63 Simple Recipes for When You're Tired of Cooking (2024)

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If you're looking for what to cook when you're tired of everything, we've got your back. These simple recipes will get you in and out of the kitchen in a snap.

Chicken-Fried Steaks

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My husband asks me to prepare this easy chicken fried steak recipe regularly. I like it because it’s so simple to make. —Denice Louk, Garnett, Kansas

Baked Feta Pasta

There’s a reason this recipe went viral on TikTok! Baked Feta Pasta is about to become a new household favorite. It’s simple to throw together and incredibly creamy and delicious. —Sarah Tramonte, Taste of Home Associate Culinary Producer

Easy Dutch Oven Minestrone Soup

This Dutch oven minestrone soup is quick to prepare with shortcut ingredients and is ready in less than an hour. Add a salad and a warm crusty loaf of bread to round out the meal. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Easy Chicken Strips

I came up with these crispy strips one night when I was looking for a fast new way to serve chicken. They also make delightful appetizers, especially when served with barbecue or sweet-and-sour sauce for dunking. —Crystal Sheckles-Gibson, Beespring, Kentucky

Sausage Pierogi Skillet

I made this simple pierogies and sausage recipe one night when I hadn’t planned anything for dinner. It’s convenient because it uses items I usually have on hand. Plus, there’s hardly any cleanup! —Susan Held, Cooksville, Maryland

Bean Burritos

I always have the ingredients for this cheesy bean burrito recipe on hand. Cooking the rice and shredding the cheese the night before save precious minutes at dinnertime. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee

Chicken Caesar Wraps

This classic handheld with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese and chopped Caesar croutons features the perfect amount of dressing for a tasty meal any night. —Nancy Pratt, Longview, Texas

Big Kahuna Pizza

A prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice

This healthier take on kimchi fried rice is one of my favorite recipes because it's customizable. If there's a vegetarian in the family, leave out the bacon and add your favorite veggies. —Stefanie Schaldenbrand, Los Angeles, California

Spinach Quesadillas

My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri

Vegan Carrot Soup

Yukon Gold potatoes—instead of cream—make a smooth carrot soup vegan and add a mild sweetness. If you don’t have Yukon Golds on hand, russet potatoes will work, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Grilled Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches

Rich and creamy pimiento cheese is a southern favorite. It makes this grilled pimiento cheese sandwich shine, especially when sweet hot pepper jelly is added. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida

Savory Cracker Snack Mix

A Taste of Home recipe inspired this one! Because I love everything bagel seasoning, I decided to give this a try. A friend later suggested I make the mix more versatile with something other than oyster crackers, and now it's a deliciously addictive snack! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida—Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

Easy Chicken Alfredo

This dish’s classic sauce is almost as simple as opening up a jar but tastes so much better. The easy chicken Alfredo recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Farmer’s Casserole

This casserole is handy—you can put it together the night before, let the flavors blend, then bake it in the morning. —Nancy Schmidt, Center, Colorado

Down-Home Pork Chops

Zippy sauce adds personality to these otherwise straightforward brown sugar pork chops. —Denise Hruz, Germantown, Wisconsin

Chicken and Bows

I first made this recipe when I was a professional nanny. It comes together quickly at dinnertime when the kids are hungry. —Danette Forbes, Overland Park, Kansas

Dutch Oven Chocolate Dump Cake

Looking for a quick dessert that will make people think you spent all day in the kitchen? This Dutch oven dump cake will wow your guests. Feel free to use your favorite pie filling in place of cherry. — Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Easy Fried Rice

This easy fried rice recipe really captures the flavor of fried rice served in restaurants. Use leftover chicken for a satisfying meal that’s easy to put together. —Lori Schweer, Mapleton, Minnesota

Chicken Salad Croissants

This tempting chicken salad that gets its special taste from Swiss cheese and pickle relish. It's a favorite of my brother, who insists I make it whenever he visits. —Laura Koziarski, Battle Creek, Michigan

Garlic and herb cream cheese adds subtle notes of flavor to this creamy, hearty soup. On a chilly day, it’s like having a bowlful of comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, Nevada

