You’re Skipping Too Many Steps—Make These 19 Meals Instead

If you’re skipping too many steps in the kitchen, it’s time to make these meals that actually come together without cutting corners. They’re straightforward, don’t require a bunch of extra moves, and still leave you with something great to eat. Forget rushing through cooking just to get food on the table—these recipes get it right by keeping things simple but solid.

An overhead image of cottage cheese alfredo in a bowl.

Cottage Cheese Alfredo. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cauliflower Nuggets

Crispy cauliflower nuggets have a golden breadcrumb crust and can be baked, fried, or air-fried. They’re a simple snack that gets you crunchy results without a long process.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets

Spicy Soba Noodles

These spicy soba noodles combine nutty noodles, crisp veggies, and a fiery sauce. They come together fast, making them a smart choice when you want bold flavor without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles

Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Horizontal image of fried rice in a white bowl with brown chopsticks on the side. — Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fried rice uses day-old rice and whatever’s in your fridge to get dinner done fast. It’s ready in 15 minutes, making it a perfect option when you want a quick, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Mango Avocado Salad

An overhead image of avocado salad in a serving bowl. — Mango Avocado Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mango avocado salad with lemony vinaigrette is fresh and easy to put together. It’s a bright, quick dish that works well when you don’t want to spend much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Pineapple Fried Rice

Pineapple fried rice combines crispy rice, sweet pineapple, and savory tofu all roasted on one pan. This recipe keeps cleanup easy and gets dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice

Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Close up of cacio e pepe in white bowl with fork and spoon. — Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A classic three-ingredient bucatini cacio e pepe, this recipe is simple and authentic. It’s a reliable go-to when you want a quick, straightforward pasta dish without extras.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Pizza Sliders

An image of a hand picking up one pizza slider from the baking pan. — Pizza Sliders. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cheesy pizza sliders packed with veggies come together fast and require minimal effort. They’re a quick way to satisfy pizza cravings without complicated prep.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Sliders

Korean Tofu Soup

Spicy Korean tofu soup uses soft tofu and a rich mushroom-kombu broth for a bold meal. It’s a comforting, quick dish that skips the long wait without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Korean Tofu Soup

Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Creamy cottage cheese alfredo sauce is ready in 15 minutes and lighter than the classic version. This sauce works well for a fast, simple dinner that doesn’t skip on taste.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Alfredo

Easy Cabbage Curry

An overhead image of cooked cabbage curry in a round plate. — Easy Cabbage Curry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan cabbage curry is done in 25 minutes and made in one pot. It’s a straightforward, healthy dinner that saves time and dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

An overhead image of gochujang tofu rice bowl with chopsticks on the side. — Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gochujang tofu gets crisp with a sweet, spicy sauce and is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a solid, no-fuss choice when you want quick vegan protein on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

Kung Pao Tofu

Kung Pao tofu combines bell peppers, tofu, peanuts, and a bold sauce in 30 minutes. It’s colorful and crunchy without extra steps, perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot tortellini soup is packed with veggies and cheese tortellini. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a comforting meal that doesn’t demand much prep.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Sesame Tofu

Crispy sesame tofu with caramelized veggies and nutty sauce comes together quickly. It’s a flavorful weeknight dinner that cuts down on complicated cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu

Salt and Pepper Tofu

Salt and pepper tofu is crispy and spicy, ready in just 20 minutes. This high-protein dish brings bold flavor fast, making it great for quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Tofu

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

An overhead image of cooked rasta pasta on a serving bowl. — Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan rasta pasta is mildly spiced and made with simple, fresh ingredients. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a quick, straightforward dish for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish. — Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy sun dried tomato pasta is a one-pot dish with garlic, ricotta, and parmesan. It’s ready in 30 minutes and keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom stroganoff is creamy and savory, coming together in just 30 minutes. It’s a comforting meal that works well when you want something quick and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma features rich tomato sauce, sautéed eggplant, and fresh basil. This classic Italian meal is ready in 30 minutes and skips the extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma