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Don't Think About Dinner: Save Time and Money with 125+ Easy, Nourishing, Delicious Recipes for Every Meal – A New York Times Bestselling Cookbook and Meal Planning Handbook
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
Save time, money, and energy with strategic meal planning, grocery lists, and kitchen prep. With over 125 recipes, Don’t Think About Dinner eliminates decision fatigue and makes healthy living effortless, delicious, and even fun!
Whether you want to improve your health, cut down food waste (and spending), reduce your mental load, or build new kitchen skills, Don’t Think About Dinner provides everything you need to confidently approach every meal of the day—from shopping and stocking the pantry to storing and reheating leftovers, and everything in between.
As a college student, Jenn was struggling with health problems and tired of quick-fix “healthy” recipes that relied on obscure, expensive ingredients that often spoiled before she could finish them. Overwhelmed and frustrated, she felt further from her health goals. So, she made a plan. Or rather, a list—filled with plants and proteins, plus simple recipes to make the most of them. This became the framework for her hugely successful business—and transformed her life.
In this engaging, cleverly organized book, Jenn expands on the content that has captivated millions of devoted follows. Unlike a typical cookbook, this comprehensive handbook offers strategies, tools, tips, meal plans, and more, plus over 125 delicious recipes. Jenn includes a wide range of adaptable dishes that suit any vibe, budget, or dietary need, from breakfast and lunch to appetizers, dinner, drinks, snacks, and desserts,
Goat Cheese and Kale High-Protein Egg Muffins, a quick, satisfying reheatable breakfastBarbecue Chicken Chopped Salad, more filling and budget-friendly than the one from your favorite food chainStreet Corn-Inspired Shrimp Skillet, a high-protein dinner done in 30 minutesSheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and “Cheese,” a delicious, plant-powered wonderFudgy Sweet Potato Brownies—so good you’ll forget about the box mix
Don’t Think About Dinner is designed to streamline the way you cook and think about your meals. With a fully stocked kitchen and plan in place, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to cook nourishing, budget-conscious, standout meals.
Save time, money, and energy with strategic meal planning, grocery lists, and kitchen prep. With over 125 recipes, Don’t Think About Dinner eliminates decision fatigue and makes healthy living effortless, delicious, and even fun!
Whether you want to improve your health, cut down food waste (and spending), reduce your mental load, or build new kitchen skills, Don’t Think About Dinner provides everything you need to confidently approach every meal of the day—from shopping and stocking the pantry to storing and reheating leftovers, and everything in between.
As a college student, Jenn was struggling with health problems and tired of quick-fix “healthy” recipes that relied on obscure, expensive ingredients that often spoiled before she could finish them. Overwhelmed and frustrated, she felt further from her health goals. So, she made a plan. Or rather, a list—filled with plants and proteins, plus simple recipes to make the most of them. This became the framework for her hugely successful business—and transformed her life.
In this engaging, cleverly organized book, Jenn expands on the content that has captivated millions of devoted follows. Unlike a typical cookbook, this comprehensive handbook offers strategies, tools, tips, meal plans, and more, plus over 125 delicious recipes. Jenn includes a wide range of adaptable dishes that suit any vibe, budget, or dietary need, from breakfast and lunch to appetizers, dinner, drinks, snacks, and desserts,
Goat Cheese and Kale High-Protein Egg Muffins, a quick, satisfying reheatable breakfastBarbecue Chicken Chopped Salad, more filling and budget-friendly than the one from your favorite food chainStreet Corn-Inspired Shrimp Skillet, a high-protein dinner done in 30 minutesSheet Pan Butternut Squash Mac and “Cheese,” a delicious, plant-powered wonderFudgy Sweet Potato Brownies—so good you’ll forget about the box mix
Don’t Think About Dinner is designed to streamline the way you cook and think about your meals. With a fully stocked kitchen and plan in place, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to cook nourishing, budget-conscious, standout meals.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 12, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
I hadn't previously heard of Jenn Lueke before requesting this cookbook on NetGalley, but I am always looking for new recipes to try. There were so many amazing new things that I can't wait to try, like the spinach and artichoke dip (dairy-free, so not sure how that would work) or the berry crisp. I love berry crisp but have never once thought to put pistachios in it, but maybe it will become my new favorite thing?
Definitely would recommend this cookbook.
I hadn't previously heard of Jenn Lueke before requesting this cookbook on NetGalley, but I am always looking for new recipes to try. There were so many amazing new things that I can't wait to try, like the spinach and artichoke dip (dairy-free, so not sure how that would work) or the berry crisp. I love berry crisp but have never once thought to put pistachios in it, but maybe it will become my new favorite thing?
Definitely would recommend this cookbook.
February 1, 2026
I’ll begin by saying, if you have never made a Jenn Eats Goood (yes, 3 o’s) recipe, you need to remedy that asap.
I have been cooking her recipes and subscribing to her Substack for years now, and I can honestly say she’s made me a better cook, while having fun in the kitchen! Bless her.
Her cookbook is THICK & packed with different meal plans, grocery shopping suggestions, delicious recipes and encouragement. What a labor of love! This will live in my kitchen and be used weekly. Thanks, Jenn! 🫶
I have been cooking her recipes and subscribing to her Substack for years now, and I can honestly say she’s made me a better cook, while having fun in the kitchen! Bless her.
Her cookbook is THICK & packed with different meal plans, grocery shopping suggestions, delicious recipes and encouragement. What a labor of love! This will live in my kitchen and be used weekly. Thanks, Jenn! 🫶
March 26, 2026
4.5 - This is my favorite cookbook I've ever owned. I LOVE it!! This came out just at the right time for me and has helped make cooking be more enjoyable for me. I've been in a rut for a while and hated the idea of making dinner every night for the rest of my life, but this cookbook has helped me approach meal planning with a different perspective. I love that Jenn's recipes and meal plans have overlapping ingredients that I can find at my grocery store. I'm also loving finding out how to make yummy food that's dairy-free and still tastes delicious! I'm feeling less wasteful in my grocery shopping and more domestic in the kitchen. I highly recommend trying this out!
I first heard about Jenn through her meal prep videos on YouTube shorts. I found her website and tried one of her weekly meal plans and felt proud of myself for trying something new. I followed her on Instagram and YouTube and saw that she had a cookbook coming out, so I jumped on the preorder. I was so excited to get my copy in January, and I've been using it (mostly) every week since.
I first heard about Jenn through her meal prep videos on YouTube shorts. I found her website and tried one of her weekly meal plans and felt proud of myself for trying something new. I followed her on Instagram and YouTube and saw that she had a cookbook coming out, so I jumped on the preorder. I was so excited to get my copy in January, and I've been using it (mostly) every week since.
January 15, 2026
If you know me, you know I love a good cookbook, and this book is a 10! Jenn’s value of eating healthy without following a program aligns with my approach to cooking and eating, and she makes the process efficient and exciting. Another reason I love a good cookbook? The pictures and layout in this one are fabulous!
January 28, 2026
I’m loving this cookbook - so many healthy recipes that are delicious & NOT inflammatory!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I initially started reading Don’t Think About Dinner by Jenn Lueke thinking it would give me a handful of ideas for meal prep and some recipes for making healthy food taste great. This book does, in fact, do all of that, but I was very wrong about the “handful” of ideas and “some” recipes for making healthy food taste great. I have been a dietitian for, ahem, quite a while now and meal plan and meal prep regularly. Despite having a lot of experience in this area, I was blown away by the amount I learned from this book.
This book is very well organized with an impeccable design. Part one is an in-depth guide to meal planning, meal prep, shopping, and food storage with twelve weeks of meal plans. I loved that the author included food storage because this is something that is often overlooked in meal prep books and storing food safely in a way that maintains quality is incredibly important for maintaining meal prepping long-term. The book includes a fantastic and thorough section on Food Safety Guidelines in the Prep It section, which I find very helpful for home cooks to know and am impressed that the author took the time to focus on this area.
The author, her family, and her dogs are adorable which makes it seem like following her guide and recipes can help you have this cozy family dinner at your own house. The introduction gave a great overview of the author’s perspective, and she really captures the feeling I hear from a lot of my patients and clients: having trouble connecting with her doctor’s advice. It isn’t that people don’t want to do what their doctor is recommending, but they often don’t know where or how to get started. If you have ever felt that way, this book will resonate with you and help you solve those problems!
This book would be perfect for anyone that is interested in cooking more at home and isn’t sure where to start or feels overwhelmed by the process. The book makes each step in getting food on the table, from planning to shopping to storage, feel doable from the beginning. This book would be great for someone that is interested in meal planning and meal prepping and has not been able to make it stick long-term. The book gives tips and strategies with plans and guides for different seasons (on the calendar and those busy seasons that strike us all). I think this book would be perfect for both experienced home cooks as well as those venturing into their first home or apartment, maybe a college grad or newlywed. The meals in this book are affordable without being cheap, offering restaurant-quality meals without the restaurant or home meal delivery kit price tag.
