I Was Too Tired To Try—So I Made These 29 Easy Recipes Again

I didn’t even pretend I was going to try something new. These 29 easy recipes have been keeping me alive and semi-functional for a while now. When everything feels like too much, I go straight to the ones that never ask questions. They get the job done, and honestly, that’s all I need most nights.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus is the kind of dish that hits the spot when you need something quick but still fulfilling. It’s a great go-to when you’re feeling too tired to cook anything complicated. Simple, yet delicious, it pairs well with almost anything and takes barely any time to prepare. Perfect for when you’re looking to throw together a no-fuss side dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Ham and Swiss Sliders

When I was too tired to cook, Ham and Swiss Sliders came to the rescue. These sliders are just the right mix of comfort and ease, perfect for days when cooking feels like too much. They come together quickly and always hit the mark. A great option when you need something filling, but without all the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Swiss Sliders

Kimchi Stew

Kimchi Stew is an easy choice when you’re craving something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, but doesn’t require hours of preparation. On nights when energy is low, this stew gets the job done without a lot of effort. You can enjoy a fulfilling meal with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Stew

Hamburger Casserole

This casserole is a no-brainer when you’re looking for a quick, filling meal. Hamburger Casserole is as simple as it gets and can be prepped in no time. It’s great when you need something comforting without standing over the stove for too long. The kind of dish that works when the idea of cooking feels exhausting.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Lamb Chops

Lamb Chops are one of those meals that feels like a treat without requiring hours in the kitchen. On those tired days, they’re a perfect option for a hearty meal with minimal work. You don’t need to be a pro chef to pull these off—they’re easy and fulfilling. A great choice when you want something special, but don’t want to spend too much time.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops

Healthy Chicken Salad

If you’re feeling too wiped out to make something complex, Healthy Chicken Salad is an easy solution. It’s simple, but offers a lot of protein to keep you full. This salad is refreshing without being a hassle to prepare. Great when you need something quick and nutritious without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup is an underrated comfort food that you can whip up with minimal effort. On days when you just need something warm and filling, it’s a go-to option. The ingredients are simple, and the soup is fulfilling without needing much attention. A great dish for a lazy, low-effort dinner.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Orange Chicken

This is one of those recipes that feels like a treat without being complicated. On days when cooking is the last thing on your mind, Orange Chicken comes together fast and is still flavorful. It’s a solid choice when you’re craving something sweet and savory but don’t want to spend hours preparing it. Easy and effective.
Get the Recipe: Orange Chicken

Pizza Casserole

When you’re too tired to make a full pizza, Pizza Casserole is a perfect alternative. This dish brings together all the familiar flavors you love, but in a more convenient form. It’s simple, quick to prepare, and a great option when you want a hearty meal without all the steps. Great for those days when you just want something familiar.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Pork Belly

Pork Belly is a great choice when you want something rich and flavorful, but without a complicated recipe. It doesn’t require much prep, and you can let the oven do most of the work. This dish is perfect when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t feel like putting in the effort. Easy yet impressive.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly

Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

These nachos are the answer when you’re craving something snacky, filling, and easy. This dish is straightforward to put together, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re having a solo night or feeding a group, Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos are a solid option. Great for when you want to keep it simple but fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Pork Tenderloin

On those nights when you just want a quick and tasty dinner, Pork Tenderloin is a great pick. This recipe doesn’t require much prep, but it delivers on taste. It’s perfect for when you’re tired but still want a fulfilling meal. The pork cooks quickly and pairs with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe is one of those easy meals that requires hardly any effort. With just a few simple steps, you can have a filling dinner without a lot of cleanup afterward. It’s sweet and savory, making it perfect for a relaxed night in. Great for when you’re tired but want a hearty meal that doesn’t require much time.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Rice Paper Rolls

When you’re feeling drained and want something light yet satisfying, Rice Paper Rolls are a great option. They come together quickly and can be filled with whatever you have on hand. No cooking is needed, making them an easy choice for tired days. Perfect when you need something fresh and light, but still fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls

Ravioli Casserole

Ravioli Casserole is ideal for when you don’t have the energy to make an elaborate meal. It’s simple, filling, and always a hit. This casserole is quick to prepare and doesn’t require much attention. A great dish to throw together when you’re too tired to try anything complicated.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Mango Shrimp Salad

If you’re looking for something refreshing, Mango Shrimp Salad does the trick. It’s a quick option when time is tight but you still want something fulfilling. It has the right balance of textures and brings a little sweetness to the table. Easy to put together when you’re just too tired to try anything complicated.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Grilled Hot Dogs

Grilled Hot Dogs are a classic when you’re feeling drained but need something filling. They’re super simple, quick to cook, and always a crowd-pleaser. No fuss, no mess—just grab and go. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something easy but still want to enjoy a hearty bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hot Dogs

Ice Cream Cake

When nothing else feels like the right choice, Ice Cream Cake is there for a quick dessert fix. It’s an easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without much effort. Everyone loves a slice, and it takes little prep to make it just right. Sometimes, simple is all you need to cap off a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Ice Cream Cake

Salmon Caesar Salad

This salad is an easy go-to when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that feels a little fancy, but you won’t be running around for ingredients. Salmon Caesar Salad is the perfect choice when you just need something that works.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad

Korean Burgers

Korean Burgers hit the spot when you want something with a little kick but not a lot of effort. They come together quickly, and the flavor punch is worth it every time. Great for nights when you’re too tired to put much else together. A solid pick for when you’re in need of a change without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Hashbrown Casserole

When you’re low on energy but still need to eat, Hashbrown Casserole is your go-to. It’s an easy dish that still feels hearty and comforting. Plus, it’s quick enough to throw together, even when you’re short on time. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good, even if you don’t feel like cooking.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Lamb Stew

If you want a filling dish without a ton of effort, Lamb Stew is a solid choice. It’s hearty and easy to make, perfect for when you don’t feel like putting too much into dinner. The flavors meld together, and you don’t have to do much to get a satisfying result. A perfect meal for when you’re feeling low on energy but still want something that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew

Mushroom Pizza

Mushroom Pizza is a great pick for when you want something comforting but simple. It’s a quick option that doesn’t require a lot of work. Just pop it in the oven and you’re good to go. A great choice for when you want something familiar and easy.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Kung Pao Chicken

On nights when you just can’t do the whole cooking thing, Kung Pao Chicken can be your quick fix. It’s easy to make, packs a punch, and never feels like too much effort. It gives you the right amount of heat and flavor, without much work. A go-to for when you just want to eat something that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Pea and Mint Soup

When I didn’t have the energy for much, this one made sense. Pea and Mint Soup has that easy kind of comfort you don’t need to think twice about. It comes together without fuss and still feels like a real meal. I’ve made it more than once when I just wanted something quick and warm without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Pea and Mint Soup

Penne Alla Vodka

I was too tired to get creative, so I made Penne Alla Vodka again. It hits that balance where you don’t need to try hard but still end up with something that feels done. Nothing complicated, just familiar and easy to throw together. It’s the kind of meal I go back to when I’m not up for anything new.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Pizza Pinwheels

Pizza Pinwheels saved me from ordering out again. They take almost no effort and still feel like a win. I’ve made them on days when even reheating leftovers felt like too much. They’re the kind of thing you throw together fast and don’t second guess.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Pasta Carbonara

I keep going back to Pasta Carbonara because it takes almost nothing out of me. It feels like more than it is, which is perfect when I’m drained. It’s one of those meals I’ve memorized and can do without thinking. When I need food but can’t deal with effort, this is what I make.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

French Onion Soup

I was wiped out and still wanted something warm, so I made French Onion Soup again. It sounds like it would be more work than it is, but it always comes through without much from me. There’s something about it that feels like I actually tried, even when I didn’t. That’s probably why it’s become a regular on my tired days.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup