
Some nights, you want a homemade dinner without spending an hour chopping, stirring, and cleaning. These lazy dinners use simple ingredients and smart shortcuts to create filling meals that still taste like you made an effort.
Lazy dinners are quick, satisfying meals made with convenient ingredients such as pasta, rotisserie chicken, canned beans, frozen vegetables, tortillas, and jarred sauces. Most of these easy dinner ideas require one pan, minimal preparation, and less than 30 minutes of active cooking.
Table of Contents
1. Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta

Creamy garlic butter pasta is the kind of dinner that feels comforting and complete even though it comes together with basic pantry ingredients. Butter, garlic, pasta water, and Parmesan create a silky sauce without requiring heavy cream.
Add leftover chicken, frozen peas, spinach, or broccoli when you want to turn it into a more substantial meal. For more easy ways to make pasta satisfying, explore these high-protein pasta recipes for busy nights.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ¾ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional
- 1 cup cooked chicken or frozen peas, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about ¾ cup of the pasta water.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Do not let it brown.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time while tossing until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Stir in cooked chicken, peas, or spinach when using.
- Taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve immediately.
Lazy Dinner Tip
Use pre-grated Parmesan and frozen vegetables to reduce preparation time. Add the frozen vegetables to the pasta water during the final two minutes of cooking.
2. Best Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables

Sheet pan sausage and vegetables deliver everything you want from a weeknight dinner: savory protein, caramelized vegetables, crispy potatoes, and almost no cleanup.
Smoked sausage is already cooked, so the main goal is simply to roast everything until golden. This meal is flexible enough to use whatever vegetables are waiting in your refrigerator.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Place the potatoes on the baking sheet. Toss them with half of the olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Roast the potatoes for 10 minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Add the sausage, broccoli, bell pepper, and onion to the pan.
- Drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over everything.
- Toss until the sausage and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Roast for another 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Serve when the potatoes are tender and the edges of the vegetables are browned.
Lazy Dinner Tip
Buy pre-cut vegetables or use a frozen roasting blend. Keep the pieces similar in size so they finish cooking at roughly the same time.
3. Quick Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

Rotisserie chicken tacos are one of the smartest lazy dinners because most of the work has already been done. You only need to warm the chicken, season it, and arrange your favorite toppings.
These tacos are also an easy way to use leftover chicken before it dries out. For another convenient option, browse these simple canned chicken recipes.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- ¼ cup water or chicken broth
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, optional
- Lime wedges, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and water.
- Stir and cook for three to four minutes, until the chicken is hot and evenly seasoned.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven.
- Divide the chicken among the tortillas.
- Add lettuce, cheese, salsa, tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime and serve.
Lazy Dinner Tip
Set the toppings on the table and let everyone build their own tacos. This saves assembly time and makes the meal easier for families with different preferences.
4. Best One-Pot Beef and Rice Skillet

This one-pot beef and rice skillet tastes like a cozy casserole without requiring a separate baking dish. Ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese cook together in one pan, creating a hearty dinner with very little cleanup.
When ground beef is on sale, cook extra and freeze it in meal-size portions. You can also find more ideas in this collection of cheap ground beef dinners.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 to 5
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes, about 14.5 ounces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley or green onions, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and onion.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease when necessary.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the cheese over the top.
- Cover for another two minutes so the cheese can melt.
- Garnish and serve.
Lazy Dinner Tip
A frozen onion-and-pepper blend can replace the fresh onion. Stir in frozen corn during the final five minutes for extra color and texture.
5. Perfect Loaded Baked Potatoes

A loaded baked potato can absolutely count as dinner when you fill it with cheese, vegetables, beans, chili, or leftover meat. The potato provides a warm, fluffy base, while the toppings make it feel substantial.
Microwaving the potatoes instead of baking them for an hour makes this one of the easiest lazy meals on the list.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon, optional
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup warmed chili or black beans, optional
- Black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes and dry them thoroughly.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
- Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave for five minutes.
- Turn the potatoes over and microwave for another four to six minutes, depending on their size.
- Carefully test the center with a fork. Continue microwaving in one-minute intervals until tender.
- Let the potatoes rest for two minutes.
- Slice each potato lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork.
- Add cheese first so it begins to melt.
- Finish with sour cream, bacon, broccoli, green onions, chili, or beans.
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Lazy Dinner Tip
Create a baked potato bar with several small bowls of toppings. Leftover taco meat, pulled chicken, steamed vegetables, and canned beans all work well.
6. Easy Breakfast for Dinner

Breakfast for dinner is fast, familiar, and easy to customize. Scrambled eggs provide an affordable source of protein, while toast, fruit, potatoes, or sausage make the plate feel complete.
The key is to keep the menu simple. You do not need pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, and potatoes all at once. Choose one protein, one carbohydrate, and an easy fruit or vegetable.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup shredded cheese, optional
- 8 slices bread
- 8 breakfast sausage links or frozen hash brown patties
- Fresh fruit for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the sausage or hash browns according to the package directions.
- Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl.
- Add the milk, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined.
- Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Pour in the egg mixture.
- Allow the eggs to sit for several seconds before gently moving them across the pan with a spatula.
- Continue folding until the eggs are softly set.
- Sprinkle cheese over the eggs, when using, and remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve with toast, sausage or hash browns, and fruit.
Lazy Dinner Tip
Frozen breakfast potatoes, fully cooked sausage, and pre-cut fruit turn this into a nearly effortless 15-minute meal.
7. Irresistible Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are crispy outside, melty inside, and ready in minutes. They are ideal for leftover rotisserie chicken because cheese and salsa bring moisture and flavor back to the meat.
Black beans, corn, spinach, and diced peppers can all be added without making the recipe complicated.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup drained black beans, optional
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- Sour cream for serving
- Guacamole for serving
- Additional salsa for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken in a bowl and stir it with the salsa.
- Lay the tortillas on a clean work surface.
- Sprinkle cheese over one half of each tortilla.
- Add the chicken and black beans.
- Top with a little more cheese.
- Fold the empty half of each tortilla over the filling.
- Heat a thin layer of butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook one or two quesadillas at a time for two to three minutes per side.
- Remove them when the tortillas are golden and the cheese has melted.
- Let them rest for one minute before slicing.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Lazy Dinner Tip
Do not overfill the tortillas. A thinner layer of filling makes the quesadillas easier to flip and helps the cheese melt evenly.
8. Quick Leftover Fried Rice

Fried rice turns yesterday’s rice into a completely new meal. Frozen vegetables eliminate most of the chopping, while eggs provide an easy source of protein.
Cold rice works better than freshly cooked rice because the grains are firmer and less likely to become mushy.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 cups cold cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set.
- Transfer the eggs to a plate.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet.
- Pour in the frozen vegetables and cook for three to four minutes.
- Add the cold rice and break apart any clumps with a spatula.
- Cook for four to five minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and optional cooked protein.
- Return the eggs to the pan.
- Toss everything together until hot.
- Add the green onions and serve.
For a meatless version with even more texture and protein, try this easy tofu fried rice.
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Lazy Dinner Tip
Freeze leftover rice in flat storage bags. It thaws quickly and gives you the ideal base for fried rice whenever you need a fast meal.
9. Delicious Pesto Tortellini

