25 Satisfying “I Don’t Feel Like Cooking Tonight” Meals That Require Very Minimal Effort
1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
If you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these sheet pan chicken fajitas are perfect. Toss chicken, bell peppers, and onions with some seasoning, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
2. Caprese Sandwich
This sandwich is as simple as it gets. Layer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on a baguette. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and you’re done. It’s fresh, tasty, and takes just minutes to assemble.
3. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Cook pasta in one pot while you sauté shrimp in a skillet with garlic, lemon juice, and butter. Mix everything together for a zesty, comforting meal that’s ready in about 20 minutes.
4. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
Swap out mayo for Greek yogurt in this easy chicken salad recipe. Mix with shredded chicken, celery, grapes, and a little Dijon mustard. Serve in a sandwich, wrap, or over lettuce.
5. Veggie Stir-Fry
Chop up any veggies you have on hand and stir-fry them with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick and healthy dinner.
6. Pita Pizzas
Use pita bread as the base for these super easy pizzas. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and any other toppings you like. Bake until the cheese is bubbly.
7. Tuna Melt
Mix canned tuna with a bit of mayo and your favorite seasonings. Spread on bread, top with cheese, and broil until melted. It’s a classic comfort food that’s ready in no time.
8. Avocado Toast
Mash an avocado and spread it on toasted bread. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and maybe a dash of red pepper flakes. Add a poached egg if you’re feeling fancy.
9. Instant Pot Chili
Throw ground beef (or turkey), beans, tomatoes, and spices into your Instant Pot. Let it do all the work for a hearty, delicious chili that practically cooks itself.
10. Microwave Mac and Cheese
You don’t need a box to make mac and cheese in the microwave. Combine pasta, water, milk, and cheese in a mug. Microwave until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted.
11. Quesadillas
Fill a tortilla with cheese and any other fillings you like. Cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.
12. Salad with Rotisserie Chicken
Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and mix it into a big salad. Add your favorite veggies, nuts, and dressing for a quick and satisfying meal.
13. Breakfast for Dinner
Scramble some eggs, fry up some bacon, and toast a couple of pieces of bread. Breakfast for dinner is always a good idea when you don’t feel like cooking.
14. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
This classic Italian dish is made with just a few ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. It’s simple, flavorful, and comes together in minutes.
15. BLT Sandwich
Crisp bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes come together in this classic sandwich. Add some mayo, and you’ve got a meal that’s hard to beat.
16. Black Bean Tacos
Warm up some black beans and stuff them into taco shells. Top with cheese, lettuce, and salsa for a quick and easy meal.
17. Grilled Cheese
Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like a grilled cheese. Butter two slices of bread, add cheese, and cook in a skillet until golden brown and melty.
18. Tomato Soup
A can of tomato soup can be a lifesaver on lazy nights. Heat it up and serve with a grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.
19. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Microwave a couple of sweet potatoes until tender. Split them open and stuff with black beans, cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
20. Pasta Salad
Cook up some pasta and toss it with your favorite veggies, cheese, and dressing. It’s great warm or cold and can be made ahead of time.
21. Omelette
Whisk a couple of eggs and pour into a heated skillet. Add cheese, veggies, or ham. Fold and cook until the eggs are set.
22. Chicken Caesar Wrap
Toss cooked chicken with Caesar dressing, lettuce, and Parmesan cheese. Wrap it all up in a tortilla for a quick meal.
23. Baked Potatoes
Microwave or bake a potato and top with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal.
24. Frozen Pizza
Keep a frozen pizza on hand for those nights when you really don’t want to cook. Just pop it in the oven and enjoy.
25. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
Spread peanut butter on bread and layer with banana slices. It’s a quick, nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
