Not Gonna Lie I Made 29 Fast Recipes Just To Avoid Doing Dishes

ByMandy Applegate

There are weeks when the dishes feel like the real enemy, not the hunger. That’s when 29 super-fast ideas step in to keep things moving without turning the sink into a disaster zone. It’s a friendly reminder that cleaning less means having more time for actual living instead of chasing runaway forks at the bottom of the soapy water.

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Chicken Chow Mein

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chicken in a pan, featuring carrots, cabbage, and green onions.
Chicken Chow Mein. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Stir-fried noodles with juicy chicken make it a quick one-pan meal. Chicken Chow Mein is perfect for avoiding dirty dishes while keeping dinner packed with flavor. Easy to whip up and serve. A reliable option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chow Mein

Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Skewers with grapes, blackberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and strawberries arranged in neat rows on a white surface.
Rainbow Fruit Skewers. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Colorful fruits on sticks are fun to eat and leave no mess behind. Rainbow Fruit Skewers are easy to prep and perfect for hassle-free snacking. Great for both kids and adults. Keeps things clean and fresh without plates needed.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Packed with protein, this salad is hearty and requires one simple bowl. Dense Bean Salad is filling while keeping cleanup minimal. Its mix of beans provides steady energy that lasts through the day. Perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. Great for days when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Grilled Pineapple

Close-up of grilled pineapple rings topped with coarse salt and drizzled with syrup.
Grilled Pineapple. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sweet caramelized slices bring flavor straight from the grill. Grilled Pineapple serves as a dessert or side dish without needing extra pans. Easy to prepare and enjoy in minutes. A refreshing and clean option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple

Firecracker Meatballs

A plate of meatballs topped with sauce, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions on a bed of white rice.
Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Spicy beef meatballs deliver bold flavor using just one pan. Firecracker Meatballs are perfect for a quick dinner without extra dishes piling up. Great for pairing with simple grains or eating solo. An easy favorite for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Firecracker Meatballs

Grilled Pork Chops

A grilled pork chop garnished with chopped parsley is served on a plate.
Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Juicy cuts cooked on the grill save time and avoid extra cleanup. Grilled Pork Chops are ideal for adding protein to a dinner plate with minimal effort. Perfect for pairing with fresh veggies or simple sides. A dependable choice for avoiding fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops

Sourdough Pancakes

A stack of pancakes topped with sliced bananas, strawberries, and syrup on a plate, accompanied by black utensils.
Sourdough Pancakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fluffy pancakes made in one pan are quick, simple and leave nothing behind. Sourdough Pancakes work perfectly for breakfast or dinner when time is short. Great for prepping in batches for busy mornings. Easy to make and serve.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Pancakes

Blackened Chicken Clubs

A grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and mayonnaise on toasted bread, served with potato chips on a white plate.
Blackened Chicken Clubs. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Smoky chicken stacked in fresh wraps makes for an all-in-one dish. Blackened Chicken Clubs save space with handheld portions and skip extra dishes completely. Perfect for lunch or light dinners. A flavorful choice that keeps cleanup easy.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Clubs

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley.
Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chilled shrimp paired with dipping sauce make for a quick, low-mess appetizer. Shrimp Cocktail is easy to serve and doesn’t require much cleanup afterward. Great for small gatherings or a quick protein boost. A fresh, simple option for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

A plate of golden-brown, cheesy sausage balls stacked on top of each other, with one ball partially broken to show the inside texture.
Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Chewy bites loaded with flavor come together neatly in one pan. Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls work great for snacks or appetizer plates without multiple dishes involved. Easy to pack into containers for later. Perfect for hassle-free eating.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Pork Chops

Close-up of a cooked, seasoned pork chop topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a dark plate.
Pork Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Tender cuts of pork are cooked quickly and leave no mess behind. Pork Chops are simple to serve and work well with light sides or greens. A great option for protein-focused meals with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners when cleanup isn’t an option.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops

Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Close-up of sliced chicken wraps with lettuce, cheese, and a creamy sauce, next to an open jar of mustard on a wooden surface.
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Wrapped chicken and fresh greens pack everything into one handheld meal. Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap skips plates and utensils, making it perfect for quick dinners. Great for taking on the go or eating at home. Keeps things clean and simple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Juicy shrimp layered neatly in bowls make for an easy cleanup dinner. Shrimp Burrito Bowls are customizable, simple and filling without the hassle of multiple dishes. Perfect for individual servings. A solid choice for putting together quick, balanced meals.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