Pesto tortellini tastes impressive but requires almost no cooking skill. Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks in just a few minutes, and prepared pesto provides garlic, herbs, cheese, and oil in one spoonful.
Cherry tomatoes and spinach make the dish feel fresh without adding much preparation.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- ½ cup prepared basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water
- Black pepper to taste
- Cooked chicken, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the tortellini according to the package directions.
- Reserve two tablespoons of the cooking water.
- Drain the tortellini and return it to the warm pot.
- Add the pesto and reserved water.
- Stir gently until the tortellini is evenly coated.
- Fold in the spinach and cherry tomatoes.
- Allow the residual heat to soften the spinach.
- Add chicken when using.
- Finish with Parmesan and black pepper.
Lazy Dinner Tip
Prepared pesto can be salty, so taste the dish before adding extra salt. A squeeze of lemon can brighten the sauce when it tastes too rich.
10. Ultimate Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic lazy dinner because it is warm, comforting, and made from ingredients many people already keep at home.
Using two kinds of cheese gives the sandwich better flavor, while a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside helps the bread brown evenly.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 slices sandwich bread or sourdough
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices mozzarella, provolone, or American cheese
- 3 tablespoons softened butter or mayonnaise
- 1 can condensed tomato soup
- Milk or water according to the soup instructions
- Black pepper
- Dried basil or Italian seasoning, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the tomato soup in a saucepan according to the package directions.
- Add black pepper and dried basil, when desired.
- Spread butter or mayonnaise over one side of each bread slice.
- Place four slices buttered-side down on a clean surface.
- Add two slices of cheese to each sandwich.
- Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread, keeping the buttered sides outside.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook the sandwiches for three to four minutes per side.
- Press gently with a spatula and reduce the heat if the bread browns before the cheese melts.
- Slice the sandwiches and serve with the hot soup.
Lazy Dinner Tip
Cover the skillet for about one minute while cooking each side. The trapped heat helps the cheese melt without burning the bread.
11. Easy BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

BBQ chicken flatbread pizza gives you the flavor of homemade pizza without making dough. Naan, pita, or prepared flatbread creates a sturdy base that becomes crisp around the edges in the oven.
Sweet barbecue sauce, smoky chicken, red onion, and melted cheese make this meal feel much more exciting than the small amount of effort suggests.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 naan breads or individual flatbreads
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup canned pineapple tidbits, drained, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Arrange the flatbreads on a large baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce over each flatbread.
- Toss the chicken with two tablespoons of additional barbecue sauce.
- Divide the chicken among the flatbreads.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over the top.
- Add the sliced red onion and pineapple, when using.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the pizzas when the cheese is bubbling and the edges are crisp.
- Add cilantro, slice, and serve.
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Lazy Dinner Tip
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper so melted cheese and barbecue sauce do not stick to the pan.
12. Comforting Easy Chili Mac

Chili mac combines two comforting dinners in one bowl. Using canned chili makes the recipe especially fast, but you can also use leftover homemade chili.
The pasta stretches the chili into more servings, while melted cheese gives the dish a creamy, satisfying finish.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cans prepared chili, about 15 ounces each
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk, optional
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Sliced green onions, optional
- Sour cream, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add the canned chili, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Stir over medium-low heat until everything is hot.
- Add the milk when you prefer a looser, creamier consistency.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
- Divide the chili mac among bowls.
- Top with the remaining cheese, green onions, or sour cream.
Lazy Dinner Tip
Add frozen corn or drained black beans to make the meal go further. Both can be stirred directly into the pot with the chili.
13. Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls

Teriyaki chicken rice bowls are perfect when you are craving takeout but want something faster and more affordable at home.
Pre-cooked chicken, microwave rice, frozen broccoli, and bottled teriyaki sauce reduce the active cooking time to just a few minutes.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- ¾ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sriracha or chili sauce, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the rice according to the package instructions.
- Steam the broccoli until bright green and tender.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cooked chicken and cook until warmed through.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce.
- Stir until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce is bubbling.
- Divide the rice among four bowls.
- Add the steamed broccoli and teriyaki chicken.
- Spoon additional sauce over the bowls.
- Finish with sesame seeds, green onions, or chili sauce.
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Lazy Dinner Tip
Use frozen grilled chicken strips and steam-in-bag broccoli. Microwave rice pouches also make this dinner possible without cooking a full pot of rice.
14. Simple Ravioli with Marinara

