Cooking Should Be A Win 29 Easy Recipes To Keep You Sane
Some days feel full before they even start. Adding hard cooking steps only makes things harder. Simple meals can bring calm, comfort, and a small win at the end of the day. Quick prep, easy clean-up, and good taste make a big difference. Cooking should be a win with these 29 easy recipes to keep you sane.

Guacamole

There’s something comforting about whipping up a dip that’s so quick yet delicious. Guacamole brings that creamy goodness to your table with almost no effort. It’s simple to make and great for a snack. Pair it with some chips, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole
Dauphinoise Potatoes

Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated when you’re layering thinly sliced potatoes with a rich creamy sauce. Dauphinoise Potatoes are a hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy meals. They bake up into tender, flavorful bites that hit just right. Serve it up with your favorite mains for an easy win.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Baked Chicken Thighs

Some days call for dishes that practically make themselves, and that’s what you get with Baked Chicken Thighs. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to prep, they’re perfect for any weeknight dinner. Just toss them in the oven, and you’ve got a simple dish that works every time. Pair with a side, and dinner is sorted.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs
French Onion Soup

Warm bowls filled with rich, slow-cooked flavors have a way of making any day better. French Onion Soup is great when you need that comforting mix of onions and broth topped with crispy, cheesy bread. It’s easy enough for anyone to whip up too. Perfect for those nights when a little extra effort pays off.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Hashbrown Casserole

If you’re after something hearty without much fuss, give Hashbrown Casserole a try. It’s loaded with layers of comforting flavors and perfect as a side or main dish. This baked favorite comes together quickly and feeds a crowd with ease. It’s a reliable option when you want something filling without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Crunchwrap Supreme

Quick meals don’t have to be boring, and Crunchwrap Supreme proves it every time. Layers packed with flavors all wrapped up and cooked till crispy it’s so easy and fun to make. Perfect for cravings without a lot of effort. Get creative with your fillings and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme
Hamburger Casserole

Easy family dinners hit differently, and Hamburger Casserole is here to save the day. Combining simple ingredients into a comforting baked dish, it’s a meal everyone can dig into. Throw everything together, pop it in the oven, and dinner’s done like that. No stress, no fuss—just a solid go-to.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole
Italian Pasta with Salami

When you’re looking for something quick but loaded with flavor, Italian Pasta with Salami delivers every time. Tossed together fast, it’s a great way to switch up your usual pasta nights. The balance of easy prep and bold taste is always a win for busy evenings. Add your favorite sides, and you’re set.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Easy Bibimbap

Simple yet packed with texture and taste, Easy Bibimbap is a fun way to enjoy balanced flavors. All you need is a little prep to get everything ready before mixing it up in your bowl. It’s a great option for quick, customizable meals. Plus, it feels like you’re making something special without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap
Avocado Toast

When life feels too busy for complicated breakfasts, a quick Avocado Toast can help out. Creamy, easy to make, and ready in minutes, perfect for those mornings when time isn’t your friend. Use your favorite bread, and you’re set in no time. Solid start to any kind of day.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast
Easy Chow Mein

Stir-frying doesn’t have to take all night, and Easy Chow Mein proves that perfectly. Simple, fast, and loaded with delicious bites, it’s a dinner made for busy evenings. Toss it all together in a pan, and you’re done. Pairs well with practically anything or works great on its own.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein
Baked Beef Tacos

A quick meal that’s full of flavor and fun to eat and make life easier with Baked Beef Tacos. They’re simple to prep, throw in the oven, and serve fresh in no time. Perfect for grabbing a bite without spending hours in the kitchen. Add your toppings, and it’s ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos
Rice Paper Rolls

Refresh your cooking routine with something light and straightforward like Rice Paper Rolls. They’re easy to assemble and offer a balanced mix for bite-sized meals. Prep some fillings you love, roll them up, and you’re ready in no time. Perfect for quick lunches or snacks that don’t feel heavy.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls
Antipasto Salad

