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Sometimes, cooking an elaborate recipe just isn’t in the cards. Even pulling out more than a few mixing bowls feels daunting, and turning on the oven might even feel out of the question. Luckily, there are plenty of recipes out there for these moments, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites. Whether it’s adding jar of salsa or simplifying a lasagna with just a few ingredients, this list offers a wide assortment of dishes to make when you simply don’t have the energy to spare.
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Miso Butter Ramen Noodles
Pat Bernitt
Ready in just under 10 minutes, the most time-consuming part of this recipe is waiting for the water to boil! All you have to do is whisk together a bit of melted butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to make the sauce—with whatever additional mix-ins you might like for spice.
One-Pan Cheeseburger Rice
Peyton Beckwith
In addition to being easy to make when you’re feeling too tired to cook, this dish is also easy on the budget. Onion, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and other pantry staples seasoning zhuzh up a savory dish of rice, ground beef, and generously chopped cheeseburger toppings like cheese, pickles, lettuce, and your favorite condiments.
Cordon Bleu Casserole For One
John Mitzewich
This recipe is shockingly easy—and it’s a friendly single-serving recipe that you can easily adapt for a larger crowd. All of the ingredients are added together into a small baking dish, then topped with a cheesy, buttery breadcrumb mixture. Bake it in the oven and have all the classic Cordon Bleu flavors without a lot of fuss.
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet
Stuffed peppers, delicious and nostalgic, are notoriously a bit more complicated. This “unstuffed” casserole version is so much easier and equally as satisfying.
3-Ingredient Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Strips
Allrecipes/Qi Ai
All you need is an air fryer, chicken, and everything bagel seasoning—and a bit of oil to help the seasoning adhere. In just about 15 minutes of cooking you have savory, crunchy chicken strips. Serve it with any sort of dipping sauce and a salad to make it an easy meal.
Fluffy Microwave Scrambled Eggs
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
This is the perfect recipe for when you really don’t want to turn on the oven or stove—and you definitely don’t want to mess with too many bowls and utensils. It’s totally possible to whip up quick, easy, fluffy eggs in the microwave in no time, and this recipe has plenty of helpful tips.
Cheesy Lasagna Sheet Pasta
Peyton Beckwith
This 3-ingredient recipe makes clever use of lasagna noodle sheets by combining them with tomato sauce and cheese before baking it in the oven. It’s quick and easier than ever to pull it together when you’re too tired to really cook.
Buttered Noodles
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
That’s right: Buttered noodles are still a great meal to make when you’re too tired to cook. Elevate the flavors by adding fresh herbs and a little lemon juice.
Chicken Spaghetti
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
Make this chicken pasta recipe even easier by using leftover rotisserie chicken instead of making your own.
Beef and Cabbage (Lazy Golumpki)
France C
While it takes about an hour to cook in the oven, this traditional Polish dish only takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Cabbage, browned beef, and plenty of spices and tomato sauce make this golumpki casserole extremely low-lift and lasting for tired cooks.
Salsa Chicken
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Quick, easy, and only five ingredients, this chicken dish couldn’t be simpler. A cup of salsa and taco mix bring flavor to the chicken, while cheese and sour cream bring some creaminess and tang. Serve over instant rice for a quick, nourishing addition to fill out the meal.
2-Ingredient Angel Food Cake
Because even tired cooks need a little dessert! With pineapple juice and just a box of angel food cake mix, extraordinary things can happen in no time, with minimal effort.