Not everyone’s a fan of spending hours in the kitchen. To some, it’s a therapeutic respite, to others it’s a dreaded necessity in the day. If you fall into the latter camp, these 17 recipes are your saving grace. They’re simple, require minimal prep and cleanup yet taste delicious. The whole family will love them and you’ll love that you didn’t have to spend money on takeout.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Looking for a quick fix that feels gourmet? This lemon feta spinach pasta is your answer. It’s easy, fast, and the combo of lemon, spinach, and feta feels fancy without all the work. Whether you add protein or not, it’s a weeknight win.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Burger Bowls
Burger bowls are for anyone who loves the idea of a burger but hates the hassle of cooking. Whip up a special sauce, toss it with your favorite burger toppings in a bowl, and you’re done. It’s like fast food went to a health spa – easy, quick, and surprisingly good for you.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Blackened Cod
For those who’d rather skip the fancy cooking, this blackened cod is a lifesaver. Just grab some spices, give the fish a quick sear, and boom – you’ve got yourself a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner. Perfect for when you want to keep things simple but still impress yourself.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
If the kitchen’s not your happy place, this sheet pan pork chop dinner might just change your mind. It’s got everything – meat, veggies, and a killer flavor – all on one pan. Easy cooking, easy cleanup, and it’s delicious to boot.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
Bomb Meatloaf
Not into cooking but still craving something homey? This meatloaf is your ticket. It’s super easy to throw together, and the sweet and tangy glaze is a game-changer. Tender, juicy, and no fancy skills required – it’s comfort food without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Quick, tasty, and better than takeout – this shaved beef and broccoli stir fry comes together in minutes. Perfect for when you’re hungry but cooking feels like a chore. The sauce alone will make you forget you’re not a fan of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
For those who hate slaving away in the kitchen, this quick stir fry with ground pork, cabbage, and mushrooms is a lifesaver. Packed with Asian-inspired flavors, it cooks up in a flash, perfect for busy nights when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
Get the Recipe: Pork and Cabbage Stir Fry
Vegetable Bean Skillet
This vegetable bean skillet is for anyone who wants to eat well without the whole cooking ordeal. Packed with veggies and beans, it’s a hearty meal that comes together fast. No meat, no fuss, and loads of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Hate cooking but love eating good? These steak and shrimp fajitas are a breeze to make, all on one sheet pan. Under 20 minutes and you’ve got a surf and turf dinner that’ll make you forget about takeout. Weeknights just got a lot better.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Pesto Salmon
If you love good food but hate the hassle, this pesto salmon is your new go-to. With just five ingredients and 25 minutes, you’ll have a healthy, flavorful dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Weeknight cooking just got a whole lot easier – and tastier.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Cheddar Chicken Bake
This cheddar chicken quinoa bake is the answer to “What’s for dinner?” without the cooking drama. Use leftover chicken, mix it with quinoa, and let the oven do the work. It’s healthy, easy, and cleaning up is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
If you’re all about easy dinners, this ground beef and sweet potato skillet speaks your language. One pan, tons of flavor, and it’s good for you too. Meal-prepping or just surviving Wednesday night, it’s got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Got an air fryer and zero desire to cook? These salmon bites are your new best friend. Marinate, air fry, and serve with a dip – it’s so easy and the flavor is on point. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner that doesn’t feel like cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Love a good dinner but not the cooking part? This sheet pan chicken and sweet potatoes dish is the ultimate solution. Throw everything on one pan, pop it in the oven, and you’re done. Dinner’s ready before you know it, with hardly any cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Pasta lovers, rejoice! This bucatini with garlic shrimp is the lazy cook’s dream. It’s all done in under 30 minutes, and the cherry tomatoes add a fresh pop. Dinner’s ready before you know it, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
For those who dread cooking but love a good cheesy moment, these smashed white bean quesadillas are a dream. Easy to make, filled with goodness, and that creamy BBQ sauce on top? Chef’s kiss. No cooking skills? No problem.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Only got 20 minutes and can’t stand cooking? This garlic chicken bite skillet is quick, easy, and all done in one pan. With mushrooms, onions, and peppers, it’s a full meal with minimal effort. Plus, it tastes like you actually tried.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
