21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (2024)

You know how it goes: you're sitting around, scrolling through Pinterest, and you see a recipe that looks so delicious you just have to make it for dinner tonight. Just when you've built up the anticipation, you come the long list of ingredients and immediately become disinterested. It happens to the best of us – but that doesn't mean you'll never find an easy weeknight dinner to cook.

Your pantry is probably stocked with the basics like olive oil, garlic, and salt + pepper, so you're halfway there. With these simple 3-ingredient recipes, you'll be cooking and chowing down in no time. 3-ingredient recipes are true lifesavers when it comes to lazy days, and these are our faves!

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (1)

Pineapple Skewers

The perfect combination of savory and sweet, pineapple and chicken skewers are an easy way to serve up big flavor. In the off-chance you don't this 3-ingredient recipe all at once, they make a great second-day lunch served over rice. (via Brit + Co)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (2)

Mini Strawberry Pies

Everything is better when it's bite-sized. These 3-ingredient pies are no exception. Bring them to brunchor your BFF's bridal shower. Whatever the occasion, people will think you spent all day in the kitchen and won't believe this is an actual 3-ingredient recipe. (via Brit + Co)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (3)

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos

This is one of the tastiest, easiest 3-ingredient recipes for hosting a crowd. All you need for the filling is pre-cooked chicken, hot sauce, and cheese. Then, you'll roll 'em up using your favorite tortillas, air fry (or bake) them to perfection, and voila! (via Brit + Co)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (4)

Vegetarian Pigs-in-a-Blanket

Store-bought present roll dough is the true star of this 3-ingredient recipe. To it, you'll roll up some veggie sausage links and your fave sliced cheese. These will be done within 20 minutes, easy. All your pals will be asking where you got the recipe! (via Brit + Co)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (5)

Cheesy Monkey Bread

A 3-ingredient recipe made up entirely of cheese, bread and butter? There is no way this could go wrong! (via Brit + Co)

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French Market Chicken with Herbed Potatoes

The only thing simple about this recipe is the ingredients. Impress your friends with a whole roast chicken on a bed of crispy red potatoes and fresh herbs. Bon appetit! (via Refinery29)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (7)

Root Beer Pulled Pork

Barbecue sauce is a summertime necessity. The next time you get a hankering for that sweet, smoky flavor, try these pulled pork sandwiches. This is one of those 3-ingredient recipes that's sure to have you coming back for seconds! (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (8)

Potato Gnocchi Pasta

Transform ordinary kitchen staples like potatoes, eggs and flour into light and fluffy gnocchi! Grab that half-used jar of pasta sauce that's been hanging out in the back of the fridge, and you've got a 3-ingredient meal just asking to be devoured. (via Eugenie Kitchen)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (9)

Veggie Burger

Craving a burger... but not the beef? Blend together some plant-based tempeh, egg and harissa (a red chili paste), and you’ll get a veggie burger that is not only filling and but also packed with flavor and protein. (via Earthy Feast)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (10)

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Don't know what to bring to the next potluck? These three ingredient meatballs are a real crowd pleaser, and since you're making them in the crock pot, you won't have to rush at the last minute. They'll be ready when you are. (via Frugal Fanatic)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (11)

Avocado Chicken Salad

Dress up some leftover chicken (or even rotisserie) with avocado, cilantro, and salt + pepper to make a lunch you won't mind eating two days in a row. Enjoy this 3-ingredient recipe on a bun or as a filling for lettuce wraps! (via Hip 2 Save)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (12)

3-Ingredient Chili

Sometimes you just need a good, hearty meal, but don't have the time to stand around a simmering pot all day. Now, you can have the best of both worlds! This 3-ingredient chili is great on its own but would also be a good way to use up any leftover veggies hanging out in your crisper. (via I Heart Naptime)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (13)

Watermelon Granita

Kick back and cool down this summer with a bite of this easy-to-make granita! The prep work takes a little patience, but is sooo worth it. Save the watermelon rind and repurpose it as a serving bowl for a fancy display. (via The Kitchn)

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Apple Juice Chicken

This 3-ingredient recipe may have been created by accident, but our love for it was meant to be. Coated in a sauce of reduced apple juice, this is one dish you'll never mess up or pass up. (via Oatmeal With a Fork)

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Peanut Butter Cookies

We all have those days where the only cure is a sweet treat. Use up that half-empty jar of peanut butter that's stting in your cabinet, and make something worth sharing on Instagram – #YUM! 3-ingredient recipes have never looked so enticing. (via Barefeet in the Kitchen)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (16)

