12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (2024)

Weeknight Meals

by Jessica October 29, 2020

Today I’m sharing 12 meals for when you don’t want to cook!

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (1)

Hello, story of my life! There are nights when I just don’t know what to make for dinner – or I just don’t feel like cooking at all… and I love to cook.

The current stay-at-home situation as made this even worse! I mean, we’re already home most of the day. In fact, I’ve already cooked a few meals already. Now we have to cook dinner too? Yikes – what do we make?

Most of these meals below and pretty quick and easy. Definitely under 30 minutes – some of them are around 15 minutes. They are comforting and nourishing and taste fantastic when you just don’t know what to cook. What is your favorite meal to make when you don’t feel like cooking?!

Aside from… take out. Ha.

12 Meals For When You Don’t Want To Cook

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (2)

Tortilla Eggs. Breakfast for dinner is a go-to for us, especially when I don’t feel like cooking. These are absolutely amazing.

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (3)

20 minute Basil Chickpea Curry. This comes together so quickly and leftovers (for the next night?) are even better.

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (4)

Sheet Pan Street Corn Nachos. My OG I-don’t-kn0w-what-to-make-for-dinner-meal, though mine was definitely made in the microwave back in the day.

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (5)

Avocado Tomato Bagelwiches. Sometimes a sandwich for dinner just totally hits the spot.

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (6)

15 Minute Sesame Ramen Noodles. Throw in any leftover chicken, shrimp, tofu or add an egg on top!

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (7)

Crispy Baked Quesadillas. Throw WHATEVER you have in these quesadillas. They are a great clean-out-the-fridge meal, and if you just want to do cheese, go for it!

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (8)

Bacon Brussels Sprouts Fried Rice. One of my favorites in the fall and winter. So cozy and comforting.

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (9)

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables. Throw everything on the pan and you’re good to go.

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (10)

Pepperoni Puff Pastry Pizza. This is the reason I ALWAYS keep puff pastry on hand!

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (11)

30 Minute Pasta with Marinated Feta, Arugula and Pine Nuts. I love how toasty and flavorful and simple this pasta is. Leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day.

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (12)

Weeknight Peanut Noodles with Roasted Broccoli. This is one of my fave meals of all time. Bonus points if you roast broccoli ahead of time and can throw it together even quicker.

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (13)

Potato Chip Frittata. This may take a little long than anticipated because of the caramelized onions, but you can always skip them, or speed them up with a little but of sugar!

posted in: Recipes, Weeknight Meals 12 comments

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    12 Comments on “12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking.”

  1. 12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (15)

    Alicia A Reply

    That’s my song and dance lately.
    These look rather yummy, thank you!🐇

  2. 12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (16)

    Sara Reply

    I taught my 13 year old son how to make tortilla eggs and he loves them! I would add your homemade spaghettios to this list! I almost made them tonight but didn’t have enough chicken broth!

  3. 12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (17)

    Anna Reply

    THANK YOU for your sheet pan gnocchi roasted vegetables 🙌🏼 It has become such a “I don’t feel like cooking” staple in our house. It’s easy to use the veggies we have or add some chicken sausage to the mix for extra protein. I’m also a huge fan of the 15 min ramen and tortilla eggs at any time of the day!

  4. 12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (18)

    Alice Reply

    Dear Jessica, it’s as if you’ve read my thoughts. I’m passionate about cooking but today I need something fast, simple and comforting. It actually turns out all I need is that wonderful chickpea basil curry of yours :) thanks for all the inspiration! Happy Friday, Alice

  5. 12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (19)

    Colleen Smith Reply

    Looking forward to ideas from you.

  6. 12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (20)

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  9. 12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (22)

    Tanis Reply

    I like the brussel sprouts jog. Bacon is a welcome fixer upper tool at our house. Some really good ideas to try, except the puff pastry; I’d recommend multi grain thin buns or whole/multi grain toast instead. Faster & better for you, especially with extra diced vegs. I’m going to try an adaptation of the chicken lasagne rolls. (Got discounted spinach noodles so kale or arugula will go in the middle) I have one at home that prefers white sauce. Thanks.

