19 Easy Recipes for When You Don’t Know What to Cook

We’ve all had nights when nothing sounds good and time feels short. These 19 easy recipes are made for those moments when you just need something that works. They use basic ingredients you probably already have, with quick cook times and no complicated steps. From casseroles to sheet pans, these meals make dinner decisions effortless.

A bowl of cheesy soup with ground meat, potatoes, and vegetables, served with a pretzel bun. — Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin

A baked casserole dish containing a cheesy broccoli and chicken mixture, topped with pieces of pineapple and sprinkled with chopped parsley. — Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin is ready in about 45 minutes and mixes quinoa, lean chicken, and vegetables. The flavor is nutty and slightly sweet, with a creamy texture that feels satisfying. It’s hearty enough for dinner and easy to reheat for lunch. A dependable meal when you want simple, wholesome comfort.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Pumpkin

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

A plate of shredded chicken is garnished with herbs, black olives, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Two lemon wedges and pieces of flatbread accompany the dish. A fork is resting on the edge of the plate. — Slow Cooker Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken takes around 4 hours and combines chicken, lemon, garlic, and oregano. The flavor is tangy and aromatic, with juicy meat that falls apart easily. It’s low effort and works well with rice or potatoes. A hands-off dinner that tastes fresh and home-cooked.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

A slice of crumbly dessert topped with a dollop of white cream is presented on a dark plate. The dessert is garnished with chopped nuts, and a fork rests in front of it, partially obscuring the dessert. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts bakes in 40 minutes and layers mashed sweet potatoes with toasted nuts. The flavor is lightly sweet and earthy, and the topping adds a warm crunch. It’s easy to make ahead and serve warm or chilled. Ideal for nights when you want something cozy but quick.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy zucchini casserole being served with a spoon. The dish features layers of melted cheese, sliced zucchini, ground meat, and herbs, with a golden-brown crust. — Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole takes 40 minutes and blends ground beef, rice, and diced zucchini. The flavor is savory and balanced, with a soft, hearty texture. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for using up pantry staples. Great for busy evenings when you need a reliable meal fast.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

A bowl of penne pasta topped with shredded meat and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A fork is placed in the bowl. Red tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves are on the marble surface nearby. — Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara cooks in about 4 hours and uses chicken, marinara sauce, and herbs. The flavor is classic and comforting with just the right amount of tomato richness. It’s perfect over pasta or on its own with bread. This low-effort dinner handles itself while you handle your day.
Get the Recipe: Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken Marinara

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

A plate of glazed barbecue chicken drumsticks garnished with small parsley leaves. The chicken is coated in a shiny, dark sauce, suggesting a rich, flavorful marinade. The dish is arranged to highlight the crispy, caramelized skin. — Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are done in 25 minutes and use chicken legs, barbecue sauce, and seasoning. The flavor is smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet with crisp edges. It’s easy to make in small batches or for a crowd. A quick fix when you want something meaty without the mess.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup

A bowl of creamy mushroom soup garnished with croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh herbs. A golden spoon lies nearby, and sprigs of thyme are placed on the table beside the bowl. — Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup takes about 20 minutes and combines mushrooms, onions, and broth into a smooth blend. The flavor is rich and earthy with a velvety finish. It’s comforting but still light enough for lunch. A fast recipe that turns simple ingredients into something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Mushroom Soup

Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers

A plate of chicken stir-fry with sliced carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms, garnished with cilantro and almond slices. A fork rests on the plate, and a yellow cloth is visible in the background. — Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers cooks in 25 minutes and pairs tender chicken with colorful bell peppers. The flavor is savory with a mild sweetness from the vegetables. It’s balanced, healthy, and easy to reheat. Perfect for nights when you want a complete meal without planning.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Peppers

French Onion Chicken Skillet

A close-up of a baked dish in a skillet featuring melted cheese, onions, and herbs. A serving spoon is lifting a portion, highlighting the golden-brown cheese and caramelized onions on top. — French Onion Chicken Skillet. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

French Onion Chicken Skillet takes about 35 minutes and features chicken simmered in caramelized onion sauce. The flavor is deep and savory, with a hint of sweetness. It’s rich enough for dinner yet easy to make in one pan. Great for weeknights when you need comfort without complication.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Chicken Skillet

Want to save this?

Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week.

Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce

A baked dish with roasted cauliflower florets covered in a green herb sauce is displayed in a white ceramic baking dish. A sprig of fresh parsley garnishes the top. A small bowl of olive oil and a few scallions are placed beside the dish. — Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce bakes in 30 minutes and mixes cauliflower with a bright, herby dressing. The flavor is fresh and lightly tangy, with soft vegetables and crisp edges. It’s a good option for meatless nights or side dishes. Simple, flavorful, and ready with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce

Savory French Toast Casserole with Bacon

A baked egg and bread casserole in a rectangular metal pan, garnished with chopped green onions. A black and white checkered cloth is partially visible in the background. — Savory French Toast Casserole with Bacon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Savory French Toast Casserole with Bacon bakes in 40 minutes and combines bread, eggs, cheese, and bacon. The flavor is salty, rich, and slightly smoky with a soft texture. It’s an easy breakfast-for-dinner choice when you’re out of ideas. A quick fix that works any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Toast Casserole with Bacon

Brown Sugar Veggies and Ham Steak Sheet Pan

A white plate with a serving of glazed ham garnished with rosemary, surrounded by roasted sweet potato chunks and green beans. A gray napkin and a bottle of syrup are beside the plate. — Brown Sugar Veggies and Ham Steak Sheet Pan. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Brown Sugar Veggies and Ham Steak Sheet Pan roasts in 25 minutes and brings together ham, carrots, and potatoes. The flavor is savory with a caramelized sweetness from the brown sugar glaze. It’s simple to clean up and easy to scale. A balanced, no-stress dinner for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Veggies and Ham Steak Sheet Pan

Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

Four seasoned and cooked chicken breasts are arranged on a gray plate, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and lemon wedges. The plate is set on a white marble surface. — Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia cooks in 15 minutes using tilapia fillets, paprika, and garlic. The taste is mild with a smoky finish, and the fish stays light and flaky. It’s quick to prepare and pairs well with any side. Ideal for when you want dinner done fast without compromise.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spiced Tilapia

Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole Recipe

A baking tray displays roasted cauliflower florets, lemon slices, and olives alongside a piece of salmon. A small bowl of olives and another with a dark sauce are placed nearby on a burlap-covered surface. — Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole takes 30 minutes and combines salmon, cauliflower, and herbs. The flavor is clean, mild, and slightly buttery from the roasted vegetables. It’s easy to serve straight from the pan. A healthy, one-step meal when you’re short on time and ideas.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Sheet Pan Casserole Recipe

Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Four grilled salmon fillets garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices are arranged on a white oval platter. The fillets are seasoned with herbs and pepper. The edge of a striped cloth and a serving of broccoli are partially visible. — Lemon Air Fryer Salmon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Lemon Air Fryer Salmon is ready in 15 minutes and uses salmon, lemon, and olive oil. The flavor is bright, tangy, and fresh, with tender fish that flakes easily. It’s light but satisfying for lunch or dinner. A go-to meal for when you want something quick and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Air Fryer Salmon

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

A stack of crepes topped with crumbled feta cheese and drizzled with balsamic glaze, served on a white plate. — Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze cook in 20 minutes and feature cabbage rounds topped with tangy cheese and glaze. The flavor is sweet, salty, and creamy with crisp edges. It’s simple yet looks elegant on the plate. Perfect for low-effort nights that still feel special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake

A bowl of pasta salad featuring mushrooms, asparagus, and a creamy green sauce. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of nuts and some greenery are in the blurred background. — Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake takes 35 minutes and blends pasta, cashew sauce, and vegetables. The taste is mild and nutty with a smooth, comforting texture. It’s filling without being heavy and holds up well for leftovers. A great fallback when you want plant-based simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake

Cast Iron Chicken with Cherry Sauce

Skillet with roasted chicken breasts, lemon slices, grapes, herbs, and garlic cloves. — Cast Iron Chicken with Cherry Sauce. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cast Iron Chicken with Cherry Sauce takes 30 minutes and pairs seared chicken with a sweet cherry reduction. The flavor balances tart and savory, creating a restaurant-style dish made simply. It’s easy to prepare and looks impressive. Perfect when you want something quick but memorable.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Chicken with Cherry Sauce

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup

Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup is ready in 25 minutes and uses ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. The taste is creamy and savory, reminiscent of a classic burger in soup form. It’s hearty and quick to reheat for leftovers. A satisfying choice when you want something filling and easy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheeseburger Soup