Slow-Cooker German Bratwurst

I created this old-world favorite based on a dish I had during my travels. The flavorful entree is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. I like to serve this slow-cooker bratwurst with pasta. —Gerald Hetrick, Erie, Pennsylvania

Ham and Swiss Omelet

This easy omelet will be a snap to fix for breakfast or dinner. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

Quick Beef and Noodles

We love stroganoff, and this beef and noodles dish is my lightened-up version. Using meat from the deli saves the hours spent cooking a beef roast. I serve this with a salad for a great, homestyle meal. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

Quick Apricot Chicken

This simple apricot chicken is one of my favorite dishes. Everybody just loves it and leftovers are always just as good the next day. For variation, I’ve used pork instead of chicken and added additional ingredients like pineapple, mandarin oranges, snow peas and broccoli. –Vicki Ruiz, Twin Falls, Idaho

Quick Fettuccine Alfredo

This simple fettuccine Alfredo recipe combines heavy whipping cream Parmesan and Romano cheese or a creamy, cheesy sauce that'll come together in minutes. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana

Air-Fryer Chicken Taco Pockets

We love these easy taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick and easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky

Peanut Butter Cookie In A Mug

This peanut butter cookie in a mug is perfect for when you have a sweet tooth but don’t want to make an entire batch of cookies. So quick and easy! — Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Easy Chicken Pesto Stuffed Peppers

On busy weeknights, I don’t want to spend more than 30 minutes preparing dinner, nor do I want to wash a towering pile of dishes. This recipe delivers without having to sacrifice flavor! —Olivia Cruz, Greenville, South Carolina

Vanilla French Toast

We discovered this easy French toast recipe in Mexico. We couldn't figure out what made the French toast so delicious until we learned the secret was vanilla. Since then, we've added a touch of vanilla to our waffle and pancake recipes, and it makes all the difference. —Joe and Bobbi Schott, Castroville, Texas

Ham and Cheese Pockets

These unique sandwich pockets are filled with ingredients both kids and adults enjoy. —Callie Myers, Rockport, Texas

Peanut Butter, Chicken and Basil Sandwich

Stay with me, here. These classic Thai flavors work on so much more than noodles...try 'em on a sandwich and you won't be disappointed. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

Cowboy Stew

I made up this dish back in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Since it’s combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy.

Dogs in a Sweater

For a new twist on an old favorite, try these skewered hot dogs wrapped with breadstick dough and baked. They’re fun to dip in ketchup, mustard or ranch dressing. The dressed-up dog recipe comes kid-tested from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pizza Sandwiches

I give grilled cheese a special treatment by using slices of mozzarella cheese and adding delicious extras like pepperoni and fresh tomatoes. Dipped in warm pizza sauce, this will be a fast favorite! —Mary Monaco, Columbus, Ohio

Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice

This is a one-pot meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It is one of my husband’s favorites and uses simple ingredients, so it’s been a go-to recipe in our house for years. —Janice Conklin, Stevensville, Montana

Spicy Peanut Butter and Pork Sandwich

A little spicy, a little sweet, with just a hint of curry, this flavor combo is something you just have to try. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

Overnight Baked Oatmeal

My husband and I spent a long weekend at a bed-and-breakfast not far from our home. The owners shared this delicious recipe with me, which I made my own with a couple of simple changes. —Jennifer Cramer, Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Calico Scrambled Eggs

When you’re short on time and scrambling to get a meal on the table, this recipe is just what you need. There’s a short ingredient list, cooking is kept to a minimum. and the green pepper and tomato makes it colorful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pressure-Cooker Tequila Salsa Chicken

I had this dish at a local Mexican restaurant when celebrating a friend's birthday. I fell in love with the spicy, smoky flavor from the tequila and decided to try Instant Pot salsa chicken at home. Boy, was it a success! It's also great stuffed into flour tortillas or for making nachos. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Sausage Cobb Salad Lettuce Wraps

I substituted sausage for the bacon to make a lettuce roll-up your family and friends will adore. It’s flavorful, crunchy and pretty on the plate. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