    • 12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (23)

      jenna Reply

      how do i get my kid to eat bacon, veggies, or anything crunchy. She is a picky eater could it just be a sensory issue.

      • 12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (24)

        Tanis

        Could be growth related chewing/teeth problems, &/or sensitivity from any bad memory of not liking something.
        I suggest part way steaming (makes some nutrients more available/easier to digest) & encouraging use of any dips they will tolerate/like. Teach them the exact timing that brings out the ideal. Help them own the upgrades as part of their self care.
        Run cold water over it when al dente (just tender enough to bite through easier), if cooked vegs are not popular. The seasoning can matter too. Invite them to experiment & base treat buying on willingness to try until they find healthy options they help somehow to make a regular part of the meal prep.

  10. 12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (25)

    jenna Reply

    do people really eat this stuff it all looks gross also as a mom how do i get my kid to eat vegies she won’t eat any and she is in grade 6 so cant use a reward system

12 Meals To Make For Dinner When You Don't Feel Like Cooking. (2024)

FAQs

What's for dinner when you don't feel like cooking? ›

21 Easy Dinner Ideas
  • 1 / 21. The Easiest Five Ingredient Capellini. ...
  • 2 / 21. Sheet Pan Halloumi with Burst Tomatoes, Summer Squash, Preserved Lemon, and Mint. ...
  • 3 / 21. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken. ...
  • 4 / 21. Egg Roll Skillet. ...
  • 5 / 21. Crispy Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Veggies. ...
  • 6 / 21. One-Pot Cacio e Pepe. ...
  • 7 / 21. Garlic Butter Shrimp. ...
  • 8 / 21.

What to make for dinner when unsure? ›

33 Easy Dinner Ideas For When You're Not Sure What To Make
  • Asparagus-Stuffed Chicken Breast. tasty.co. ...
  • Honey Soy-Glazed Salmon. tasty.co. ...
  • The Best Ever Slow Cooker Pot Roast. tasty.co. ...
  • Chicken & Biscuit Bake. ...
  • One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. ...
  • Oven-Baked French Bread Pizzas. ...
  • Upgraded Ramen. ...
  • Easiest One-Pot Beef with Broccoli.
May 16, 2024

What to make for dinner when nothing sounds good? ›

What to eat when nothing sounds good: 25 balanced meal ideas
  • Ham or turkey & cheese sandwich with a side of fruit.
  • Rotisserie chicken with frozen microwaveable rice and veggies.
  • “Adult Lunchable”: cheese, crackers, deli meat, raw fruits or veggies with dip.
  • Frozen chicken tenders or nuggets on top of a salad.
Jan 11, 2023

What to cook when feeling lazy? ›

These lazy dinner recipes are anything but boring.
  1. 1Cheeseburger nachos. ...
  2. 2Crispy Japanese sushi salmon patties. ...
  3. 310-minute vegetarian pad Thai. ...
  4. 4Chicken Lorraine. ...
  5. 5Creamy Italian salmon tray bake. ...
  6. 6Creamy French onion chicken pasta bake. ...
  7. 7The ultimate cheat's gozleme. ...
  8. 8Honey soy chicken with noodles.

What to make for dinner when you have no energy? ›

21 Short Recipes For Tired And Hungry Weeknight People
  1. Simple Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas. ...
  2. Chicken, Broccoli Shells, and Cheese. ...
  3. Arepas With Guacamole, Plantain, and Bean Filling. ...
  4. Chicken and Spinach in Creamy Mushroom Sauce. ...
  5. Crispy Southwest Wrap. ...
  6. Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad. ...
  7. Creamy Pasta With Bell Pepper and Sausage.
Jan 22, 2019

What should I eat if I am unsure? ›

If you want something hot, salty, soft, smooth, and bland you might opt for potato soup or a grilled cheese sandwich. Or, if you want something cold, sweet, solid, and crunchy, you might choose an apple or some peanut brittle.

What to eat with a poor appetite? ›

Include a variety of fruit and vegetables in your diet. You can add extra calories and protein by adding butter, cheese or sauces to vegetables, or custard or cream to fruit. Aim to have starchy foods such as cereals, potatoes, bread and rice at every meal.

What is a silent dinner? ›

A silent dinner, as the name suggests, is a dinner at which the guests and host do not speak, write, or use technology devices (e.g. phones). The dinners typically last for at least two hours, and guests are expected to stay and participate for the entire time.

What to make for dinner when you have nothing in? ›

These simple dinner ideas use only a handful of ingredients so you can still whip up a meal using whatever you have in the cupboard.
  • 15-ingredient sausage rolls. ...
  • 2Creamy mushroom gnocchi. ...
  • 3Fast falafel bowl. ...
  • 45-ingredient satay beef skewers. ...
  • 55-ingredient meatball carbonara. ...
  • 6Speedy wild rice and salmon salad.

How to eat when nothing sounds good? ›

Nothing Sounds Good For Dinner
  1. Pre-made salad with canned beans and dressing or hummus.
  2. Avocado wrapped in lunch meat.
  3. Frozen Burritos (add additional beans or frozen veggies if you like)
  4. Fresh bean and cheese burrito.
  5. Microwaved nachos with canned beans and salsa.
  6. Meat & veggie sandwich.
  7. Peanut butter and Jelly Sandwich.
Nov 23, 2023

What to eat when unmotivated? ›

If you want to increase your motivation level you should include following foods in your diet:
  • Dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt.
  • Omega 3 rich fish such as sardines and macarels.
  • Unprocessed meat such as mutton, chicken and turkey.
  • Eggs.
  • Fruits and vegetables, in particular bananas.
Sep 29, 2021

What is lazy cooking? ›

It means making smart or clever adjustments that make cooking quicker and easier. Think of it as pandemic cooking 2.0—good, healthy food made convenient. It's all about sheet pan dinners, pressure cookers and any meal you can make in one vessel. It likely involves fewer steps and fewer ingredients.

What to eat when you have no motivation to cook? ›

Pick a no-cook meal.

We're talking about the stuff that you just have to assemble and eat. Think salads, sandwiches, and wraps. If that feels intimidating, just throw a bunch of stuff in a bowl (like canned beans, canned veggies, shredded cheese) and call it a day.

How do you eat when you don't want to cook? ›

Ways to Eat Healthy Without Having to Cook
  1. Precooked Whole Grains. 1/13. ...
  2. Frozen Veggies. 2/13. ...
  3. Precooked Chicken Strips. 3/13. ...
  4. That's a Wrap. 4/13. ...
  5. Deli Chicken. 5/13. ...
  6. Lower-Sodium Soups. 6/13. ...
  7. Canned Salmon. 7/13. ...
  8. Ready-to-Eat Boiled Eggs. 8/13.
Aug 28, 2023

What to eat when you don't feel like food? ›

Try eating:
  • Toast.
  • Mashed potatoes.
  • Plain rice or noodles.
  • Bananas.
  • Protein-rich foods like low-fat Greek yogurt, plain chicken or turkey, protein shakes.
  • Mild fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes and pears.
Dec 26, 2023

What food do you usually eat when you are tired and don't want to cook? ›

  • Black beans and rice with veggies and salsa.
  • Egg and cheese sandwich with spinach, tomato, and avocado.
  • Pasta and veggies (any veggies will work! ...
  • Salad with lots of veggies and hard boiled eggs.
  • Soup and grilled cheese.
  • Nachos with black beans, peppers, and onions.
  • Fried rice.
Oct 1, 2018

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