Some nights, even microwaving a frozen meal feels like doing the most. That’s when I reach for the laziest recipes I know; meals I can throw together with almost zero effort and, honestly, barely any cleanup. When takeout’s not in the cards and motivation is in short supply, these go-to recipes save the day.
If cooking feels like a chore, you’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re tired, stressed, or just plain not in the mood, there’s nothing wrong with keeping things ultra simple in the kitchen. There are lots of tasty meals that use pantry staples, minimum steps, and often, just a single pan or bowl.
I’m sharing my top 7 lazy recipes for those days when you want something fast, filling, and basically zero-fuss, plus a few handy tips for keeping things extra breezy. Every one of these meals works for beginners, so you don’t need skills (or energy) to pull them off.
1. OnePot Pasta: Minimal Cooking, Maximum Comfort
OnePot pasta is perfect when you want a hot meal but refuse to stand over the stove. Just combine dry pasta, some canned tomatoes, a handful of spinach or greens, water or broth, and your favorite seasonings in a big pot. Cover and let everything simmer until the pasta’s done and most of the liquid’s absorbed. Stir in grated cheese or a spoonful of cream cheese if you like things creamy.
This meal is endlessly flexible. Toss in frozen peas, canned beans, or whatever leftover veggies you have lurking in the fridge. Cleanup is a breeze, too, since you only have one pot to deal with. OnePot pasta is a dinner win every time.
Tips for Ultra-Lazy Pasta:
- Use short pasta shapes for even cooking.
- For extra protein, add a can of chickpeas or cooked lentils.
- If you like spice, throw in chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce near the end.
Feeling creative? Try adding a few sun-dried tomatoes or swap out the cheese for a dollop of pesto. You can even make it vegan—just use plantbased cheese or leave it out entirely. This dinner is about making it your own and keeping things as laidback as possible.
2. Sheet Pan Nachos: No Cooking Skills Needed
If you’ve got chips and cheese, you’re halfway to dinner. Empty a bag of tortilla chips onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with shredded cheese (and maybe sliced jalapeños), and bake for a few minutes in a hot oven until everything’s melty. Top with whatever you like: canned black beans, salsa, sour cream, sliced avocado, or any veggies you have on hand.
This is honestly the kind of meal that feels like a treat but takes almost no effort. It’s perfect for sharing or for those nights when you just want to eat in front of the TV. Plus, you can switch up the toppings every time. Don’t have salsa? Try some pico de gallo, or swap in a spicy ranch for a different flavor kick.
Topping Ideas:
- Chopped bell peppers or onions
- Sliced olives
- Canned corn
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
Cleanup is super simple—just toss the baking sheet liner or foil when you’re done.
3. Microwave Scrambled Eggs in a Mug
Microwave eggs are a lifesaver when you’re too tired for an actual stove. Crack two eggs into a mug, add a splash of milk or water, a pinch of salt and pepper, and any add-ins you want, like shredded cheese or chopped leftover veggies. Stir well, microwave for 30 seconds, mix, then microwave again for another 30-40 seconds until fluffy. You can just throw the mug into the dishwasher when you’re finished.
I grab toast or an English muffin to go with it. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll top the eggs with some salsa or hot sauce. It’s also easy to make two mugs at once for a friend or partner—just double up the ingredients.
Fun Extras:
- Prediced ham or turkey
- Fresh spinach or baby kale
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese
4. Canned Soup Upgrade
Canned soup doesn’t have to be boring. Pour your favorite into a pot or microwavesafe bowl, then dress it up with add-ins. I like to toss in frozen spinach, a handful of cooked pasta or rice, extra herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Suddenly, it feels more like a homemade meal.
Keep some good bread on hand for dunking, so you’ve got a quick, cozy dinner that hardly requires any brainpower. If you want more flavor, try stirring in a teaspoon of pesto or a little grated Parmesan right before serving.
Simple Ways to Boost Canned Soup:
- Top with shredded cheese, croutons, or a dollop of Greek yogurt
- Add leftover rotisserie chicken or canned beans for extra heft
- Stir in frozen veggies in the last two minutes of cooking
On chilly nights, this is my go-to for something soothing. You can mix up the type of soup each week—tomato, minestrone, or chicken noodle all work great with different toppings and add-ins.
5. Lazy Veggie Fried Rice
Fried rice is a classic usewhatyouhave meal, and using precooked rice makes it ridiculously fast. Heat a little oil in a pan, toss in frozen veggies (no chopping needed), then add the rice. Flavor with soy sauce, garlic powder, and a squeeze of sriracha or hoisin sauce. You can scramble an egg quickly in the pan first for more protein.
This one’s great for clearing out leftovers, and for when you’re craving something a little more interesting than plain rice. I always keep a bag of frozen veggies in my freezer just for lazy fried rice nights. You can even use cauliflower rice for a lowercarb twist.
Shortcut Swaps:
- Use precooked rice packs for less work
- Swap in leftover chicken, tofu, or shrimp
- Sprinkle in sesame seeds or green onions if you have them
Fried rice keeps well for lunch the next day, making it a double win.
6. Nochop Mediterranean Wrap
When even chopping veggies feels like too much, I grab flatbread or a big tortilla, spread on hummus, and top with prewashed spinach, jarred roasted red peppers, and canned olives. Sprinkle with feta (if you have it), roll, and eat. Use tzatziki instead of hummus to switch it up.
This wrap is fresh, filling, and you don’t have to dirty a single knife. If you want some protein, add a couple of precooked falafels or leftover grilled chicken. It’s lunch or dinner in five minutes, tops. Double the portion for a noeffort packed lunch tomorrow.
Other Filling Options:
- Sliced avocado
- Leftover grilled veggies
- Canned beans, drained and rinsed
Dip the end in extra hummus or a little vinaigrette for a bigger flavor punch.
7. Ice Cream Banana Parfait (Sometimes Dessert Is Dinner)
On the laziest days, I end up having dessert for dinner. When nothing else sounds appealing, slice up a banana, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt, drizzle on some nut butter or chocolate syrup, and maybe toss in something crunchy like granola or cookies. It’s simple, hits the spot, and still feels better than eating cereal again.
If you want it a little healthier, swap in Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and top with berries or honey. This also makes a fun lastminute dessert for friends, no oven or fancy skills needed.
Shortcuts and Prep Tips for Maximum Laziness
There are a few tricks that make lazy cooking even smoother for me:
- Stock up on frozen veggies, cooked rice packs, cans of beans, and tortillas for speed
- Buy preshredded cheese and prewashed greens
- Keep sauces and condiments (like salsa, hot sauce, or pesto) handy for instant flavor
- Invest in a sheet pan and a few microwaveable mugs or bowls for less cleanup
- Batchcook grains, chop extra veggies, or prep simple dressings ahead on a weekend when you have a little more time. Your future self will thank you!
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or timeconsuming, especially when you’re just not up for it. With a little bit of planning and these recipes in your back pocket, you can stay fed and sane, no sweat required. You can even keep a “lazy meal” list stuck to your fridge for those days when you’ve hit a wall.
Final Thoughts
Kitchens aren’t just for fancy meals. Sometimes the best food is the stuff that takes almost zero effort and brings maximum comfort. I’m all about easy, tasty fixes that anyone can pull off. Got a favorite lazy recipe? I’d love to hear about it! If you try one of these super simple meals, send me a message or share your version—lazy cooks unite!