A bowl of rice topped with broccoli, chicken, red peppers, green onions, and sesame seeds, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simple chicken cooked quickly keeps both flavor and effort light. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry fits easily into a single pan or skillet, making cleanup fast. Great for pairing with rice or noodles. A practical recipe for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Creamy corn mixed into one bowl gives a fresh, flavorful twist without extra pans. Mexican Street Corn Salad works as a quick side or light meal. Saves both prep time and cleanup effort. A great go-to for casual meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Rice Paper Rolls

Close-up of sliced spring rolls filled with rice, avocado, purple cabbage, and sesame seeds, arranged on a white plate.
Rice Paper Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fresh rolls packed tightly are light, easy and leave no mess. Rice Paper Rolls require no plates or extra utensils, making them hassle-free. Perfect for mixing fresh ingredients into a quick meal. Great for packing lunch or dinner on the go.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Rolls

Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

Quesadillas filled with rice, beans, and chicken, topped with sour cream and cilantro. Sliced tomato and jalapeño are on the side.
Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chicken stuffed into crispy tortillas combines flavor with easy handling. Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas use one pan and skip cleanup headaches completely. Perfect for casual meals or quick snacks. A flavorful option that’s simple to make and serve.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Chicken Quesadillas

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.

Light shrimp combined with fruit keeps the meal clean and refreshing. Mango Shrimp Salad comes together in one bowl, saving dish clutter. Perfect for warm, casual dinner ideas or light lunches. A great mix for minimal effort meals.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Best Lemon Pasta

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Best Lemon Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tangy pasta mixed into one pot makes cleanup easy and fast. Best Lemon Pasta delivers bold flavor without the need for multiple dishes. Great for a one-serving meal or quick dinner solution. A reliable choice for simplifying dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Best Lemon Pasta

Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs

A bowl of meatballs covered in creamy gravy and garnished with chopped parsley, with a gravy boat to the side.
Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy meatballs cooked quickly in an air fryer deliver a clean protein boost. Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs skip heavy pans, leaving an easy dinner to enjoy. Works perfectly with simpler sides or clean containers. A smart choice for easy and mess-free dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Swedish Meatballs

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh crisp bites combined into one bowl make this salad fast to prep. Waldorf Salad works well as a healthy light dinner or side dish without hassle. Easy to serve and eat without added dishes. A great option for keeping meals fresh and easy.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy pasta cooked in one pot makes for a quick, no-mess meal. Mac and Cheese is a classic that’s perfect for all ages and keeps cleanup simple. Great for focusing on flavor without worrying about extras. Ideal for keeping carbs and comfort in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Black Bean Burger

A black bean burger in a burger bap with relish oozing out over it.
Black Bean Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Handheld patties made in one pan deliver protein without added cleanup. Black Bean Burger is flavorful and works well as a standalone meal or in buns. Perfect for a vegetarian option without losing hearty bites. An easy way to maintain simple dinner setups.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sweet and spicy chicken tossed into fresh greens delivers bold bites. Hot Honey Chicken Salad comes together in one bowl, keeping dinner light and clean. Great as a simple go-to for lunch or quick dinners. A balanced choice with no dish concerns.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Penne Alla Vodka

Two bowls of penne alla vodka, with Parmesan by the side.
Penne Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Silky sauce-coated pasta is made quickly in one pot for easy handling. Penne Alla Vodka simplifies dinner while offering rich textures and clean portions. Works as a standalone meal or alongside lighter sides. Great for keeping dinner efficient without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy potato casserole packs everything into one dish for mess-free serving. Funeral Potatoes bring comfort without extra effort or cleanup. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners at home. Saves time while delivering hearty flavor in every scoop.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Vegetable Stir Fry

Vegetable Stir Fry. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Quick vegetable mix cooked in one pan keeps dinner healthy and efficient. Vegetable Stir Fry requires no extra tools or plates making it great for cleanup. Works as a main dish or side depending on appetites. An ideal option for lighter meals without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bite-sized smoky treats wrapped with layers cook simply for a clean setup. Bacon Wrapped Smokies are great for appetizers or lighter dinners that skip plate madness. Easy to grab and share during casual meals. A fun option for quick hands-free bites.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy potatoes mixed into one bowl make this dish clean and straightforward. Potato Salad works perfectly for quick dinners or picnic spreads with no extra dishes. Easy to serve and store without hassle. A classic choice that stays practical for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

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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