Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen, only to end up with a mediocre meal? Do you wish there was a way to make delicious, homemade dishes without sacrificing precious time and energy? Look no further! As a busy person myself, I know how frustrating it can be to get caught up in complicated recipes and long cooking times. That’s why I’ve put together this collection of 20 effortless Mary makes it easy recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.
From creamy pasta dishes to quick and easy stir-fries, these recipes are designed to save you time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. And the best part? Most of them can be made in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re a foodie looking for new inspiration or just someone who wants to make mealtime easier, this collection has something for everyone.
Mary’s One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe is a perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pasta of your choice
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the creamy garlic sauce. Toss until well coated.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Mary’s 5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken
Brighten up your mealtime with this refreshing and flavorful lemon chicken recipe! With just 5 ingredients, you can have a delicious and moist chicken dish on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and garlic powder.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with the lemon-garlic mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with salt to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mary’s Quick and Cheesy Taco Skillet
Mary’s Quick and Cheesy Taco Skillet
Get ready for a flavorful and filling meal with this easy-to-make skillet recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6-8 tacos shells, crushed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro for toppings
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture and stir to combine.
4. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
6. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Add the crushed tacos shells to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings! Enjoy!
Effortless Mary’s Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This comforting slow cooker beef stew is a perfect solution for a busy day when you need a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a deliciously tender and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Mary’s No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
A classic no-bake treat that combines the richness of peanut butter with the decadence of chocolate, these bars are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and confectioners’ sugar.
2. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and butter. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the graham cracker mixture until well combined.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Fold melted chocolate into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated.
6. Press mixture into a lined or greased 8-inch square baking dish.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: None! These no-bake bars are ready to enjoy in just a few hours.
Simple Mary’s 15-Minute Stir-Fry Noodles
A quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for a busy day! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a tasty stir-fry in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup noodles of your choice (e.g. rice noodles or soba)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: protein of your choice (e.g. chicken, tofu, or shrimp)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften.
5. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with optional protein if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Mary’s Easy Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
A delicious and stress-free dinner option that’s ready in under an hour. This recipe combines juicy sausage with a variety of colorful vegetables, all cooked to perfection on a single sheet pan.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large red onion, sliced
– 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite seasonings or herbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Place the sausage on one half of the sheet pan, leaving some space around it.
4. Arrange the sliced bell peppers, onion, and zucchinis around the sausage.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quick Mary’s Microwave Mug Pancakes
Start your day with a fluffy and delicious pancake, cooked to perfection in just minutes! This recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast fix.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 tablespoon milk
– 1/2 tablespoon water
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
– Butter or oil for greasing the mug
Instructions:
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add in milk, water, egg, and sugar (if using). Mix until smooth.
3. Grease the inside of the mug with butter or oil.
4. Cook on high for 1-2 minutes, or until pancake is cooked through and fluffy.
5. Remove from microwave and let cool for a minute before serving.
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
Mary’s Foolproof 3-Ingredient Biscuits
In need of a simple and satisfying baked treat? Look no further! This recipe yields tender, flaky biscuits with minimal effort and only three ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir until dough comes together in a ball.
4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
5. Roll out dough to about 1 inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut into desired shape.
6. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Effortless Mary’s Overnight Oats
Start your day off right with these creamy, dreamy oats that require minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Toppings (optional): sliced banana, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container with a lid, combine oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Stir until well combined, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
3. In the morning, give the mixture a stir and add your desired toppings.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! These oats require no cooking, just chilling.
Mary’s One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Cookies
In just one bowl, whisk together a simple mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla to create chewy, chocolatey cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Whisk in flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Easy Mary’s No-Cook Avocado Pasta
A creamy and refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes, this recipe requires no cooking whatsoever! It’s perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed avocado, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well until smooth.
3. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and toss with the avocado mixture until the pasta is fully coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Mary’s 10-Minute Caprese Salad
A classic Italian salad gets a speedy makeover with Mary’s 10-minute Caprese recipe. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil come together in perfect harmony for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions:
1. Arrange the tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top with mozzarella cheese slices.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salad, followed by balsamic vinegar.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
5. Finish with chopped fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Simple Mary’s Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Get crispy and juicy chicken tenders with minimal effort using your air fryer!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenderloins, cut into strips
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
4. Dip each chicken strip into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
5. Place coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
7. Check for crispiness and cook an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mary’s Quick and Easy Pancake Mix Waffles
Start your day with a crispy and fluffy breakfast treat that’s ready in just minutes! This recipe uses store-bought pancake mix to simplify the process, so you can get to enjoying your waffles without much fuss.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Mary’s Pancake Mix
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Flavorings of your choice (e.g., vanilla extract, cinnamon)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a bowl, whisk together pancake mix, eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Add any desired flavorings and stir well.
4. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the center of the waffle iron.
5. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
6. Repeat with remaining batter.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on the number of waffles)
Effortless Mary’s Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Effortless Mary’s Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
A comforting classic gets a boost with the ease of an Instant Pot! This recipe yields creamy, cheesy macaroni that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and melt the butter.
2. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously.
4. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the cooked macaroni, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
6. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Cook on “Manual” mode at high pressure for 4 minutes.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
Cooking Time: 14 minutes
Mary’s No-Fuss Homemade Pizza Dough
Get ready to make delicious homemade pizza with this simple and easy-to-make dough recipe. This no-fuss formula requires just a few ingredients and minimal effort, yielding a perfect crust for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of warm water
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 4 cups of all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together in a sticky ball.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
Cooking Time:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough to desired thickness and shape. Top with your favorite ingredients and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Easy Mary’s 20-Minute Shrimp Scampi
Experience the taste of the Mediterranean with this quick and flavorful shrimp scampi recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse shrimp under cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
5. If using white wine and lemon juice, add to the skillet and simmer for an additional 1 minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mary’s Simple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Mary’s Simple Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
Savor the tender, flavorful results of this easy slow cooker recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly onto the pork shoulder.
4. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Add the garlic on top of the onion.
6. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the garlic.
7. Pour in the barbecue sauce, ensuring the pork is covered.
8. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork reaches tender, falling-apart texture.
Serve warm, pulled apart with forks, and enjoy!
Quick Mary’s Microwave Scrambled Eggs
In just a few minutes, you can have fluffy and delicious scrambled eggs without heating up your stovetop or oven. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon milk or water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add the milk or water and whisk until the eggs are well beaten.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds until the eggs are scrambled to your desired doneness.
5. Remove from the microwave and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 1-2 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cook up a storm with these effortless recipes from Mary! Perfect for busy weeknights, this collection of 20 mouth-watering dishes will become your go-to guide for quick and delicious meals. From creamy pasta and cheesy tacos to slow-cooked beef stew and no-bake chocolate bars, there’s something for everyone. With ingredients as simple as 5-ingredients or fewer, these recipes are designed to make cooking a breeze. Whether you’re short on time or just looking for inspiration, Mary’s easy recipes will become your new best friend in the kitchen.
