time is tight, but you still want something good to eat. This recipe shows that awesome flavors don’t require complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. It’s the quickest way to fall in love with cooking.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Choose this casserole for an easy family dinner. Combining broccoli with a creamy sauce and cheese, it’s simple enough for beginners and quick for those wanting to avoid a long stint in the kitchen. Ready in 50 minutes, it’s a great pick for a stress-free evening meal. This casserole makes it possible to enjoy a hearty dinner without all the prep and cleanup. You’ll have more time to bond with your family.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Canned Chicken Patties

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

These chicken patties are a quick dinner solution, transforming canned chicken into something delicious in just 20 minutes. Mix the chicken with breadcrumbs and seasonings, form patties, and cook until golden. Enjoy these patties on their own, as a side, or as part of a feast. If you hate cooking, you’re going to love starting to learn with this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken salad combines the kick of jalapeños with the creaminess of cream cheese and spices for a meal that’s as simple as it is full of flavor. It’s an easy, no-cook option for busy nights when you can’t spare the time for a cooked meal but still crave something with a little excitement. This recipe is all about making life easier without sacrificing taste, great for a light dinner or a flavorful lunch prep.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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.

With this soup, you get a hearty meal with minimal kitchen time. Start by browning Italian sausage, then add broth, tomatoes, and veggies of your choice and let it simmer. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and easy dinner option for those nights when you want something warming without the hassle. This soup is a smart choice for anyone looking to keep dinner prep simple yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

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 skillet meal is a speedy, filling option that combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, cheddar, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. It’s ready in around 30 minutes, making it a solid choice for those busy evenings when you’re short on time but still want a hearty meal. This recipe caters to the desire for a low-stress dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a simple, one-dish meal that takes less than an hour from start to finish. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and requires minimal effort to put together. Just layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it do the work while you take a break.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.