Low stress dinners are a lifesaver when January’s social calendar feels endless, and you just want a breather in between events. These recipes are perfect for keeping things easy without skimping on flavor or satisfaction. Whether it’s a quiet night alone or a quick meal to share, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly these dishes come together.
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
This vegan efo riro replaces meat with mushrooms in a rich Nigerian spinach stew. A hearty, quick dinner option for those quieter evenings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Bucatini cacio e pepe is a pasta dish made with just three ingredients in no time. A simple classic that fits perfectly into a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese
Microwave mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort food in a matter of minutes. Perfect when you want something easy with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese
Penne Pomodoro
Penne Pomodoro pairs fresh ingredients for a light dish ready in under 20 minutes. A quick option for nights when time feels limited.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon ricotta pasta balances creamy and tangy flavors, ready in 15 minutes. A no-fuss way to prepare something impressive and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Quick fried rice turns leftover rice and fridge staples into a meal in just 15 minutes. A practical, no-fuss solution for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Roasted Kabocha Squash
Roasted kabocha squash is a wholesome side dish with minimal prep required. A nutritious, quick choice when simplicity is key.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Kabocha Squash
Nigerian Fried Rice
Nigerian fried rice brings vibrant vegetables and rich spices together in just 15 minutes. It’s a flavorful dish that fits seamlessly into a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice
Sesame Tofu
Crispy sesame tofu pairs with caramelized vegetables and a nutty sauce in minutes. A fast, balanced meal that’s easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu
Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos
Korean spiced cauliflower tacos are crunchy, customizable, and quick to prepare. A simple choice for a fun dinner that doesn’t take much time.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos
Pasta e Piselli
Pasta e piselli features peas and Pecorino cheese for a light Italian classic. Ready quickly, it’s an easy go-to for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Kimchi grilled cheese combines tangy kimchi and melted cheese on sourdough in 20 minutes. A playful yet fast way to enjoy a spin on comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Rigatoni arrabbiata highlights bold flavors with tomatoes, garlic, and basil. This dish is quick to make and satisfying for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Mushroom Masala
Mushroom masala delivers creamy, rich flavors in just 30 minutes. An effortless dinner when you want something hearty without hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
A 3-ingredient broccoli cheese casserole is ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort. A comforting option for when you need something easy and quick.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Spicy Vodka Pasta
Spicy vodka pasta adapts easily to vegetarian or vegan diets and cooks in no time. A versatile meal for nights when you need speed and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta
Spicy Soba Noodles
Spicy soba noodles combine crisp veggies with a bold, nutty sauce in minutes. Perfect for busy evenings when you crave something quick and different.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles
Ethiopian Cabbage
Ethiopian cabbage stew, or Atakilt Wat, is ready in 30 minutes in one pot. A simple, hearty meal for nights when you want a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage
Naan Pizza
Naan pizzas—whether Margherita, Veggie, or Mediterranean—are ready in 30 minutes. A customizable option for a quick and fun dinner.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizza
Mumbai Pav Bhaji
Indian street food pairs a spiced vegetable mash with buttered rolls for a cozy meal. An easy way to enjoy comforting flavors on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Mumbai Pav Bhaji
Mushroom Stroganoff
Mushroom stroganoff is creamy and hearty, coming together in just 30 minutes. A quick option for when you want something filling without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff
Instant Pot Jollof
Instant Pot Jollof Rice combines tomato-pepper flavors for a quick, hearty dish. A straightforward meal for nights when you want something filling and easy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jollof
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza
Homemade Margherita pizza uses fresh ingredients and bakes in 20 minutes. A simple way to enjoy pizza night without relying on takeout.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Copycat Panera broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is ready in 20 minutes. A creamy, easy meal when you need something that’s quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ground beef and cabbage stir-fry comes together in under 20 minutes. A quick, hearty option for nights when you need something filling.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Spicy Vegan Noodle Soup
Spicy vegan noodle soup uses ramen noodles for a bold meal ready in 10 minutes. Perfect for nights when you need a fast and comforting option.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vegan Noodle Soup
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Marinated steak and broccoli stir-fry is ready in 20 minutes for a quick, hearty dinner. Great for busy evenings without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Chicken Stir Fry
Quick stir-fries bring fresh ingredients together in a matter of minutes. A practical dinner choice when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry
Korean Ground Beef
Korean ground beef is a budget-friendly, 20-minute dish for a fast dinner. An easy, family-friendly meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Korean Ground Beef
Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Garlic chicken bites with mushrooms and veggies are done in just 20 minutes. A simple meal for nights when you need something quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Chicken Bite Skillet
Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole
Air fryer tater tot casserole combines crispy tots, beef, and cheese in 20 minutes. A no-hassle dinner that’s hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tater Tot Casserole
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
Mediterranean roasted lamb is a 20-minute sheet pan meal with minimal cleanup. A flavorful option for when you need something easy and quick.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner
Cheeseburger skillet dinner mixes ground beef and creamy tomato sauce in 20 minutes. A fast, hearty meal when you want something simple and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner
Chicken Miso Soup
Chicken miso soup blends chicken broth and miso into a nourishing meal. A quick, light dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Miso Soup
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips-Quick and Easy
Air fryer chicken breast strips cook in 20 minutes for a juicy, simple meal. A fast and easy way to have something wholesome and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips-Quick and Easy
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef
Air fryer Mongolian beef has sweet-savory flavors and cooks in just 20 minutes. Great for nights when you want a quick restaurant-style dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef
Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans
Skillet chicken thighs with bacon and green beans are ready in 20 minutes. A one-pan dinner that’s easy to cook and clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans
Creamy Garlic Brussels Sprout Soup
Creamy Brussels sprout soup blends quickly for a hearty meal in minutes. A fast, nourishing option for evenings when you want something simple.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Brussels Sprout Soup
Avocado Bone Broth Soup
Hot avocado soup mixes broth, turmeric, and shiitake mushrooms in 20 minutes. A soothing, quick option for nights when you need a wholesome pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Bone Broth Soup
Ninja Foodi Beef Stew
Ninja Foodi beef stew brings together classic flavors in just 20 minutes. A hearty, comforting meal when you need something filling in no time.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Foodi Beef Stew
Leave a Reply