Summertime Salsa

Salsa is good on just about everything, and can add a punch to even the blandest of meals, so it’s important to have a go-to recipe. This 3-ingredient variation is foolproof! (via South County AZ)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (17)

Hummus

A perfect spread for sandwiches or a dip for pita chips, hummus is a healthy and versatile condiment or snack to have in your kitchen. Make a big batch and it will stay good for at least a week… if it lasts that long! (via The Space Between)

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Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin spice season might be long gone, but with this easy recipe you can get your fix any day of the year! This 3-ingredient recipe tastes so good, you might even be tempted to share the yum. (via Bower Power)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (19)

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

Biscuits are a great companion to any meal, from soups to salads, and since this 3-ingredient recipe is so easy to make you’ll be able to whip up a batch in a snap. (via Two Twenty One)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (20)

Gin Tarragon co*cktail

Everyone should have a simple, but impressive co*cktail recipe in their arsenal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard dinner party or just getting together with the girls, this is one drink that should always be on the VIP list. (via Freutcake)

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (21)

Sweet and Sticky 3 Ingredient Apricot Chicken (with Cauliflower Rice)

Just looking at this meal makes it hard to believe it's one of the 3-ingredient recipes you're thinking about adding to your weekly roster. But — kid you not — you only need a jar of apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and the skin from chicken thighs to make it. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Which 3-ingredient recipes are you going to try this weekend?

Lead image via Half Baked Harvest.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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Ashley Tyler

A South Florida native, Ashley is a new mom who is just trying to figure it all out while still finding time to blog at TWO TYLERS AND A BABY. There, she shares bits of her everyday life, DIY projects, recipes and everything in between.

21 Super Simple 3-Ingredient Recipes For When You're Too Lazy To Cook (2024)

FAQs

What food has three ingredients? ›

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30 Easy Dinner Ideas For When You're Not Sure What To Make
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Jan 2, 2019

What 3 foods should you eat daily? ›

Including lean protein, vegetables, and nuts in the diet every day can help people stay healthy and prevent certain chronic conditions. Some plant foods, such as cruciferous vegetables and berries, contain particularly beneficial compounds, including polyphenols and glucosinolates.

What are the 3 most eaten foods in the world? ›

There are more than 50,000 edible plants in the world, but just 15 of them provide 90 percent of the world's food energy intake. Rice, corn (maize), and wheat make up two-thirds of this.

What is a depression meal? ›

Try to eat something with protein several times a day, especially when you need to clear your mind and boost your energy. Good sources of healthy proteins include beans and peas, lean beef, low-fat cheese, fish, milk, poultry, soy products, and yogurt. The right food choices may help lift your mood.

How do you eat when you don't want to cook? ›

Ways to Eat Healthy Without Having to Cook
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  3. Precooked Chicken Strips. 3/13. ...
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  5. Deli Chicken. 5/13. ...
  6. Lower-Sodium Soups. 6/13. ...
  7. Canned Salmon. 7/13. ...
  8. Ready-to-Eat Boiled Eggs. 8/13.
Aug 28, 2023

What to make for dinner when you have no energy? ›

21 Short Recipes For Tired And Hungry Weeknight People
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Jan 22, 2019

How to make food in 5 minutes? ›

5-minute meals recipes
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What food should I have tonight? ›

Quick Dinner Ideas for Two
  • 1 / 13. Herbed Gnocchi and Mushrooms. ...
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What foods make you less lazy? ›

  • Unprocessed foods. While a cheeseburger and fries might be comforting while you're eating it, its nutritional value is low. ...
  • Non-caffeinated beverages. Caffeine is OK in moderation, and it has been shown to have some health benefits. ...
  • Lean proteins. ...
  • Whole grains and complex carbs. ...
  • Nuts and seeds. ...
  • Water. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Oats.

How do you get energy when you feel lazy? ›

Get moving

You might feel that exercise is the last thing on your mind. But, in fact, regular exercise will make you feel less tired in the long run, so you'll have more energy. Even a single 15-minute walk can give you an energy boost, and the benefits increase with more frequent physical activity.

What is a lazy meal? ›

The quintessential lazy dinner, one-pan meals are our favourite type of cooking in winter. From creamy chicken numbers to faster pasta winners, here are 100 recipes that require only one pan, pot or dish.

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