Who’s got time to whip up a fancy meal after a day of nonstop hustle? Not us, and I’m guessing not you either. That’s why these lazy dinner recipes are a total game changer — 17 no-sweat meals that are great for slumping into your couch and really maximizing that post-work chill vibe. We’re talking minimal prep, no crazy kitchen acrobatics, just straight-up good food that gets you from zero to ‘chill mode’ in no time.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
When you need dinner fast, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready in just 20 minutes. Coat chicken in a mix of cornstarch and salt and fry until cooked through. Toss in a garlic butter sauce made with butter, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Garnish with fresh lemon juice and parsley before serving. This recipe is all about getting a great meal on the table fast so you can chill out for the rest of the evening.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a great solution for a laid-back dinner. They’re done in 25 minutes and only need a quick shake in breadcrumbs and a bake in the oven. Crispy-coated chops that are baked instead of fried allow the juicy meat to shine through. A coating of mayonnaise underneath seasoned breadcrumbs keeps the pork tender inside. Enjoy a great meal without a lot of kitchen work — perfect for relaxing evenings.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Spinach Chicken Bake
Spinach Chicken Bake is the ultimate lazy dinner. Toss chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach into a dish, bake, and you’re set. When baked, the flavors are well-infused together — the marinade, cream cheese, fresh spinach and melty cheese. This results in tender juicy chicken surrounded by creamy cheesy spinach layers. It cooks in about 30 minutes with hardly any cleanup. Great for a no-stress meal on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner makes your evening smoother. It’s a quick and easy meal that combines savory sausage with a medley of vegetables, all roasted together on a single sheet pan. This dish is full of flavor, highlighting the sweet and earthy tones of the vegetables along with the rich taste of the sausage. It’s a great choice for a stress-free family dinner or for meal prep, as it only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. This recipe is all about making your night easier, so you can kick back and relax.
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 meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Cream cheese and heavy cream are stirred into the skillet with the ground beef, onions, and mushrooms, while the cauliflower rice adds a subtle cauliflower flavor along with texture. Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup just as easy as the cooking. This recipe is perfect for nights when you want a great meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Kick back after work with this Chicken Tater Tot Casserole that’s on the table in less than an hour. It’s a great pick for those evenings when you’re looking for something simple yet comforting. You can prep it when you have time, stash it in the fridge, and bake it when the hunger hits. Freezing any extra is a breeze, making your next lazy dinner even easier. It’s a hit across the board, so you can relax knowing everyone’s going to be happy and full without a lot of effort on your part.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Chicken Tortellini Soup
For a comfy meal without a lot of work, try the Chicken Tortelloni Soup. It’s ready in 40 minutes with just one pot. This filling soup features the flavors of chicken, cheese tortellini, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Designed for busy weeknights, this one-pot recipe lets you wind down after a long day without spending too much time or effort on dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
This Cabbage and Sausage dish is your shortcut to a chill evening. It’s ready in 25 minutes flat, combining cabbage and sausage in one pan. Cabbage is great for absorbing flavors and pairs well with the rich taste of sausage. Just cook and eat — cleanup’s a breeze. This is a great pick when you want to relax sooner and cook less.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
White Bean Soup
White Bean Soup is perfect for winding down after a busy day. It only takes 40 minutes to whip up in one pot, mixing together cannellini beans, onions, carrots, and celery into a comforting broth. Cannellini beans serve as a creamy yet nourishing base, blended into the broth for a silky texture without unnecessary calories. Throw in some fresh cracked pepper and crispy croutons before serving. It’s a great way to enjoy a relaxing evening with minimal kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is your quick fix for a hearty dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. Broccoli and cauliflower meet a creamy cheese sauce, topped with more cheese and bacon, then baked until golden and bubbly. Add green onions or chicken for an extra kick. This casserole is particularly convenient because it uses frozen vegetables, reducing prep time and kitchen mess. This dish is a no-brainer for a filling meal that lets you kick back sooner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Try Fajita-Baked Chicken for a straightforward and delicious dinner. Season the chicken with fajita spices, throw in some cream cheese, bell peppers, and mozzarella, and bake. A generous amount of shredded mozzarella, which melts into a delicious golden topping, ties it all together. Ready in a snap, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful meal without much effort. Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies, and get ready to relax.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is the easy dinner you’re looking for. It takes about an hour, but it’s mostly hands-off. Just cook up sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then simmer and blend. Top with sour cream or yogurt and parsley for a simple meal that’s ready when you are. Requiring just one pot and a few straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is perfect for a laid-back night.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Whip up this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach in just 30 minutes using only one skillet. It mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, mushrooms, and cheddar into a hearty meal that’s great for a laid-back dinner. The casserole combines the richness of beef and cheese with the mild, nutty taste of cauliflower and the earthy tones of spinach. Simple to make and even easier to clean up, this casserole is perfect when you’re looking to spend less time cooking and more time chilling out.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Get a comforting meal on the table quickly with Creamy Garlic Chicken, ready in about 30 minutes. Everything cooks in one pan and features chicken breasts that are seasoned, browned, and then simmered in a creamy sauce made from garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. The result is a flavorful and rich meal that has a deep, savory base. It goes great with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes and gives you plenty of time to relax afterward. Perfect for a night when you just want to take it easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Italian Sausage Soup
Italian Sausage Soup is the perfect solution for a comforting dinner that’s ready fast. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious soup loaded with Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes, all seasoned with garlic, onion, and spices. It’s reminiscent of a creamy tomato soup with the added layers of flavor and richness from the Italian sausage and shredded Parmesan. The recipe is super easy to make and goes well with some bread on the side for dipping. It’s a great way to wind down without much cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a speedy, 25-minute meal that’s easy to throw together on a busy evening. Just one pan is needed for frying chopped bacon until crisp, then cooking onions and cabbage in the bacon grease for added flavor. Finish off by mixing all ingredients together with a sweetener and optional spices. It’s straightforward and quick, making it a solid choice for a stress-free dinner. This recipe can serve as either a robust side dish or a light main course. Enjoy it as is or with pork chops if you’re extra hungry.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is your go-to for a rich dinner that doesn’t take much work — all done in 30 minutes. Bake chicken thighs seasoned with Italian seasoning and thyme, then cook in a delicious creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. The creamy sauce adds a rich texture and robust flavor to the chicken, complemented by the tangy and slightly sweet sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect with pasta, rice, or bread. It’s a great pick for those evenings when you want something good but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken