Dragging yourself through the door after work, you’re hit by the hunger pangs like a ton of bricks — but the thought of cooking? Please. That’s where these 19 lazy night recipes come into play, heroically meeting your after-work appetite head-on. Let’s ditch the apron theatrics and whip up something that doesn’t require a pep talk to start. Because tonight, we’re all about getting fed with the least amount of drama possible.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect if you’re looking for a quick and filling dinner. They only take 25 minutes — just shake the chops in breadcrumbs and pop them in the oven. The result? Crispy outside, juicy inside. It’s a laid-back way to get a great meal on the table with minimal kitchen time, perfect for relaxing after work. This recipe keeps your kitchen clean and your stress low, making it a great choice for those evenings when you just want to unwind and enjoy a good meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
When you need a quick dinner, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your go-to. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re simple: fry chicken coated in cornstarch and salt, toss them in a garlic butter sauce spiced with paprika and Italian seasoning, and finish with lemon juice and parsley. This dish is all about getting a great meal on the table quickly so you can kick back and relax. The rich garlic and butter combination delivers a comforting flavor that’s perfect after a long day. Plus, the quick prep means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Settle down with the Chicken Tater Tot Casserole for a comforting meal that’s easy to prep. Just mix tater tots, shredded chicken, corn, cheese, and cream of mushroom and bake. It’s ready in less than an hour and perfect for those nights when you’re looking for a quick dinner that still feels like a treat. Plus, you can freeze any extras for another lazy dinner down the road. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, sure to serve joy to everyone at the table with its cheesy goodness and crispy tater tot topping.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake is all about simplicity. Mix chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, bake, and you’re done. In about 30 minutes, you’ve got a comforting dish that lets you chill out for the evening. It’s a no-stress dinner that’s great for those nights when you just want to relax. The creamy spinach and melted cheese create a soothing mix of flavors that envelop the tender chicken, making this dish a comforting end to any busy day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Maximize your evening chill with a Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Throw everything in one pan and roast. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors of sausage mixed with zucchini, broccoli florets, sweet mini peppers, and seasonings. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a stress-free option that makes your night easier and more convenient. This meal not only fills you up but also leaves you with minimal cleanup, giving you more time to relax or spend with family after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Try the Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice for a quick and easy meal. Cook everything in one skillet — ground beef, onions, mushrooms, with cream cheese and heavy cream — and mix in some cauliflower rice. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making dinner time a breeze and giving you more time to relax. This one-skillet wonder is not only easy to make but also low on carbs, a smart choice for those watching their diet without wanting to spend too much time or effort on dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Tortellini Soup
After a long day, relax with Chicken Tortellini Soup — a great choice for a quick and easy dinner. It’s ready in 40 minutes, and you only need one pot. This soup features a hearty combination of chicken, cheese tortellini, and a mix of onions, carrots, and celery, all simmered together with Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes for a little extra kick. It’s the perfect dish for those evenings when you’re too tired to cook but still want a comforting and filling meal that’s easy to make and clean up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Baked Ravioli
You’re home from work, hungry, and you want something good without a lot of work. Enter Baked Ravioli. It’s got that lasagna vibe without the time investment. Toss some frozen cheese ravioli in a dish, throw on marinara sauce, cheese, and pop it in the oven. An hour later, you’re digging into a meal that makes after-work hunger wave the white flag. Easy to make and even easier to devour—this is how you crush those lazy night cravings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Cabbage and Sausage
For a super simple post-work meal, try Cabbage and Sausage. It takes just 25 minutes to make, and you cook everything in one pan. Sauté sliced sausage until crispy, then cook cabbage with onions and spices until tender. The cabbage soaks up the rich flavors of the sausage, making a simple yet delicious dish that cuts down on cleanup time. It’s a solid pick for anyone looking to wind down quickly after work with a meal that’s both comforting and easy to manage.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
White Bean Soup
White Bean Soup is a solid choice for relaxing on a busy night. Ready in 40 minutes with just one pot, it mixes cannellini beans, onions, carrots, and celery into a creamy broth. Topped with croutons and cracked pepper, this soup serves a comforting and nutritious meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening. It’s great for those nights when you need a hearty dinner that doesn’t require constant attention, allowing you more time to unwind.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Turn to the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole for a hearty, easy dinner, all in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with broccoli and cauliflower in a cheesy sauce, with extra cheese and bacon baked until it’s bubbly and perfect. Using frozen veggies means less prep and cleanup. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want a filling meal but don’t have the energy for a complicated recipe. You get to enjoy a fancy dinner and then relax and recharge soon after.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is the way to go for a laid-back yet flavorful dinner. Just season the chicken with fajita spices, top with some cream cheese, bell peppers, and mozzarella, and bake it all together. Ready in a snap, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need a good meal without a lot of effort. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also delicious and filling, great for those evenings when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do. Serve it with a side salad or some steamed veggies, and your dinner is complete.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Broccoli Casserole
Now let’s talk about a real champion for those evenings when you’re looking for an easy win. This Broccoli Casserole is the teammate you didn’t know you needed. It’s a straight shot to a good meal with a simple lineup of ingredients and steps that anyone can tackle, no chef hat required. You mix, you bake, and in less than an hour, you’ve got a dish on the table that makes after-work hunger a thing of the past. It’s the kind of recipe that asks for minimal kitchen time, giving you more room to breathe and less to do.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Choose Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup for an easy, hands-off dinner. It takes about an hour, but you’re not stuck in the kitchen — the oven does most of the work. Blend cooked sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and garlic for a smooth, flavorful soup. Top it off with sour cream or yogurt and parsley for an extra touch. This one-pot meal is perfect for unwinding at the end of the day, with a dinner option that’s ready when you are, making your evening routine less stressful.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a great pick for those who want to relax after work with a comforting meal that doesn’t require much effort. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet dish blends the hearty flavors of ground beef with the creamy texture of cheddar cheese and sour cream and the nutritious touch of cauliflower rice and spinach. It’s not only simple to make but also easy to clean up afterward. This casserole is great for those evenings when you want a filling meal without a lot of work. You get to spend more time relaxing and less time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is perfect for a quick, soothing meal that lets you unwind after a busy day. Cooked in one pan within about 30 minutes, this recipe involves browning seasoned chicken breasts, then simmering them in a creamy sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan cheese. The sauce is rich and coats the chicken beautifully, making it a hit when served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. This dish saves time and effort, making it a great choice for a low-effort, high-reward dinner that maximizes your downtime.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Italian Sausage Soup
Italian Sausage Soup is ready in just 30 minutes and serves a delicious escape on chilly evenings. It combines robust Italian sausage with creamy cheese and tangy tomatoes, all seasoned with garlic and onions. This hearty soup delivers a comforting taste that’s perfect for when you need a savory, easy meal without a lot of prep or cleanup. Serve it with a piece of crusty bread for a dinner that lets you relax and recharge without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a straightforward, quick recipe that is perfect for those nights when you need something easy and hearty. Taking just 25 minutes, this one-pan meal features crispy bacon mixed with sweet onions and cabbage cooked in bacon grease, which infuses it with a savory flavor. It’s a simple dish that requires minimal effort and clean-up, making it a great option for a stress-free evening. Whether you’re looking for a light main dish or a hearty side, this recipe delivers without keeping you tied to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a great choice for a delicious dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes. This dish features succulent chicken thighs seasoned with herbs, baked, and then finished in a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. This creates a rich, tangy flavor that’s perfect over pasta. It’s an easy-to-make meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for long, allowing you to enjoy more of your evening after a long day at work.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken