12 Effortless Meals That Don’t Wear You Out

When you’re short on time or energy, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where simple meal recipes come in handy. You don’t need to sacrifice flavor or quality for convenience. With the right meals, you can get dinner on the table fast without the stress. These easy meals are designed to make your life simpler, while still tasting great. Whether you’re feeding a family or just cooking for one, these recipes will save you time and effort.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A spoonful of broccoli soup is being served from a bread bowl. The soup contains visible broccoli florets and shredded carrots. In the background, a fresh broccoli head is partially visible on a marble surface. — Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Broccoli cheddar soup is a warm and comforting dish that combines rich cheddar and fresh broccoli. It’s creamy and flavorful, making it a perfect option for chilly nights or whenever you’re in the mood for something hearty. This soup is simple yet satisfying. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup takes all the flavors of a classic lasagna but in a comforting, easy-to-make soup form. It’s hearty and packed with all the ingredients you love about lasagna, but without the layers. A great choice for a stress-free, delicious meal. Get the recipe: Lasagna Soup

Mac and Cheese Casserole

A plate of creamy macaroni and cheese with a golden breadcrumb topping sits on a wooden table. A baking dish with more macaroni and cheese and a white cloth can be seen in the background. — Mac and Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This mac and cheese casserole combines creamy cheese with tender pasta, creating the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying on a cozy night in. You can count on this dish to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Get the recipe: Mac and Cheese Casserole

Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and tofu on a white wooden surface. Ingredients include carrots, red peppers, leafy greens, and sprinkled sesame seeds. A pair of chopsticks rests on the bowl's edge. — Pork Lo Mein. Photo Credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This pork lo mein comes together quickly, thanks to the Instant Pot. With tender pork, savory noodles, and vegetables in a flavorful sauce, it’s a meal that’s both easy and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy days when you need something delicious in no time. Get the recipe: Pork Lo Mein

Pasta Carbonara

Two plates of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and bacon bits, set on a white marble surface. A striped cloth is partially visible in the background. — Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Pasta Carbonara offers a rich, creamy sauce paired with crispy pancetta and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy yet satisfying meal that works well for family dinners or special nights at home. The flavors are bold but simple enough for anyone to enjoy. Get the recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

Sheet Pan Broccoli and Beef on a baking dish — Sheet Pan Broccoli and Beef. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This sheet pan beef and broccoli is an easy and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort. The tender steak and roasted broccoli are all cooked together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you want a satisfying dinner with little hassle. Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Beef and Broccoli

Honey Mustard Chicken

A plate with four pieces of glazed, seasoned roasted chicken thighs garnished with fresh green leaves. The plate is on a woven mat with utensils nearby, creating a rustic table setting. — Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Honey mustard chicken brings together the perfect balance of savory and sweet with its Dijon mustard and honey marinade. This dish transforms simple chicken thighs into a flavorful meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s a straightforward, crowd-pleasing option for any dinner. Get the recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

A skillet filled with a dish topped with melted cheese, sliced jalapeños, avocado, chopped cilantro, and a red sauce. There are colorful bell peppers and diced onions mixed with quinoa beneath the toppings. — Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This cheesy chicken enchilada skillet combines the bold flavors of enchilada sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese—all cooked in one pan. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that will bring the tastes of your favorite enchiladas to the dinner table without all the fuss. A great choice for busy nights. Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

Sticky Wings

A plate of glazed chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The wings are served on a blue plate, set on a white marble surface. A blue cloth is visible in the background. — Sticky Wings. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Sticky wings are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a caramelized finish that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether for game day or a family dinner, these wings are a simple and crowd-pleasing dish. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor. Get the recipe: Sticky Wings

Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Sheet pan with roasted chicken pieces, broccoli, red bell peppers, and red onions glazed in a thick, glossy sauce. The vegetables and chicken are caramelized, creating a vibrant, appetizing dish. — Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Chicken teriyaki and vegetables is a well-balanced dish with caramelized chicken and crisp-tender veggies in a homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s a great meal for when you want something delicious and easy to prepare. This dish brings both flavor and nutrition to the table. Get the recipe: Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables

Crusted Chicken Romano

A breaded and fried chicken cutlet is garnished with parsley and served on a white plate, placed on a patterned tablecloth. — Crusted Chicken Romano. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Crusted chicken Romano features a crispy panko breadcrumb coating paired with the sharp, nutty flavor of Romano cheese. It’s an easy-to-make dish that tastes like something from a restaurant. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this chicken is both simple and satisfying. Get the recipe: Crusted Chicken Romano

Ham and Cheese Wraps

Tortilla pinwheels filled with ham, cheese, and vegetables are cut in half and served on a marble surface. A small white bowl of dipping sauce is nearby. Garnished with chopped herbs. — Ham and Cheese Wraps. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

These ham and cheese wraps are a quick and satisfying meal, with a smooth pimento cheese sauce that elevates the flavors. The combination of savory ham, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas makes this dish a go-to for easy meals. It’s perfect for a simple yet tasty dinner. Get the recipe: Ham and Cheese Wraps