Refrigerated ravioli is one of the most useful convenience foods for lazy dinners. It cooks quickly, contains its own filling, and only needs sauce and cheese to become a complete meal.
A handful of spinach can be stirred into the warm sauce for an easy vegetable, while frozen meatballs can make the dish even heartier.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese ravioli
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups baby spinach, optional
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup frozen cooked meatballs, optional
- Fresh basil, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
- Warm the marinara sauce in a separate saucepan.
- Add the Italian seasoning and frozen meatballs, when using.
- Simmer until the sauce and meatballs are hot.
- Cook the ravioli according to the package directions.
- Drain carefully so the ravioli does not tear.
- Stir the spinach into the warm marinara until slightly wilted.
- Spoon the sauce over the ravioli.
- Top with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Lazy Dinner Tip
Ravioli can break when boiled too aggressively. Keep the water at a gentle boil and lift the pasta out with a slotted spoon.
15. Healthy Black Bean Burrito Bowls

Black bean burrito bowls are colorful, filling, affordable, and easy to adjust using whatever toppings you have. Because the ingredients are assembled rather than cooked from scratch, dinner can be ready in about 15 minutes.
Beans provide plant-based protein and fiber, while rice, corn, salsa, cheese, and avocado make the bowls satisfying enough for a full meal. For more affordable meatless options, see these cheap vegetarian meal-prep ideas.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 lime
- Chopped cilantro, optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Warm the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Place the black beans in a small saucepan.
- Add the cumin, garlic powder, and two tablespoons of water.
- Heat the beans over medium-low heat until warm.
- Heat the corn separately or stir it into the beans.
- Divide the rice among four bowls.
- Add the seasoned black beans and corn.
- Top each bowl with salsa, cheese, avocado, and sour cream.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Lazy Dinner Tip
Use frozen rice, canned corn, and prepared pico de gallo. To make the bowls suitable for meal prep, store the avocado and sour cream separately until serving.
Best Tips for Making Lazy Dinners Even Easier
A lazy dinner should reduce both cooking time and mental effort. Keep a small collection of flexible ingredients that can become several different meals.
Useful staples include:
- Cooked or frozen rice
- Pasta and refrigerated tortellini
- Canned beans
- Frozen vegetables
- Shredded cheese
- Tortillas and flatbreads
- Jarred pesto, marinara, and teriyaki sauce
- Rotisserie or canned chicken
- Eggs
- Smoked sausage
- Frozen meatballs
When you need an even faster option, these 10-minute dinner recipes offer more ideas for evenings when cooking energy is especially low.
Easy Ways to Make These Meals Feel Complete
The simplest formula for a satisfying lazy dinner is:
- Choose a protein, such as chicken, eggs, beans, beef, tofu, or sausage.
- Add a filling carbohydrate, such as rice, pasta, bread, tortillas, or potatoes.
- Include a vegetable or fruit, even if it comes from the freezer.
- Finish with a flavorful sauce, cheese, herbs, or seasoning.
This formula allows you to make a balanced meal without following a complicated recipe. It also makes substitutions easier when you are missing an ingredient.
Perfect Storage and Meal-Prep Tips
Most of these lazy dinners can be prepared ahead or saved for lunch the next day.
- Refrigerate cooked meals promptly in airtight containers.
- Store sauces separately when possible to protect texture.
- Keep fresh toppings such as avocado, herbs, and sour cream separate.
- Reheat rice dishes with a small splash of water.
- Reheat quesadillas and flatbread pizza in a skillet or air fryer so they stay crisp.
- Freeze cooked beef, chicken, rice, and chili in meal-size portions.
For meals designed specifically for the freezer, visit this collection of easy freezer meal recipes.
Conclusion
These lazy dinners prove that a real meal does not have to involve complicated techniques, expensive ingredients, or a sink full of dishes. From creamy pasta and crispy quesadillas to filling rice bowls and loaded baked potatoes, every idea offers maximum comfort with minimal effort.
Save this list for your busiest evenings, choose one recipe to try this week, and keep a few shortcut ingredients on hand for the next night when cooking feels like too much work.