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What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking - A Cookbook Hardcover – August 13, 2024

4.8 out of 5 stars 1,193 ratings

on 1 when you buy 2 Shop items
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THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, AND INDIE BESTSELLER

A BON APPETIT BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR A FOOD NETWORK BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR NATIONAL POST BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR • AN AOL BEST COOKBOOK OF THE YEAR • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS TO GIFT BY THE STRATEGIST, TASTING TABLE, AND FORBES

RECIPES FOR BUSY PEOPLE WHO LOVE GOOD FOOD

With three little boys less than two years apart and a packed schedule as an online creator, Caroline Chambers often doesn’t feel like cooking. Can you relate? When you just can’t motivate yourself in the kitchen, this is the simple cookbookyou should reach for.

Inspired by Caro’s wildly popular Substack newsletter of the same name, What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking is brimming with efficient recipes that take the guesswork out of dinner—in fact, each one is a complete meal: protein, veg, starch, done! The recipes are organized by the amount of time they take to cook, so whether you have 15 minutes to throw together Peanutty Pork and Brussels or a little bit longer to simmer Turkey Bolognese with Sneaky Veggies, dinnertime is totally doable. On top of that, Caro gives you more ways to choose, so you can search by protein (Chicken thighs waiting in the fridge? Make White Chicken Chili. Nothing but beans in the pantry? Cannellini Caprese with Burrata is it!) or mood (Tomato Farrotto is perfect for a cozy craving, and Crunchy Honey Harissa Fish Tacos are an excellent way to show off). Most importantly, these recipes include Caro’s famously extensive swaps, riffs, tips, shortcuts, and more to be sure they work best for you, helping you save money, improvise, and even learn a thing or two. They don’t compromise quality or flavor—and they deliver every time. With as few ingredients, steps, and, of course, dirty dishes as possible, dinner awaits!

Perfect for beginners and those seeking easy cookbooks for simple meals, What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking is the ultimate "I don't want to cook" cookbook. With its focus on efficient, flavorful recipes and minimal ingredients, this easy dinner cookbook appeals to time-constrained parents, working professionals, and anyone who craves delicious homemade meals without the fuss. Readers seeking uncomplicated cookbooks for beginners will appreciate Caroline Chambers' approachable style, clever shortcuts, and flexible recipe options, making this book a go-to resource for satisfying meals on even the most exhausting days. 

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From the Publisher

positive review quote from Deb Perelman New York Times bestsellng author Smitten Kitchen

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EASY & ELEGANT STEAK SALAD

tostadas topped with refried beans & shredded chicken on colorful plates

CHEATER CHICKEN TINGA TOSTADAS

green plates holding salmon and asparagus on a pale pink tablecloth

ROASTED SALMON & ASPARAGUS

photo of a man, woman and their 3 small children eating grilled sandwiches and smiling

SMASHBURGER SAMMIES

photo of a blue pot filled with chicken thighs, asparagus, and green rice

ONE-SKILLET CHICKEN & PESTO RICE

photo of bowl filled with tomato salad next to plates holding salad and meatballs

PESTO MEATBALLS WITH TOMATO SALAD & LABNEH

photo of a lasagna in a round dish with a slice taken out

RATATOUILLE LASAGNA

positive review quote from Joanna Goddard, founder of Cup of Jo

Editorial Reviews

Review

THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, AND INDIE BESTSELLER

AWARDED BEST OF THE YEAR 2024:

Bon AppetitThe 19 Best Cookbooks of 2024
Food Network 17 Best Cookbooks of 2024
The Strategist The Best Cookbooks to Gift

ForbesThe Best Food And Sustainability Gifts of 2024

National Post The Best Cookbooks to Buy
Tasting Table 12 Best Cookbooks to Gift in 2024
Good FoodThe Best Cookbooks of 2024
AOL The Best Cookbooks of 2024

"This cookbook will be your ticket to sanity this fall."
--Wall Street Journal

"What really stood out to me were the indexes. I haven't seen this approach in many cookbooks. . . .There are nine unique categories, and every single one applies to my life."
--Bon Appetit

