Ditch Your Recipe Book: These 15 Simple Dishes Require No Effort

Let’s talk about cooking, but let’s keep it really simple. Here is a list of 15 simple dishes that are so easy, that you can practically make them with your eyes closed. No need to flip through a recipe book. We’re talking about straightforward, no-fuss meals that save you time and cut down on kitchen stress. So hurry, grab your apron, and start let’s start cooking!

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

A plate of Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp served on a white rectangular dish.
Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Forget about takeout and whip up this favorite Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp. It’s surprisingly simple, with that sweet and crispy kick we all love. No need for a dozen ingredients or hours in the kitchen. This dish brings fast, flavorful dining to your table with ease.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

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.

Level up your steak game without complicating things. A dash of cowboy butter adds that rich, herby flavor that’ll impress anyone. Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter is straightforward, quick, and guarantees a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for those nights you want to treat yourself.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken in a bowl with a bowl of rice in the background.
Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bite into the bold flavors of this Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken, made easy. With a few simple steps, you can recreate this classic takeout dish. It’s all about that spicy, savory sauce. An effortless route to a mouthwatering meal, without the extra cost.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

A bowl of salmon pasta salad with a creamy dressing, garnished with a sprig of dill.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Combine the heartiness of pasta with the simplicity of salmon for a dish that’s both easy and satisfying. No need for complex seasoning or techniques. Easy Salmon Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on pasta salad, ideal for quick lunches or a light dinner. Simple ingredients, big flavors!
Get the Recipe: Easy Salmon Pasta Salad

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Croquettes on a white plate with tomatoes and broccoli.
Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Bring a bit of luxury into your kitchen without the hassle. These Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and the crispy shallots? Chef’s kiss. It’s a straightforward way to fancy up dinner without sweating over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Copycat HelloFresh Crispy Shallot Pork Croquettes

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.

Get a taste of Mexico with this simple yet savory Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef dish. It’s all about seasoning and letting the beef do its thing. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or just by itself. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor – it might just become a weeknight staple.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

A hand holding a fork over a bowl of Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka on a wooden table.
Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Who needs a fancy Italian restaurant when you can make this Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka? It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and most importantly, it’s uncomplicated. With a few pantry staples, you’re on your way to a heartwarming meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Il Fornaio Rigatoni Alla Vodka

California Eggs Benedict

Eggs benedict with ham and avocado on an English muffin served on a black plate.
California Eggs Benedict. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Start your morning with a sunny California twist on the classic eggs benedict. Avocado and tomato slices add freshness without adding complexity. California Eggs Benedict is brunch made easy, bringing a bit of luxury to your weekend mornings without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: California Eggs Benedict

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Freshen up your meal routine with this no-effort cucumber salad. Crisp cucumber meets creamy feta in a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. Cucumber Salad with Feta is amazing for hot days, or when you just want a side that’s light and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Serve the outback in your kitchen with this simple copycat recipe. Juicy chicken is mixed with all things delicious– it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make. Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken requires just a little bit of prep, and you’re ready to wow.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Pizza Pasta Salad

A platter of pizza pasta salad served on a white rectangular dish.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Grab all of your favorite pizza flavors into a pasta salad that’s both easy and delicious. Pizza Pasta Salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a simple side at home. It’s all the taste of a cheesy slice without the oven. Just mix, chill, and serve – even the pickiest eaters won’t get enough of it.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Craving something hearty? Whip up this diner classic without breaking a sweat. Ground beef turns into something special with just a little shaping and seasoning. Diner Style Salisbury Steak is a comfort food that’s straightforward and tastes like nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Begin your day right with an easy, healthy toast option. Creamy cottage cheese and fresh blueberries on top of your favorite bread – it’s nutritious, delicious, and comes together in a snap. Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries is a refreshing change from the usual breakfast fare.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Blueberries

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Pack a punch of flavor into your lunch with this simple Chinese Chicken Salad. Chicken, greens, and a tangy dressing come together to create a satisfying meal that’s as flavorful as it is easy to prepare. It is great for meal prep or a last-minute dinner when you’re too tired.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding a cut steak quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Make the most of your leftovers with this no-fuss quesadilla. Steak, cheese, and a couple of tortillas turn last night’s dinner into today’s craving. It’s the ultimate easy comfort food – cheesy, meaty, and oh-so-satisfying. Try Leftover Steak Quesadilla and prepare to be amazed.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Leave a Comment