I Make 29 Of My Best Recipes When Everything Else Feels Like A Fail
Sometimes, nothing goes right and the day feels heavy. That is the perfect time to make 29 of the best recipes. Each one brings comfort, joy, and good smells to the kitchen. Mixing, stirring, and tasting make the mood better. These recipes feel like small wins when the world feels hard.

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

When nothing else works, Grilled Chicken Sandwich offers a simple fix with its balance of tender chicken and perfect seasoning. Packed between bread, it’s an easy meal that delivers every time. Great for lunch or dinner, it’s a go-to when you’re out of ideas. Just warm, crisp, and delicious to keep things on track.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Lamb Chops

Rich and full of flavor, Lamb Chops come together quickly and make you feel like you’ve mastered a great meal. Each bite is hearty and feels like effort well-rewarded. It’s perfect when time is tight, but you want something that feels a little elegant. A dinner rescue that’s wholesome and foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops
Garlic Knots

Warm and soft, Garlic Knots are perfect for when you need a quick side or snack that hits the spot. With just the right amount of garlic flavor, they never feel like too much. The texture is exactly what you need for dipping or eating on their own. So simple, yet they pull you out of any cooking rut.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Hamburger Casserole

Layers of hearty ingredients make Hamburger Casserole a winner when you’re craving something easy and delicious. It’s comforting in a way that feels like home, packing all the flavors you’d want in one dish. Cooking for a crowd or just yourself, it works every time. It’s straightforward, filling, and never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole
Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy, flavorful, and ready to impress, Bang Bang Shrimp takes basic ingredients and turns them into something you’ll crave. The balance of crunch and sauce makes it feel effortlessly put together. Quick to make yet packed with flavor, it’s a great way to switch things up. Ideal when you don’t know what to make but need something fantastic.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp
Ice Cream Cake

When desserts seem too complex, Ice Cream Cake offers a simple way to impress everyone with ease. Combining layers of creamy and sweet, it’s an effortless way to make anyone smile. Perfect for any occasion or just because you need something easy to assemble. A sweet treat that guarantees success.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake
Crunchwrap Supreme

There’s something about the way Crunchwrap Supreme combines textures that makes it irresistible when all else fails. Crispy, soft, and packed with flavor, it’s like a complete meal handheld and wrapped up. Whether for lunch or dinner, it just works with minimal effort. You’ll appreciate how fast it comes together and still feels like an indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme
Dense Bean Salad

Filling and easy to toss together, Dense Bean Salad surprises with its simplicity and hearty bite. Full of texture that keeps things interesting, it’s ideal for when you’re out of cooking ideas. Perfect for meals without much fuss, it’s quick to prepare and works as a side or main. Refreshing, no matter how busy your day gets.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
French Onion Dip

Creamy and full of flavor, French Onion Dip is always a hit whether you’re alone or sharing with others. Best enjoyed with something crunchy, it’s a quick fix for when you’re lost on what to prepare. With a classic taste that’s hard to beat, it’s a snack you’ll keep coming back to. Simple, no-stress, and ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip
Avocado Toast

Easy to put together, Avocado Toast is your answer for something nutritious that doesn’t require much thought. It’s versatile enough that you can adjust whatever mood you’re in. Whether you keep it basic or dress it up, it always feels complete. Great for any quick breakfast or snack fix.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast
Baked Chicken Thighs

Juicy and cooked just right, Baked Chicken Thighs take minimal effort but feel like you spent hours making them. With so much flavor in each bite, they work perfectly as a main dish. There’s no room to go wrong with a recipe that keeps things simple yet fulfilling. When everything else fails, they’ll never let you down.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs
Asparagus Casserole

Creamy and wholesome, Asparagus Casserole is perfect for nights when you need a comforting dish done quickly. It’s a simple way to bring the best out of fresh ingredients in a no-fail meal. Whether as a side or main, it’s a dish that doesn’t demand much but gives a lot. Warm and easy to serve, it belongs on any table.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Salmon Caesar Salad

Light yet filling, Salmon Caesar Salad is a perfect balance of protein and crunch when you want an easy meal. Tossed together quickly, it’s simple but feels complete on its own. Whether for lunch or dinner, it’s a refreshing option that checks all the boxes. A dependable recipe when you can’t decide what to make.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

With its tender, flavorful finish, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken feels like it took all day to make, but the slow cooker does the work. It’s a low-effort way to create something that feels special without stressing. Whatever the occasion, it’s a surefire hit for any table. Just a fantastic recipe that’s hard to mess up.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Dubai Chocolate

