People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (2024)

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I'm sure a lot of you can relate to the feeling of coming home after a long day with nothing prepared for dinner, little energy to actually cook something, and no desire to spend money on takeout. Luckily, redditor u/Chutoyos asked for people to share their favorite easy 5-minute dinners. Let's just say, I took notes on most of the responses in the thread. Here are some of the easy, go-to meals people shared. 1. "Two fried eggs, some toast, and a banana. Quick and easy." 2. "Bean and cheese quesadilla. Spread some refried beans on a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, top with another tortilla, and [microwave] or heat in a pan on both sides 'til slightly browned and the cheese is melty." 3. "Breakfast for dinner. Muesli with Greek yogurt or toast with milk." 4. "Salad kit + pre-cooked chicken + a dip. I like a Buffalo version from Trader Joe's: Heat up chicken tenders, add them to the Buffalo ranch chopped salad (one of my favorite salad kits), with a scoop of the Buffalo chicken dip for more flavor." 5. "The frozen White Castle burgers at the local supermarket are fire if they’re microwaved correctly." 6. "Creamy fried mushrooms. Chuck a spoonful of Philadelphia cream cheese (any savory flavor) into the pan with the mushrooms and heat through, then plop it all on two pieces of toast." 7. "Lightly grease a medium-hot pan. Pour in two beaten eggs, spreading them evenly around the pan. Let them begin to cook for a minute or so, then top them with shredded cheese (and miscellaneous toppings, if you’re feeling fancy). Lay a flour tortilla on top. When you think the eggs are done, about 1-2 mins, flip it over for another 1-2 mins to finish melting the cheese and lightly brown the tortilla. Roll it up and serve." 8. "I make 'Shortcut Nachos.' Basically a can of chili beans with added chipotle hot sauce, diced pepperoni, and black pepper mixed in. Put it on top of a plate of nachos and top it with cheese, sour cream, and verde hot sauce." 9. "Toast bread, mash avocado, and top with smoked salmon." 10. "Soft-boiled eggs and ramen with ham slices and kimchi." 11. "I make some beans and a batch of whole grains every few days — or a few baked potatoes and sweet potatoes. Then, when I need a quick meal, I can just make a bowl of grains and beans, and toss chopped vegetables on top. Then, I put a little sauce on top — usually chili crunch, salsa, teriyaki, or hoisin. Microwave for four minutes." 12. "Tortillas, lunch meat, mayo, and baby spinach. Add pink salt and garlic pepper." 13. "My go-to dish when I was living alone, working three jobs, and going to school was boxed mac and cheese with extra additions — I'd add in a package of dried tortellini and a bunch of frozen veggies, too. Then, after making the cheese sauce, I'd mix it all together and add in a can of tuna. It sounds weird, but it had enough flavor variety to not get boring and was easy to reheat when I didn't feel like moving." 14. "A can of tuna on rice cakes." 15. "I heat up Spam and old white rice on my cast iron skillet, then scramble eggs and mix everything. I also like to add a dash of maple syrup once everything is in a bowl." 16. Microwave a sweet potato for 10 to 12 minutes at 30% power. Cut it open, add a few grams of olive oil (not much), and some salt, garlic, onion, and other spices. I have this for dinner a lot because it minimizes my nighttime heartburn. Do you have any easy go-to meals to share? Tell me about them in the comments! Trending Recipes Trending Recipes More Tasty Guides FAQs

Some of these actually sound so good...

I'm sure a lot of you can relate to the feeling of coming home after a long day with nothing prepared for dinner, little energy to actually cook something, and no desire to spend money on takeout. Luckily, redditor u/Chutoyos asked for people to share their favorite easy 5-minute dinners. Let's just say, I took notes on most of the responses in the thread.

People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (2)

Living Single

Here are some of the easy, go-to meals people shared.

1. "Two fried eggs, some toast, and a banana. Quick and easy."

u/jregan0409

People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (3)

Maple's Photographs / Getty Images

2. "Bean and cheese quesadilla. Spread some refried beans on a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, top with another tortilla, and [microwave] or heat in a pan on both sides 'til slightly browned and the cheese is melty."

People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (4)

3. "Breakfast for dinner. Muesli with Greek yogurt or toast with milk."

u/Max_f*cking_Payne

4. "Salad kit + pre-cooked chicken + a dip. I like a Buffalo version from Trader Joe's: Heat up chicken tenders, add them to the Buffalo ranch chopped salad (one of my favorite salad kits), with a scoop of the Buffalo chicken dip for more flavor."

People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (5)

Hannah Loewentheil/BuzzFeed

—HannahLoewentheil

5. "The frozen White Castle burgers at the local supermarket are fire if they’re microwaved correctly."