"She includes swaps, riffs, shortcuts, and takeaways that empower the home cook to make the best use of what they've got on hand and to encourage them to be creative in the kitchen."
--Southern Living

"The whole book feels like a pep talk, and by the time I've found the recipe that suits my time frame, the season, and the contents of my pantry, I'm actually in the mood to cook again."
--Simply Recipes

"Caroline Chambers has just the answer for those home cooks who question what to make on nights they don't feel motivated in the kitchen."
--Good Morning America/ABC News

"What really stood out to me were the indexes. I haven't seen this approach in many cookbooks. . . .There are nine unique categories, and every single one applies to my life."
--Bon Appétit

"This inventive and extremely user-friendly cookbook by Caro Chambers ... is a font of excellent tips and cheerful advice."
--Town & Country

"Highly approachable and friendly to all skill levels, this book fits the bill for anyone who hesitates to prepare meals; a must-have for time-constrained cooks. Essential for every collection."
--Library Journal, STARRED Review

"This is sure to help tired people reinvigorate routines and get dinner on the table."
--Booklist

"The whole book feels like a pep talk, and by the time I've found the recipe that suits my time frame, the season, and the contents of my pantry, I'm actually in the mood to cook again."
--Simply Recipes

"As a mom of three boys, Caro knows what both parents and kids crave, and my own two picky children magically devour every recipe of hers. This cookbook feels like chatting with your wise and funny friend who always gives you something good to eat and a little too much to drink. It is a how-did-we-live-without-it gift for us all, and I can't wait to happily dog-ear and smudge it up."
--Joanna Goddard, founder of Cup of Jo

"Nobody understands the reality of needing to cook when you might not feel like it more than Caroline Chambers. From time to energy to a mostly empty fridge, this book--rather rudely, as I'll now need to come up with new excuses--covers every angle to find a delicious and doable solution."
--DebPerelman, New York Timesbestselling author of Smitten Kitchen Keepers

"I've always been a cook who celebrates imperfection, and I think Caro might be my kitchen soulmate! She wants you to know how todo your thingwith her recipes, no matter what ingredients you have on hand or how much time (or energy) you have to cook them. In her world, it's impossible to make a mistake. This is Live, Laugh, Love cooking at its finest!"
--Dan "Grossy" Pelosi, New York Timesbestselling author ofLet's Eat

"I wish I could say I'm shocked by the fact that I flipped through the recipes in this book and thought, Yeah I'd make that. And that, too. And oh, I have everythingIneed at home for that, and omg my kids will love me if I makethatfor them.But as a longtime fan of Caroline Chambers, I am extremely (luckily) familiar with her genius knack for knowing exactly what the busy modern cook needs. This collection of keepers is going on the most reachable shelf in my kitchen. 
--Jenny Rosenstrach, New York Timesbestselling author ofDinner: A Love Story

"If you're anything like me (and the rest of this country), inspiration doesn't strike every night when it comes time to cook dinner. Not to fear, friends: Caroline has us covered. This beautiful and very accessible cookbook has a little something for everyone, from one-pot meals to 15-minute dinners. You'll be armed with new staples you and your friends and family will enjoy." 
--Gaby Dalkin, New York Timesbestselling author ofWhat's Gaby Cooking: Take It Easy

About the Author

Caroline Chambers grew up in the kitchen on her mom’s hip, learning how to cook in their Winston-Salem, North Carolina, home. Her professional food career began in her early twenties when she worked as a chef and caterer. After a stint in a professional test kitchen, Caro struck out on her own as a freelancer, developing recipes for a host of publications as well as brands such as Boursin Cheese and Kim Crawford Wine, and in 2018, she published her first cookbook, Just Married. In 2020—at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—Caro began sharing her recipes and connecting with home cooks on Instagram (@carochambers), and launched her newsletter, What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking, which flew to the top of the Substack charts; her podcast, So Into That, followed in 2023. Caro lives in Carmel Valley, California, with her husband, George, and their three young sons, Mattis, Calum, and Cashel—one of whom can almost always be found in the kitchen on her hip. When she doesn’t feel like cooking, Caro’s go-to meal is Veggie Peanut Noods (page 52).

