13 Super Easy Recipes For Lazy Days Anyone Can Make
We all have those days when cooking feels like an impossible task—like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops.
I’ve been there more times than I can count, standing in the kitchen at 6 PM, exhausted, hungry, and staring blankly at a pile of random ingredients while my stomach protests louder than my neighbor’s vintage motorcycle.
If you’ve hit that wall of cooking burnout, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. I’ve put together my go-to list of ridiculously simple, low-effort recipes that still pack serious flavor and comfort. These lifesavers are perfect for when you’re drained but still want something delicious on your plate.
1. Microwave Mug Mac & Cheese
Cheese-pulling goodness without the boxed stuff! Last Tuesday, when my energy levels matched those of a sloth on vacation, this recipe saved dinner. Mix 1/3 cup pasta, 1/2 cup water in a large mug. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stir, then cook another 2-3 minutes until pasta is tender.
Drain excess water. Stir in 2 tablespoons milk, 1/4 cup shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt. Microwave 30 seconds more.
The result? Creamy, cheesy perfection that tastes suspiciously like you actually tried. Sprinkle with pepper or herbs if you’re feeling fancy!
2. Avocado Toast With A Twist
Toast doesn’t have to be boring! My friends constantly bug me for this recipe after I served it at an impromptu brunch when my planned quiche turned into a disaster. Toast a slice of bread (sourdough works magic here).
Smash half an avocado with a fork, add a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Spread this green goodness on your toast.
Now for the twist: drizzle honey and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top. The sweet-savory-spicy combo will make your taste buds do a happy dance while requiring approximately zero cooking skills.
3. Lazy Sheet Pan Nachos
Movie night salvation in chip form! When my sister and her kids dropped by unexpectedly, I threw these together and suddenly became the coolest aunt ever. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
Scatter a can of drained black beans, corn, and pre-shredded cheese on top. Pop under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese bubbles and edges get crispy.
Top with store-bought salsa, dollops of sour cream, and pre-made guacamole. Chopped green onions add the illusion of effort if you’re not too lazy to chop them. One pan, minimal prep, maximum happiness!
4. 5-Minute Mediterranean Wrap
Lunch in a flash that doesn’t come from a drive-thru window! During a particularly chaotic work-from-home day, I created this wrap while on mute during a Zoom call. Spread hummus on a tortilla or flatbread.
Layer with pre-washed salad greens, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. For protein, add canned chickpeas or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken chunks.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkle with oregano, then roll it up. Slice in half if you’re feeling fancy. The result tastes like you visited a Mediterranean café rather than just assembled random fridge items between meetings.
5. Two-Ingredient Banana Pancakes
Pancakes without the pancake mix? Absolutely! These saved my Sunday morning when I realized my pantry was barer than Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard. Mash one ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Whisk in two eggs until well combined.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Pour small circles of batter and cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook another minute.
They’re naturally sweet from the banana with no added sugar needed! Add cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous. Bonus: they’re accidentally healthy and gluten-free!
6. Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Store-bought rotisserie chicken is the lazy cook’s best friend! During a heatwave when turning on my oven seemed like a crime against humanity, this became my dinner MVP. Warm corn or flour tortillas in the microwave under a damp paper towel.
Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss with taco seasoning and a splash of lime juice. Layer chicken in tortillas with pre-shredded cheese, bagged slaw mix, and jarred salsa.
Add sliced avocado if you’re feeling nutritious. The beauty here? Zero actual cooking while everyone thinks you made dinner from scratch! The store did 90% of the work, but you get 100% of the credit.
7. No-Cook Mediterranean Platter
Fancy-looking food without turning on a single appliance? Yes please! I pulled this together during a summer power outage and my friends thought it was planned. Arrange store-bought hummus, tzatziki, and baba ganoush in small bowls.
Around them, place pita bread, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta chunks, and pre-sliced deli meat like salami or prosciutto. Add some nuts, dried fruit, and maybe a jar of roasted red peppers.
Drizzle olive oil over everything and sprinkle with herbs. It’s basically adult Lunchables that look Instagram-worthy but require nothing more than opening packages and arranging things on a board!
8. Upgraded Ramen Noodles
College dorm food gets a glow-up! When my pantry was down to bare essentials during a snowstorm, this concoction made me feel like a gourmet chef. Prepare instant ramen according to package directions, but ditch the flavor packet (sodium bomb!).
Instead, stir in a spoonful of peanut butter, a splash of soy sauce, and sriracha to taste. Add a soft-boiled egg (6-minute boil), pre-shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.
Leftover rotisserie chicken or frozen edamame make great protein additions. The humble ramen transforms into something that tastes suspiciously restaurant-worthy with minimal effort. My wallet and my lazy self both approve!
9. Quesadilla Clean-Out
The ultimate fridge-clearing miracle! Last Friday, when my groceries were running low but takeout seemed too expensive, this flexible favorite saved dinner.
Place a tortilla in a pan over medium heat. Sprinkle cheese on half and add whatever needs using up – leftover chicken, beans, roasted veggies, wilting spinach, or that last spoonful of salsa. Fold tortilla over and cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
Cut into wedges and dip in whatever condiments you have around. The beauty lies in its adaptability – I’ve made breakfast versions with eggs, dessert versions with Nutella, and countless dinner variations. It’s impossible to mess up!
10. Lazy Caprese Pasta Salad
Cold pasta salad saved my potluck reputation! When I promised to bring something homemade but time evaporated like morning dew, this five-minute wonder stepped in. Cook a box of pasta, drain, and rinse with cold water.
Toss with halved cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, and torn basil leaves. Drizzle generously with olive oil and balsamic glaze (the pre-made kind in the squeeze bottle).
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Boom – pasta salad that tastes like summer in Italy but requires less effort than ordering delivery. Make it ahead and it actually improves in the fridge, making your future self thank your past self.
11. Breakfast-For-Dinner Scramble
Breakfast foods make the best emergency dinners! One night when adulting felt particularly challenging, I threw this together and felt like a kitchen wizard. Whisk eggs with a splash of milk, salt, and pepper.
Pour into a hot, buttered pan and stir gently. When eggs are almost set, add whatever you have – cheese, leftover vegetables, deli meat, or that random half-avocado.
Serve with toast or wrapped in a tortilla. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes from fridge to plate. My personal favorite combination is cheddar cheese, spinach that’s slightly past its prime, and salsa. Breakfast for dinner feels rebellious yet completely acceptable!
12. Greek Yogurt Fruit Bowl
Sometimes assembling beats cooking! During a heatwave that turned my kitchen into a sauna, this no-cook wonder became my lifeline for multiple meals. Fill a bowl with Greek yogurt. Top with whatever fruit you have – berries, sliced banana, chopped apple, or even thawed frozen fruit.
Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a sprinkle of granola or nuts for crunch. For extra flavor, add cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a spoonful of jam swirled in.
It works for breakfast, lunch, or those evenings when turning on any heat-generating appliance seems offensive. Protein, fruit, and absolutely zero cooking skills required!
13. 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Cookie cravings wait for no one! When my sweet tooth demanded attention but my motivation was hibernating, these miracle cookies came to the rescue. Mix 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg until smooth.
Roll into balls, place on a baking sheet, and press down with a fork to make that classic criss-cross pattern. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
They come out chewy, rich, and ridiculously satisfying for something with only three ingredients. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool slightly before devouring. My record is eating four while still standing at the counter!