“You may need to stir once.

That’s it.”

So redditoru/Bacon8er8asked, “Tell me about yourREAL low-effortmeals.

A slow cooker filled with creamy tortellini, spinach, diced tomatoes, and herbs

I’m talking microwave.

I’m talking little to no dishes to clean afterward.

I’m talking thrown together, pantry-to-plate.”

An open-faced sandwich with sliced tomatoes, mayonnaise, and pepper on white bread, placed on a white plate

Here’s what home cooks said from Reddit and theBuzzFeed Community.

“Tortellini soup with frozen tortellini.

I use veggie stock, but chicken works, too.

Shredded chicken cooking in a slow cooker with a tomato-based sauce and herbs. Two forks are visible in the image

Throw in a can of chopped or diced tomatoes, a package of fresh spinach, and tortellini.

Heat to a simmer until everything is hot.

Serve with grated parmesan.”

A bowl of creamy pasta with peas, mushrooms, and shredded chicken, with a fork resting in the bowl

Brown the beef, stir in the soup and sour cream.

Serve over noodles."

1961girl

3.

A close-up view of a pan filled with mixed vegetable fried rice, including green beans, carrots, broccoli, and scrambled eggs

“Toasted white bread, a thin layer of miracle whip, thinly sliced tomato, and salt.

Salsa chicken is a pretty popular example.

Cook in a slow cooker for six hours or in the oven at 375oF for 3045 minutes.

A partially eaten pizza with pepperoni, sausage, and green peppers on a white cutting board next to a small yellow toy truck

“The most low-effort pasta I make involves spaghetti, a can of tuna, and diced tomatoes.

If you might find the tomatoes that are Italian-spiced, that’s even better!

Plate up and done!”

A plate with a halved wrap filled with vegetables and what appears to be avocado, onions, and other fresh ingredients. A bag of greens is in the background

u/mlouise9090

6.

“Campbell’s soup tunacasserole recipe.

Its super cheap and can last you for days.”

A plate of stuffed grape leaves and a dollop of hummus on the side

I like mini sausages too), and then add water/broth and any seasoning of your choice.

Dry/powder seasoning is used, such as Cajun or creole seasoning, adobo powder, or even bouillon powder.

Add butter to the above options if you want.

Three baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and a savory meat mixture, placed on a metal rack over a baking sheet

Then, just let it cook.

Sometimes, I eat it straight from the rice cooker.”

“Get a bag of frozen broccoli or some other vegetables.

A bowl of noodle soup with broccoli florets and a spoon

You may need to stir once.

Serve with arotisserie chicken.

I make this whenever I have no energy.”

Six slider-sized sandwiches with ham and melted cheese, topped with a seasoned, slightly crispy bun, on a baking rack in a kitchen setting

u/megalethoscope

9.

Sprinkle it with olive oil, then broil it, or even just microwave it.

It’s delish."

Close-up of a Sloppy Joe sandwich on a white plate

“Eric Kim fromNew YorkTimes Cooking has an unbelievably good version of tuna rice.

I’m sure it’s not groundbreaking, but it’s how I discovered this kind of thing.

Stir together a can of tuna, some mayo, some sesame oil, and some soy sauce.

A plate of dumplings topped with a creamy sauce and diced crispy bacon. The dish is served on a white plate with a floral pattern

Dump on some rice.

u/noomnoomnoom

11.

If I’m really hungry, I’ll add some 90-second microwave rice.”

A pan of shakshuka, a dish with poached eggs in a tomato and pepper sauce, cooked with spices and garnished with chopped green herbs

Throw in a bowl and top with salsa, sour cream, etc.

you’re able to also wrap them in tortillas if you have them.

Any scraps taste good if you add enough taco seasoning!"

delorienaz

13.

“Canned dolmas by themselves or on a plate with hummus and veggies.

Az2495

15.

“Microwave a potato or sweet potato until soft.

Pour canned chili and a bit of shredded cheese on top.”

“Rice and runny fried eggs with soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil.”

Anonymous

17.

“Ramen and add veggies.

Literally use whatever veggies you have on hand.

This can feed two adults dinner for about four days for under $10 total.”

u/Dependent_Top_4425

19.

“Ham and cheese sliders.

“Box of shells and cheese, a can of Rotel tomatoes, a can of black beans.

This meal got me through some rough times.”

“Turkey sloppy Joes made with ground turkey, marinara sauce, and onion powder.

I throw the turkey mixture onto a deli roll and call it a night.

This is my go-to when I get off work late and want something tasty and quick.”

Season with salt and pepper, add a little butter, and maybe a sprinkle of cheese on top.

Less than 10 minutes, and it’s healthy, tasty, and inexpensive!”

libbyd4d2dc73db

23.

“Make a quesadilla with jarred salsa.

Add torn-up spinach if you feel so inclined.”

u/BlueTowel702

25.“Shakshuka!

But it’s a simple simmer, and then crack the eggs on top.”

Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.