Too Tired For Complicated Meals? 29 Easy Recipes Are Perfect
Long day? The last thing anyone wants is a meal that takes forever. With 29 simple options, eating well doesn’t have to mean extra work. No endless chopping, no complicated steps—just food on the table fast. Because exhaustion shouldn’t be a required ingredient in every home-cooked meal.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

If you’re all about that crispy exterior with a juicy interior, then this one’s for you. It’s comfort food that hits all the right spots without needing a trip to a restaurant. Buttermilk Fried Chicken offers that perfect crunchy bite. And hey, who doesn’t love a good reason to skip the fancy prep work and still get amazing results?
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Antipasto Salad

Ever feel like you want a bit of everything? That’s where this salad shines. It’s a mix of vibrant flavors and textures that come together in minutes. Antipasto Salad is your go-to when you want a meal that’s both simple and bold in taste. The best part? No cooking is required, making it perfect for those days when you can’t even think of turning on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Sesame Chicken

Craving something sweet and savory? Here’s a dish that balances both without a fuss. Sesame Chicken is your answer to those take-out cravings but made right at home. It’s easy to whip up and trust me, it’ll leave you feeling pretty proud of your kitchen accomplishments.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Chicken
Cheese Quesadilla

For all the cheese lovers out there, this one’s a no-brainer. Quick, cheesy, and utterly fulfilling, Cheese Quesadilla is the perfect fix for your cheesy cravings. It’s straightforward with minimal ingredients and preparation. Plus, it’s adaptable; add in whatever you’ve got on hand and make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Sometimes, the simplest things are the most rewarding. These carrots are sweet, slightly caramelized, and easy to love. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe offers a side dish that doesn’t overshadow the main but complements it perfectly. Whether you’re pairing it with meat or having it as a snack, it’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Cashew Chicken

Stir-fry fans, this one’s specially for you. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and has that irresistible crunch from the cashews. Cashew Chicken brings a bit of the restaurant experience home without the wait. Plus, it’s a great way to throw in any veggies you need to use up.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Love a bit of heat with your meat? These poppers are spicy, creamy, and have bacon. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are your best bet for a crowd-pleaser appetizer or a selfish treat. Easy to make and even easier to devour, they’ll have everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Avocado Toast

Looking for a quick, nutritious start to your morning or a pick-me-up snack? Well, avocado on toast is as easy and rewarding as it gets. Avocado Toast can be as simple or as fancy as you like, making it incredibly versatile. Sprinkle on some salt, or pile on tomatoes, it’s all up to how you’re feeling.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast
Mashed Potatoes

Sometimes you just need the creamy, comforting embrace of classic side dishes. Mashed Potatoes are here to fill that void with their buttery goodness. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat too much of. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that everyone from kids to grandparents always enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Egg Drop Soup

Feeling under the weather or just looking for something light and soothing? This soup is a warm hug in a bowl. Egg Drop Soup is not only quick to prepare but also filled with comforting flavors. It’s a simple dish that feels like a special treat each time you have it.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup
French Onion Dip

For those days when you just want to snack in front of the TV, here’s a classic. French Onion Dip combines simple ingredients into a dip that’s hard to stop eating. It’s perfect with chips or veggies and turns any snack time into something a bit more special. Plus, making it at home means you can adjust it to taste just right.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Dip
Baked Chicken Thighs

Want something hands-off but utterly satisfying? Throw these in the oven and let them do their thing. Baked Chicken Thighs come out juicy on the inside with a delightful crisp on the outside. It’s a fuss-free meal that requires minimal preparation but delivers maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Thighs
Hashbrown Casserole

Brunch or a hearty breakfast calling your name? This casserole is the answer. It’s cheesy, it’s comforting, and most of all, Hashbrown Casserole is a hit with anyone who tries it. Prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Healthy Chicken Salad

Who says all salads are boring? Give this one a try for a refreshing twist. Healthy Chicken Salad is filled with crunchy veggies and lean protein to keep you satisfied. It’s a great meal for those looking to eat a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s adaptable to whatever greens and veggies you prefer.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

