15 Easy Meals to Make When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

Cooking can be a hassle, especially when you’re not in the mood. However, with some easy-to-make and delicious recipes, you can still enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore some great meal ideas for those days when you lack the motivation to cook but still want to enjoy a tasty and healthy meal.

10-minute meals for when you’re short on time and energy

As someone who is frequently pressed for time and energy, I know how challenging it can be to come up with quick meals when cooking is the last thing on your mind. But fear not! These 10-minute meals are perfect for those days when you’re short on time and energy. Whip up a satisfying stir-fry with some pre-chopped veggies, tofu and a flavorful sauce. Or mix together a quick tuna salad with some canned tuna, mayo, and chopped veggies. Toast up a sandwich with some deli meat, cheese, and your favorite veggies for added flavor. Don’t forget to keep a few key ingredients on hand like rice, pasta, and canned beans, which can be used to create a variety of quick and easy meals. With a little creativity and some pantry staples, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time!

SANDWICHES	INGREDIENTS	PREPARATION TIME	DIFFICULTY
Classic PB&J	Bread, peanut butter, jelly	5 minutes	Easy
Turkey and Swiss	Bread, turkey, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato	10 minutes	Easy
Ham and Cheddar	Bread, ham, cheddar cheese, lettuce, mustard	10 minutes	Easy
Italian Sub	Italian bread, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, Italian dressing	15 minutes	Medium
Roast Beef and Horseradish	Bread, roast beef, horseradish sauce, lettuce	10 minutes	Easy
Egg Salad	Bread, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper	15 minutes	Easy
BLT	Bread, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise	15 minutes	Easy
Grilled Cheese	Bread, cheese, butter	10 minutes	Easy
Tuna Salad	Bread, canned tuna, mayonnaise, onion, celery	15 minutes	Easy
Chicken Salad	Bread, chicken breast, mayonnaise, onion, celery	15 minutes	Easy
Chicken Caesar Wrap	Tortilla, chicken breast, Caesar dressing, lettuce, Parmesan cheese	15 minutes	Easy
Mediterranean Wrap	Tortilla, hummus, roasted red peppers, spinach, feta cheese, Kalamata olives	15 minutes	Easy
Buffalo Chicken Wrap	Tortilla, chicken breast, hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, lettuce, tomato	15 minutes	Easy
Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap	Tortilla, turkey, bacon, ranch dressing, lettuce, tomato	15 minutes	Easy
Vegetable Wrap	Tortilla, hummus, cucumber, carrots, sprouts, avocado	15 minutes	Easy

Easy recipes requiring only few ingredients

When you don’t feel like cooking, it’s always a good idea to have a few easy recipes that require only a handful of ingredients. One of the simplest and most delicious options is pasta with garlic, oil, and red pepper flakes. All you need is pasta, garlic, olive oil, and some red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat. Another easy recipe is roasted chicken with vegetables. Chicken, some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, and a bit of olive oil and seasoning is all you need. A third easy recipe is avocado toast. Mash up an avocado, spread it on some toast, and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a quick and healthy snack or light meal.

