I Couldn’t Handle Cooking From Scratch, So I Made 29 Easy Recipes

Cooking from scratch felt too hard and took too much time. Many ingredients, long steps, and messy cleanups made everything worse. So, the choice became clear find simple meals instead. A list of 29 easy recipes saved the day, each one quick and stress free. Now, cooking feels fun, not frustrating, and mealtime comes with less worry.

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Avocado Toast

Various avocado toasts with toppings including cherry tomatoes, fried eggs, black olives, and feta cheese on a parchment-lined surface.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

It’s tough to cook everything from scratch every morning, so here’s an easier way to start off. Avocado Toast keeps things simple while still being deliciously perfect. Just a quick mash and some layering, and you’re good to go. Perfect for when time isn’t on your side but you still need something tasty.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Three cooked chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, topped with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, presented in a round dish.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Long hours in the kitchen can feel impossible some days, so this one’s for those simpler moments. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken takes all the work out of dinner prep and turns it into a no-stress masterpiece. Just toss a few things into the pot and let time work its magic. A dinner that feels fancy without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus spears served on a plate with two charred lemon halves.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cooking vegetables doesn’t have to be complicated, and this recipe proves it. With Grilled Asparagus, you’ll get all the smoky flavors without needing to overthink it. A few quick steps and you’ve made something healthy and tasty. It’s perfect for those nights when you just want simple and clean food.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

French Onion Soup

A savory dish of French Onion Soup, topped with melted cheese and garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Some days, making every little thing from scratch feels overwhelming, but this recipe simplifies things. French Onion Soup brings bold flavors without hours of labor in the kitchen. With a few shortcuts, it transforms into a comforting bowl that keeps you coming back. Simple steps make this an instant warm hug.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When time’s running out, cooking something elaborate isn’t the easiest. Pasta Carbonara is just the right mix of quick and foolproof, with rich flavors in every bite. A few essentials come together fast, making dinner feel impressive yet effortless. Just what you need for nights when you can’t commit to hours.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Baked Beef Tacos

Two tacos with beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on a white plate.
Baked Beef Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Making a meal from scratch for a crowd can feel like too much effort, so here’s a shortcut. Baked Beef Tacos keep things easy while still packing in great flavor and crunch. Simply layer it up and let the oven do the work for you. Perfect for getting everyone fed without spending forever in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Feeling too tired to prepare a complicated dinner doesn’t mean settling for boring flavors. Korean Burgers are a quick way to level up your meal without spending hours cooking. They’re packed with bold tastes you can make with just a few simple steps. Great for when you want easy but really flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creating something homemade often feels like too much, and that’s where recipes like this shine. Dauphinoise Potatoes deliver creamy decadence without tons of steps or stress. Just layer it up, bake, and you’ve got a dish that feels fancy without extra effort. Perfect for stress-free nights when you’re craving comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce.
Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cooking a meal full of variety can feel overwhelming, but this dish simplifies it beautifully. Easy Bibimbap lets you bring everything together in one simple bowl without losing flavor. It’s quick to prep, easy to assemble, and works on even the busiest days. Great for turning chaos into a tasty and balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tired evenings call for recipes that don’t take forever but still feel fresh. Mango Shrimp Salad comes together quickly to keep things light and full of flavor. No tricky techniques needed just a few steps to build something refreshing and delicious. Perfect for those moments when you want effort-free meals that satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

French Onion Dip

Bowl of creamy dip topped with chopped chives and black pepper, next to pieces of toasted bread.
French Onion Dip. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Between snacks and appetizers, spending too much time cooking isn’t always practical. French Onion Dip is a quick way to bring bold flavors together without breaking a sweat. Just mix and serve for something that feels homemade but comes together fast. Great for busy days or gatherings without all the fuss.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Close-up of loaded Buffalo chicken nachos piled high with shredded chicken, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, hot sauce, and a dollop of sour cream.
Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes you just need something fast that feels indulgent without the stress of cooking from scratch. Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos are the answer, combining flavors that hit all the right notes in minimal time. Layer it up and bake for a snack or meal that’s impossible to mess up. Perfect for low-effort cravings on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cooking something hearty can feel like too much work some nights, so here’s a simplified option. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice pulls together bold tastes with minimal hassle. Just a few easy steps deliver something filling and delicious without feeling overwhelming. Great for when you need comfort food that doesn’t take all day.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Kimchi Stew

Close-up of a wooden spoon in a vibrant kimchi stew with tofu and pork, garnished with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes.
Kimchi Stew. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Making something flavorful doesn’t always need endless prep, especially when you’re feeling drained. Kimchi Stew offers a rich taste without hours in the kitchen. A few quick steps with simple ingredients turn into a hearty meal you’ll enjoy. Perfect for when you need something warm without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Sesame Chicken

