38 No-Stress Recipes for When You Need Dinner to Be as Easy as Possible

No stress recipes are exactly what you need when dinner has to be quick and easy. Long days don’t leave much energy for complicated meals, and nobody wants to spend forever in the kitchen. These recipes keep things simple, with easy steps and minimal prep, so you can get dinner on the table without the hassle. Whether you’re short on time or just don’t feel like dealing with a pile of dishes, these are great for making life easier.

Steak Cubes Crock Pot. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Sesame Tofu

Crispy sesame tofu is cooked with caramelized veggies and a rich, nutty sauce. A quick, no-stress meal that’s great for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu

Chana Masala

This chana masala is a one-pot chickpea curry that’s ready in 30 minutes. A simple, beginner-friendly dish that keeps dinner easy.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala

An overhead image of aloo gobi in a white plate. — Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Aloo gobi is a quick Indian dish with cauliflower and potatoes made in one pan. With less than 15 minutes of prep, it’s a great go-to recipe.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Zucchini Soup

Zucchini soup is a 30-minute meal that’s easy to prepare. A simple choice when you need something quick and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Soup

Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari

An overhead view of kitchari in a pot above a wooden board. — Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This one-pot kitchari is a mix of rice and lentils, ready in 45 minutes. A no-stress option for a warm and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari

Easy Mushroom Wellington

An overhead image of mushroom wellington in a serving plate. — Easy Mushroom Wellington. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan mushroom Wellington wraps flaky pastry around savory mushrooms and herbs. A straightforward way to make a classic dish plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington

Pasta Fresca

Pasta fresca is a quick dish made with fresh ingredients. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s great for nights when you need dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

Spicy Soba Noodles

Spicy soba noodles come together fast with nutty noodles, crisp veggies, and a bold sauce. A simple, no-fuss dinner with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles

Vegan Bolognese

An image of bolognese in a bowl with basil on top. — Vegan Bolognese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan bolognese is made with lentils, mushrooms, and tomato sauce. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy dinner for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese

Steak Cubes Crock Pot

Tender beef cubes are slow-cooked in a rich, simple gravy. A straightforward recipe that makes dinner effortless.
Get the Recipe: Steak Cubes Crock Pot

Naan Pizza

Naan pizza is ready in 30 minutes with three easy variations—Margherita, Veggie, and Mediterranean. A simple meal with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizza

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This one-pot lemon ricotta pasta comes together in just 15 minutes. A quick, easy option for dinner or a last-minute meal for guests.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. A great choice when you need a no-stress, plant-based meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Slow cooker potato soup is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. A set-it-and-forget-it meal that makes dinner effortless.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Kung Pao Tofu

Kung Pao tofu is a colorful dish with tofu, bell peppers, and peanuts. A 30-minute meal that’s easy to throw together after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

Nigerian Fried Rice

Nigerian fried rice is packed with bold flavors and done in just 15 minutes. A simple, no-hassle recipe that works for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Paccheri al Forno

Paccheri al Forno is a baked Southern Italian pasta that’s simple yet hearty. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s great for a low-effort meal.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno

Mushroom Barley Soup

Mushroom barley soup is a one-pot meal that’s ready in under an hour. A simple and comforting choice for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Barley Soup

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

A bowl of vegan rasta pasta. — Vegan Rasta Pasta. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan rasta pasta is mildly spiced and made with fresh, simple ingredients. A 30-minute meal that keeps dinner easy.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

Buffalo chickpea wraps are packed with bold flavors and ready in just 15 minutes. A no-stress meal that’s quick and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chickpea Wrap

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Rigatoni arrabbiata is an easy pasta dish with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a low-effort way to get dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan. — Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked gouda mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and ready in 45 minutes. A simple way to enjoy homemade comfort food without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

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 is a quick 15-minute dish made with day-old rice and whatever’s in your fridge. A no-fuss meal that’s perfect for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

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 is crispy, golden, and tossed in a bold, sweet-spicy sauce. A 30-minute meal that’s easy and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Close up of zucchini and summer squash casserole in glass dish. — Squash and Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Squash and zucchini casserole is cheesy, hearty, and ready in 30 minutes. A simple and reliable option for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Green Rice Casserole

Green rice casserole is full of flavor and ready in under 35 minutes. A no-effort meal that’s great for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side. — 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole is a three-ingredient dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. A low-effort meal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Broccoli pesto pasta with roasted broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and lemon zest is ready in 30 minutes. A hassle-free meal with fresh flavors.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate. — Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetable lasagna layers pasta, ricotta, and roasted vegetables for a meatless meal. A simple way to enjoy a veggie-packed dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Beans and Cornbread

This dish is classic Southern comfort food with rich, familiar flavors. Easy to make and customizable, it’s a no-hassle option for cold days.
Get the Recipe: Beans and Cornbread

Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of microwave mac and cheese in a bowl with a spoon. — Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Microwave mac and cheese is a fast, creamy meal made in minutes. A no-stress way to curb cravings without any effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

Easy Cabbage Curry

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

This one-pot cabbage curry is ready in just 25 minutes. A quick, effortless meal that’s packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cabbage Curry

Mushroom Ragù

An image of mushroom ragu in a white bowl with a garnish of basil on top. — Mushroom Ragù. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom ragù is a hearty meal that works over pasta, rice, or polenta. A simple recipe that makes dinner easy.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragù

Penne Pomodoro

Penne Pomodoro is a quick, budget-friendly pasta made with fresh ingredients. With just a few steps, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and done in 20 minutes. A quick, comforting meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza. — Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Homemade Margherita pizza is fresh, fast, and ready in 20 minutes. A simple way to enjoy a classic without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Chicken and queso rice bake is cheesy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. A simple option for a no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Queso Rice Bake

Best Blackstone Chicken Breast

Blackstone Chicken Breast with green beans on a white plate with a fork. — Best Blackstone Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Blackstone chicken breasts are packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight meal. A simple way to cook juicy chicken without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Best Blackstone Chicken Breast