When dinner time rolls around and you’re staring blankly into the fridge, it’s easy to feel like waving the white flag and calling it a night. But before you reach for that sad box of cereal or, worse, the phone for takeout, why not throw together something simple that won’t make you question your life choices? These quick and easy recipes are here to save you from dinner despair with minimal effort required.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish made with just five simple ingredients. The creamy sauce, made from Pecorino Romano cheese and starchy pasta water, is a perfect quick fix when you need something comforting and easy without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Jalapeño Chicken
Jalapeño chicken brings the crave-worthy flavors of takeout right to your kitchen. Crispy chicken pieces are cooked with spicy jalapeños and coated in a sweet, salty, sticky sauce, making it a flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect when you don’t feel like fussing over dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Chicken
Salsa Chicken
Salsa chicken is a straightforward dish that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Chicken breasts are baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese, creating a meal that’s both quick and family-friendly—perfect for those nights when you just want to get dinner on the table without much thought.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Kale and Feta Egg Bake
This kale and feta egg bake is a go-to option for a lazy dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, it’s ready to bake and enjoy, making it an effortless choice when you’re not in the mood for a complicated meal.
Get the Recipe: Kale and Feta Egg Bake
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms come together in this quick stir fry, finished with an Asian-inspired sauce. This easy dish delivers on flavor without requiring much time or energy, making it a great choice when you’re tempted to skip cooking altogether.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Healthier Sloppy Joes
A leaner take on the classic, these Sloppy Joes use ground beef, low-sugar ketchup, and low-fat cheese. It’s a more balanced version of a favorite meal, perfect for when you want something simple yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
In just 20 minutes, this one-pan garlic chicken dish with mushrooms, onions, and red peppers is ready to serve. Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor, making it a practical choice when you need a quick and easy dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
These smashed white bean and kale quesadillas offer a satisfying meatless dinner option. Filled with melted cheddar and topped with a creamy BBQ sauce, they’re an easy way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Air Fryer Brats
Air fryer brats are as simple as they come. Cooked to perfection in under 15 minutes, this quick method delivers tender and juicy results without needing to fire up the grill, making it a hassle-free dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats
Burger Bowls
This burger bowl recipe captures all the flavors of your favorite fast food burger but in a bowl. With a homemade special sauce and plenty of toppings, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s ready without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Gochujang Chicken
Gochujang chicken features a sticky, spicy, and sweet sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it over rice for a takeout-inspired dinner that’s fast and requires minimal preparation—a perfect go-to when you’re tempted to give up on cooking.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken
Thai Red Curry Soup
This Thai red curry noodle soup is full of bold flavors and ready in just 25 minutes. It’s an easy dinner option that beats takeout, and you can easily adjust it with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Soup
Mexican Vegetable Soup
Mexican vegetable soup is a nutritious vegetarian meal packed with veggies and quinoa for extra protein. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a quick, hearty option that doesn’t demand much time or energy, making it a good fallback plan when dinner feels like too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Vegetable Soup