5 Minimal Effort Meals for Those Who Can't Cook

Can't cook? Don't cook? No energy to cook? No problem! You can still make easy meals with almost zero effort so you aren't relying on take-out every night (pair them with grocery delivery and you are really set for maximum minimal effort dining). Even better, most of these suggestions can easily be tailored to dietary needs or preferences, and they may even inspire your own list of go-to, low effort meal ideas!

5 Minimal Effort Meals for Those Who Can't Cook

Minimal Effort Meal #1 - Classic Protein & 2 Sides

(This is literally my stand by in some form at least 3 nights a week because it's so easy.)

Pair a canned or frozen veggie of choice with instant potatoes, rice side, or quinoa. For your protein, hit up the deli section for precooked pork loin, chicken, meatloaf. Don't eat meat? There are usually some good heat and eat plant-based options in the produce section of most stores.

Minimal Effort Meal #2 - Chef Salad

Salad mixes are abundant at most grocery stores and come in various styles and flavors. (Is that the word? Like some are caesar and others southwestern bbq and some are just the greens. Y'all know what I mean, right????) If you aren't afraid of solve chopping, grab all the pretty veggies you like and maybe one you have never tried. If you don't chop, grab some of the chopped ones from the ready to eat section or if your store has one, from the salad bar. Grab some cheese, sandwich meat, hard boiled eggs, even some seeds and croutons. Don't forget your fav salad dressing if your salad mix doesn't have any. Additional protein suggestions are canned tuna or chicken, precooked chicken or pork, canned beans (drain, rinse well and dry before adding to your salad), mushrooms, nuts and seeds.

Minimal Effort Meal #3 - Chili

Probably one of the easiest things to make is chili. You literally open cans, dump them in together, heat until warm and eat. For the EASIEST chili known to me, get 2 14oz cans (or 1 28oz can) of chili beans and 1 14oz can of chili tomatoes. Dump them all into a pot, juices and all, stir and heat on medium low until warm. Now you can eat this as is, but I suggest a bit of fresh onion (grab the pre-diced stuff) or pico de gallo (again, premade for ease), shredded cheese, sour cream or plain greek yogurt, and maybe some hot sauce. I also am partial to having Fritos or tortilla chips with mine, but I like crunch.

Minimal Effort Meal #4 - Protein and Veggie Cold Plate

Sometimes you don't want a heavy meal or to even look at the microwave. For those times, I love food I can pick at. My go-to protein and veggie plate usually has done combo of sandwich meat or hard boiled eggs, baby carrots or celery, greek yogurt dip, and some kind of pickled pepper slices. If I'm craving something sweet, I'll have a fruit cup or applesauce. Yes, it's like I'm a child again. But guess what? I eat a lot of veggies this way. Portion out nuts, cheeses, meats, veggies, fruits, even crackers and nibble throughout the night. Feeling fancy? Have a glass of wine with it and it's like your own personal charcuterie board!

Minimal Effort Meal #5 - Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Ok, ok, ok. This requires a bit more effort and will not be for everyone who can't cook. But it looks and tastes good and takes little effort overall. You need precooked, diced chicken, frozen broccoli, a box of mac and cheese with a sauce packet (not the powered cheese, it will not work here), and shredded cheese (optional). For cooking, you need a casserole dish or baking pan, a big pot (like Grandma is making soup big), and a colander. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and boiling up enough water for the pasta, broccoli and chicken (hence the big pot). Once the water boils, add a good tablespoon of salt to it before adding your pasta. About 3 minutes after adding your pasta, add your broccoli and chicken (if using frozen). Cook until your pasta is done almost to your liking as it's going to cook a little more in the oven. Drain everything well and toss back into the hot pot. If you were using canned or refrigerated chicken, add it now. Squeeze in your cheese sauce packet and mix well. Stir in a little shredded cheese if you like it extra cheesy. Scoop everything into your casserole dish and top with a handful of shredded cheese and stick it in the oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly and a little brown in spots. The time will depend on how cheese happy you got on the top and your oven. Let cook for a couple minutes after pulling it out so when you scoop out a serving, it holds some of that classic casserole shape. You can also top it with seasoned breadcrumbs before putting in the oven, but it can brown faster, so keep an eye on it. Again, this is more work than the above meal ideas, but it's tastier than a frozen premade version from the store and usually cooks faster if using the oven. You can also skip the oven entirely, just make sure everything is fully cooked through before adding the cheese sauce.

I hope these minimal effort meal ideas help you out, whether you can't (or don't) cook or just need something different to add to your dinner routine!

Until next time, my lovelies!

-M

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