It's 3 P.M. and I haven't planned dinner for tonight (or tomorrow, or the night after). That means I want to pick up groceries (a minimal amount!) on my way home and make a meal that does not require I had any sort of plan in mind. I don't want to have to wait for a sauce to reduce; I don't want to be told to start with already-cooked rice; and dear God, I don't want to pull out a slow-cooker.

To the rescue: 18 saving graces! These recipes don't ask that you've done anything to prep in advance. They understand procrastination (and the pressures of real life), and they won't have you counting down the minutes 'til the beans are cooked through.