25 Easy Vacation Meals That Don’t Feel Like Work

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These easy vacation meals are delicious, comforting, and low stress. Whether you’re hosting a big family vacation crowd or just want to enjoy a quiet night home while you’re out, these meals will keep everyone happy and full.

Easy Vacation Meals
Easy Vacation Meals. Cheesy Ravioli Bake with Sausage. Photo Credit: My Casual Pantry

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From cozy casseroles to quick skillet meals, these easy vacation dinners help you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the trip.

Marry Me Chicken

A plate of baked pasta topped with cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
MARRY ME CHICKEN. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Creamy, cozy, and full of flavor, this chicken dish feels special but is easy enough for vacation cooking. It is great for serving with pasta, rice, or bread and uses simple ingredients.

Get The Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Mexican Street Corn Casserole

step 5 Mexican Street Corn Casserole
Mexican Street Corn Casserole. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Easy to prep ahead and works as a main dish or a side, making it perfect for feeding a group after a long day of vacation fun.

Get The Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Casserole

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Buttery Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

These are a vacation lifesaver. You can prep them early, reheat when needed, and skip last minute stress while still serving something comforting and familiar.

Get The Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Easy Prime Rib Au Jus

step 9 Easy Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe
Easy Prime Rib Au Jus. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This simple au jus is packed with flavor and easy to make. It is perfect for steak or prime rib and helps turn a basic meal into something special.

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Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Two stuffed bell peppers, one red and one green, topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley, served on a white plate with salad on the side.
GROUND TURKEY STUFFED BELL PEPPERS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

These stuffed peppers are easy to prep and bake, making them great for vacation. They are filling, simple, and reheat well for leftovers.

Get The Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

step 7 Crockpot Beef Short Ribs
Crockpot Beef Short Ribs. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Let the slow cooker do the work while you relax. These short ribs cook low and slow and are perfect for days when you want dinner ready without standing in the kitchen.

Get The Recipe: Crockpot Beef Short Ribs

Easy Sushi Bake

Easy Sushi Bake by Food Plus Words
Easy Sushi Bake. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This is a fun and easy way to enjoy sushi flavors without rolling anything. It is great for sharing and perfect for casual vacation dinners.

Get The Recipe: Easy Sushi Bake

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs by Food Plus Words
INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

One pot, easy cleanup, and a meal everyone loves. This is a great option for busy vacation nights when you want something filling.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

ham and scalloped potatoes crockpot
Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Creamy, comforting, and simple to throw together. This is a great all in one meal for feeding a group without any hard work.

Get The Recipe: Easy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Best Baked Salmon with Mayo and Cheese

What Does Baked Salmon With Mayonnaise And Parmesan Cheese Taste Like
Best Baked Salmon with Mayo and Cheese. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

This salmon bakes quickly and stays moist and flavorful. It is easy enough for a weeknight but still feels like a treat making it perfect for your easy vacation meals.

Get The Recipe: Best Baked Salmon with Mayo and Cheese

Chilis Shrimp Taco

Shrimp tacos with avocado slices and lime on a dark background, perfect for last-minute dinner ideas.
COPYCAT CHILI’S SPICY SHRIMP TACOS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

These shrimp tacos come together fast and are perfect for a fancy taco night while you’re enjoying time with family on vacation.

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Big Mac Tacos

lunch ideas for coworkers
BIG MAC TACOS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

A fun twist that everyone loves, these tacos bring together the flavors of the famous Big Mac sandwich. They’re a fun way to enjoy those flavors.

Get The Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Easy Crawfish Fettuccine

What to Serve with Crawfish Fettuccine
Easy Crawfish Fettuccine. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Creamy pasta dishes are great vacation meals, and this one is something special you can make for the family on vacation.

Get The Recipe: Easy Crawfish Fettuccine

One Skillet Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

step 6 chicken egg roll in a bowl
One Skillet Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Everything cooks in one pan, which means easy cleanup. This is the perfect dinner option for when you want something fun and delicious without any hard work.

Get The Recipe: One Skillet Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl

Easy Crunchy Shrimp Sushi Bowl

SHRIMP SUSHI BOWN BY FOOD PLUS WORDS
SHRIMP SUSHI BOWL. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

All the sushi flavors without the work. This bowl is easy to customize and great for vacation dinners. Leftovers can be saved for tomorrow’s lunch.

Get The Recipe: Easy Crunchy Shrimp Sushi Bowl

Easy Vegan Ratatouille

Easy Vegan Ratatouille by Happy Food Healthy Life
Easy Vegan Ratatouille. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

Simple veggies cooked together make an easy, cozy meal. This works well as a main dish or side and is perfect for lighter vacation meals.

Get The Recipe: Easy Vegan Ratatouille

Easy Gnocchi with Mushrooms

Easy Gnocchi with Mushrooms by Happy Food Healthy Life
Easy Gnocchi with Mushrooms. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

Soft gnocchi and mushrooms come together fast for a delicious meal. It is great when you want something warm and filling without a lot of work in the kitchen.

Get The Recipe: Easy Gnocchi with Mushrooms

Easy Vegan Stir Fry

Easy Vegan Stir Fry HFHL
Vegan Stir Fry. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

Quick, flexible, and great for using whatever veggies you have. This is a perfect last minute vacation dinner that’s packed with flavor and fun.

Get The Recipe: Easy Vegan Stir Fry

Easy Vegan Taquitos

A tray of crispy rolled tacos with a filling, topped with corn salsa and served alongside a bowl of creamy dipping sauce makes for perfect February dishes, adding warmth and flavor to the chilly season.
Easy Vegan Taquitos. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

These easy vegan taquitos are fun, crispy, and easy to make. They work well as dinner, lunch, or even a snack for the family to enjoy.

Get The Recipe: Easy Vegan Taquitos

Italian Zucchini Boats

A hand serving stuffed zucchini boats filled with ground meat, tomatoes, black olives, and melted cheese from a baking dish. Fresh cherry tomatoes and basil are in the background.
Italian Zucchini Boats. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

A lighter option that still feels hearty. These Italian zucchini boats are easy to make and great for nights when you want want something filling but not heavy.

Get The Recipe: Italian Zucchini Boats

Oven-Roasted Sausage and Potatoes

Oven Roasted Sausage and Potatoes by The Forked Spoon
Oven-Roasted Sausage and Potatoes. Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon

A go to vacation dinner that always works, these sausage and potatoes get roasted in the oven for a one pan meal the family will enjoy.

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Easy Taco Bowl

Easy Taco Bowl by The Cookin Chicks
Easy Taco Bowl. Photo Credit: The Cookin Chicks

Build your own bowls make dinner simple and stress free. This is great for picky eaters or for feeding a group.

Get The Recipe: Easy Taco Bowl

Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad

Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad by The Wholesome Spoon
Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad. Photo Credit: The Wholesome Spoon

This pasta salad is great cold, which makes it perfect for make ahead vacation meals or beach days. It’s also light so you won’t have to worry about feeling too heavy as you enjoy your time away.

Get The Recipe: Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad

4-Ingredient Almond Flour Meatballs

4 Ingredient Almond Flour Meatballs by Garlic All Day
4-Ingredient Almond Flour Meatballs. Photo Credit: Garlic All Day

Simple ingredients and easy prep make these meatballs great for quick dinners or meal prep while traveling. Only 4 ingredients are needed!

Get The Recipe: 4-Ingredient Almond Flour Meatballs

Cheesy Ravioli Bake with Sausage

Cheesy Ravioli Bake with Sausage by My Casual Pantry
Cheesy Ravioli Bake with Sausage. Photo Credit: My Casual Pantry

This bake is easy to assemble, feeds a crowd, and reheats well for leftovers. It’s a great home cooked option when you want the restaurant experience.

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Enjoy more fun and less stress with these easy vacation meals. From simple casseroles and dinners you can toss in the oven to simple salads that come together in just minutes, they’re filling, delicious, and perfect for vacation.

25 Beach Cocktails That Taste Like Vacation in a Glass

Beach Cocktails
Beach Cocktails. Malibu Sunset Cocktail. Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

Imagine sitting on the beach with the sand in your toes and the wind in your hair and some amazing beach cocktails to enjoy. These cocktails bring in some amazing tropical sweet flavors that taste like vacation in a glass.

Read it here: 25 Beach Cocktails That Taste Like Vacation in a Glass

25 Beach Vacation Dinner Ideas That Bring the Flavor (Not the Fuss)

Beach Vacation Dinner Ideas
Beach Vacation Dinner Ideas. Creamy Lemon Grilled Tilapia

These beach vacation dinner ideas bring in the flavor without all the fuss. No heavy cooking or hard work in the kitchen is needed with these filling meals. Whether you’re craving the coast vibes and flavors or want a classic home cooked meal, these beach vacation dinner ideas have you covered.

Read it here: 25 Beach Vacation Dinner Ideas That Bring the Flavor (Not the Fuss)

Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

A woman in a kitchen writes on a notepad beside a grocery bag with a Walmart logo and various groceries on the counter.
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Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.

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