Because some nights we just don’t feel like cooking! We’ve all been there; everything from prepping to post-cleanup can sometimes feel overwhelming. Thanks to registered dietitian, Sally, here are 10 easy dinners that are delicious, healthy, and soon-to-be your family’s favorites.

easy dinner ideas

If you are looking for easy dinner ideas for when you don’t want to cook too, this post is for you. These are 10 low-effort, no-fuss meals you can pull together without using lots of pots and pans, energy, time (or money spent on take-out) but that still nourish your family.

With people home more than ever, nightly family dinner is practically a given. A few months ago, all that time around the table together–and time to cook–felt like a refreshing change. But lately, it has fizzled into burn-out for many parents (see: 4 Ways to Fight Family Dinner Fatigue).

What I’ve been hearing a lot is this: I’m so tired of making dinner. So, hopefully, these easy dinner ideas will help!

Easy Dinner Ideas For When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

best easy dinner ideas

Grazing Boards

Pull out a baking sheet, tray, or platter and pile it with items from your fridge and pantry. Everyone can take what they want, and you can clear out odds and ends to fight food waste. I don’t know about in your house, but when we have grazing boards for dinner, everyone loves them! Plus, since they are so easy to make, the kids can help assemble it. Some inspiration: Ultimate Family Snack Board

tasty easy dinner ideas

Eggs

Eggs are an affordable, high-quality protein source. Prep them how your gang likes them, from scrambled to over-easy. Round out the meal by serving with bread and fruit, and throw in some vegetables such as chopped peppers or spinach or serve with a salad on the side. Some inspiration: Veggie Omelet

easy dinner ideas for when you don't feel like cooking

Sandwiches

Whenever I’m smart enough to slot “sandwich night” into our weekly dinner plan, I’m so glad I did. We use a panini press to make them seem a little fancier, or you could use a waffle iron instead. Pair them with a cup of soup or simple salad. Some inspiration: Build a Better Sandwich

dinner ideas for when you don't feel like cooking

Quesadillas

If you’ve got tortillas and a skillet, you can prep quick quesadillas using whatever you’ve already got, like leftover meat and roasted vegetables, and canned beans. Pile on plenty of cheese and cook until gooey. Some inspiration: Bacon, Apple, and Cheddar Quesadillas

dinner ideas for when you don't want to cook

Bagged Salad + Protein

A bagged salad can easily become a main dish meal. Add a good protein source such as canned beans like chickpeas, canned or pouch tuna or salmon, leftover meat or poultry from the fridge, hard-boiled egg, a cooked veggie burger from the freezer, or nuts and seeds. Some inspiration: 5 Ways to Turn Eat Smart Salad Kits Into a Meal

easy dinner ideas for when you don't want to cook

Noodles

Boil up whatever pasta shape you have kicking around, add protein and vegetables, and make a simple sauce from olive oil, Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some reserved pasta water for thickening. Or serve it cold as pasta salad. Some inspiration: Lemon Chicken & Veggie Pasta

best easy dinner ideas for when you don't want to cook

Breakfast

There’s something about brinner (breakfast for dinner) that feels more fun and less labor-intensive than dinner. Brinner can be simple (bowls of oatmeal or cereal with fruit–hey, no judgements here!), or homemade pancakes or waffles with eggs or veggie sausage. Some inspiration: Healthy Breakfast For Dinner Ideas

tasty easy dinner ideas for when you don't want to cook

Rice Bowls

Make a pot of rice (or farro or quinoa) and serve with items from the fridge like vegetables, leftover meat or poultry, and nuts and seeds, then pair with a sauce like soy, teriyaki, or lemon-tahini. Some inspiration: Build Your Own Buddha Bowl

tasty dinner ideas for when you don't want to cook

Baked Potatoes

Cook white or sweet potatoes in the oven or microwave and serve with a variety of toppings from the fridge and pantry such as sour cream, cheese, salsa, steamed veggies, cooked frozen veggies, hummus, guacamole, spinach, or canned beans. Some inspiration: Fiesta Baked Potatoes

best dinner ideas for when you don't want to cook

Toast

Great news: The toast trend has made it a perfectly acceptable meal! This works especially well with a heartier loaf. Spread with mashed avocado or beans, nut butters, and add things like sliced fruit, seeds, or a fried egg. Some inspiration: How to Make Perfect Avocado Toast

What is one of your favorite easy dinners when you don’t feel like cooking?