26 "Lazy Meals" People Swear By When They Simply Can't Be Bothered To Cook
These reader-approved “lazy meals” come together faster than you can scroll through a delivery app.
Some nights, the stove looks like a stranger, and the fridge is just a light you stare at. When that “absolutely not cooking” mood hits, these are the quick fixes our community reaches for — meals built from freezer MVPs, one-pan miracles, and the kind of flavor shortcuts that make clean-up the hardest step.
Here are the "lazy meals" folks shared over on Instagram.
1. "White rice seasoned with chilli oil and soy sauce, with a couple of eggs fried in butter on top."
2. "Air-fried salmon, sliced avocado, cream cheese, leftover rice (if there's any), and seaweed sheets. Cook your salmon while slicing avocado, cream cheese, heating rice, and making a drink."
—ashyyyyya, Instagram
3. "BBQ meatballs: one bag of frozen meatballs, grape jelly, BBQ sauce (the whole bottle), a cup of water or broth if I have it, garlic, and chili garlic paste. Ignore it in the Crockpot for an hour or two, then top with sesame seeds and green onion if you're feeling fancy. Serve with rice."
4. "Boil frozen wontons, add Lao Gan Ma Chili Oil (straight from fridge), soy sauce, and garlic powder. No cutting, no frying."
—sashimieee, Instagram
5. "A can of chili with cheese on top, fruit, and chocolate milk. All bases covered."
6. "My take on spam and rice. I’ll use mini hot dogs instead with egg, avocado, and carrots."
—inthekitchenwithbree, Instagram
7. "Marinated tofu cubes with the Momofuku noodles or Stovetop popcorn with olive oil and pink salt."
8. "Spicy nuggets with mac 'n' cheese. If I have any, I’ll throw in plain yogurt for extra protein."
—kaysiebu_gs, Instagram
9. "Ramen. Throw an egg in there for protein and some green onions (extra if you’re an onion freak like me) for some razzle dazzle, and you'll have yourself a whole ass meal. Oh, and you can’t forget some chili crunch oil."
10. "Air fryer bean burrito and single guac pack. Sour cream, cheese, and queso fresco or cojita on top, if I have them."
—sarahdeboyce, Instagram
11. "Lazy Hamburger Helper. Brown some ground beef and put it in mac 'n' cheese with extra cheese. Add peas on the side. My family loves it."
12. "Impossible nuggets tossed in buffalo sauce on a bun with pickles and a side of tater tots."
—_seemingly_ranch_, Instagram
13. "Poor man's egg drop soup: just chicken broth and whisked eggs. Might throw some noodles, green onions, or soy sauce in."
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14. "Occasionally, rotisserie chicken from the market and freshly grilled asparagus. I just discovered this meal. My go-to used to be chicken teriyaki and white rice."
—shyannefineart, Instagram
15. "Molletes. Go down to Mi Tienda, get 10 mini bolillos for $1, Isadora refried beans, and Asadero cheese. Cut the bolillo in half lengthwise, spread some beans, slice some cheese, and place it on top. Throw that in the air fryer until the cheese is melted and slightly crispy. Eat with like a whole avocado and you're GOLDEN."
16. "Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mixed in with cottage cheese and dip whatever chip or cracker I have in it."
—tawwri, Instagram
17. "Egg anything: sandwich, scrambled, boiled, omelette, etc."
18. "Airfry salmon with jarred minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper, then pair it with microwaved rice."
—_selah.praise, Instagram
19. "Spam marinated (can be hours ahead or 10 minutes) in soy, garlic, ginger, honey, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, or anything like that I have on hand. Serve with rice, a fried egg, and Sriracha on top."
20. "Lazy enchiladas: a box of frozen taquitos and a can of enchilada sauce. Top with cheese and bake in the oven."
—bianconelori, Instagram
21. "Party pies, chips, and a cucumber! Freezer food stash is a must if you have kids!"
22. "Instant rice, crack a raw egg in, season with soy sauce and sesame oil, and mix. Top with kimchi and jarred bamboo shoots."
—greenlaundry, Instagram
23. "Peanut butter and banana sandwich."
24. "Sourdough baguette dipped in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sea salt. I’m lazy bougie!"
—camthetraveler76, Instagram
25. "Tortilla chips with shredded cheddar melted on top in the microwave."
26. "A giant bite of a block of Parmesan and an apple or banana."
—heykarabiery, Instagram
That’s the current lazy-night playbook — no shame, no dishes, no problem. Got a five-minute masterpiece that saves your weeknights? Tell us in the comments or drop it into the anonymous form below. Your go-to could land in a future BuzzFeed Community post, which means you’ll be inspiring the next wave of dinner minimalists.
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