Here's 37 EASY dinner recipes for when you don't feel like cooking! (2024)

Hangry mums unite! We’ve all been there. Tired, hungry, over it, and just about to reach for the takeaway menu.

But fear not, help is at hand. Recently we asked the Healthy Mummy Private Facebook Support Group to share a few of their favourite Healthy Mummy app recipes for when you are absolutely too tired to cook – all from The Healthy Mummy app

This is what we came up with. Flick through the list and if you love the recipes (all from the 28 Day Challenge app) then come and check us out for 6,000 MORE recipes!!

Here's 37 EASY dinner recipes for when you don't feel like cooking! (1)

No fuss, no mess dinners when you are exhausted but still need to get dinner!

Rice

Here's 37 EASY dinner recipes for when you don't feel like cooking! (2)

Healthy Mummy Food Editor Lee Price says, “My fall back recipe is the Tamari Fried Rice (using defrosted brown rice from the freezer)”. You can tailor the fried rice recipe to whatever veggies you have on hand.

Belinda Toscano says that the Spanish Rice with Chorizo (from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge) is always quick and easy to whip up. Chorizo gives so much flavour for a small amount of effort.

Belinda’s husband loves to take the leftovers for lunch the next day (if there are any!).

Naomi Pearl Warr says that this is one of her favourites too.Sheuses microwave rice to speed it up.

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Kara Pendergast loves the Chicken and Pineapple Fried Rice. “I use pre-cooked rice, frozen diced veggies and pre-cooked leftover chicken (or whatever left over meat I have). Oh and a whole tin of crushed pineapple.”

Manda Short opts for the Bacon and Spinach Risotto from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge. “I have a pressure cooker that cooks everything in 7 minutes!”

Jess Mullington has a simple idea. Mix a small tin of your favourite flavoured tuna into a serve of rice, with a quick toss salad on the side. EASY.

Vegetarian

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Yvonne Vuillermin chooses the Pumpkin and Feta Tart from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge for a quick meal. Use leftover roast pumpkin from the night before to make it in a snap.

Healthy Mummy Food Editor Lee Price loves the VegetarianStuffedSweet Potatoes for a family friendly meal that doesn’t take much effort.

Mexican

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Eleanor Hannah says that these Easy Chicken Nachos are a winner winner chicken dinner at her house.

Steph Needham choosesquesadillas, filled with any leftover meat in the fridge, tinned beans, cheese, chopped tomato – anything goes!

Chicken fajitas from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge is the first choice for Kirsty Hopley. You can even serve it up deconstructed if you have fussy eaters, so that everyone can use the ingredients they like.

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Here’s a great tip from Danielle McKenna. “I make a double batch of the Chilli con Carne and then use it for nachos, tacos, Mexican lasagne, quesadillas, and jacket potatoes. It’s so versatile and very freezer friendly.”

Another Mexican option is the Ultimate Bean and Veggie Nachos, according to Holly Ryan. ‘They’re great if I forget to defrost meat and only take 15 minutes to make.’

Soup

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Prepared in advance and kept in the fridge or freezer, soup is a great option for a super speedy dinner.

Need inspiration? Jess Seymour loves the Spicy Chicken and Corn Soup from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge, while Natalie Myers opts for the Vegetarian Mexican Style Soup.

Asian inspired

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Shannon O’Connor loves the Chicken Satay Noodles. “So quick and easy!”

Sam Geeves loves the slow cooker to get ahead, and recommends the Asian Chicken every time.

Instead of ordering take away, make your own favourites at home! Rebecca Rankin makes the Chicken Pad Thai while Patrice Tail preparesVietnamese Spring Rice Paper Rolls.

Love laksa? Anna Sunderland makes the Healthy Chicken Laksa – she says it takes her just a few minutes (and only 5 ingredients). Surely you will love this delicious laksa recipe!

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One of our most popular recipes on the website is the Beef San Choy Bow. It’s easy to see why when you realise how easy it is. Loriel Melville says, “Beef San Choy Bow is pretty quick and super delish!”

Loriel says shelikes to freeze the filling (without noodles) to use for nights when she is too tired to cook.

Hayley Evans loves it too. She says, “It was the first recipe I ever made back in 2014and I still make it regularly now! My fam bam love it!”

Pasta

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Both Carrol Dean and Brooke McGregor say it’s all about the Creamy Bacon Mushroom Ravioli at their place. It’s SO quick!

