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19 Simple Meals For When You Just Can’t Even

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If the thought of cooking has you feeling a little overwhelmed, these 19 meals are your low-effort solution. They're the perfect antidote to a long day when you just want to eat and relax, with none of the kitchen drama. No fancy ingredients or hours of prep—just straightforward meals that practically cook themselves.

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A fork lifts noodles from a bowl of creamy soup, placed on a wooden surface. A small white cup and green garnish are visible in the background.
Creamy Udon Noodle Soup. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Bombay Sandwiches

Bombay Sandwiches layered with potato, tomato, cucumbers, and an herb chutney sauce.
Bombay Sandwiches. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Here's an easy option when you want something quick and flavorful. Bombay Sandwiches offer layers of textures and tastes without much prep time. Perfect for busy days and quick snacks, they’re simple yet fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Bombay Sandwiches

Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

A close-up of a hand using chopsticks to lift cooked noodles from a black pan. The noodles are mixed with vegetables and sauce. A small dish is visible in the background.
Garlic Chili Oil Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Need some quick comfort food? Garlic Chili Oil Noodles are spicy and savory, making them an excellent option. They come together fast, ideal for moments when cooking feels like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chili Oil Noodles

Szechuan Shrimp

Low angle shot of szechuan shrimp in a wok.
Szechuan Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you're in the mood for a spicy meal, Szechuan Shrimp delivers heat and flavor. This dish is quick to prepare, and perfect for shrimp fans. It adds an exciting twist to any dinner with its fiery notes.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side.
Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

On the hunt for something savory without the hassle? Hoisin Beef offers rich flavors with minimal effort. It's ideal for busy days when you still want a good meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Kimchi Fried Noodles

A bowl of saucy noodles is being lifted with chopsticks over a marble countertop. A carrot is partially visible in the background.
Kimchi Fried Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Craving a fusion of spicy and tangy flavors? Kimchi Fried Noodles deliver just that while being easy to prepare. Perfect for hectic days, they provide a fast yet satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Fried Noodles

Blackened Fish Tacos

Blackened fish tacos in taco holders.
Blackened Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For an easy yet special meal, try Blackened Fish Tacos. They bring a mix of flavors and textures that are sure to please. Great for nights when complex recipes are off the table but you still want something good.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Need a quick meal that tastes like a classic favorite? Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to put together, offering bold flavors without the long prep time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Gochujang Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with rich broth, topped with slices of tender beef, a perfectly poached egg with a runny yolk, and garnished with chopped green onions. Chopsticks are holding up a piece of beef.
Gochujang Ramen. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

If you're craving something different on a busy day, you’ll love Gochujang Ramen. It's ideal for when you’re short on time but need something satisfying. This dish brings a unique twist and is perfect for those nights when effort feels like too much.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Ramen

Thai Fried Rice

Overhead shot of Thai fried rice in a white bowl with a skillet of fried rice on the side.
Thai Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

On those days when you can’t even think about cooking, you might turn to Thai Fried Rice. It’s a quick and easy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This dish is perfect for busy evenings, offering a satisfying meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

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Teriyaki Salmon Noodles

Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chunks of salmon in a skillet, with a fork lifting a portion.
Teriyaki Salmon Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Some nights call for minimal effort in the kitchen, which is where Teriyaki Salmon Noodles come in. This dish is as easy as it gets and comes together with little fuss. You’ll appreciate how it handles dinner when energy levels are low.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Salmon Noodles

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you’re really not in the mood to cook, Air Fryer Enchiladas can save the day. They’re simple to make and don’t require a lot of time. This meal is a quick fix that ensures you’re not left hungry on those tough days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Creamy Udon Noodle Soup

A fork lifts noodles from a bowl of creamy soup, placed on a wooden surface. A small white cup and green garnish are visible in the background.
Creamy Udon Noodle Soup. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Some days need comfort without the effort, and Creamy Udon Noodle Soup fits the bill. It’s a breeze to prepare and helps warm you up quickly. This dish is perfect for when you just want to sit back and relax with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Udon Noodle Soup

Crispy Feta Fried Eggs

A fried egg with crispy feta cheese, avocado, and a tortilla, garnished with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes, served on a white plate.
Crispy Feta Fried Eggs. Photo credit: Eggs All Ways.

When energy is low and you need something quick, Crispy Feta Fried Eggs work wonders. This meal is easy to whip up and packs in great flavor. It’s an excellent choice for when you need to eat without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Feta Fried Eggs

Mongolian Beef Noodles

A close-up of a fork holding a bite of pasta with ground meat, green onions, and sauce. The pasta is wrapped around the fork tines, displaying the dish's ingredients and textures in detail, with a blurred background featuring more of the meal.
Mongolian Beef Noodles. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

On a hectic day, you might find Mongolian Beef Noodles the perfect remedy. It’s a straightforward dish that doesn’t require much effort. This meal gets you fed without complicating your evening, making it a reliable option.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Beef Noodles

Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Fish tacos on a small baking sheet with limes.
Air Fryer Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you want something quick but still crave flavor, Air Fryer Fish Tacos are an easy choice. They’re the kind of meal that comes together without much fuss. Perfect for those days when you just can’t even.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fish Tacos

Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with beef, carrots, red bell peppers, and greens. Hand using chopsticks to pick up noodles.
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

If dinner feels like a chore, Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein steps in to make things simple. It’s fast, flavorful, and barely requires any effort. A no-brainer for busy nights when cooking feels like too much.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried tofu cubes and minced vegetables, garnished with green onions. Chopsticks rest on top.
Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a quick, no-fuss dinner that still packs a punch, Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork is perfect. It’s comforting, comes together fast, and brings big flavor with minimal effort. Ideal when you need something easy but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Ma Po Tofu with Ground Pork

Thai Noodle Soup

A bowl of noodle soup with chicken pieces, garnished with basil leaves. The soup has a creamy broth, and a pair of chopsticks is lifting noodles from the bowl. Ginger and garlic are in the background.
Thai Noodle Soup. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Craving comfort without the hassle? Thai Noodle Soup is the perfect choice for those nights when cooking seems like too much. It’s a simple, comforting meal that gives you what you need in no time.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Soup

Mongolian Chicken

Two bowls of chicken curry with spices and rice.
Mongolian Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

On those nights when you just want dinner to be effortless, Mongolian Chicken does the trick. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for when you don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen. Simple and quick without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

By on October 19th, 2024
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. She’s an Associated Press syndicated food and travel writer and the bestselling author of more than 40 cookbooks, including Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications including Chicago Sun-Times, Huffington Post, MSN, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Times, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, PopSugar, Fitness, Mercury News, and many others. More about Robin

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