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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    29 Dinners to Make When You Really Don’t Want to Cook

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 10, 2024, updated October 8, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    When the thought of cooking feels overwhelming, having a few easy dinner ideas ready to go can be a lifesaver. From no-boil pasta casseroles to simple sandwiches, these meals require minimal effort but still deliver on flavor. Whether you're short on time or just not in the mood to spend hours in the kitchen, these 29 dinners will help you get a satisfying meal on the table with very little fuss!

    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna

    Cheesy No-Boil Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Lasagna is super simple to make, needing only 10 minutes of prep time without the hassle of boiling noodles. This filling vegetarian dish is quick and tasty, making it a great option for your regular dinner lineup.

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    Smashed Butter Bean Avocado Toast

    Slices of toast served with smashed butter and avocado.
    Photo Credit: Life as a Strawberry.

    Avocado toast gets a protein boost with butter beans mixed right in. Just mash the beans and avocado, spread it on some crispy toast, and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a filling meal that takes less than 15 minutes to make.

    Get the recipe

    Gochujang Buttered Noodles

    A serving of Gochujang Buttered Noodles.
    Photo Credit: Spoons of Flavor.

    These gochujang buttered noodles bring together a mix of Eastern and Western flavors in a simple dish. With a savory taste, a hint of spice, and a bit of sweetness, it's a meal that everyone can enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

    Baked potato soup in a slow cooker.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This easy soup simmers in the crockpot all day, so you can set it up in the morning and enjoy a warm meal by dinner time. It features soft potatoes and veggies in a flavorful chicken broth, finished off with creamy evaporated milk and cheese.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas

    A plate full of quesadillas.
    Image credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Cheesy quesadillas are a quick and simple meal that you can whip up in no time. Using an air fryer makes them even easier, giving you a crispy finish without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into a simple one-dish meal. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for a potluck or a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Chickpea Gyros

    Chickpea Gyros.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Chickpea gyros make for a fast vegetarian dinner that you can whip up in just 10 minutes on the stovetop. With only a few minutes of prep, you can go from walking in the door to enjoying your meal in about 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Ham Fried Rice

    Ham Fried Rice.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    Ham Fried Rice is a quick and tasty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's a simple way to use up leftover ham and goes well with many other dishes.

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    Tapenade Sandwich

    Sandwich topped with tapenade and Feta cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Tapenade shines in this dish, adding lots of rich flavor. Add some Feta cheese and spicy jalapeños for an extra kick!

    Get the recipe

    Tuna Tostadas

    Tuna tostadas.
    Photo credit: Midwexican.

    Tuna tostadas make for a perfect light dinner. They're full of flavor and super easy to put together.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

    An air fryer baked potato.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air fryer baked potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that gives you a soft, tasty inside with a crispy outside. With just three ingredients, you can enjoy them as they are or load them up with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    5-Ingredient Chicken Drumsticks

    Five Ingredient Chicken Drumstick
    Photo Credit: Karen Kelly.

    This simple Chicken Drumstick recipe is perfect for when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss. With just five ingredients, the crispy skin keeps the meat juicy and flavorful, making it a hit for everyone at the table.

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    Larb Gai

    Larb gai.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Thai chicken salad is a quick and healthy option that you'll want to make regularly. It features a flavorful base and is topped with crunchy peanuts for added texture.

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    Miso-Sesame Chickpeas

    Easy Miso-Sesame Chickpeas
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    Miso-sesame chickpeas are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With just five ingredients, they make a great option for those nights when cooking feels like a chore.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Bone-In Pork Chops

    A pork chop on a small chopping board.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These pork chops are a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready in 25 minutes or less.

    Get the recipe

    Mini Calzones

    Mini Calzones
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Mini calzones are a super simple meal that you can whip up in no time using store-bought biscuit dough. With just five ingredients and under 30 minutes, everyone can join in to roll out the dough and choose their favorite fillings.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Wraps

    A halloumi wrap.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi wraps are a hit with everyone, from kids to food lovers. Filled with halloumi cheese, red pesto, avocado, and walnuts, these wraps are quick to prepare and full of flavor, taking just 20 minutes to make.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

    Cooked chicken drumstick.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken drumsticks can be ready in just 20 minutes after soaking in olive oil, lime juice, and spices. They turn out juicy and well-cooked, with a nice crispy skin that makes them hard to resist.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Potato Tacos

    Crispy Potato Tacos.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Vegan Crispy Potato Tacos are a simple dinner option that everyone in the family will enjoy, and they might even be tastier than what you get at Taco Bell. The diced potatoes are seasoned with common spices and baked until crispy, making them perfect for filling flour tortillas and adding your favorite toppings.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Shrimp

    Buffalo shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This buffalo shrimp is a simple and flavorful option that you can whip up in under 10 minutes. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s a healthy choice that you’ll want to make time and time again.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Fish & Broccoli in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce

    A skillet full of fish and broccoli in lemon caper sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A smooth and tasty lemon butter caper sauce goes perfectly with fish and broccoli. Plus, everything is cooked in just one pan for easy cleanup.

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    Tahini Pasta

    Tahini Pasta.
    Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    This easy tahini pasta comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights. With its creamy and nutty tahini sauce, this dish is both satisfying and delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Shrimp

    A bowl of air fryer shrimp.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp are quick to prepare, taking only 3-5 minutes to cook. They're flavored with garlic and paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch, making them perfect for salads or alongside your favorite sauces and sides.

    Get the recipe

    Ricotta Toast

    Herbed ricotta toasts.
    Photo credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This meal is super easy and quick to make. Just spread herbed ricotta cheese on sourdough bread and add your favorite toppings.

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    Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

    Shrimp scampi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Scampi can be made in just 10 minutes without any wine, making it a quick and tasty option for dinner. The combination of garlic, lemon, chili, and parsley fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

    Get the recipe

    Crispy Furikake Salmon

    Fruikake salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This simple salmon dish comes together with just salmon, soy sauce, and furikake seasoning. It's a quick and tasty option for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort.

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    Grilled Cheese

    Air fryer grilled cheese.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    This air fryer grilled cheese features sharp cheddar and finely chopped broccoli, with a hint of chili flakes for a little kick. It's a simple, crispy, and buttery vegetarian sandwich that's perfect for when you want something quick.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Steak Tips

    Air Fryer Steak Tips.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Steak Tips are a quick and tasty option for dinner, ready in just 10 minutes. Using simple seasonings you probably have on hand, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Dumplings

    A dumpling picked up with chop sticks.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Dumplings are a quick and easy appetizer or meal that can be ready in just 10 minutes. With a little oil, they turn out perfectly cooked with crispy edges, making them great for dipping in your favorite sauce.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      22 Stress-Free Chicken Recipes for the Exhausted Cook
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    • Lasagna.
      22 Dump-and-Bake Dinners That Will Revolutionize Your Weeknight Meals

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN  and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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