Sophie Vaarzon-Morellikes to go rogue and make her own without a recipe. “My go to is a gnocchi dish.”

Here’s how to do it:

Cook the gnocchi, then sauté together mushrooms, garlic, chilli, spring onions. Then add this to the gnocchi along with some olives, tuna, tomato paste, parsleyand some Parmesan to serve. So easy, tasty and healthy.’ For more gnocchi recipes try our delicious Tomato gnocchi recipe!

For Anna Sunderland, the One Pot Spaghetti Bolognese is the go-to, as she says, “I always have the ingredients in the house.”

Pizza

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Ashleigh Dunkley says she always has pita bread at home to prepare homemade pita pizza. Chop upthe toppings and let everyone make their own.

Instead of the pita, Michelle Billingsleymakes the ever-popular Two IngredientPizza Base. Top with anything you like and bake until golden.

Meat and Veg

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Elisha-Jane Williams says that for her, Devilled Sausages works every time. “I know on a crazy work night, this is simple! So easy.

“I can do it while following up on work stuff, and with miss 4 sitting on the bench having a catch up on our day!”

Lots of other mums mentioned this recipe too, it’s very popular with big and little people.

Jessica May Magill loves the Chicken Parmigiana With Salad. “It’s like a healthy pub dinner.”

Belinda Toscano also loves the Steak and Greek Salad (from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge). “By the time you put the steak on and fix the salad you’re ready to plate up!

“My 7 year old makes the Greek Salad with supervision. She has a kid safe knife and really enjoys helping out in the kitchen and reading the recipe from the 28 Day Weight Loss ChallengeApp.”

Mince

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Gem Rachel Bath says, “The beef burgers are amazing and easy to whip up.

“I make up a 1kg batch and I freeze half. Use some for dinner and also for lunch the next day, the Husband Friendly Beef Burgers are the go.”

Kandichi Jordeliachooses wraps or tacos for tired nights. “Put salad and some meat in there and you’re good to go.”

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Eleanor Hannah loves this StovetopLasagne, all made without turning the oven on.

Kellie Jones loves these Porcupine Meatballs prepared in the slow cooker. Prep it all in the morning and come home to dinner ready to go. Just add pasta or rice!

Salad

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Whether it’s using leftover roast meats and veggies, or cooking a few key ingredients to throw in, you can’t beat a salad for simplicity.

Sharron McLellan says, “The Lamb and Haloumi Salad is super quick,” while Donna Mepham likes the Warm Beef Salad from the 3 day cleanse.

Chicken

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Comfort plus simplicity is the go for Rebekah Nichols, who says, “The Chicken Curry Potato Bake with steamed greens is the winner here.”

Another fan of the 3 day cleanse is Sera Fanous, who loves the Chicken with Ginger and Soy.

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Chicken is a popular option, with Georgia Pearce recommending the Sticky Sesame Lime and Soy Chicken; the Paprika Chicken from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge was a hit for JC Ballis, and Shell McKenzie loves the Lemon Chicken and Veg.

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Here's 37 EASY dinner recipes for when you don't feel like cooking! (2024)

FAQs

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

One way to get around cooking a fussy meal is to make sheet pan nachos with a plethora of fresh toppings and call it dinner. Just spread a bag of chips onto a sheet pan, top with cheesy ground beef (or just shredded cheese), pop it in the oven, and garnish with whatever toppings you have on hand.

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.

What is a healthy food for people who don't like to cook? ›

Canned beans. Frozen pre-cooked chicken strips (not breaded, no sauce) Pre-cooked whole grains, like brown rice or quinoa. Pre-cut fresh vegetables and fruit.

How do you cook when you don't like cooking? ›

Balance out pre-cooked, frozen meals with a salad kit or sautéed and seasoned vegetables. Add vegetables to canned soup or to jarred pasta sauce. Serve pre-cut veggie sticks and a dip alongside ready-to-eat finger foods.

What food do you usually eat when you are tired and don t want to cook? ›

If I am too tired to cook, and can't afford to eat out (which has been most of my life,) I always have peanut butter and bread, yogurt, frozen dinners, canned soups and beef stew, fruits on hand, eggs. A well stocked pantry is the key. I am just as happy with a can of bean soup and some crackers.