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Union Square & Co. (August 13, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1454952717
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1454952718
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.2 x 0.9 x 10.1 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 1,193 ratings

About the author

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Caroline Chambers
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Caroline Chambers grew up in the kitchen on her mom’s hip, learning how to cook in their Winston-Salem, North Carolina, home. Her professional food career began in her early twenties when she worked as a chef and caterer. After a stint in a professional test kitchen, Caro struck out on her own as a freelancer, developing recipes for a host of publications as well as brands such as Boursin Cheese and Kim Crawford Wine, and in 2018, she published her first cookbook, Just Married. In 2020—at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—Caro began sharing her recipes and connecting with home cooks on Instagram (@carochambers), and launched her newsletter, What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking, which flew to the top of the Substack charts; her podcast, So Into That, followed in 2023. Caro's latest cookbook, What To Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking, was released in August 2024. Caro lives in Carmel Valley, California, with her husband, George, and their three young sons, Mattis, Calum, and Cashel—one of whom can almost always be found in the kitchen on her hip.

Photography: Breana Janay Photography

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
1,193 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this cookbook easy to follow, with detailed instructions and recipes organized by cooking time. They appreciate the helpful tips and riffs, and enjoy creating meals for their families. The book provides lots of ideas for swaps and substitutions, and is particularly praised as a lifesaver for busy families. Customers like how the ingredients are bolded in the steps, and one customer notes how it makes cooking enjoyable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

416 customers mention "Ease of follow"413 positive3 negative

Customers find the cookbook easy to follow, with detailed instructions that are simple to read and understand, and the recipes are organized by cooking time.

"...The recipes feel special yet are incredibly approachable, perfect for those days when you just can’t muster the energy to cook...." Read more

"I read about this cookbook and how it’s set up according to preparation time! I thought I would surprise my wife and get it for her...." Read more

"...Get this cookbook! Want to be more efficient in the kitchen? Get this cookbook! Want to be a more creative cook on your own?..." Read more

"Caroline Chambers somehow masterfully makes recipes that are easy to follow, teach you new skills, and make you feel like you could impress a crowd..." Read more

394 customers mention "Recipes quality"382 positive12 negative

Customers enjoy the recipes in this cookbook, describing them as tasty and packed with flavor, with several different indexes for finding them.

"...This book has changed that for me! The recipes feel special yet are incredibly approachable, perfect for those days when you just can’t..." Read more

"...fairly accurate and what my wife REALLY likes is the versatility built into the recipes...." Read more

"...This cookbook might be slightly overwhelming because it is chock full of amazing recipes, great, helpful information and beautiful pictures...." Read more

"...like you could impress a crowd with approachable yet unique and savory dishes...." Read more

141 customers mention "Advice"141 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the cookbook's helpful tips and riffs, which teach new skills and build cooking confidence, with one customer noting it provides inspiration for weekly meal planning.

"...The recipes feel special yet are incredibly approachable, perfect for those days when you just can’t muster the energy to cook...." Read more

"...The author gives lots of examples stating if you don’t have a certain ingredient for the recipe, then she provides tips on possible substitutions!..." Read more

"...because it is chock full of amazing recipes, great, helpful information and beautiful pictures...." Read more

"...somehow masterfully makes recipes that are easy to follow, teach you new skills, and make you feel like you could impress a crowd with approachable..." Read more

94 customers mention "Fun to cook"94 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy cooking with this book, finding it fun and entertaining, with one customer noting it's always a hit for everyone.

"This is hands down the most delightful cookbook I’ve ever added to my collection!..." Read more

"...Want to enjoy cooking? Get this cookbook! Want to WOW guests with your food? Get this cookbook! Want to be more efficient in the kitchen?..." Read more

"...exhausted and don’t feel like cooking; this is a book that reminds you cooking can be fun (and you’re good at it!),..." Read more

"...Hey! That's me! *I* don't feel like cooking! Just reading through the book is enjoyable; Caro's writing is down to earth, funny, and it's like..." Read more

94 customers mention "Substitutions"94 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the cookbook's extensive list of ingredient swaps and substitutions.

