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19 Dishes To Cook When You Don’t Want To Cook

We all know the feeling of staring into the fridge wondering what to make. Well, here’s good news for anyone who’s been in that spot. A list of 19 recipes has been put together focusing on minimal effort with maximum taste. It’s perfect for the days when you just can’t find the motivation to cook something complex but still want a homemade meal.

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says you can’t enjoy a classic dish with a twist on those lazy cooking days? Our air fryer chicken wrapped around a delicious center makes for an effortlessly elegant meal. It comes together quicker than traditional methods, leaving you with more time to enjoy your evening. Perfect for a satisfying dinner without the fuss, it’s one of those meals that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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.

Sometimes, all you need is a good steak to make dinner feel like an event. Our grilled steaks come to life with a dollop of rich, herby cowboy butter, turning a simple meal into something extraordinary. It’s a great way to make a weekday dinner feel like a weekend feast. Plus, it’s so easy to prep and cook, anyone can do it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On days when cooking feels like too much, our chicken salad is here to save the day. It’s packed with the crunch of walnuts and the sweetness of cranberries, creating a perfect balance. This dish is as easy to toss together as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s a go-to recipe.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of skillet gnocchi with sausage and broccoli rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever crave something hearty but not too heavy on the cooking? Our skillet gnocchi is just the thing, mixing tender pasta with flavorful sausage and greens. The best part is it all comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup. This meal proves that you don’t need a lot of time to enjoy a warm, comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Chicken Piccata

Two chicken piccata on a white plate with parsley and lemon wedges.
Chicken Piccata. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re after something that’s both light and packed with flavor, our chicken piccata does not disappoint. The tangy sauce adds just the right kick to elevate a simple chicken meal. It’s quick to make, and even quicker to disappear from plates. Ideal for a no-fuss, delicious dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Piccata

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew comfort food could be this simple? Our version of the classic casserole is both hearty and easy to whip up. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a bit of nostalgia with every bite. Whether it’s a family dinner or just satisfying a craving, this dish has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Turkey à la King

A plate with a Turkey à la King and salad on it.
Turkey à la King. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a little luxury to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. Our Turkey à la King is creamy, comforting, and can transform leftover turkey into a whole new meal. It’s a clever way to enjoy a dish that tastes like it took hours to make. Simple ingredients, big flavors—that’s what you get.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Hungry for something crunchy and filled with flavor? Our Tacos Dorados are just the right pick for a fun and easy meal. Frying them until they’re crispy makes all the difference. It’s a simple pleasure that brings the taste of street food right to your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Air fried chicken fries with dipping sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Chicken Fries. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those snackish moments that demand something crisp and delicious, our air fryer chicken fries are a game-changer. They cook up in no time, offering a crunchy outside with a tender inside. Perfect for dipping, they’re a hit with both kids and adults. Who knew homemade could be this easy and yummy?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transforming leftovers into a dish that’s both easy and exciting might just be the ultimate kitchen win. Our brisket fried rice does exactly that, turning yesterday’s brisket into today’s feast. It’s a flavorful way to enjoy a whole new meal without starting from scratch. Simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of steak with the lightness of pasta salad. That’s exactly what our steak and pasta salad offers. It’s a surprisingly easy way to whip up a meal that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for those warmer days when you want something satisfying without too much heat.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of Mexican carne molida with lime wedges served on a wooden table with a striped cloth on the side.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring a taste of Mexico to your table with our easy carne molida. It’s a versatile dish that serves as the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, or even as a hearty topping for rice. The simplicity of this dish doesn’t take away from its flavor. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense kind of meal that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Kale and tortellini soup in a bowl on a wooden table.
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says soup can’t be a fulfilling meal? Our tortellini soup is packed with all the good stuff: kale, chicken, and, of course, cheese-filled pasta. It’s a comforting bowl that’s ready in no time, proving that fast food can also be heartwarming and healthy. A perfect pick for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken

Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

A Pastrami Reuben sandwich on a plate with chips and pickles.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Craving something savory with a bit of tang? Our pastrami Reuben sandwich combines all of that into one delicious meal. With just a few components and a quick assembly, you get a sandwich that feels like a deli special right from your kitchen. It’s the quick fix to any day’s hunger pangs.
Get the Recipe: Pastrami Reuben Sandwich

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a lighter meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, our Mediterranean orzo salad is a bright spot. It combines tender shrimp with pasta and fresh veggies for a dish that’s as colorful as it is tasty. It’s the kind of salad that makes you feel good with every bite. And it’s so quick to put together.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Two slices of Cottage Cheese Toast with Eggs & Bacon on a black platter.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Breakfast, brunch, or any time of day, our cottage cheese toast offers a delightful twist on the usual. Topped with crispy bacon and a perfectly poached egg, it’s a balance of creamy, crunchy, and runny yolks. Simple to prepare but big on taste. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated edge.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Mexican street style corn soup in a white bowl on a white plate.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you love the flavors of classic street corn, our soup version brings all that goodness into a bowl. It’s a creamy, spicy treat that takes minimal effort to prepare. This dish is all about bold flavors without the hassle of cooking a big meal. A warm, inviting soup that’s perfect for any season.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Baja Fish Tacos

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

Bring the beach vibes into your kitchen with our Baja fish tacos. They’re light, crisp, and bursting with freshness. Putting them together is a breeze, making it the perfect solution for a quick and tasty meal. It’s like a mini vacation on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Baja Fish Tacos

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a cheesy, spicy twist, our chicken Al Pastor quesadillas are a surefire hit. They blend the sweet and tangy taste of pineapple with tender chicken in a crispy tortilla. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they offer a flavorful escape from the mundane. Perfect for when you want a touch of excitement without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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