RECIPE	INGREDIENTS	PREPARATION	COOKING TIME
Caprese Salad	Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic vinegar	Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella into slices. Layer them on a plate with the basil leaves. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top. Enjoy!	10 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp	Shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon	Melt butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Squeeze lemon juice on top. Serve over rice or with crusty bread.	15 minutes
Pesto Pasta	Pasta, pesto, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese	Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and mix with pesto. Add halved cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot or cold.	20 minutes
Chicken Quesadilla	Tortillas, chicken, cheese, salsa	Heat a pan over medium heat. Place a tortilla on the pan. Add chicken, cheese, and salsa on top. Place another tortilla on top. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Cut into slices and serve.	15 minutes
Greek Yogurt Parfait	Greek yogurt, honey, granola, berries	Layer Greek yogurt, honey, granola, and berries in a glass. Repeat until all ingredients are used up. Serve as a breakfast or dessert.	5 minutes
Egg Salad Sandwich	Bread, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard	Boil the eggs for 10 minutes. Peel and chop them. Mix with mayonnaise and mustard. Spread on bread and enjoy.	20 minutes
Pesto Grilled Cheese	Bread, pesto, mozzarella cheese	Spread pesto on 2 slices of bread. Add mozzarella cheese on top. Place another slice of bread on top. Heat a pan over medium heat. Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.	10 minutes
Quinoa Salad	Quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, feta cheese	Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Add drained and rinsed chickpeas, chopped cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle olive oil on top. Serve as a salad or a side dish.	30 minutes
Broiled Salmon	Salmon fillets, olive oil, salt, black pepper	Season salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Place on a baking sheet. Broil on high for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges and a side salad.	15 minutes
Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons	Canned tomato soup, bread, cheddar cheese	Heat tomato soup on the stove. Cut bread into small squares. Add cheddar cheese to each square. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add bread squares to pan. Cook until cheese is melted and bread is crispy. Serve as croutons on top of the tomato soup.	10 minutes
Fruit Salad	Assorted fruit	Chop assorted fruit into bite-sized pieces. Mix together in a bowl. Serve as a snack or a dessert.	15 minutes
Stir-Fry Vegetables	Assorted vegetables, soy sauce, garlic	Chop assorted vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add soy sauce and minced garlic. Add vegetables to pan. Cook until tender. Serve as a side dish or a main dish over rice or noodles.	20 minutes
Spinach and Feta Omelette	Eggs, spinach, feta cheese, olive oil	Beat eggs in a bowl with a fork. Heat a pan over medium heat with olive oil. Add eggs to pan. Add spinach and feta cheese on top of eggs. Cook until set. Fold omelette in half. Serve hot.	15 minutes
Avocado Toast	Bread, avocado, lemon, salt, black pepper	Toast bread. Smash avocado on toast with a fork. Squeeze lemon juice on top. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Serve as a breakfast or a snack.	5 minutes
Fried Rice	Cooked rice, frozen peas and carrots, green onions, eggs, soy sauce	Heat a pan over medium heat. Add frozen peas and carrots. Cook until tender. Add chopped green onions. Push vegetables to the side of the pan. Crack eggs into the empty side of the pan. Scramble eggs. Mix eggs with vegetables. Add cooked rice to the pan. Add soy sauce to taste. Serve hot.	20 minutes

One-pot wonders for hassle-free cooking

If you’re feeling lazy or don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen, one-pot wonders can be a lifesaver. These dishes are usually easy to prepare and require minimal clean-up afterwards. Plus, the possibilities for customization are endless! You can try a comforting beef stew, a spicy chili con carne, or even a vegetarian quinoa bowl with roasted veggies. The key is to choose ingredients that can cook at the same time and require similar amounts of liquid. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings and herbs to add extra flavor to your meal. With one-pot wonders, you can have a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table in no time!

RECIPE	PREP TIME	COOK TIME	INGREDIENTS
One-pot chicken and rice	10 mins	30 mins	Chicken, rice, vegetables
One-pot spaghetti and meatballs	15 mins	25 mins	Spaghetti, meatballs, tomato sauce
One-pot creamy tomato pasta	5 mins	20 mins	Pasta, tomato sauce, cream
One-pot chili	10 mins	30 mins	Ground beef, beans, tomato sauce
One-pot vegetable paella	15 mins	35 mins	Rice, vegetables, saffron
One-pot creamy chicken and mushroom	10 mins	30 mins	Chicken, mushrooms, cream
One-pot lasagna	15 mins	30 mins	Lasagna noodles, ground beef, tomato sauce
One-pot creamy lemon garlic chicken	10 mins	30 mins	Chicken, garlic, cream
One-pot mushroom risotto	10 mins	30 mins	Rice, mushrooms, broth
One-pot beef stroganoff	10 mins	30 mins	Beef, mushrooms, sour cream
One-pot creamy tomato soup	10 mins	30 mins	Tomatoes, cream
One-pot sausage and bean casserole	15 mins	30 mins	Sausage, beans, vegetables
One-pot bacon mac and cheese	10 mins	25 mins	Pasta, cheese, bacon
One-pot chicken and dumplings	15 mins	30 mins	Chicken, bisquick, vegetables
One-pot beef and broccoli	10 mins	25 mins	Beef, broccoli, soy sauce

Healthy no-cook meals for when it’s too hot to turn on the stove

Are you feeling the heat but don’t want to heat up the kitchen? No worries, we’ve got you covered with some delicious and healthy no-cook meals! Start your day with a refreshing fruit smoothie, made with frozen berries, banana, spinach, and almond milk. For lunch, try a Mediterranean-inspired salad with fresh veggies, olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. In the evening, enjoy a zesty shrimp ceviche with avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno. And for a sweet treat, indulge in some no-bake energy bites made with oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips. Don’t let the heat wave ruin your appetite, cool down with these easy-to-make no-cook meals!

Takeout-inspired dishes that you can make at home

Sick of ordering takeout but still craving the flavors of your favorite restaurant meals? Look no further than your own kitchen. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can whip up delicious takeout-inspired dishes at home. How about homemade egg fu yung, crispy orange chicken or shrimp and broccoli stir-fry? Or swap out your usual pizza delivery for a homemade margherita or meat lover’s pizza with all your favorite toppings. Feeling the craving for Pad Thai or General Tso’s chicken? Try making your own with fresh ingredients and a homemade sauce for a healthier and more affordable option. With so many different dishes to choose from and new recipes to explore, you’ll never run out of options for takeout-inspired meals in the comfort of your own home.

Slow cooker/crockpot meals for effortless cooking

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with cooking, slow cooker/crockpot meals should be your go-to. They make effortless cooking a reality and can make even the busiest of days a little less stressful. Your options for slow cooker meals are endless, from soups and stews to chili and roasts. Try a classic pot roast, loaded with tender beef and flavorful veggies. Or switch things up with a spicy chili filled with all your favorite beans. The best part? You can prep all your ingredients in the morning and come home to a delicious, hot meal ready to go. So sit back, relax, and let your slow cooker do all the work for you.

MEAL	INGREDIENTS	COOKTIME	SOURCE
Beef Stew	Stewing beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, beef broth, tomato paste, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper	8 hours on low	https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-beef-stew/21045/
Chicken Soup	Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, noodles	6-8 hours on low	https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/246167/slow-cooker-chicken-soup/
Pulled Pork	Pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper	8 hours on low	https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a54250/best-slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe/
Chili	Ground beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, cheese, sour cream	6-8 hours on low	https://www.food.com/recipe/slow-cooker-chili-21794
Pot Roast	Chuck roast, onion, carrots, potatoes, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper	8 hours on low	https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16344/slow-cooker-pot-roast-iii/
Pasta Sauce	Ground beef, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper	6-8 hours on low	https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-slow-cooker-recipes/all/
Teriyaki Chicken	Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, teriyaki sauce, garlic, ginger, onion, carrots, broccoli, rice	3-4 hours on high	https://damndelicious.net/2016/05/20/slow-cooker-teriyaki-chicken/
Lentil Soup	Lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, bay leaf, cumin, salt, pepper	4-6 hours on low	https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/239572/slow-cooker-lentil-soup/
Meatball Subs	Ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, milk, tomato sauce, hoagie rolls, mozzarella cheese	6 hours on low	https://www.food.com/recipe/slow-cooker-meatball-subs-305728
Beef and Broccoli	Flank steak, broccoli, corn starch, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, rice	2-3 hours on high	https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a50000/slow-cooker-beef-broccoli-recipe/

