20 Effortless Meals for When You Just Can’t Even
We’ve all been there you get home exhausted, and the thought of cooking feels like too much. But before you reach for that pricey takeout, Reddit has your back. When someone asked, “What’s your go-to meal for a ‘too tired to cook’ night?” users shared their best effortless yet satisfying ideas.
Some nights, cooking just isn’t in the cards, and that’s okay. Whether it’s eggs, toast, or a snack plate, Reddit proves that lazy dinners don’t have to be dull. What’s your favorite go-to meal when you’re too tired to cook?
#1
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That sounds like the perfect mix of effort and ease fancy when you’ve got the energy, straight-up survival mode when you don’t. The jazzed-up ramen sounds especially clutch, with that garlic oil and soft-boiled egg adding just the right amount of flair. And honestly, tuna over the sink with Cajun seasoning and wine? That’s a vibe.
Do you have a go-to drink pairing for your ramen nights, or is it just whatever feels right in the moment.
#2
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Now that’s a next-level lazy meal. Having caramelized onions ready to go is a pro move that alone takes it from “quick bite” to “damn, this is good.” Panini press makes it even easier, too. What kind of cheese are you throwing on there? Classic American, sharp cheddar, something fancy.
#3
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A true classic. Simple, comforting, and always hits the spot. You go straight butter and salt, or do you doctor it up with garlic, parmesan, or maybe a little red pepper.
#4
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Those are solid go-to’s fresh, filling, and super adaptable. The “Everything in the Fridge” salad is genius for cleaning out leftovers without it feeling like a random pile of food. Do you have a favorite dressing you throw on, or is it just whatever fits the mood.
That microwave baked potato combo is also top-tier lazy meal efficiency. Do you ever add cheese or sour cream, or just keep it simple with the beans and salsa.
#5
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Both are elite comfort meals! Naan as the base for avocado toast is a power move soft, chewy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Do you top it with anything extra, like chili flakes or a drizzle of olive oil.
And grilled cheese with tomato soup? Classic perfection. Are you more of a straight-up cheddar person, or do you mix cheeses for the ultimate melt.
#6
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Microwave a hot pocket (bacon egg and cheese) for 2 minutes. Go sit on the couch. Forget about the hot pocket in the microwave. Go to bed hungry 4 hours later. Wake up. Open the microwave to heat up yesterday’s coffee. See hot pocket. Scoot it over and put coffee next to it. Heat both up. Cry. Go to work.
#7
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Simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Are you a soft tortilla or crunchy shell person? And do you lean more toward classic ground beef, or do you switch it up with whatever you have on hand.
#8
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Smart move keeping it cool in the kitchen is key when the temps rise. Those pork bowls sound interesting what do you usually throw in them.
#9
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No shame in the frozen food game! Sometimes, you just need something effortless and satisfying. Do you doctor up the frozen pizza with extra toppings, or is it straight from the box to the oven.
#10
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Cereal for dinner is a classic lazy meal zero effort, maximum satisfaction. Honeycombs are a solid choice! Do you ever switch it up, or is that the undisputed champion of lazy night cereals.
#11
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Aglio e olio is a lazy meal masterpiece so simple yet so flavorful. Do you stick to the classic garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, or do you ever throw in extras like parmesan, anchovies, or breadcrumbs.
#12
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That’s peak efficiency dinner basically makes itself while you reset from the day. Do you have a go-to frozen pizza brand, or is it just whatever’s in the freezer.
#13
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That’s a solid low-effort, high-reward meal. Crispy tater tots take it to the next level! Do you keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or do you add hot sauce, cheese, or anything fancy.
#14
That’s a solid lineup of easy and comforting meals! Having homemade pasta sauce in the freezer is such a smart move do you have a go-to recipe, or do you switch it up depending on what you have.
#15
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Pita pizza pita bread, tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella. Bake til crispy like a thin crust pizza.
#16
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That’s a quick and surprisingly balanced meal warm, hearty ramen with a little crunch from the romaine. Do you season it up beyond the packet, or just let the broth do its thing.
#17
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Costco has like a 5 lbs. bag of gyoza that take like 10 minutes to make and very little effort. Eat with a side salad, EZ meal.
edit: here’s my not so secret anymore dipping sauce recipe, a couple bits of bacon microwaved for 10 seconds, combined with dark soy sauce, normal soy sauce, hot sauce, and a couple drops of rice wine vinegar. It’s very meaty and savory.
#18
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A classic for a reason—easy, filling, and makes enough for leftovers. Do you keep it simple, or do you add spices, hot sauce, or anything extra to mix it up.
#19
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Sometimes, you just need dinner to be as easy as boiling water and opening a jar. Do you ever doctor up the sauce with extras like garlic, cheese, or chili flakes, or is it straight from the jar to the pasta.
#20
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That’s a smart strategy future-you is always grateful for the effort. What are some of your go-to meals to freeze.