Need a fast, no-cook dish that’s still loaded with flavor, Reach for Antipasto Salad and toss everything together without breaking a sweat. It’s a simple mix of ingredients that’s ready in minutes and great for busy days. Serve it as a side or a quick lunch it works either way.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Sheet pan meals make cleanup simple, and Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe nails it every time. Sweet and tasty chicken paired with veggies—it’s all done together, easy as that. Just a few steps, and dinner’s ready without stress. Perfect for when you want a flavorful meal but keep it uncomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
Korean Burgers

Perfectly grilled patties combined with bold, tangy ingredients create a hearty meal. Korean Burgers bring together rich flavors for an easy-to-make dinner. It’s got an irresistible, perfect twist that’s worth trying any day. Every bite feels like a treat you’ll want to taste.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers
Marry Me Butter Beans

Creamy and comforting, these beans make a fuss-free, homestyle dish. Marry Me Butter Beans are ideal when you’re craving something simple yet flavorful. They’re great on their own or paired with your favorite side. A quick way to whip up something filling without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans
Kimchi Stew

Warm, spicy, and bold, it’s like a hug in a bowl. Kimchi Stew is awesome for those moments when you want something hearty that’s packed with flavor. The depth and spices make each spoonful exciting. A must-try dish that’s easier than you might think.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew
Orange Chicken

Crispy bites covered in a tangy, slightly sweet glaze are quick and tasty. Orange Chicken offers a simple way to get bold, punchy flavors without much hassle. Perfect for anything from a casual lunch to easy dinner nights. It’s a crowd-pleaser made unbelievably simple.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken
French Onion Dip

Rich, creamy, and filled with hints of onion, it’s perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings. French Onion Dip is as simple as it is flavorful, making it a great addition to the table. Pair it with chips or veggies for an effortless win. Easy enough to throw together anytime you need a snack.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Crunchy chips smothered in bold and spicy chicken make for a seriously delicious bite. Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos do all the work to make dinner or snacks exciting. Perfect when you want something hearty and packed with flavor. Layered goodness that’s easy and a total game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Pasta Carbonara

Creamy and rich, every forkful has that perfect balance of flavor. Pasta Carbonara takes just a handful of steps but feels like a total win every time. Perfect for days when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple yet delivers big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Comforting and packed with spices, this dish makes weeknights feel effortless. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice are easy while bringing delicious depth to your table. Perfect if you’re looking for something filling and flavorful. A great go-to recipe that feels like a win every time.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Ice Cream Cake

Layers of cool, sweet flavor make this dessert simple yet fun to whip up. Ice Cream Cake has just the right blend of textures to satisfy your sweet cravings. A quick treat for a party or to brighten up a busy day. Plus, assembling it couldn’t be easier.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake
Lentil Soup

A bowl of warm goodness that’s comforting yet effortless to make. Lentil Soup delivers simple flavors that feel hearty and filling without much effort. Perfect for when you want something wholesome without all the work. The perfect shortcut to making meals easier.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Spicy and crispy paired with smoky notes, finger foods don’t get much better than this. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are quick, bold, and absolutely worth making for easy snacks. Great for sharing, they take just enough effort to make it feel special. A small bite, but big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Pea and Mint Soup

Light, fresh, and warming, it’s quick to stir together without much hassle. Pea and Mint Soup with its smooth and gentle flavors becomes easy comfort food in no time. Whether for a small lunch or paired with sides, it works every time. Cooking it feels like a small win without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Tender and rich, this dish practically cooks itself and delivers on flavor. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken makes a perfect meal for those busy or lazy days. It’s the kind of recipe you throw together and forget until dinner. Simple ingredients make everything come together easily.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Sushi Bake

Layers of warm sushi-inspired flavors make this dish quick yet delicious. Sushi Bake transforms traditional ideas into a simple casserole-style treat. No fancy skills are needed, yet it delivers big flavor each time. Perfect for feeding a crowd or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake
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.