Freezer-friendly meals for meal prep or lazy days

Freezer-friendly meals are a lifesaver for those lazy days when cooking is the last thing you want to do. There’s no need to sacrifice a home-cooked meal for takeout when you have freezer-friendly options. Some great freezer-friendly meals for meal prep or lazy days include stuffed peppers, casseroles, soups, chili, stir-fries, meatballs, and lasagna. These meals are perfect for when you don’t feel like cooking but still want to indulge in a meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

Stuffed peppers are easy to make and can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients. You can make them with ground beef, turkey, chicken or vegetarian-style with quinoa or black beans. Casseroles are another freezer-friendly option and can be made with chicken, beef, or veggies. Soups and chili are also great options and can be frozen in individual portions for a quick, easy, and healthy meal. Stir-fries can be made with chicken, beef, or veggies and are perfect for a quick and easy meal. Meatballs freeze well too and can be defrosted and added to spaghetti for a quick and easy dinner. Finally, lasagna is a great freezer-friendly meal that can be made with beef, chicken or veggies.

With these freezer-friendly meal options, you can have a healthy and delicious home-cooked meal ready for whenever you need it. Simply pop it in the oven or microwave, and you’re good to go!

RANK	MEAL	DESCRIPTION	FREEZER STORAGE TIME
1	Chili	A hearty and flavorful stew consisting of meat, beans, tomatoes and other spices.	2-3 months
2	Lasagna	A classic Italian dish made with layers of pasta, meat, cheese and tomato sauce.	2-3 months
3	Shepherd’s Pie	A savory dish made with ground meat, vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes.	2-3 months
4	Stuffed Peppers	Bell peppers filled with ground meat, rice, and vegetables, then baked until tender.	2-3 months
5	Chicken Enchiladas	Tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese and spices, then topped with enchilada sauce.	2-3 months
6	Meatloaf	A classic comfort food made from ground beef and other savory ingredients, then baked to perfection.	2-3 months
7	Curry	A fragrant and spicy dish made with vegetables, meat, and a blend of spices.	2-3 months
8	Beef Stew	A hearty and comforting soup made from beef, vegetables, and a savory broth.	2-3 months
9	Pasta Bake	A comforting casserole made with pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce.	2-3 months
10	Pot Roast	A slow-cooked and tender beef dish made with vegetables and a flavorful broth.	2-3 months
11	Vegetable Soup	A healthy and flavorful soup made with a variety of vegetables and a savory broth.	2-3 months
12	Baked Ziti	A cheesy and comforting pasta dish made with ziti, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.	2-3 months
13	Teriyaki Chicken	Chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then baked or grilled to perfection.	2-3 months
14	Quiche	A savory egg dish filled with cheese, vegetables and meat, then baked until golden brown.	2-3 months
15	Black Bean Soup	A flavorful and healthy soup made with black beans, vegetables and a variety of spices.	2-3 months

Quick breakfast-for-dinner ideas

Tired of the same old dinner routine? Switch it up with these quick breakfast-for-dinner ideas that will surely please your palate. Start your night with a classic dish like breakfast tacos, which you can make with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite toppings like avocado and hot sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, try making French toast with a twist by using cinnamon bread and adding a dollop of whipped cream. Or, if you’re in the mood for something savory, whip up a quiche with your favorite ingredients like bacon, spinach, and mushrooms. Feeling lazy tonight? No problem. A simple omelette with toast and fruit on the side is always a satisfying and fuss-free option. Don’t be afraid to switch up your dinner routine with these breakfast-for-dinner ideas. Who knows, it might just become your new favorite!