The recipes I am most excited to try are the Cookie Dough Overnight Oats, Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Chia Pudding, Hidden Veggie Oat Bars, Goat Cheese and Kale Egg Muffins, Mediterranean-Inspired Chickpea Chopped Salad, Farmer’s Market Lentil Salad, Crunchy Pork Lettuce Wraps with Carrot Slaw, Mediterranean-Inspired Salmon and Orzo Bake, Dump-And-Bake Hidden Protein Pasta, Red Curry Noodles with Sauteed Green Onion and Pork, and the Saucy Beef and Broccoli. I’m sure you’ll find tons of recipes that appeal to you, too!
I initially started reading Don’t Think About Dinner by Jenn Lueke thinking it would give me a handful of ideas for meal prep and some recipes for making healthy food taste great. This book does, in fact, do all of that, but I was very wrong about the “handful” of ideas and “some” recipes for making healthy food taste great. I have been a dietitian for, ahem, quite a while now and meal plan and meal prep regularly. Despite having a lot of experience in this area, I was blown away by the amount I learned from this book.
This book is very well organized with an impeccable design. Part one is an in-depth guide to meal planning, meal prep, shopping, and food storage with twelve weeks of meal plans. I loved that the author included food storage because this is something that is often overlooked in meal prep books and storing food safely in a way that maintains quality is incredibly important for maintaining meal prepping long-term. The book includes a fantastic and thorough section on Food Safety Guidelines in the Prep It section, which I find very helpful for home cooks to know and am impressed that the author took the time to focus on this area.
The author, her family, and her dogs are adorable which makes it seem like following her guide and recipes can help you have this cozy family dinner at your own house. The introduction gave a great overview of the author’s perspective, and she really captures the feeling I hear from a lot of my patients and clients: having trouble connecting with her doctor’s advice. It isn’t that people don’t want to do what their doctor is recommending, but they often don’t know where or how to get started. If you have ever felt that way, this book will resonate with you and help you solve those problems!
This book would be perfect for anyone that is interested in cooking more at home and isn’t sure where to start or feels overwhelmed by the process. The book makes each step in getting food on the table, from planning to shopping to storage, feel doable from the beginning. This book would be great for someone that is interested in meal planning and meal prepping and has not been able to make it stick long-term. The book gives tips and strategies with plans and guides for different seasons (on the calendar and those busy seasons that strike us all). I think this book would be perfect for both experienced home cooks as well as those venturing into their first home or apartment, maybe a college grad or newlywed. The meals in this book are affordable without being cheap, offering restaurant-quality meals without the restaurant or home meal delivery kit price tag.
The recipes I am most excited to try are the Cookie Dough Overnight Oats, Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Chia Pudding, Hidden Veggie Oat Bars, Goat Cheese and Kale Egg Muffins, Mediterranean-Inspired Chickpea Chopped Salad, Farmer’s Market Lentil Salad, Crunchy Pork Lettuce Wraps with Carrot Slaw, Mediterranean-Inspired Salmon and Orzo Bake, Dump-And-Bake Hidden Protein Pasta, Red Curry Noodles with Sauteed Green Onion and Pork, and the Saucy Beef and Broccoli. I’m sure you’ll find tons of recipes that appeal to you, too!
March 31, 2026
This book has changed my life. No exaggeration. I’m eating better. I’m cooking more. More than ever and actually enjoying it! This is a big change for me.
I’m also finally eating the vegetables, fruits and fiber I’ve been told for years I needed to do without knowing how to make it happen. Jenn’s recipes are easy, affordable and delicious.
I was someone who didn’t cook much, preferred convenience. Frozen meals, eating out were my go to’s.
When the pandemic hit I started cooking out of necessity for family dinners and special occasions. At first it was a lasagna for my dad’s birthday. Then more recipes were requested and I would cook occasionally for family get togethers, but not on a regular basis. Too many ingredients, too many steps, it was not something I could sustain. I reverted back to my meals of convenience. Enter Jenn and her meal plans with grocery list. Early last year I saw a reel on social media with how to make 5 dinners for $50 from Trader Joe’s. This peaked my interest. Could this be something I could do? I bought the ingredients and made a few of the recipes. They did not disappoint.
Ingredients were easy to find (Trader Joe’s for the win!) and the steps were manageable. And the recipes came out so delicious!! I started cooking more and more. Making dinners are enjoyable and delicious. Leftovers for lunch. I’ve also started prepping breakfasts (overnight oats are delicious and I crave them. When I cook something delicious my family and I enjoy, I feel like a chef. Not just a once in a while chef, someone who can meal prep dinners and breakfasts every week, making our lives so much simpler. This book has many recipes I’ve made on repeat. Between Jenn’s website, Substack and this book, I am never without ideas. I now meal prep some breakfasts on the weekend, make a few dinners during the week and often enjoy leftovers for lunch.
I’m also finally eating the vegetables, fruits and fiber I’ve been told for years I needed to do without knowing how to make it happen. Jenn’s recipes are easy, affordable and delicious.
I was someone who didn’t cook much, preferred convenience. Frozen meals, eating out were my go to’s.
When the pandemic hit I started cooking out of necessity for family dinners and special occasions. At first it was a lasagna for my dad’s birthday. Then more recipes were requested and I would cook occasionally for family get togethers, but not on a regular basis. Too many ingredients, too many steps, it was not something I could sustain. I reverted back to my meals of convenience. Enter Jenn and her meal plans with grocery list. Early last year I saw a reel on social media with how to make 5 dinners for $50 from Trader Joe’s. This peaked my interest. Could this be something I could do? I bought the ingredients and made a few of the recipes. They did not disappoint.
Ingredients were easy to find (Trader Joe’s for the win!) and the steps were manageable. And the recipes came out so delicious!! I started cooking more and more. Making dinners are enjoyable and delicious. Leftovers for lunch. I’ve also started prepping breakfasts (overnight oats are delicious and I crave them. When I cook something delicious my family and I enjoy, I feel like a chef. Not just a once in a while chef, someone who can meal prep dinners and breakfasts every week, making our lives so much simpler. This book has many recipes I’ve made on repeat. Between Jenn’s website, Substack and this book, I am never without ideas. I now meal prep some breakfasts on the weekend, make a few dinners during the week and often enjoy leftovers for lunch.
November 26, 2025
Full Disclosure: I AM NOT A MEAL PLANNER, so I was very interested to read this cookbook based on weekly meal planning. Lucky for me, there are plenty of tips and tricks for folks like me that have no clue where to begin. Jenn walks you through how to Plan It, Stock It, Shop It, Prep It, Store It, and Keep At It! Then she addresses roadblocks and tips for overcoming them. The weekly meal plans are very achievable and I appreciated that each recipe has a "Goood to Know" tip and there are quite a few charts of substitutions for alternate proteins and staples. The recipes are accessible, don't require hard-to-find ingredients or special equipment. I often do not eat breakfast due to a lack of time and the breakfast prep chapter is going to change that. Coconut-Mango Chia Pudding, here I come! How about a Leek, Potato, and Goat Cheese Frittata that can be portioned and frozen to reheat as needed? I'm in. There are plenty of yummy lunches, snacks, and dips included as well.
As for the weekly plans, I was impressed with the variety of recipes that you can create with the same ingredients. Plans such as "10 Ingredients (or less) Week", "Perfectly Plant-Based Week", and "Autumn Vibes Week" have something for everyone (and remember... there are plenty of resources for substituting ingredients that you don't (or can't) eat.
I had no clue who Jenn Lueke was when I received this advanced reading copy, but I now follow her on Instagram and YouTube. I'm a fan now! Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the chance to discover healthy meal planning and Jenn Lueke.
As for the weekly plans, I was impressed with the variety of recipes that you can create with the same ingredients. Plans such as "10 Ingredients (or less) Week", "Perfectly Plant-Based Week", and "Autumn Vibes Week" have something for everyone (and remember... there are plenty of resources for substituting ingredients that you don't (or can't) eat.
I had no clue who Jenn Lueke was when I received this advanced reading copy, but I now follow her on Instagram and YouTube. I'm a fan now! Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the chance to discover healthy meal planning and Jenn Lueke.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
Don't Think About Dinner.
I'm not familiar with the author but I'm always on the lookout for recipes to shake up my routine.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this, basic advice and recipes with a few twists but I was pleasantly surprised by the knowledge and ideas the author gave me.
This book is well organized with beautiful photographs.
Part one includes an in-depth guide to meal planning, meal prep, shopping, and food storage with twelve weeks of meal plans.
This is incredibly useful for people who have never planned meals in advance or am not sure where to begin.
Some of my friends would really benefit from this book but ultimately, I believe some people don't meal prep and plan in advance is because they're lazy.
