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 is a healthy meal when you don't feel like cooking? ›

Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas

In this cucumber, tomato, Swiss cheese and chickpea salad recipe, a healthy green goddess dressing is made from avocado, buttermilk and herbs. The extra dressing is delicious served with grilled vegetables.

What is a healthy food to eat when you don't want to cook? ›

Canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardines) Canned beans. Frozen pre-cooked chicken strips (not breaded, no sauce) Pre-cooked whole grains, like brown rice or quinoa.

What to eat when you feel lazy to cook? ›

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

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.

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 should you eat when you don't feel like anything? ›

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.

How do you eat food you don't enjoy? ›

Here are some strategies that can help you learn to enjoy foods you currently don't:
  1. Eat, and keep eating. ...
  2. Mask bitterness by eating it with other foods or ingredients that contain salt or sugar. ...
  3. Eat it repeatedly in a positive context. ...
  4. Eat it when you're hungry. ...
  5. Remind yourself why you want to enjoy this food.
Nov 27, 2023

Why don't I like cooking? ›

Cooking is Stressful

Rather than it being a relaxing activity, cooking is stressful and tedious. These individuals also tend to second guess themselves, which also makes the process more stressful. If you want to learn how to cook but aren't very good at it, start with simple meals like grilled cheese.

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 to eat when you have no food and can't cook? ›

Bowls: A Healthy No-Cook Meal

All you need is: A whole grain, like brown rice, farro, or quinoa. Vegetables, like broccoli, spinach, sweet potato, edamame. A protein, like beans, tofu, or chicken.

How can I eat healthy without a stove or oven? ›

Learn the healthy meal formula
  1. Protein foods like boiled eggs, tofu, rotisserie chicken, greek yogurt or lentils.
  2. High-fiber carbs like rice, chickpeas, beans, whole grain bread or quinoa.
  3. Colorful fruits and veggies like apples, frozen berries, green beans or spinach.
Feb 23, 2023

How do you eat at home when you hate cooking? ›

I often go for days without cooking. I eat cheese, fruit, salads, nuts and seeds, yogurt, homegrown sprouts, sandwiches, cold cereal, peanut butter. I buy protein powder and mix it with milk in the blender. You can also buy cooked, sliced meat and other ready-to-eat foods in the deli and canned tuna.

What to cook for dinner when you can't be bothered? ›

File each of these options under “can't be bothered to cook.” Seriously, they're basically effortless.
  • Fried Rice in a Mug.
  • Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad.
  • Cheese Quesadilla.
  • Tiktok Ramen.
  • One Pan Meatball Stroganoff.
  • Weeknight Pan-Fried Pierogi and Kielbasa.
  • Easy Ravioli Lasagna.
  • Quick 10 Minute Shrimp Teriyaki Stir-Fry.
Sep 19, 2022

How do you cook with anxiety? ›

How to Overcome Cooking Anxiety? Ways to Grow Confidence in the Kitchen:
  1. 7 Quick Tips to Remember While Cooking in Your Kitchen:
  2. Start with simple recipes: ...
  3. Write down the recipe: ...
  4. Use good-quality ingredients: ...
  5. Experiment with flavours: ...
  6. Get organised: ...
  7. Practice cooking techniques: ...
  8. Embrace your mistakes:
Apr 4, 2023

What to bring to a dinner party if you can't cook? ›

Here are some easy and welcome additions to any dinner party that require absolutely no cooking.
  • A bottle of wine. Jupiterimages/Getty Images. ...
  • A fresh bouquet. Tom Merton/Getty Images. ...
  • Fresh fruit. Fatane Rahimi/Shutterstock. ...
  • A simple salad. ...
  • Crudité ...
  • A box of chocolates. ...
  • Artisanal olive oil. ...
  • Something from your local bakery.
Sep 18, 2023

What to make for dinner when you don't have much food? ›

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.
  1. 15-ingredient sausage rolls. ...
  2. 2Creamy mushroom gnocchi. ...
  3. 3Fast falafel bowl. ...
  4. 45-ingredient satay beef skewers. ...
  5. 55-ingredient meatball carbonara. ...
  6. 6Speedy wild rice and salmon salad.

What to make for dinner when you have no food or money? ›

15 Delicious Things to Throw Together When You're Pressed for Food Options
  • Buttery, gooey grilled cheese. ...
  • PB&J because duh. ...
  • Tuna melt tostadas. ...
  • Pancakes! ...
  • Scrambled eggs. ...
  • Waffles. ...
  • A Hagrid-size bowl of cereal. ...
  • Spaghetti carbonara.
Apr 28, 2020

What to do when you don't know what you want for dinner? ›

Convenience foods that can help when you don't know what to eat include:
  1. Microwavable rice and beans.
  2. Ramen noodles.
  3. Boxed mac and cheese.
  4. Frozen pancakes or waffles.
  5. Frozen meals or appetizers (Yes, I'm talking about Trader Joe's!)
  6. Pre-chopped fruit and veggies.
  7. Frozen fruit and veggies.
  8. Pre-prepped overnight oats.
Aug 2, 2023

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