You’re going to want these recipes for the long weekend because they’re the kind of thing that makes kicking back with good food even better. These are great for slower days when you’ve got the time to actually enjoy what you’re eating, whether you're staying in or grilling out. No fancy techniques, no stress—just real, easy food that gets the job done. You don’t need much more than that.
Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
Rigatoni Arrabbiata
This rigatoni arrabbiata comes together fast with simple ingredients, making it great when you want something bold without extra work. It’s an easy win for slower long weekend nights when cooking should feel relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Penne Pomodoro
Penne Pomodoro is fast, budget-friendly, and doesn’t ask much from you—just a pot and a few pantry staples. That’s exactly what makes it worth bookmarking for the long weekend.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro
Chana Masala
This chana masala is a one-pot, 30-minute meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or ease. It’s a solid option when you want to keep things simple but still cook during the long weekend.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala
Hummus and Falafel
Creamy hummus and crispy falafel come together in under an hour for a protein-packed bowl that looks like more work than it is. It’s great when you want something filling and homemade during your extra time off.
Get the Recipe: Hummus and Falafel
Vegan Stuffed Peppers
These roasted stuffed peppers are full of quinoa, lentils, and vegetables, and they hold up well for leftovers. That makes them a smart choice for long weekend cooking you can stretch across meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Peppers
Vegetable Korma
This veggie korma uses coconut, garlic, and potatoes for a rich, hearty curry that’s easy to pull together. It’s perfect for staying in and keeping things low effort over the long weekend.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Korma
Vegan Fajitas
These quick vegan fajita wraps are built on sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions with a little spice. They’re fast, low-mess, and work well when you want to eat well without much planning.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fajitas
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese
This baked cauliflower cheese has crisp edges and a creamy sauce that holds up to any comfort food craving. It’s a great oven meal when you’ve got time to spare over the long weekend.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese
Paccheri al Forno
Paccheri al Forno is a baked pasta that feels like something special without being complicated. It’s a great pick when you’ve got an hour and want something cozy and hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno
Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ground beef pasta comes together in under 30 minutes and works with any pasta you’ve got in the pantry. It’s a fast and filling choice when you’re trying to make the most of your long weekend.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon ricotta pasta is light, creamy, and done in 15 minutes flat. It’s a great pick for when the long weekend calls for something fast but still feels like a break from the usual.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma is hearty and done in 30 minutes with eggplant, tomatoes, and basil—all pantry-friendly and easy to prep. It’s a great recipe to keep in your back pocket when you want something quick but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
Kitchari is a one-pot rice and lentil dish that’s simple, mellow, and perfect for resetting. It’s great for the long weekend if you’re looking for something comforting that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
Kung Pao Tofu
Kung Pao tofu brings crunch, color, and a bold sauce in just 30 minutes. It’s a great weeknight-style meal to make when you want something fast and fresh during your time off.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu
Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Rasta pasta is mildly spiced and ready in half an hour using ingredients you probably already have. That’s what makes it a go-to when you want something different but easy over the long weekend.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Mushroom Ragù
This mushroom ragù is hearty and built for pasta, rice, or polenta—whichever you have on hand. It’s perfect for days when you want something rich without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragù
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken cordon bleu casserole pulls together big flavor in one dish with barely any cleanup. It’s great for prepping ahead so you can enjoy your long weekend without hovering over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken Lo Mein
Chicken lo mein is fast, flexible, and uses whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s a good option for when you want something quick but still homemade.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Lo Mein
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Instant Pot chicken adobo is sweet, tangy, and done in 40 minutes with little active prep. It’s a great way to enjoy a rich dish without spending all day cooking over the long weekend.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This creamy beef and cauliflower skillet takes just 30 minutes and uses one pan for both cooking and cleanup. It’s perfect when you want dinner done fast without skipping real flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sun-dried tomato chicken is rich, creamy, and made in a single skillet—no juggling pots or pans. That makes it a smart choice when you want to enjoy dinner and still relax.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Legs
Air fryer ranch chicken legs get crispy in under 30 minutes and don’t need much attention. It’s a great option when you want something easy that still feels like a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Legs
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This broccoli cauliflower casserole is creamy, cheesy, and done in half an hour with almost no hands-on time. It’s perfect for a long weekend when you want something hearty and low effort.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Five Spice Cream Cheese Chicken
Cream cheese chicken brings bold spice and a creamy sauce together fast. It’s great when you want something a little different that still comes together without a mess.
Get the Recipe: Five Spice Cream Cheese Chicken
Chicken Fajita Casserole
Chicken fajita casserole turns fajitas into a 30-minute bake that’s almost fully hands-off. That makes it a great go-to when you want something filling but low maintenance.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fajita Casserole
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
This ground beef and cabbage skillet is done in 30 minutes with bold flavor and no extra steps. It’s great for stretching ingredients and getting dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken
Honey garlic sriracha chicken cooks in one skillet and balances sweet and spicy in every bite. It’s perfect when you want something bold and easy during a slower day.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Sriracha Skillet Chicken
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