What I Actually Make for Dinner When I Don’t Feel Like Cooking

There are so many nights I come home from a long weekend away and completely forget to meal prep for myself before I leave. Ideally I’d love to be the person who always has a few handmade frozen meals waiting in the freezer. Maybe I’ll give that a go soon, but this post isn’t about that. Today I’m writing about the tried and true meals for when I just don’t feel like cooking… but I have to cook something.

Table of Contents

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is not only one of my all time favorite soups but it’s such an easy meal to pull together, even if your chicken is still frozen. Just take it out in the morning or early afternoon. I use a pressure cooker for this recipe and it comes out perfectly every single time. Everything goes in together and when it’s done, shred the chicken with two forks, stir it back in, and serve.

This recipe from Cooking Classy has been in my recipe book for years.

No Bean Chili

Another quick pressure cooker recipe, or one you can make in a slow cooker if that’s more your speed. As an Italian I fully understand this could be mistaken for spicy meat sauce and I’m completely okay with that. I love mixing it up and eating it over rice or farro. My leftovers never last long.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This is my go-to girl dinner after an exceptionally long or hard day when I want something comforting. If I’m feeling extra sorry for myself, I add a sprinkle of brown sugar for a little sweetness and I grill it on a cast iron skillet. Don’t judge before you try it! It’s savory and sweet at the same time, especially when you use an imported sharp cheddar. I stand by this with my whole heart.

Buddah Bowls

I can normally assemble these pretty quickly using leftover cooked veggies and a simple dressing. I love Buddha bowls because they’re packed with nutritious ingredients and come together fast. I’m a big sweet potato fan and try to roast them on a sheet pan every other week. For protein I’ll add chickpeas, edamame, tofu, or canned tuna. This is an especially great meal right after yoga or any workout.

Farm Style Breakfast

Oh gosh, I will never say no to breakfast for dinner. Never. Last year I made a big batch of waffles in a waffle maker and froze them and it was genuinely one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever given myself. I’d pop them in the toaster, scramble two eggs, and air fry some potatoes or slice up some apples and call it done. Future Mr. Trip Side is a huge fan of beef bacon and he has completely convinced me to always keep a stash in the freezer. A little extra time on the griddle but never a regret.

Literally Any Salad But Also Specifically Taco Salad

I am not a salad snob. I love a salad (not to mention salad spinners) and it’s so quick and easy to assemble that I would hardly call it cooking. That said, if I have ground beef in the fridge, taco salad is happening. I make my own seasoning and the secret is using cumin more than any other spice. The leftovers are incredible. For other salads, if I have a protein in the fridge, great. If not, I’ll give myself the night off and make it up the next day.

Btw, this wooden salad bowl set is making me rethink my entire kitchen.

Cinnamon Seasoned Crispy Drumsticks with Roasted Carrots

This one is always a treat and it’s a one sheet pan situation so it barely feels like cooking. It’s also not an expensive meal if you can get drumsticks at a decent price. I’ve been making this recipe for over 10 years and it has never failed me. It always hits the spot and it’s a great option when you have friends over too. A little messy but that’s half the fun. It also goes beautifully with sweet potatoes or rice!

Egg Fried Rice

This is really easy when I have left over rice and don’t know what to do with it. I always have peas, carrots, corn, onion and edamame in the freezer. I almost always have eggs in the fridge too. This is such a great meal when I just can’t even think about cooking. It takes maybe 15 mins to make and, again, I never regret it.

I hope to add more to this list as the years carry on. This is a hot topic for a lot of people right now, particularly those of us on a budget. Regardless, thank you for reading and let me know what some of your favorite meals are when you don’t feel like cooking!

xoxo