You’re way more likely to cook at home if you’ve got the right recipes on hand—the ones you actually want to make after a long day. These are the recipes that don’t ask too much but still make you feel like you’ve got it together. They’re clear, doable, and don’t leave you staring into the fridge with no plan. Once you’ve got a few of these in your back pocket, cooking stops feeling like a chore and starts becoming part of your routine.
Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Korean Tofu Soup
Soft tofu, gochugaru, and a rich mushroom-kombu broth come together fast for a bold, satisfying soup. It's one to keep in your rotation for quick, cozy meals that make cooking feel easy.
Get the Recipe: Korean Tofu Soup
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Hearty and easy to prep, this slow cooker vegetarian chili is perfect for weeknights or batch cooking. It’s a solid pick that helps you stick to cooking more without much planning.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian Enchiladas
These vegetarian enchiladas are packed with flavor and covered in a red sauce that comes together quickly. They’re a great go-to when you want comfort without putting in a ton of effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Enchiladas
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
This creamy mushroom pasta is garlicky, easy, and done in 30 minutes. It's a weeknight win that makes cooking at home something you’ll actually look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)
Stuffed shells with ricotta, marinara, and melty cheese are baked to perfection. It’s an easy comfort meal that makes weeknight cooking feel worth it.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells (with Ricotta)
Mushroom Barley Soup
Mushroom barley soup is filling and made with simple ingredients in under an hour. It’s one of those recipes that makes cooking more often feel doable.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Barley Soup
Salt and Pepper Tofu
Crispy and spicy, this salt and pepper tofu is ready in just 20 minutes. It's perfect when you want something bold and quick that fits into your weeknight routine.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Tofu
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
Instant Pot tortellini soup is packed with pasta and vegetables and takes only half an hour. It's a great one to keep around for simple, feel-good meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Tofu lettuce wraps come together fast with crunchy veggies and bold flavor. They're a strong choice when you want a quick lunch that keeps you cooking at home.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
This vegan Caesar salad is made with Brussels sprouts, chickpeas, and a creamy dressing. It’s easy to throw together and makes sticking with home-cooked meals feel effortless.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Cauliflower Nuggets
These cauliflower nuggets bake, fry, or air-fry in minutes and come out crispy. They're a handy pick for quick snacks or sides that keep you from skipping cooking altogether.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Nuggets
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Stuffed spaghetti squash with veggies and cheese works as a full meal without much effort. It’s one of those go-tos that makes getting dinner on the table less of a chore.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry
This frozen veggie stir fry with tofu is fast, flexible, and built on pantry staples. It’s a smart choice for weeknights when you want to cook without starting from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Vegetable Stir Fry
Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
These tacos use spiced black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and lime crema for a quick dinner. It’s a weeknight option that’s easy to repeat without getting old.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala
Slow cooker tikka masala is rich, creamy, and made with bold spices. It’s a hands-off dinner that keeps cooking simple and consistent.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala
Tomato Puff Pastry Tart
This tomato puff pastry tart has creamy ricotta and caramelized tomatoes on a flaky crust. It’s great when you want a light meal or appetizer that’s easy but still feels put together.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Puff Pastry Tart
Slow Cooker Cabbage
This slow cooker cabbage is tender, garlicky, and packed with flavor. It's a simple side dish that helps you stick with cooking more during busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cabbage
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Creamy cottage cheese alfredo comes together in just 15 minutes for a fast pasta dinner. It’s great when you want comfort food without spending much time.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Baingan Bharta
Baingan Bharta uses roasted eggplant and pantry spices for a flavorful dish in under 30 minutes. It's a smart choice that helps you keep cooking without burnout.
Get the Recipe: Baingan Bharta
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is smooth, filling, and ready in about 35 minutes. It’s great for meal prep when you want something simple that still feels like a real dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon makes a one-pan dinner that’s easy to scale. It’s a practical pick when you want something filling but not complicated.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Easy Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is creamy, comforting, and easier than it sounds. It’s one of those meals that makes you more likely to cook when you're tempted to skip it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Risotto
Creamy Mushroom Soup
Made with fresh mushrooms and caramelized onions, this soup is simple and comforting. It's a great choice for meal prep that doesn't feel repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Soup
The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew
This vegetarian stew is thick, hearty, and doesn't take much effort. It's one to keep around for cold days when you still want to cook but keep things simple.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew
Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Verde
Slow cooker chicken verde with potatoes is flavorful and easy to make. It’s a solid dinner that comes together without much hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Verde
Hearty Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin chili uses a slow cooker to bring out bold flavor with minimal effort. It's a solid fall meal that helps you stay consistent in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin Chili
Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew
This mushroom lentil stew is rich, hearty, and all made in one pot. It’s perfect for make-ahead meals that help you stay on track with home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Steak and broccoli stir-fry takes just 20 minutes and is packed with flavor. It’s a great pick when you want to prep ahead without spending hours.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Gluten-Free Vegetarian Butternut Squash Lasagna
Butternut squash lasagna bakes up into a full meal that holds up all week. It’s a strong option for prep days when you want something easy to reheat and eat.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Vegetarian Butternut Squash Lasagna
Leave a Reply