I am no beginner in this area so I skipped Part One.
The author offers tips and strategies with plans and guides for each season.
The meals in this book are affordable with delicious ingredients that aren't hard to find, and may inspire home chefs to experiment more.
Quite a few recipes piqued my interest especially Mediterranean-Inspired Chickpea Chopped Salad, Farmer’s Market Lentil Salad, Crunchy Pork Lettuce Wraps with Carrot Slaw, and Dump-And-Bake Hidden Protein Pasta.
I'm looking forward to eating new meals in the new year!
I'm not familiar with the author but I'm always on the lookout for recipes to shake up my routine.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this, basic advice and recipes with a few twists but I was pleasantly surprised by the knowledge and ideas the author gave me.
This book is well organized with beautiful photographs.
Part one includes an in-depth guide to meal planning, meal prep, shopping, and food storage with twelve weeks of meal plans.
This is incredibly useful for people who have never planned meals in advance or am not sure where to begin.
Some of my friends would really benefit from this book but ultimately, I believe some people don't meal prep and plan in advance is because they're lazy.
I am no beginner in this area so I skipped Part One.
The author offers tips and strategies with plans and guides for each season.
The meals in this book are affordable with delicious ingredients that aren't hard to find, and may inspire home chefs to experiment more.
Quite a few recipes piqued my interest especially Mediterranean-Inspired Chickpea Chopped Salad, Farmer’s Market Lentil Salad, Crunchy Pork Lettuce Wraps with Carrot Slaw, and Dump-And-Bake Hidden Protein Pasta.
I'm looking forward to eating new meals in the new year!
January 16, 2026
I absolutely love reviewing cookbooks, especially those that are so exceptional they compel you to buy a copy for yourself. I was particularly impressed with the structure and writing style of this book, not to mention the stunning photographs throughout. Being new to this author, I found her diverse range of work to be quite inviting. This book is designed to help you become more organized and efficient in the kitchen or even in your life.
Jenn's strategies empower readers to tackle challenges while creating nourishing, budget-friendly meals using simple, versatile ingredients. She offers curated grocery lists and straightforward recipes, making healthy living more attainable for everyone. This book doubles as both a cookbook and a transformative guide aimed at reducing decision fatigue.
You'll discover how to effectively plan your week, including creating grocery lists, stocking your kitchen, and swapping out ingredients to save money. I've decided to take on a personal challenge to implement these tips and try out meal prep. It's just my husband and me, but there are nights when I really don’t feel like cooking, especially when we travel. This book is an invaluable resource, and I feel truly inspired. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to get busy in my kitchen!
Thank you, William Morrow and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jenn's strategies empower readers to tackle challenges while creating nourishing, budget-friendly meals using simple, versatile ingredients. She offers curated grocery lists and straightforward recipes, making healthy living more attainable for everyone. This book doubles as both a cookbook and a transformative guide aimed at reducing decision fatigue.
You'll discover how to effectively plan your week, including creating grocery lists, stocking your kitchen, and swapping out ingredients to save money. I've decided to take on a personal challenge to implement these tips and try out meal prep. It's just my husband and me, but there are nights when I really don’t feel like cooking, especially when we travel. This book is an invaluable resource, and I feel truly inspired. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to get busy in my kitchen!
Thank you, William Morrow and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 1, 2026
Don’t Think About Dinner is less a traditional cookbook and more a genuinely useful life system for anyone overwhelmed by the daily question of what to eat.
What sets this book apart is its focus on decision fatigue. Jenn doesn’t just offer recipes, she offers a framework. From strategic meal planning and smart grocery lists to pantry organization, prep, storage, and reheating, this book walks readers through the entire process of feeding themselves well without burning out.
The organization is excellent. Everything feels intentional and easy to navigate, which makes this a book you’ll actually use, not just admire on the counter. The recipes themselves are approachable and flavorful, and the ones we’ve tried have been consistently delicious. (hello cookie dough overnight oats)
Most of all, this book reduces mental load. It makes healthy living feel achievable instead of aspirational, and even fun instead of stressful.
If you’re looking to save time, money, and energy in the kitchen or just want a smarter, calmer approach to feeding yourself and your family Don’t Think About Dinner is an excellent resource and one I’ll be returning to often.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
What sets this book apart is its focus on decision fatigue. Jenn doesn’t just offer recipes, she offers a framework. From strategic meal planning and smart grocery lists to pantry organization, prep, storage, and reheating, this book walks readers through the entire process of feeding themselves well without burning out.
