You Have No Excuse Not to Cook With These 17 Effortless Recipes

Forget complicated recipes and long prep times. These 17 recipes are all about making your life easier. They focus on minimal ingredients and straightforward methods so you can cook with confidence. Ideal for anyone looking to simplify their meal routine, these recipes ensure you can eat well without stress. Cooking at home has never been this easy and enjoyable. No more excuses for not cooking at home.

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Molly Bars

Four pieces of molly bars on a white plate.
Molly Bars. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Molly Bars are the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying treat, combining the lovely mix of oats, chocolate, and peanut butter into a single, delicious bar. They’re incredibly simple to prepare and offer a great way to curb your sweet tooth without much effort. Ideal for snacking or dessert, these bars can be made in advance and stored for whenever you need a quick pick-me-up. Keep a batch on hand for an easy, go-to option when you crave something sweet and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Molly Bars

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.

Perfect for a light lunch or a hearty snack, this salad pairs well with a variety of breads or crackers, making it versatile and easy to enjoy. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts offers a refreshing twist on the classic chicken salad, combining tender chicken with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts. The blend of flavors and textures in this dish makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or packing it for a picnic. You’ll love the simplicity and taste of this delicious chicken salad.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Two bowls of Copycat Jason's Deli Irish Potato Soup on a wooden table.
Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Indulge in a bowl of this delicious soup, and you’ll see why it’s a popular choice at Jason’s Deli. Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup brings the comforting flavors of a restaurant favorite right into your kitchen, featuring hearty potatoes in a rich, creamy broth. This soup is a satisfying meal on its own, perfect for warming up on a cold day or enjoying as a cozy dinner. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can easily recreate this beloved dish at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Jason’s Deli Irish Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A plate of porcupine meatballs covered in tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are an effortless way to enjoy a flavorful and hearty meal, featuring meatballs made with rice simmered in a savory tomato sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve these meatballs over rice or pasta for a complete and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these meatballs are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they offer a satisfying crunch and savory taste that everyone will love. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots bring the indulgent taste of a favorite takeout side right to your table, featuring crispy tots topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. These loaded tots are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a treat at home, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. Make a batch for your next game day or movie night, and watch them disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Enjoy this wholesome and tasty salad any time you want a healthy and delicious option. Wild Rice Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of wild rice with a variety of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own, offering a great balance of textures and flavors. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it convenient for meal prep or entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that combines tender chicken with a colorful array of vegetables, all cooked in a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious and satisfying dinner in a hurry. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious stir fry on the table in no time. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Tacos Dorados

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

Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party snack, this dish is sure to please. Tacos Dorados, or golden tacos, are a delicious twist on traditional tacos, featuring tortillas filled with savory ingredients and then fried to crispy perfection. These tacos are easy to make and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite, making them a favorite for any taco lover. Fill them with your choice of meat, cheese, and vegetables for a customizable meal that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Cuban Sandwich Casserole

A piece of Cuban sandwich casserole on a plate with potato chips.
Cuban Sandwich Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the savory and tangy flavors of this comforting and satisfying dish. Cuban Sandwich Casserole brings the flavors of the classic Cuban sandwich into a convenient and delicious casserole, combining layers of ham, pork, cheese, pickles, and mustard. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, offering all the taste of a traditional Cuban sandwich in an easy-to-prepare format. Great for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is a hit with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

2 Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches on a black plate.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich is a fresh and flavorful meal that combines grilled chicken with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. This sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, offering a delicious blend of classic Caprese salad ingredients with the heartiness of grilled chicken. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this sandwich is a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. Serve it with a side salad or some chips for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

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.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful meal with your family. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a hearty and delicious dish that combines soft gnocchi with savory sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe. Cooked in a single skillet, this meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a satisfying option for dinner, offering a great balance of protein, vegetables, and comforting gnocchi.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Enjoy the convenience and flavor of these effortless tacos. Leftover Steak Soft Tacos are a great way to repurpose leftover steak into a delicious and easy meal, featuring tender slices of steak in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings. These tacos are quick to prepare and perfect for a simple lunch or dinner, offering a tasty way to use up leftovers. Customize them with your favorite salsas, cheeses, and vegetables for a meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

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.

Enjoy the bright and vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired salad. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a light and refreshing dish that combines tender orzo pasta with succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing. This salad is perfect for a quick and healthy meal, offering a great balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep, this dish can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Chicken Piccata

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

Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that features tender chicken breasts cooked in a tangy lemon and caper sauce. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a simple weeknight meal, offering a delicious and elegant flavor profile. Easy to prepare and full of bright, zesty flavors, Chicken Piccata is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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.

Enjoy the convenience and taste of this delicious casserole. Beefy John Wayne Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef with layers of cheese, vegetables, and a biscuit topping. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Easy to prepare and full of rich, savory flavors, this dish is great for family dinners or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Baja Fish Tacos

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

Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, they are a hit with both kids and adults. Baja Fish Tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy fresh fish, featuring crispy fried fish fillets topped with crunchy cabbage and a tangy sauce. These tacos are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, offering a great balance of textures and flavors. Enjoy the fresh and vibrant taste of these simple yet flavorful tacos.
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.

Enjoy the unique and tasty twist on classic quesadillas with this simple recipe. Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas are a flavorful twist on traditional quesadillas, featuring tender chicken marinated in a blend of spices and pineapple, then grilled and paired with melted cheese. These quesadillas are easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, offering a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. Serve them with your favorite salsa or guacamole for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

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