Refreshing and filling salads that don’t require much effort

Are you tired of cooking but still want to eat something healthy and filling? Look no further than these refreshing salads that require minimal effort. You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen chopping, prepping, and cooking. All you need are a handful of fresh ingredients and a little creativity. Try a classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Or get experimental with a quinoa and kale salad, topped with cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette. Feeling spicy? Mix things up with a Tex-Mex inspired salad, featuring black beans, corn, and a zesty lime dressing. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a lighter meal, these salads are sure to satisfy. Don’t let cooking fatigue get you down – start chopping and let your taste buds do the rest!

Simple yet satisfying sandwiches and wraps

When you don’t feel like cooking, sandwiches and wraps can be a lifesaver. They’re easy to make, require minimal effort, and can still be incredibly satisfying. Here are some simple yet tasty ideas:

• Veggie wrap with avocado, hummus, and veggies of your choice (such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and bell peppers).
• Turkey and cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mustard on whole wheat bread.
• Grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup.
• Roast beef and horseradish wrap with lettuce and tomato.

These ideas are quick, easy, and can satisfy your hunger without requiring much effort. They’re perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like cooking.

SANDWICHES	INGREDIENTS	PREPARATION TIME	DIFFICULTY
Classic PB&J	Bread, peanut butter, jelly	5 minutes	Easy
Turkey and Swiss	Bread, turkey, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato	10 minutes	Easy
Ham and Cheddar	Bread, ham, cheddar cheese, lettuce, mustard	10 minutes	Easy
Italian Sub	Italian bread, salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, Italian dressing	15 minutes	Medium
Roast Beef and Horseradish	Bread, roast beef, horseradish sauce, lettuce	10 minutes	Easy
Egg Salad	Bread, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, pepper	15 minutes	Easy
BLT	Bread, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise	15 minutes	Easy
Grilled Cheese	Bread, cheese, butter	10 minutes	Easy
Tuna Salad	Bread, canned tuna, mayonnaise, onion, celery	15 minutes	Easy
Chicken Salad	Bread, chicken breast, mayonnaise, onion, celery	15 minutes	Easy
Chicken Caesar Wrap	Tortilla, chicken breast, Caesar dressing, lettuce, Parmesan cheese	15 minutes	Easy
Mediterranean Wrap	Tortilla, hummus, roasted red peppers, spinach, feta cheese, Kalamata olives	15 minutes	Easy
Buffalo Chicken Wrap	Tortilla, chicken breast, hot sauce, blue cheese dressing, lettuce, tomato	15 minutes	Easy
Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap	Tortilla, turkey, bacon, ranch dressing, lettuce, tomato	15 minutes	Easy
Vegetable Wrap	Tortilla, hummus, cucumber, carrots, sprouts, avocado	15 minutes	Easy

What are some easy meals to make when I don't feel like cooking?

Some easy meals to make when you don't feel like cooking include sandwiches, salads, wraps, and smoothies.

Are there any healthy options for meals when I don't want to cook?

Yes, there are many healthy options for meals when you don't want to cook. You can make a salad with lots of veggies and protein, or a smoothie with fruits and yogurt.

What are some pantry staples I can use to make quick meals?

Some pantry staples you can use to make quick meals include canned beans, canned tomatoes, pasta, rice, and frozen vegetables.

How can I make meal prep easier on days when I'm not in the mood to cook?

One way to make meal prep easier on days when you're not in the mood to cook is to prep ingredients ahead of time. You can chop veggies and store them in the fridge, or cook a big batch of rice or quinoa at the beginning of the week.

Can I still eat healthy on days when I don't want to cook?

Yes, you can still eat healthy on days when you don't want to cook. You can opt for pre-made healthy meals, or choose healthy options like salads, smoothies, and sandwiches.

In conclusion, there are plenty of options to choose from when you don’t feel like cooking. Whether it’s a simple sandwich or a frozen pizza, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to take a break from cooking every once in a while. Additionally, you can always opt for takeout or delivery if you’re not in the mood to prepare a meal. Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s something that makes you happy and relieves any stress or pressure you may be feeling about cooking. Bon appétit!