A close-up of glazed chicken pieces with sesame seeds and chopped scallions on a bed of rice.
Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cooking homemade often feels like a chore, so recipes like this make life easier. Sesame Chicken packs in flavors that feel restaurant worthy with barely any preparation. Just toss and cook to make something effortlessly delicious. Perfect for busy nights when you still want a homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken

Ice Cream Sandwich

Ice cream sandwiches with wafer cookies and ice cream containing visible berry pieces, arranged on a wooden board with a white background.
Ice Cream Sandwich. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This treat is perfect to whip up quickly. Layers of creamy ice cream hugged between soft cookies make Ice Cream Sandwich the easiest dessert to enjoy. It’s ready in minutes, and you don’t need any fancy tools. A sweet reward for skipping complicated recipes.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Sandwich

Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Close-up of stacked quesadilla slices filled with cheese, beans, and chicken, topped with sliced jalapeños and cilantro, on a white plate.
Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes you just need dinner done without the hassle, and this one’s as simple as it gets. All the goodness of cheesy, chicken packed filling comes together beautifully in the Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas. No flipping or babysitting required it’s all baked on one pan. Great for when you’ve got hungry people waiting!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Handling everything from scratch can feel overwhelming, but this dish simplifies it all. Creamy and hearty, Hashbrown Casserole combines flavors effortlessly in one baking dish. It’s straightforward and comforting without requiring much time or effort. Perfect for a quick and easy meal fix.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cooking from scratch isn’t always an option, so here’s something simple yet wholesome. Toss together tender chicken with crunchy veggies and light dressing, and you’ve got Healthy Chicken Salad. It’s light, refreshing, and gets on the plate in no time. No need to sweat the small stuff here!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, next to a small dish of dipping sauce.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When cooking feels like too much, this recipe makes snacking surprisingly easy. Spicy jalapeños wrapped in crispy bacon make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers a quick and fun dish to put together. Minimal steps and tons of flavor. A straightforward snack that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Roasted chicken thigh with herbs, served on a bed of roasted vegetables.
Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cooking from scratch doesn’t have to be hard, and this recipe proves it. Sweet and tasty flavors are baked together in a single sheet pan for the Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe. Less cleanup, less effort, but still plenty of bold tastes. A hassle-free way to get dinner done.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Easy Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re avoiding complicated meals, here’s a quick fix for dinner. Stir-fry noodles, veggies, and simple seasoning come together in Easy Chow Mein with minimal effort. It’s fast, tasty, and doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes. Perfect for days when you need a shortcut.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Orange Chicken

A bowl of crispy tofu coated in sesame sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, served on a bed of lettuce.
Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you don’t have time to start dinner from scratch, you’ll love how quick this one comes together. Get those crispy bites covered in a sweet sauce with Orange Chicken, without even breaking a sweat. It’s flavorful without the long prep times. No overcomplicating dinner here!
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Asian Slaw

A bowl of colorful coleslaw with shredded purple and green cabbage, carrots, chopped peanuts, and greens, mixed with dressing.
Asian Slaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cooking can be frustrating, so here’s something simple to put together fast. Crunchy vegetables, a tangy dressing, and easy mix-ups create Asian Slaw that’s ready in no time. It’s a no-fuss recipe for a flavorful side. Quick, tasty, and skips the hassle completely.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

Pea and Mint Soup

A bowl of creamy green pea soup garnished with mint leaves, black pepper, and pieces of crusty bread.
Pea and Mint Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, making everything from scratch feels like too much, but there’s an easy solution here. Blend fresh flavors into a comforting bowl of Pea and Mint Soup without wasting hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, tasty, and fuss-free to make. A warm, inviting dish that’s ready in moments.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Close-up of folded tortillas filled with chicken, cheese, and herbs, garnished with cilantro.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cooking complicated meals can be exhausting, so this recipe simplifies things for you. Melted cheesy filling combined with chicken and a kick of heat in Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas makes for an effortless dish. No flipping mess or intricate steps it’s all done seamlessly. Great for snack nights or quick dinners!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Quesadillas

Lentil Soup

A hearty bowl of savory lentil soup, beautifully garnished with fresh cilantro, a swirl of cream, and an aromatic blend of spices.
Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When cooking fresh meals feels impossible, here’s an easy way out. A comforting bowl of Lentil Soup gets prepped with almost no effort, yet feels delicious and filling. Minimal prepping and simmering do the trick, so there’s no over-complicating things. It’s what you need on a low-energy day.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup

Ice Cream Cake

Close-up of strawberry shortcake slices topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Layers of cake, cream, and strawberries are visible.
Ice Cream Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Forget making dessert from scratch when you’re short on patience. Layers of soft cake and cold, creamy ice cream stack into Ice Cream Cake in the easiest way possible. It’s all the fancy vibes without any of the fancy work. Perfect for celebrations or a simple treat that’s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes you just want something easy without handling a big cooking project, and this one nails it. Wrap up your favorite fillings into Crunchwrap Supreme and cook in minutes without extra hassle. It’s quick, fun, and doesn’t require perfection to taste amazing. A no stress way to get dinner done fast.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

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.

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