microwave, fridge, freezer, coffee maker, oven, stove

An electric skillet is a little more versatile and faster, but also a bit more hands on and focused while you're using it. You can use it like you would a grill, griddle, frying pan, pot or deep fryer. I usually use it for meat and I'll add frozen veggies when I flip the meat halfway through, then add it to some pasta or rice. I've also used it for burgers, hot dogs, steaks, pork chops, pancakes, eggs. It's really versatile and if you buy a quality one which is not that expensive tbh, it cooks better and faster than a stove because the heat is evenly distributed, and keeping the lid on speeds things along while still cooking the center. Cleanup can be a bit more than a crockpot depending on what you've cooked, but you're still looking at like a mild scrub at worst. I have physical limitations as well as executive dysfunction, and these two appliances are the only reason I'm able to cook anything of substance pretty much ever. Much harder to ruin than anything else I've owned too 😂 If you're more concerned with convenience than substance, I recommend keeping a lot of "energy snacks" on hand. Dark chocolate, almonds, raw fruits and veggies, instant oatmeal, I don't remember what else because I do not execute the knowledge 😂😂 but there are lists online for that as well. Sometimes microwaving some frozen junk is still too much so having some grab and go options on hand helps. Sandwiches are usually pretty easy cause you can just keep the sandwich stuff in a grocery bag in the fridge and when you're hungry, toss the bread (and chips 😂) in the bag and go chill while you make sandwiches 😂😂 red bell peppers and cottage cheese!!!! One of my favorite things when I'm struggling lol cause you do the same as above but add the cottage cheese to the bag and grab a pepper, and then you get to either slice or tear each piece according to preference and suddenly it is fancy and enjoyable instead of a horrid chore, and pulling out the seeds and flesh is super satisfying. Soothes the depression idk why 😂 If you're looking for things that you can microwave, of course you've got the standard ramen, frozen meals, pizza rolls, what have you. I just learned this recently but there is FROZEN fried chicken that actually turns out fried chicken when you microwave it 😂😂 not the best fried chicken you ever had, but it is sufficient fried chicken, from the microwave. I like to keep some steam-in-bag vegetables and sides as well. Some of them are basically a meal but require no more effort than the other, less appealing options. Basmati rice is easily microwaved and turns out a perfect fluffy cloud of rice. Genuinely it's magic you don't even have to measure, just fill the bowl a little less than halfway with rice, then add water up to the safe line for that bowl 😂😂 I sound dumb af, you know what I mean tho, and pop it in there, it'll take like a restaurant. I do recommend seasoning or broth while it's cooking tho. Its only downfall is that if you cook it in plain water, it tastes like water flavored rice 😂😂 but if you cook it in chicken broth with some seasoning, then it is the best rice ever and kind of tastes like catching a whiff of chicken and stars cooking 😂😂 You can also buy frozen family meals, my favorite is veggie lasagna but they have all kinds of stuff. It takes forever to cook tho you're looking at a couple of hours at least. It is mostly just baking the whole time tho, only effort it requires is to tent the lid on top of it, and to idr remove the lid or flatten or turn it or something I genuinely can't remember but anyway it's only like three steps total, one of which being "bake for 10-20 minutes longer than the box says." But they're worth it when they're done tho. Oh also kid snacks. Jello, pudding cups, individually packaged anything, applesauce, lunchables, fruit cups, microwave Mac n cheese (don't do white cheddar something ain't right about it 😂😭) and popsicles are all good options for when you're having trouble actually cooking things. I feel like I probably have more to say on this because this has honestly been one of the biggest struggles of my life and I've had to really adapt 😂😂 but I can't think of them rn. I may come back to add more or if you have any specific questions I may be able to help.