"...The way it’s organized by time and includes clever substitution ideas makes it a breeze for anyone who just wants to whip up something tasty without..." Read more

"...have a certain ingredient for the recipe, then she provides tips on possible substitutions!..." Read more

"...Each recipe also has a list of substitutions and/or riffs to adapt the meal...." Read more

"...the photos for each recipe look great, and there's plenty of options for substitutions so you can customize everything to your tastes...." Read more

64 customers mention "Family friendly"64 positive0 negative

Customers find the cookbook family-friendly, describing it as a lifesaver for busy parents and moms, with one customer noting it's particularly helpful for families with little kids.

"...my girl friends to her as well, and it has been such a bonding experience to cook together...." Read more

"...Most importantly, these recipes help me be a better, more engaged mom because I’m no longer frazzled at the end of the day trying to figure out what..." Read more

"...So perfect for moms on the go. My kids have loved every recipe I have made and that is no small feat...." Read more

"...For your regular, busy family this cookbook is a huge help." Read more

60 customers mention "Food quality"60 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the food quality in this cookbook, finding the meals delicious and easy to prepare, with one customer noting how it makes cooking enjoyable.

"...busy working mom, I love that I can whip up so many easy, delicious meals on a weeknight without sacrificing taste...." Read more

"...The book includes plenty of vegetarian dishes alongside the meat ones, which I love, and while there are no specific notes on how to make things..." Read more

"...What used to be a 3X daily pain point became fun, nourishing, and even palette expanding...." Read more

"...They are quick, healthy, and DELICIOUS. Honestly- so good!..." Read more

37 customers mention "Ingredients"37 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate that the recipes include bolded ingredients and amounts embedded in the steps, making them easy to follow, with one customer noting the helpful ingredient index in the back.

"...Each recipe has a photo and the ingredients are in bold (so you don’t miss adding anything during each step)...." Read more

"...her recipes is the way she organizes them, that she includes the ingredient amounts embedded within the recipe itself (so easy, such a gamechanger),..." Read more

"...its broken down for how much time you have PLUS it’s full of easily available ingredients that aren’t tricky to find or expensive." Read more

"...The ingredients are accessible, the taste is on point, and the ease of reading and cooking it is perfect!! I’ll absolutely buy her next book too!" Read more

Game changer!
5 out of 5 stars
Game changer!
The best purchase of 2025 so far. I always like to start the new year with a new cookbook during the dreary winter months. We’ve loved most everything from this book and it’s all I’ve been cooking with! Included are photos of: turkey burgers, taco salad, chicken fajitas, creamy pork & mushrooms, grilled pork with creamy pesto, and the pizza insalatta. Have also done the rib eye, pickle chicken sandwiches, peanut chop salad, bolognese, pork Marbella and I’m sure more. All excellent. Really easy recipes that have changed my mind around cooking.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2024
    This is hands down the most delightful cookbook I’ve ever added to my collection! The way it’s organized by time and includes clever substitution ideas makes it a breeze for anyone who just wants to whip up something tasty without the fuss. I’ve always considered myself a decent cook, but creativity in the kitchen? Not my strong suit. This book has changed that for me!

    The recipes feel special yet are incredibly approachable, perfect for those days when you just can’t muster the energy to cook. I’ve been a fan of Carolina Chambers (definitely check it out if you haven’t!), but having all these gems in one physical book is a game changer. As someone who prefers flipping through pages rather than scrolling on my phone, this hard copy is a treasure.

    Everything about this book is a chef’s kiss—from the content to the design and layout. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your cooking without the stress, hit that buy button and join the fan club. You won’t regret it!
    12 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2025
    I read about this cookbook and how it’s set up according to preparation time! I thought I would surprise my wife and get it for her. She’s had the book for a week and a half so far and has made 4 of the book’s recipes and, so far, the book is batting 1000. Each meal, using what she’s already had in the pantry, has turned out delicious. Each recipe’s stated prep time has been fairly accurate and what my wife REALLY likes is the versatility built into the recipes. The author gives lots of examples stating if you don’t have a certain ingredient for the recipe, then she provides tips on possible substitutions! Like I said, so far we feel this is an excellent cookbook for the busy family.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024
    Want to learn to cook better on your own? Get this cookbook!
    Want to enjoy cooking? Get this cookbook!
    Want to WOW guests with your food? Get this cookbook!
    Want to be more efficient in the kitchen? Get this cookbook!
    Want to be a more creative cook on your own? Get this cookbook!