What to cook for dinner when you have no idea what to make? ›

30 Easy Dinner Ideas For When You're Not Sure What To Make
  1. Fajita Parchment-Baked Chicken. tasty.co. ...
  2. The Best Ever Slow Cooker Pot Roast. tasty.co. ...
  3. Veggie Garlic Noodles. tasty.co. ...
  4. Chicken & Biscuit Bake. tasty.co. ...
  5. Taco Soup. tasty.co. ...
  6. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. ...
  7. Chicken & Veggie Stir-Fry. ...
  8. Oven-Baked French Bread Pizzas.
Apr 19, 2023

What is depression cooking? ›

Depression Cooking is a zine of easy recipes designed to make mealtime a little easier, in the no-nonsense sense of the word, for depressed humans like me. It demonstrates one of the many lessons that I've learned during COVID: that we can care for one another without being physically present.

Does depression make you not want to cook? ›

People tend to feel low in energy when they're depressed – this can mean that having to cook or eat may feel like too much for them.

What to do when nothing sounds appetizing? ›

Easy comfort food:
  1. Grilled cheese and tomato soup.
  2. Mac and cheese with frozen peas.
  3. Scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit.
  4. Toast with peanut butter and banana.
  5. Cereal with milk and fruit.
  6. Canned stews or soups.
  7. Spaghetti and frozen meatballs.
  8. Ramen with added tofu and spinach.
Apr 8, 2023

What are three foods that can be eaten without cooking? ›

What can I eat?
  • raw fruits and raw vegetables.
  • dried fruits and vegetables.
  • freshly made fruit and vegetable juices.
  • soaked and sprouted beans, other legumes, and grains.
  • raw nuts and seeds.
  • raw nut butters, such as peanut butter and almond butter.
  • nut milks, including almond milk.
  • coconut milk.

What are popular foods that people don't like? ›

20 Most Hated Foods in the US according to Reddit
  • 20 - Pickles. Pickles may be a huge part of burgers in the US, however, it is one of the most hated foods when eaten raw. ...
  • 19 - Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 18 - Liver. ...
  • 17 - Anchovies. ...
  • 16 - Tofu. ...
  • 15 - Sweet Tea. ...
  • 14 - Collard Greens. ...
  • 13 - Sushi.
Aug 24, 2023

What to cook for someone who doesn t like meat? ›

Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers

A combination of sweet potatoes, quinoa, and red lentils makes these meatless patties taste and feel similar to classic hamburgers. Serve them on buns with your favorite toppings.

Is it OK to not like to cook? ›

A love-hate relationship with cooking is a normal thing, healthy even.

How do you deal with cooking anxiety? ›

5 Tips To Reduce Your Cooking Anxiety
  1. Make a weekly meal plan which includes takeout and leftovers. A great way to make cooking – and eating more healthily – a little easier is to create a weekly meal plan. ...
  2. Select Food that is Good for You. ...
  3. Keep Meals Simple. ...
  4. Find Comfort in the Process. ...
  5. Cook Familiar Things for Guests.
Oct 2, 2023

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

Eat nutritious foods such as yoghurt, cheese or bread/English muffins/crumpets with nourishing toppings like avocado, cottage/ricotta cheese, or nut butters. Drink milk-based drinks such as plain and flavoured milk or smoothies. Sip on water throughout the day.

What to eat when you don t feel food? ›

Stick to bland foods like crackers, toast, potatoes, noodles, and rice. Try eating very small meals, 6-8 a day. You may be able to tolerate foods that contain a lot of water, like frozen pops, Jell-O, and broth-based soups.

What do I want for dinner tonight? ›

40 Easy Dinner Ideas to Make Tonight
  • Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. ...
  • 30 Minute General Tso's Chicken. ...
  • Instant Pot Spaghetti. ...
  • Honey Sesame Chicken. ...
  • Chicken Chow Mein. ...
  • Chicken Katsu. ...
  • Air Fryer Chimichangas. ...
  • Baked Firecracker Chicken.
Sep 19, 2022

What do I do for dinner tonight? ›

27 Easy Recipes For Dinner
  1. Pork milanese.
  2. 20 minute zucchini pasta with goat cheese and brown butter.
  3. Sticky BBQ chicken meatballs with broccoli slaw.
  4. Crispy baked quesadillas.
  5. Turkey taco nacho skillet.
  6. Honey mustard chicken chopped salad.
  7. Sheet pan nacho chicken.
  8. Bruschetta quinoa zucchini boats.
Apr 20, 2023

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