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19 Meals You Can Cook Fast Without Pretending You Enjoy This Part of Being an Adult

You’ve got things to do, and the kitchen shouldn’t be a place you dread. These 19 meals are the answer for those times when you need to eat, but the thought of cooking makes you roll your eyes. They’re quick, easy, and won’t have you looking for a backup plan at the last minute. Why pretend you enjoy complicated recipes when you don’t have to?

A white bowl filled with Simple Sautéed Kale, with a fork resting on the side.
Simple Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for something that feels like a win with minimal effort? Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish gives you that. The juicy pork and refreshing relish come together quickly, offering a burst of flavor. It’s a no-fuss dish that makes you feel like you’ve really pulled off something great.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Shrimp Scampi on a bed of rice in a black oval dish.
Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Need a quick meal that won’t leave you wishing for takeout? Garlic Shrimp Scampi gets the job done fast. With shrimp coated in a rich garlic sauce, this dish is satisfying yet simple. You don’t need to spend a ton of time in the kitchen to have something that feels a little fancy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Shrimp Scampi

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Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins is a simple yet fulfilling option when you’re in a rush. The curry flavor gives the chicken depth, while the raisins add just the right touch of sweetness. It’s one of those meals that come together in a bowl without the need for too much attention. A solid choice when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When you want steak but don’t have the energy for a complex recipe, Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter is here for you. The buttery richness adds a smooth finish to the steak, while the grill takes care of the rest. It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect option when you want something impressive without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re craving pasta but don’t want to spend forever cooking, Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta is a no-brainer. The savory sausage paired with the slight bitterness of the broccoli rabe is fulfilling, and it all comes together fast. It’s a quick and hearty meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or fullness.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Chicken Tinga Tostada on a plate.
Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tostadas are great when you’re in a rush, and Chicken Tinga Tostadas checks all the boxes. The spicy, smoky chicken tops a crispy base, creating the perfect balance of textures. Pile it all on top, and you’ve got dinner without the stress. It’s one of those dishes that’s fast and still a little exciting to eat.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This dish comes together quickly, and it’s perfect for when you’re low on time but need something filling. Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle brings the heat without a lot of prep work. You get that crispy sear and tender pork, with just enough crunch from the beans. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up, minus the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Shrimp Scampi Pizza

A pizza with shrimp and cheese on top.
Shrimp Scampi Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re craving pizza but don’t have the patience for dough-making, this is the way to go. Shrimp Scampi Pizza is all about that buttery, garlicky vibe, with shrimp that cooks up fast. No need to be a pizza pro here, just top, bake, and enjoy. It’s a quick dinner that doesn’t skip on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi Pizza

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You can make Chicken Fried Rice without pulling out every pan in the kitchen. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for when you want a hearty, easy dinner. The rice gets all crispy, and the chicken adds that extra punch. It’s a total go-to when you’re in a rush but still want something fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Baja Fish Tacos

Baja fish tacos on a white plate.
Baja Fish Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving tacos but don’t want to spend too long in the kitchen? Baja Fish Tacos are here to save the day, with light, crisp fish and a bit of tang. The simplicity of this dish makes it great for a quick bite without skimping on the good stuff. It’s a no-fuss kind of meal that’s still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you want something hearty but not too heavy, Steak & Pasta Salad is the way to go. It’s a mix of satisfying steak and cool pasta that hits the spot in no time. You get a little bit of everything in one bowl, with minimal cleanup. A quick, filling dish that works no matter what.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimps on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp cooks up fast and brings a little bit of sunshine to the table. It’s fresh and light but still packs enough to fill you up. The grilling gives it a nice smoky edge, and you’ll have it ready in minutes. No need to fuss with complicated recipes for this one.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Ham Fried Rice

Ham fried rice on a white plate.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’ve got leftover ham hanging around, Ham Fried Rice is a great way to use it up. You get the warmth of fried rice with just the right amount of bite from the ham. It’s one of those meals that’s ready fast and hits the spot every time. A go-to when you’re low on time but still want something filling.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Mediterranean Cod

A rectangular plate with Mediterranean Cod placed on a lemon-patterned cloth. A vine of cherry tomatoes is beside the plate.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a light but filling dinner, Mediterranean Cod is perfect. It’s simple to put together and doesn’t require a lot of work, but you still get a flavorful meal. The combination of herbs and cod is a fast and easy dinner that feels like it took much longer. You won’t regret having this in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Reuben Sliders

Reuben sliders on a slate board.
Reuben Sliders. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reuben Sliders are the answer when you want something quick, fun, and fulfilling. These little sandwiches pack in all the classic Reuben flavors but without the extra hassle. You’ll have them cooked in no time, with plenty to share. They’re simple, fast, and don’t require much to make a big impression.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Sliders

Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

A bowl of sausage and peppers.
Blackstone Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish makes cooking dinner a breeze, especially when you’re short on time. The sausages cook up perfectly, and the peppers bring that sweet, savory contrast. You get a full meal with minimal effort, and it’s done before you know it. Blackstone Sausage & Peppers is a quick, easy option that still feels like a real dinner.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sausage & Peppers

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

A pizza with ham and asparagus on a pizza stone.
Ham & Asparagus Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you want a fast pizza but don’t feel like the usual toppings, Ham & Asparagus Pizza is a fun twist. The combination of savory ham and fresh asparagus works well and cooks up fast. You don’t need to spend a ton of time preparing, but you’ll still get a tasty dish. It’s perfect when you want pizza without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corned Beef Hash Casserole is one of those dishes that’s easy to make and totally filling. You throw it together quickly, and it cooks up all in one dish. The flavors meld perfectly, and you don’t have to babysit it. A hearty option for when you want something filling without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Simple Sautéed Kale

A white bowl filled with Simple Sautéed Kale, with a fork resting on the side.
Simple Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a side dish that’s quick and easy, Simple Sautéed Kale is a winner. It’s ready in no time and pairs well with almost anything. Just a bit of heat and seasoning, and you’ve got a simple side that’s packed with nutrients. Perfect when you want to add something green without much work.
Get the Recipe: Simple Sautéed Kale

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