Hamburger Stroganoff

This easy ground beef Stroganoff makes a quick weeknight dinner. I like to serve with a side salad for a complete meal. —Deb Helmer, Lynden, Washington

Shrimp Tortellini Pasta Toss

No matter how you toss ’em up, shrimp and thyme play nicely with any spring-fresh vegetable. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cheeseburger Cups

This is a terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives. This simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

I've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This recipe is easy to make, and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma

Cheddar-Ham Oven Omelet

This hearty, five-ingredient omelet can feed a group. Fresh fruit and an assortment of muffins helped round out our brunch menu.—Betty Abrey, Imperial, Saskatchewan

Best Veal Scallopini

I found the best veal scallopini recipe in a magazine and adjusted it to suit my family’s tastes. Delicate, fine-textured veal requires only a short cooking time, making this simple entree even more attractive. —Ruth Lee, Troy, Ontario

Potato Kielbasa Skillet

No need to hunt through kielbasa and potato recipes, this smoky take steals the show as a hearty home-style, all-in-one meal. It’s especially perfect on those cold late fall and early winter nights. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Quick Chicken Piccata

Laced with lemon and simmered in white wine, this stovetop entree is super easy and elegant. Just add a side of veggies and bread to make it into a wonderful meal. —Cynthia Heil, Augusta, Georgia

Baked Blueberry Ginger Pancake

My kids love pancakes, so I came up with this baked version that saves a lot of time in the morning. My kids always gobble these ginger-kissed breakfast squares right up! —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas

Spicy Chicken Enchiladas

Cooked chicken strips and canned enchilada sauce hurry along this zesty entree. I came up with this spicy chicken enchiladas recipe shortly after I got married. It’s a delicious dinner for two that’s easy to double for company. —Amy Dando, Apalachin, New York

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

I've tried different variations of these cakes for my family and this chocolate peanut butter mug cake is a winner! I have made it with almond milk and melted coconut oil, and both ways are delicious! —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Thai-Inspired Roast Beef Sandwich

I love Thai food, but I wanted to see how its flavors would translate in a plain ol' peanut butter sandwich. The result is anything but plain—it's just darn delicious. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Spicy Bratwurst Supper

With a zesty sauce and shredded Gouda cheese melted over the top, this tasty bratwurst dish comes together quickly in a skillet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Tuna Artichoke Melts

After sampling a similar open-faced sandwich at a restaurant, I created my own version of lemon-seasoned tuna salad with artichoke hearts. Serve these melts on the patio for lunch with a friend. —Evelyn Basinger, Linville, Virginia

Slow-Cooker Bananas Foster

The flavors of caramel, rum and walnut naturally complement fresh bananas in this version of a dessert classic. It's my go-to choice for any family get-together. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Pepperoni Roll-Ups

Here is a fast recipe that always goes over well at my house. Each bite has gooey melted cheese and real pizza flavor. Try serving them with pizza sauce for dipping. —Debra Purcell, Safford, Arizona

Creamy Egg Salad

I love the versatility of this creamy egg salad. You can serve it on a nest of mixed greens, tucked into a sandwich or with your favorite crisp crackers. —Cynthia Kohlberg, Syracuse, Indiana

DIY Ramen Soup

This favorite ramen noodle recipe, prepared and served in a canning jar, is a healthier alternative to most commercial varieties. Feel free to customize the veggies. —Michelle, Clair, Seattle, Washington

Mac ‘N’ Cheese Soup

I came across this recipe a few years ago and made some changes to suit my family’s tastes. Because it starts with packaged macaroni and cheese, it’s ready in a jiffy. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

When my mother (who's now a great-grandmother) gave me this no-flour , gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipe about 15 years ago, I was skeptical, because it calls for only three ingredients (and no flour?!). But since then I've never had a failure. For these gluten-free peanut butter cookies—3 ingredients are all you need! —Maggie Schimmel, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Smoked Gouda Veggie Melt

After a long day of teaching, I like to make these veggie-packed grilled-cheese sandwiches. My 8-year-old daughter is a big fan, too. —Charlie Herzog, West Brookfield, Vermont

Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish.When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer co*cktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.