Not everyone enjoys spending time in the kitchen, and that’s okay. Some days, cooking can feel like a hassle, especially after a long day. If you want to skip the complicated recipes, here are 25 simple dinners made for people who don’t like to cook. These meals are quick and easy, so you can enjoy a tasty dinner without the stress.
Caprese Panini. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Quick, warm, and satisfying, this pasta dish brings together the bold flavors of tuna and tomato in about 25 minutes, perfect for anyone who wants a meal without the fuss. It’s a great dinner for people who don’t like to spend time cooking but still want something hearty and comforting. With just a few simple steps, it’s easy to enjoy a filling dish that feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Honey Glazed Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor, this dish is a breeze to prepare and comes together in no time. For those who prefer a delicious dinner without complicated steps, this is an ideal choice for busy nights. It’s satisfying and tasty, making it a great meal that feels special but doesn’t require a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
French Onion Soup
Rich, caramelized onions and savory broth topped with melted cheese create a soup that feels luxurious but is simple to prepare. This recipe is perfect for anyone wanting a warm, hearty dinner without putting in much effort or kitchen time. It’s a comforting meal that tastes complex but is made with straightforward steps.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Crockpot Chili
Hearty, warming, and packed with flavor, this chili takes almost no effort to prepare, making it ideal for those who don’t enjoy cooking. Simply toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ll have a filling, satisfying meal without lifting a finger.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Cacio e Pepe
Cheesy, peppery pasta that’s ready in just 15 minutes is a dream for anyone who wants something quick yet delicious. This dish uses basic ingredients but brings big flavors, perfect for those who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s an easy and comforting dinner that hits the spot without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Kefta Kebabs
For a twist on burgers, these quick, flavorful kebabs come together without a fuss and offer something different for dinner. Perfect for those who don’t enjoy lengthy cooking sessions, they bring variety and taste without the extra time. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Kebabs
Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Bold flavors meet easy preparation in this quick twist on a classic, ready in just a few minutes. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when spending time cooking isn’t an option, but a satisfying meal is still needed. It’s a simple and tasty dinner that checks all the boxes without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tuna Salad with Sundried Tomatoes
Tomato Soup
Smooth, rich, and comforting, this soup is perfect for nights when time and energy are low. It delivers deep, hearty flavor with only a few easy steps, making it great for those who don’t love to cook. Enjoy a warm, simple dinner that’s ready in no time with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Caprese Panini
This sandwich brings the freshness of tomatoes, basil, and melted cheese together for a simple yet satisfying meal. Perfect for anyone who wants a special-tasting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, it’s ready in minutes. With basic ingredients, it proves that good food doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Panini
Shortcut Chicken Salad
A no-cook, quick meal that’s as simple as it gets, this chicken salad is perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much. Using canned chicken keeps things easy and fast, making it ideal for anyone who wants dinner without a lot of work. Whether served on greens or in a sandwich, it’s a refreshing and tasty option.
Get the Recipe: Shortcut Chicken Salad
Chicken Tenders
These crispy, cornflake-coated chicken tenders offer a juicy and flavorful option that’s just as easy as frozen but far more delicious. They’re perfect for anyone looking for a quick, homemade dinner without a lot of prep work. This simple recipe delivers a big taste without the hassle of complicated cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders
Poached Orange Salmon
Light, healthy, and full of flavor, this salmon dish is ideal for nights when cooking feels like a chore. It’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for those who want a dinner that feels special but requires minimal effort. Enjoy a meal that’s both tasty and easy to put together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Poached Orange Salmon
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this one-pot casserole is proof. Full of familiar, hearty flavors, it’s a perfect dinner for people who don’t like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. With easy prep and cleanup, it makes weeknight dinners stress-free and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
Tender, slow-cooked pot roast with bold Italian flavors is a perfect hands-off dinner option. For those who don’t like to cook but still crave a hearty, delicious meal, this recipe fits the bill with minimal prep. Toss everything into the slow cooker and return to a home filled with the aroma of a satisfying, ready-to-eat meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Healthy, protein-packed, and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for nights when quick and easy is the goal. It’s a great vegetarian option that’s filling without needing much time or effort. With simple steps, enjoy a tasty, satisfying dinner that fits into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Creamy and full of fresh flavors, this risotto is much simpler than it sounds and comes together without the usual hassle. Perfect for those who don’t want to spend time at the stove, it’s a dish that feels fancy but is actually quick and easy. Enjoy a comforting dinner that’s ready in a flash with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Tomato Basil Bisque
Rich and smooth with a touch of basil, this bisque offers deep, satisfying flavors perfect for a simple dinner. It’s easy to make and great for anyone who doesn’t like spending a lot of time cooking. This comforting dish comes together quickly without any complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
A set-and-forget meal that turns out tender and full of flavor, this pork dish is perfect for busy days. Just add the ingredients in the morning and come back to a warm, hearty dinner with no extra effort. It’s great for those who want a delicious, home-cooked meal without hovering over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Honey Habanero Tacos
Sweet, spicy, and full of bold flavors, these tacos come together quickly for a satisfying meal. With minimal prep and maximum taste, they’re perfect for anyone who doesn’t enjoy spending time cooking but still wants a tasty dinner. Enjoy the ease of making a flavorful dish that keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Crockpot Carnitas
Slow-cooked pork, tender and seasoned with rich spices, makes this dish a winner for easy dinners. It’s perfect for those who don’t like to spend time over the stove but still want a hearty, flavorful meal. Minimal prep and maximum taste make it a great choice for tacos or bowls.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Kung Pao Chicken Salad
With crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing, this salad brings bold flavors without a lot of cooking. Perfect for those needing a quick and satisfying dinner, it’s a simple way to enjoy a meal that’s full of texture and taste. This easy dish is a time-saver that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Salad
Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Using rotisserie chicken keeps these enchiladas quick and easy, making them perfect for busy nights. It’s a rich, flavorful meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort, and it’s great for those who want a delicious dinner without a long prep time. Enjoy a no-stress, satisfying dinner that comes together with ease.
Get the Recipe: Semi-homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Slow Cooker Thai Pork
Packed with bold spices and tender meat, this dish is a simple way to enjoy flavorful food without any fuss. Perfect for those who don’t want to spend time cooking, just set it up in the slow cooker and come home to a ready-to-eat meal. With minimal prep and a lot of taste, it’s an easy option for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork
Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Juicy and bursting with cheese and bacon, this burger is a hearty, easy-to-make option for dinner. It’s perfect for those who want a homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a simple but satisfying dinner that packs big flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Burger
Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo
Chipotle burgers with jalapeno mayo add a spicy twist to a classic meal. These juicy patties are packed with smoky flavor and topped with a creamy jalapeno mayo that makes them stand out. This dish is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a burger without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Burger with Jalapeno Mayo