In the mood for something with a bit of a kick? Here’s a pasta dish that’s sure to wake up your mealtime. Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta melds creaminess with a touch of heat in a way that’s hard to resist. It’s the kind of meal that looks like it took hours but actually comes together in no time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
Spicy Lasagna Soup

When you can’t decide between soup and lasagna, why not have both? This dish offers the cozy familiarity of lasagna in a slurpable form. Spicy Lasagna Soup is like a hug in a bowl, with a bit of spice to keep things interesting. It’s perfect for when you want something a little different but totally comforting.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup
Pigs in a Blanket

Small bites can be the most fun, especially when they’re as classic as these. Pigs in a Blanket are easy to make, pleasing to eat, and always the first to disappear at any gathering. They’re perfect for lazy days, parties, or whenever you need a little comfort food. Plus, kids and adults alike can’t resist them.
Get the Recipe: Pigs in a Blanket
Million Dollar Casserole

Sometimes, you just want a dish that feels indulgent without any complicated steps. This casserole is rich, creamy, and totally comforting. Million Dollar Casserole is the comfort food dream made real, perfect for those nights when you want to treat yourself.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole
Italian Pasta with Salami

Here’s a dish that brings a bit of Italy right to your table. Simple yet full of flavor, it combines pasta with the robust taste of salami. Italian Pasta with Salami makes for a quick dinner that feels like a special occasion. It’s an easy way to shake up your pasta routine with something a bit different yet utterly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Ready for a side that packs a crunch and a punch? This salad is cool, spicy, and perfect for perking up your meal. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is a refreshing change from your regular sides, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a great last-minute addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Meatball Sliders

Want something that’s both a crowd-pleaser and easy to make? Look no further. Meatball Sliders are the perfect bite-sized treat that’s packed with flavor. They’re great for parties, game days, or even just a fun family dinner. The best part is how effortlessly they come together, leaving you more time to enjoy the company.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Sliders
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Here’s a dish that brings comfort food from the Caribbean straight to your kitchen. It’s hearty, flavorful, and fills you up without weighing you down. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice is a simple yet rewarding meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s a great way to spice up your dinner routine with something different.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Miso Soup

Looking for something light yet flavorful? This traditional soup is a staple for a reason. Miso Soup is soothing, with a depth of flavor that’s surprising given how simple it is to make. It’s perfect for starting a meal or as a light stand-alone dish when you’re not too hungry.
Get the Recipe: Miso Soup
Egg Bites

For those mornings when you’re rushing but need something substantial, here’s your solution. Egg Bites are protein-packed, customizable, and ready in minutes. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or a healthy snack. Plus, they’re a great way to use up whatever veggies or cheese you have in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Cheese Grits

Bring a bit of Southern comfort into your kitchen with this creamy, cheesy treat. Cheese Grits are the perfect blend of simple ingredients and comforting flavors. They’re great on their own or as a side to just about anything. If you’re looking for a cozy meal, starting your day with this can set a comforting tone for the rest of it.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits
Potato Soup

On chilly days or when you need some comfort, here’s a soup that feels like a warm blanket. Potato Soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that’s as comforting to make as it is to eat. Plus, it’s easily customizable to include whatever you’ve got on hand.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup
Ravioli Casserole

Imagine your favorite pasta in a form that’s baked, bubbly, and incredibly pleasing. Ravioli Casserole layers simple ingredients to create a comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. It’s an easy way to bring a touch of Italy to your dinner table without needing to book a flight. These flavors come together for a no-fuss dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole
Baked Beef Tacos

When taco night comes around, why not switch it up with a baked version? Baked Beef Tacos are a fun twist on the classic, with all the flavors you love, neatly contained in a crispy shell. They’re easy to assemble and even easier to make disappear. Plus, they’re customizable to suit any taste, making them a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos
Cacio e Pepe

Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most rewarding. Cacio e Pepe is a testament to that, with its straightforward yet deeply delicious flavors. It’s pasta at its most basic, yet it delivers a comfort meal that feels gourmet. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to put in too much work.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
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.