The organization is excellent. Everything feels intentional and easy to navigate, which makes this a book you’ll actually use, not just admire on the counter. The recipes themselves are approachable and flavorful, and the ones we’ve tried have been consistently delicious. (hello cookie dough overnight oats)
Most of all, this book reduces mental load. It makes healthy living feel achievable instead of aspirational, and even fun instead of stressful.
If you’re looking to save time, money, and energy in the kitchen or just want a smarter, calmer approach to feeding yourself and your family Don’t Think About Dinner is an excellent resource and one I’ll be returning to often.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me an ARC for review!
I follow Jenn on Instagram and as soon as I saw her cookbook, I immediately hit the request button. She literally makes meal planning look so effortless, and it translates into her book.
There are 12-week plans for dinner and grocery lists, tips on maximizing and savings for grocery shopping & stocking pantry staples, she also includes guidelines for how to store and freeze your meals. I really appreciate her effort to share with everyone how to meal plan efficiently.
The recipes she included in her book are varied with dairy-free options (a major plus in our household!) as well as gluten-free! We have so far made the "Marry Me Turkey Meatballs" and it was a hit! The recipe was so flavorful and took under 3o minutes to make. We are thinking of putting together a large batch of these meatballs and freezing it for lazy days when we just need a quick meal. The recipe is so versatile and can jazz up anything from pasta dishes to a sub! I'm so excited to get back into meal planning and trying all her recipes!
I follow Jenn on Instagram and as soon as I saw her cookbook, I immediately hit the request button. She literally makes meal planning look so effortless, and it translates into her book.
There are 12-week plans for dinner and grocery lists, tips on maximizing and savings for grocery shopping & stocking pantry staples, she also includes guidelines for how to store and freeze your meals. I really appreciate her effort to share with everyone how to meal plan efficiently.
The recipes she included in her book are varied with dairy-free options (a major plus in our household!) as well as gluten-free! We have so far made the "Marry Me Turkey Meatballs" and it was a hit! The recipe was so flavorful and took under 3o minutes to make. We are thinking of putting together a large batch of these meatballs and freezing it for lazy days when we just need a quick meal. The recipe is so versatile and can jazz up anything from pasta dishes to a sub! I'm so excited to get back into meal planning and trying all her recipes!
October 30, 2025
I've been following the author Jenn for awhile on her blog and social media. I absolutely love her recipes and was thrilled to hear she is coming out with a cookbook. Every meal I've made has been budget friendly, un-complicated, and utterly delicious!
I love how this cookbook is laid out and how there are different lists based on interests with the page numbers of the recipe on the list. I've made a few of these recipes already and they are delicious! She makes it easy by adding in shopping lists.
This is more than a cookbook- it's a handbook. It takes the thought and planning out of what to make for dinner. The title couldn't have been more appropriate. I cannot wait to get my hands on a hard copy of this cookbook in January!
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow | William Morrow Cookbooks for a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
I love how this cookbook is laid out and how there are different lists based on interests with the page numbers of the recipe on the list. I've made a few of these recipes already and they are delicious! She makes it easy by adding in shopping lists.
This is more than a cookbook- it's a handbook. It takes the thought and planning out of what to make for dinner. The title couldn't have been more appropriate. I cannot wait to get my hands on a hard copy of this cookbook in January!
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow | William Morrow Cookbooks for a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely LOVE this cookbook! It feels like such an amazing breath of fresh air. The recipes are simple, with common ingredients meaning I do not have to run to three different stores and they are always absolutely delicious! My favorite part is Jenn makes it so easy for you! She includes 12 weeks of dinners for you and your family, already planned out and includes a grocery list! I also really appreciate that she includes how to store and how long, so if you wanted to meal prep any of the meals included, there is a detailed fool proof plan already in place. We have been following her recipes for two weeks now and have been loving every second of it!
Thank you so much to Jenn Lueke for your incredible recipes, and to Netgalley and William Marrow for the opportunity to read this book as an eArc and cook these delicious meals!
Thank you so much to Jenn Lueke for your incredible recipes, and to Netgalley and William Marrow for the opportunity to read this book as an eArc and cook these delicious meals!
January 16, 2026
I have been following her food Instagram/newsletter for a while. Jenn’s recipes are easy, nutritious and often gluten free and/or dairy free (or can be modified to be). She takes a lot of time in the front of the book to discuss meal planning and ways to make it easier to healthy and tasty meals on the table. Given the high cost of groceries, her emphasis on saving money and not wasting food is timely and appreciated.
