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We all have those nights. The fridge is full, but somehow… nothing sounds good. Or you’re just so done thinking about what to cook. That’s when I turn to this list.
These are my go-to, back-pocket dinner ideas—the ones I make when I need something simple, satisfying, and preferably with minimal cleanup. Some are cozy, some are a little zippy, and all of them are the kind of recipes I can pull off without a mental pep talk.

So if you’re staring at your pantry, uninspired, I’ve got you. Bookmark this post. Save it for those “ugh, what’s for dinner?” days. Let’s make cooking feel just a little easier (and a lot tastier).
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’re feeling just a little more inspired to throw something together tonight. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. And when in doubt—just make something from this list. You’ve got this.
And hey—what’s your go-to dinner when your brain is fried? I’d love to hear.
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