    While you are at it, get one for a friend, a co-worker, AND a family member, and go ahead and subscribe to her newsletter. I know it all seems too good to be true, but Caro has quite literally changed my life. I hated cooking after having kids, and through Caro I have found the joy of cooking again AND have become a better cook on my own. I have tried things I would never have made before because she has become such a trusted person in my life. I turned on a couple of my girl friends to her as well, and it has been such a bonding experience to cook together.
    I have poured over this cookbook since waiting for it like a kid on Christmas morning and can't wait to cook my way through it.

    Warning: This cookbook might be slightly overwhelming because it is chock full of amazing recipes, great, helpful information and beautiful pictures. Also, it might make cooking from anything else hard once you are accustomed to the sensible way that Caro makes and organizes her recipes.
    17 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2024
    Caroline Chambers somehow masterfully makes recipes that are easy to follow, teach you new skills, and make you feel like you could impress a crowd with approachable yet unique and savory dishes. Each recipe has a photo and the ingredients are in bold (so you don’t miss adding anything during each step). Each recipe also has a list of substitutions and/or riffs to adapt the meal. The instructions are so approachable; she’s taught me how to grill and cook seafood, which were skills outside of my comfort zone. This isn’t a book for how to get food on a plate when you’re exhausted and don’t feel like cooking; this is a book that reminds you cooking can be fun (and you’re good at it!), even when you don’t feel like cooking.
    12 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2025
    I love this cookbook. Delicious recipes of food you actually want to eat on a weeknight. Each recipe is a complete meal which I appreciate so much as having to figure out sides is always so much extra work. The instructions are clear, the photos for each recipe look great, and there's plenty of options for substitutions so you can customize everything to your tastes. I would give more than 5 stars if I could!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024
    I'm not a big cookbook person, but I purchased this with no prior knowledge of Caro or her substack simply because of the title. Hey! That's me! *I* don't feel like cooking!
    Just reading through the book is enjoyable; Caro's writing is down to earth, funny, and it's like she GETS me. I mean, she included a note about what to do when you invariably dump out the pasta water without saving some (every. dang. time.).
    We've now cooked about six of the recipes from the book, and I have not once been disappointed. Everything came together quickly and simply, and everything tasted amazing! The cauliflower tacos--omg. Plus, I'm also an avid fan of cabbage... it's so underrated! I appreciate the love it gets in this book.
    The book includes plenty of vegetarian dishes alongside the meat ones, which I love, and while there are no specific notes on how to make things gluten-free (I have celiac disease), the ingredients are always simple enough that I can just replace things myself (sadly, I can't try the creations that use Hawaiian rolls, though).
    Thanks to Caro for getting me out of my cooking funk. I'm excited to try more of these recipes to add to our dinner rotation.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025
    I love this cookbook! I just got it and have read it cover to cover. I made the White Chicken Chili today and am in LOVE! It is the best chili of any kind that myself, my husband and daughter have ever had. Hands down. I have 6 more recipes to try next week. Carolyn makes it easy and with several options to use what you have on hand. This would be a great gift!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Ben Kennedy
    5.0 out of 5 stars So tasty
    Reviewed in Canada on January 7, 2025
    This has quickly become one of the heaviest rotation cookbooks in our house! So tasty and easy, recipes are good right off the page and require very little help which I can’t say for all cookbooks
  • K. Schreck
    3.0 out of 5 stars Very veggie unfriendly, sadly.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 11, 2024
    For anyone trying to cook less meat (or none at all), this cookbook simply won't work. Looking through the recipes, about 80-85% use meat or fish of some kind. It's such a shame, I really wanted to love it.
  • mathias widtskiold
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great inspiration
    Reviewed in Germany on February 9, 2025
    Bought this book for my 23 year old daughter who needed inspiration what to cook for herself and she loves it and the tasty recipes within.