21 Simple Dinners For People Who Hate Being In The Kitchen

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21 Simple Dinners For People Who Hate Being In The Kitchen

If spending hours in the kitchen isn’t your idea of a good time, you’re in the right place. These recipes are packed with dinners that promise big flavor without the big time commitment. From quick-prep dishes to one-pan wonders, dinner just got a whole lot easier and tastier. Perfect for anyone looking to keep things simple without skimping on taste.

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef stir fry in a skillet.
Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef stir fry is your weeknight warrior. Loaded with veggies and a homemade garlic ginger sauce, it’s a one-pan meal that’s healthier and quicker than any takeout. Perfect for when you need dinner on the table, like, now.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Greek Shrimp Skillet

Shrimp skillet dinner with kalamata olives, tomatoes and feta.
Greek Shrimp Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Greek shrimp skillet brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table in just 30 minutes. With tomatoes, spinach, olives, feta, and a burst of lemon, it’s a simple yet flavorful meal that feels like a mini-vacation on a plate. Easy to make, easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet

Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables

Sheet pan tofu and vegetables with BBQ sauce on a plate.
Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into the world of easy cleanup with this sheet pan BBQ tofu and veggies. It’s a full-on vegetarian feast that’ll make you forget you’re not a fan of cooking. Just chop, toss with BBQ sauce, and bake. Whether you’re meal prepping or just trying to get dinner on the table, this one’s a winner for its simplicity and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu & Vegetables

Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Steak peppers and potato skillet with a metal serving spoon.
Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This smoky steak, potato, and pepper skillet is your one-pan wonder for the night. It’s got everything you need for a fulfilling meal, and it’s ready in just 40 minutes. Just mix, bake, and serve. Ideal for when you want a hearty meal without the mountain of dishes afterward.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Steak Potato & Pepper Skillet

Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Smashed white bean quesadillas on a cutting board.
Smashed White Bean Quesadillas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

For those evenings when you’re feeling a bit lazy but still want something awesome, smashed white bean quesadillas to the rescue. They’re stuffed with kale and oozing with melted cheddar, topped with a creamy BBQ sauce. It’s comfort food with a twist, no meat required, and oh-so-easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Smashed White Bean Quesadillas

Burger Bowls

Burger bowl with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado and special sauce.
Burger Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

If you’re not big on kitchen time but still crave a good burger, these burger bowls are your shortcut to happiness. Picture your favorite burger fixings and that irresistible sauce, but with a twist that’s kinder to your waistline. It’s all the good stuff, no grill required, making your dinner prep a breeze. Just toss it together and boom, dinner served. Perfect for when you want something hearty without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls

Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp and steak fajitas with peppers and onions.
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Steak and shrimp fajitas without the fuss of a crowded stovetop? Yes, please! Everything’s tossed onto a sheet pan and baked to perfection. It’s the easiest way to nail surf and turf at home, in less than 20 minutes. Ideal for a speedy yet impressive dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas

Gochujang Chicken

Chinese gochujang chicken in a skillet on a table with black kitchen towel wrapped around the handle.
Gochujang Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Need dinner fast but bored of the same old? Try this gochujang chicken. It’s a half-hour to table miracle with a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce that’ll have you licking your plate. Served over rice, it’s a takeout-inspired dish without the wait. Quick, easy, and packs a flavor punch.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Pork chops with purple cabbage and apples on a baking sheet.
Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Imagine a dinner where the only cleanup is a single sheet pan. This pork chop dinner makes it a reality. With red cabbage, potatoes, and apples, it’s a balanced meal on one pan. Perfect for those nights when you can’t deal with dishes but still want a meal that tastes like effort. Quick, easy, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Bucatini pasta with shrimp in a white bowl.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Got 30 minutes? That’s all you need for this garlic shrimp bucatini. It’s pasta night made easy, with cherry tomatoes and a hint of garlic. This dish is all about bringing a bit of elegance to your weeknight dinner routine without any of the stress.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dive into this ground beef pasta skillet for a meal that feels like you’ve been simmering it all day, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the pasta dish for pasta lovers who don’t love the kitchen. Quick, hearty, and sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Air Fryer Tofu

Air fryer tofu on baking rack.
Air Fryer Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Once you try air fryer tofu, you’ll never go back. It’s crispy, it’s golden, and it gets that perfect texture without the oiliness of frying. This game-changer recipe is simple, making it a go-to for anyone who’s health-conscious but hates the fuss of cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu

Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Spicy udon noodle stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Craving takeout but not the wait? This spicy udon noodle stir fry has got you covered. With a kick of ginger-garlic sriracha sauce, beefy goodness, and chewy noodles, it’s all cooked up in less than 30 minutes. It’s fast, flavorful, and beats picking up the phone.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Udon Noodle Stir Fry

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sheet pan chicken and sweet potatoes is the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. Toss everything on one pan, sprinkle some magic (aka seasonings), and let the oven do its thing. Caramelized pecans add that chef’s kiss to the dish. It’s hassle-free, delicious, and gets you out of the kitchen fast.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slow cooker honey garlic chicken is like hitting the easy button for dinner. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. You’ll end up with a sticky, sweet, and utterly addictive dish that beats takeout any day. Plus, it’s healthier and has pineapple! A family favorite in the making.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Honey orange chicken with sesame seeds and green beans in a white bowl.
Honey Orange Sesame Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bring the takeout home with this honey orange sesame chicken. It’s sticky, sweet, and ready in minutes, making it the perfect antidote to your busiest days. Plus, it’s healthy, so you can feel good about this quick and easy dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Honey Orange Sesame Chicken

Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Beef and broccoli stir fry served with white rice on a white plate.
Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whip up a shaved beef and broccoli stir fry faster than you can say “takeout.” It’s quick, packed with flavor, and gives you that sauce you crave without having to leave your house. Perfect for a last-minute meal that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

Cheddar Chicken Bake

Chicken cheddar quinoa casserole in a pyrex dish.
Cheddar Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turn leftover chicken into a cozy cheddar chicken quinoa bake. It’s the ultimate “I don’t feel like cooking” meal that still feels homemade. Cheesy, hearty, and ready with minimal effort, it’s perfect for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chicken Bake

Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Maple mustard air fryer frozen salmon filet with broccolini on a plate.
Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Who knew frozen salmon could taste so good? Throw it in the air fryer with some maple mustard sauce and you’ve got a no-mess, no-stress dinner in minutes. No defrosting necessary, making it a lifesaver for those hectic evenings. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s surprisingly delicious. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket.
Get the Recipe: Maple Mustard Air Fryer Frozen Salmon

Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Garlic chicken bites with peppers and mushrooms in a skillet.
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This garlic chicken bite skillet is your 20-minute savior. With mushrooms, onions, and peppers all cooked up in one pan, it’s the definition of easy but impressive. Fresh herbs give it that “I tried” flavor, without actually having to try too hard.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground beef and sweet potato skillet.
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal that screams comfort. With a Southwestern twist, it’s easy to whip up and even easier to clean up. Perfect for meal-prepping or those nights when you’re too tired to do much but still want something good.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

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