People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (6)

Sydney Martin / Via BuzzFeed

6. "Creamy fried mushrooms. Chuck a spoonful of Philadelphia cream cheese (any savory flavor) into the pan with the mushrooms and heat through, then plop it all on two pieces of toast."

u/soozdreamz

7. "Lightly grease a medium-hot pan. Pour in two beaten eggs, spreading them evenly around the pan. Let them begin to cook for a minute or so, then top them with shredded cheese (and miscellaneous toppings, if you’re feeling fancy). Lay a flour tortilla on top. When you think the eggs are done, about 1-2 mins, flip it over for another 1-2 mins to finish melting the cheese and lightly brown the tortilla. Roll it up and serve."

u/Opr9r

People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (7)

Pernell Quilon / Via BuzzFeed

8. "I make 'Shortcut Nachos.' Basically a can of chili beans with added chipotle hot sauce, diced pepperoni, and black pepper mixed in. Put it on top of a plate of nachos and top it with cheese, sour cream, and verde hot sauce."

u/O__VER

9. "Toast bread, mash avocado, and top with smoked salmon."

Hannah Loewentheil / Via tasty.co

"Trader Joe's nova salmon pieces are a serious steal. The quality is amazing, and the salmon pretty much melts in your mouth. There's also everything but the bagel-seasoned salmon for those who like a bit more flavor, and the ahi-crusted smoked tuna is delicious, too."

—Hannah Loewentheil

10. "Soft-boiled eggs and ramen with ham slices and kimchi."

u/Antedelopean

11. "I make some beans and a batch of whole grains every few days — or a few baked potatoes and sweet potatoes. Then, when I need a quick meal, I can just make a bowl of grains and beans, and toss chopped vegetables on top. Then, I put a little sauce on top — usually chili crunch, salsa, teriyaki, or hoisin. Microwave for four minutes."

People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (8)

Ross Yoder / Via BuzzFeed

12. "Tortillas, lunch meat, mayo, and baby spinach. Add pink salt and garlic pepper."

u/The_Zuh

13. "My go-to dish when I was living alone, working three jobs, and going to school was boxed mac and cheese with extra additions — I'd add in a package of dried tortellini and a bunch of frozen veggies, too. Then, after making the cheese sauce, I'd mix it all together and add in a can of tuna. It sounds weird, but it had enough flavor variety to not get boring and was easy to reheat when I didn't feel like moving."

People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (9)

Gary20O / Via youtube.com

"You could add in any pre-cooked meat in place of the tuna."

mischiefbrain

14. "A can of tuna on rice cakes."

u/Picker-Rick

15. "I heat up Spam and old white rice on my cast iron skillet, then scramble eggs and mix everything. I also like to add a dash of maple syrup once everything is in a bowl."

People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (10)

16. Microwave a sweet potato for 10 to 12 minutes at 30% power. Cut it open, add a few grams of olive oil (not much), and some salt, garlic, onion, and other spices. I have this for dinner a lot because it minimizes my nighttime heartburn.

u/Buttons840

Do you have any easy go-to meals to share? Tell me about them in the comments!

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    People Are Sharing The 5-Minute Meals They Make When They’re Too Exhausted To Cook, And These Are Really Useful Ideas (2024)

    FAQs

    Why is it important to share a meal with others? ›

    In fact, studies have shown that individuals who regularly share meals with others tend to have lower levels of stress and depression, as well as higher levels of overall life satisfaction.

    Why is it beneficial for us to cook more often? ›

    According to Canada's Food Guide, cooking more often can actually develop healthier eating habits for people of all ages! That's because you have more control over the ingredients that are in your meals, and likely use less fat, salt and sugar than restaurants use.

    Does sharing food mean anything? ›

    “When we share food, it shows trust — it shows we're willing to give up some of our resources, and it shows we want to get close with someone,” said Omri Gillath, professor of psychology at the University of Kansas.

    What is the power of shared meals? ›

    Eating together can promote mindful eating practices, encouraging us to slow down and savour each bite. By engaging in conversation and being present with our loved ones, we become more attuned to our hunger and fullness cues.

    What food cooks at 500? ›

    475-500 F: Things are starting to get hot in here. If you're cranking the heat to the highest your oven can go, you're likely making pizza or breads. A super high temperature will cause the bread or pizza dough to rise and cook before the gluten has a chance to set (this is a good thing).

    How often does the average person cook? ›

    Women cooked 8.7 meals per week, on average, in 2022. Men cooked about 4 per week.

    Does it cost more to eat out or cook at home? ›

    For those who want a quick and easy answer: It's generally cheaper to cook food at home than eat out. The reason so many people can get stuck on the question is the human psychology variable. People don't always spend wisely, and it isn't as if prices are always the same at a supermarket or a fast food restaurant.

    What is the healthiest thing you can eat in the world? ›

    Lemons have been widely regarded in the health industry as the world's healthiest food. The sour fruit is an alkalising powerfood; they have strong anti-inflammatory qualities and can even help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

    What is the healthiest fruit? ›

    Blueberries take the title of healthiest fruit. Blueberries' stunning hue comes from their anthocyanins — an antioxidant believed to be responsible for their numerous health benefits. Long-term studies suggest that including blueberries in your regular lineup may lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

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