I cook all the time and know I will enjoy this cookbook. But I think it would be especially good for those who don’t know where to start with meal planning or simply getting out of the take-out rut. She tells you how to take baby steps to get to where you want to be. Would be a perfect gift for the new college graduate!
I had the good fortune to attend her book talk in Washington, D.C. last night - she is just as lovely in person as she is on social media!
March 24, 2026
Never thought I’d be writing a review of a cookbook on Goodreads, but here I am. I already can’t wait for the next cookbook and we’re only on week 3.
This book completely took the mental load away of what to cook for dinner and has amazing light lunch alternatives and healthy dessert ideas. The meal planning is done for you, the grocery lists are organized and easy to follow, and everything just flows in a way that makes life so much simpler. I actually enjoy cooking again and we look forward to cooking together every night.
The recipes are so delicious while still being healthy and loaded with whole foods. Everyday is something new and you’re incorporating so many different vegetables and a variety of meat sources.
If you’re tired of the daily “what’s for dinner?” stress, I can’t recommend this cookbook enough. It sounds dramatic, but it really has been life-changing for us.
This book completely took the mental load away of what to cook for dinner and has amazing light lunch alternatives and healthy dessert ideas. The meal planning is done for you, the grocery lists are organized and easy to follow, and everything just flows in a way that makes life so much simpler. I actually enjoy cooking again and we look forward to cooking together every night.
The recipes are so delicious while still being healthy and loaded with whole foods. Everyday is something new and you’re incorporating so many different vegetables and a variety of meat sources.
If you’re tired of the daily “what’s for dinner?” stress, I can’t recommend this cookbook enough. It sounds dramatic, but it really has been life-changing for us.
January 18, 2026
Received ARC via NetGalley.
I should preface I am a fan of Jen and have been for YEARS! I giggled with glee when I got this ARC and was NO DISAPPOINTED!!! Jen, well done! My goodness, you out did yourself!
What a lovely focus on sustainable kitchen practices and budget friendly cooking. What to buy, how much you’ll need, and how to use it all!! My personal fav is the artichoke dip (DF!!!!!) and breakfast savory drop biscuits (which I’ve loved for a long time!)
I would have loved a hard copy of this book!
This is an EXCELLENT addition to any cooks cookbook stash; however, I think first-time independent living folks (like college kids or newly weds) would benefit most from this!
I should preface I am a fan of Jen and have been for YEARS! I giggled with glee when I got this ARC and was NO DISAPPOINTED!!! Jen, well done! My goodness, you out did yourself!
What a lovely focus on sustainable kitchen practices and budget friendly cooking. What to buy, how much you’ll need, and how to use it all!! My personal fav is the artichoke dip (DF!!!!!) and breakfast savory drop biscuits (which I’ve loved for a long time!)
I would have loved a hard copy of this book!
This is an EXCELLENT addition to any cooks cookbook stash; however, I think first-time independent living folks (like college kids or newly weds) would benefit most from this!
February 1, 2026
A good cookbook, to me, is a whole experience. I love hearing the authors own thoughts about their recipes, the tip and tricks, and picturing the different occasions in my life a certain recipe will work for. Don't Think About Dinner was perfect for this! I loved reading about her approach to cookies, offering tips and tricks in the beginning. The recipes offered sounded tasty and most would be easy enough for even a beginner. I ADORED the layout and presentation with recipes for different seasons and different occasions. I received this as a digital copy, but can not wait to buy it in print!
February 8, 2026
This book offers a lot of meal prep tips - you can follow them as she does, or implement them as you like. The recipes are solid, and you can batch cook most of them. The winners for me were the cookie dough overnight oats; also, she has a variation of the feta cheese pasta that she does with salmon and chicken that are great. All of the dishes in here are healthy-ish.
I wish she had included nutritional information. That would have made a big difference. This is a good reference if you have to get dinner on the table on a regular basis. There are photos for most recipes and the instructions are easy to follow.
I wish she had included nutritional information. That would have made a big difference. This is a good reference if you have to get dinner on the table on a regular basis. There are photos for most recipes and the instructions are easy to follow.
November 12, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this cookbook! It's different, refreshing and healthy recipes that offer suggestions on revitalizing familiar ingredients. I wasn't so sure about a few of the recipes that I saw in the cookbook but I'd be willing to try a few out and see if they will be added to the family recipe box!
This was a very refreshing read and I highly recommend this to anyone looking to add a little something different to your lifestyle.
I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very refreshing read and I highly recommend this to anyone looking to add a little something different to your lifestyle.
I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2025
Easy to follow recipes that are delicious and reasonably cost efficient. Beautiful accompanying photographs included. There is something for everyone. Vegan, fish, gluten free and more. I tried quite a few that went over well. Roasted brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and beet salad (so so good), lentil salad, crispy chickpea bowls, lemon chicken thighs and rice and more. This is a keeper. Easy to prepare and delicious.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 17, 2025
Having never heard of this author before, I was interested to see what this cookbook offered. What I found was a well-presented cookbook that was organized in an easy to reference way. The recipes feature familiar ingredients and recipes that a newer at-home cook will appreciate.
If you are a fan of this blog, as I learned this is where the author started, or a new home cook, this will be a cookbook used often. There is also meal planning inspiration if you are new to planning or don't want to spend the time yourself.
All in all, a solid cookbook.
If you are a fan of this blog, as I learned this is where the author started, or a new home cook, this will be a cookbook used often. There is also meal planning inspiration if you are new to planning or don't want to spend the time yourself.
All in all, a solid cookbook.
November 3, 2025
Don’t Think About Dinner is a great guide for beginners in the kitchen or to meal prep. I am new to Jenn’s cooking, but I tried the crispy quinoa, peanut, and edamame salad and it was fantastic. I’d recommend this book to fans of the Defined Dish and I will definitely be reaching for this when I’m looking for meals that will save well for lunch the next day.
Thank you Netgally and William Morrow for a digital copy of this cookbook in return for my honest review.
Thank you Netgally and William Morrow for a digital copy of this cookbook in return for my honest review.
November 15, 2025
Netgalley ARC- I wish she had spent more time on recipes than on the fluff at the beginning. She has several good recipes using a plant-based approach with an eye towards healthy eating. The recipes are straightforward and accessible for a range of cooking abilities. The photography is nice. I'd not heard of her blog but will definitely check it out as the few recipes I bookmarked are keepers.
November 20, 2025
Lueke does a great job of getting on the readers' level who don't know how to meal plan, prep, and/or shop. She is incredibly approachable, and that is a great gift in the sea of cookbooks that assume everyone already knows how to flambé or whatever. The recipes trend toward variety and are inspired by cultures around the world. That is to say: if you're a picky eater (like me), you may only find one or two keepers amongst the 125.
March 26, 2026
Ironically I’ve been thinking (and talking) more about dinner than ever before cause I’m just so thrilled with this cookbook and am trying to convince everyone to get it! I’ve made 10 recipes so far and they’ve all been easy and delicious and healthy. I’ve checked it out from the library twice and will be buying my own copy cause I don’t ever want to be without this book- it’s just that good. If you try one cookbook this year make sure it’s this one!!
April 5, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to review an advanced copy! Absolutely love this cookbook! In the past I always tried her online meal plans when a new one would come out, so when I heard she was coming out with a cookbook, I immediately knew I would be a fan! I love how she creates meals using some of the same ingredients, so as to not waste any groceries. That is a big struggle of mine and always bothered me to have to throw away produce, etc before I could use it up. I've definitely learned to try new things and learn that cooking healthy doesn't necessarily have to be boring or tasteless!
May 27, 2026
Bookmarking this so I can check it out again later.
Iv loved every recipe I've made out of this book. The ingredients are accessible, "normal" foods, the instructions are clear and concise, great plant based options, and she's very good at anticipating questions I'm gonna have as I go through the recipe.
I like cookbooks that help me learn how to improvise better, not just to successfully make this one recipe I'm looking at.
Iv loved every recipe I've made out of this book. The ingredients are accessible, "normal" foods, the instructions are clear and concise, great plant based options, and she's very good at anticipating questions I'm gonna have as I go through the recipe.
I like cookbooks that help me learn how to improvise better, not just to successfully make this one recipe I'm looking at.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This books looks amazing and would great as just something to flip through. Along with that, the recipes are very flexible and look tasty. I love that there’s information such as what fruit and veg are in season and options to change the recipes for dietary needs.
Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2026
I've tried and enjoyed Jenn's recipes before she announced this cookbook. The beginning section is dedicated to teaching how to meal prep and her process for putting together weekly shop lists + recipes to save time/money. The recipes included span a wide range, she eats gluten-free but always lists swaps for other dietary needs. Looking forward to trying out some of these recipes!
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