Rich and indulgent, Dubai Chocolate is the fix you need when only chocolate will do. Its incredible flavor feels luxurious yet approachable for any at-home treat. Enjoying this doesn’t require much effort or skill in the kitchen, and it impresses every time. A sweet escape when baking anything else feels like too much work.
Get the Recipe: Dubai Chocolate
Mushroom Pizza

When nothing’s going right, a hearty and flavorful Mushroom Pizza can be the perfect escape. The earthy richness combined with the simplicity of preparation brings comfort like no other. Its melt-in-your-mouth goodness makes it easy to whip up on a whim. Plus, it’s great for winding down and enjoying a cozy evening.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza
Orange Chicken

Sometimes, a homemade Orange Chicken can fix everything with its vibrant and tangy flavors. It’s quick to prepare and fills the house with a warm, inviting aroma that everyone loves. Perfect for those moments where you just need something truly fulfilling to brighten your mood. A balance of sweet and tasty that doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
7 Layer Dip

A classic go-to when everything else feels complicated is the layered goodness of 7 Layer Dip. It’s simple, comforting, and the textures come together in a way no other dish does. Great for relaxed evenings, it’s always a crowd-pleaser and an easy win. Whether you’re scooping solo or sharing, it’s a hit every time.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip
French Onion Soup

The deep and rich flavors of French Onion Soup make it feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Few things are as fulfilling as sipping a wholesome broth while enjoying the soft texture of a topping. It’s something easy to prepare when there’s a need for coziness and calm. Sometimes, this dish is just what you need without the hassle of fancy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Leg of Lamb

Choosing Leg of Lamb can make everything feel a little more luxurious yet balanced. When you’re struggling to put something great together, its tender richness is hard to beat. A dish like this speaks for itself without needing much. Perfect for moments when you’re looking for something straightforward yet impressive.
Get the Recipe: Leg of Lamb
Easy Chicken Casserole

When recipes feel too complicated, the simplicity of Easy Chicken Casserole saves the day. It’s hearty, filling, and has that home-style comfort in every bite. Great for whipping up a dish that feels effortless yet complete. This one’s for evenings when you need something quick and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole
Rhubarb Pie

The comforting balance of tangy and sweet makes Rhubarb Pie a brilliant dessert choice. It’s a classic treat that feels like a reward after a rough day. With its familiar texture and ease of preparation, you’ll find yourself feeling grounded after one slice. Perfect for wrapping up the day on a sweet note.
Get the Recipe: Rhubarb Pie
Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Bringing a little restaurant vibe into your kitchen can be as simple as making Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. It’s easy to recreate the familiar flavors without much effort. Perfect for putting a delicious twist on stressful days. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite in every home.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Hashbrown Casserole

A dish like Hashbrown Casserole needs no introduction for comfort food lovers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and easy to bake when you need something simple yet fantastic. Everyone loves its smooth textures without much fuss. Perfect for moments where time and energy are not on your side.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Italian Sliders

The irresistible mix of bold flavors and soft bread make Italian Sliders stand out when you’re short on ideas. They’re easy to assemble and feel like you’ve put in great effort without actually doing so. Quick to prepare and fun to eat, they’re sure to become a favorite. Perfect for winding down and enjoying with good company.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders
Mushroom Stroganoff

Few dishes can match the creamy comfort of Mushroom Stroganoff on challenging days. It’s filling and comes together with just the right balance of flavor and texture. A reliable recipe that doesn’t take hours to perfect. Great for quiet meals when simple and hearty dishes are all you need.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff
Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Sometimes, all you need is the taste of a homemade Easy Meatloaf Recipe to lift your mood. It’s one of those dependable dishes that come through when you least expect it. Ready in no time, it’s perfect for any occasion where you want something grounding. Simple preparation, big reward—it never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe
Pasta alla Norma

Nothing brings a comforting Italian vibe home quite like Pasta alla Norma. It’s a go-to whenever cooking feels like a challenge yet you want something flavorful and filling. Great for making an effortless meal that feels a little special. You’ll love its simplicity and authenticity without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
Wild Rice Casserole

For those moments where everything feels like a fail, Wild Rice Casserole comes to the rescue. Its hearty texture and easy preparation make it more than just a dish it’s a lifesaver. With flavors that feel grounded and comforting, it’s great for stress-free dinners. A reliable option for when simple yet delicious meals are needed.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
