17 dinner ideas for the laziest cooks

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When you’ve had a particularly long day and the last thing you want to do is break a sweat and spend hours in the kitchen, you start looking for meals that are quick to prepare. Well, our carefully handpicked 17 dinner choices are perfect for you! Whether you’re a professional who has no energy left to cook, a student looking to dodge the kitchen chaos, or you simply value your relaxation time, these ideas are here to rescue your dinner hour.

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Imagine a meal that’s both comforting and effortless. Alfredo steak pasta combines the best of both worlds – creamy pasta adorned with tender steak slices and bathed in a velvety Alfredo sauce. What’s remarkable is how accessible it is, making it a perfect choice for those lazier days when you crave something truly satisfying without the complexity of gourmet cooking. This dish effortlessly elevates your evening dining experience with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Bbq ribs on a white plate.
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

There’s something irresistible about succulent baby back ribs with their crispy, caramelized exterior. The beauty of this recipe is that it delivers all that deliciousness with minimal effort, thanks to the trusty air fryer. Picture juicy, fall-off-the-bone ribs that require little more than a few button presses. It’s the epitome of lazy indulgence, allowing you to savor the irresistible taste of ribs without the laborious cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Panko pork chop on plate with greens.
Breaded Panko Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

When simplicity and deliciousness meet, panko-breaded pork chops are the answer. These chops are the embodiment of convenience, offering that delightful crunch with minimal preparation. They prove that sometimes, the best meals are the easiest ones. Why complicate dinner when you can enjoy the satisfying simplicity of these delectable chops?
Get the Recipe: Breaded Panko Pork Chops

Ground Pork Burgers

Two burgers on a plate with lettuce and tomatoes.
Ground Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

If you’re seeking a delightful alternative to the classic beef burger without the added effort, ground pork burgers are the solution. They retain all the delectable qualities of traditional burgers but introduce a unique flavor to your dinner table with minimal fuss. These burgers are a testament to how simplicity and creativity can unite for a delightful dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Burgers

Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Baked butter fish on a plate with green beans.
Baked Lemon Butter Fish. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

When you crave a healthier yet effortless dinner, baked lemon butter fish is an ideal choice. This dish features flaky fish, expertly baked in a rich and tangy lemon butter sauce, providing a delicious and straightforward meal option. It’s the perfect choice for those evenings when you yearn for something that’s both good for you and your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Baked Lemon Butter Fish

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A plate with ground pork and vegetables on top of cauliflower rice.
Ground Pork Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Stir-fries are the go-to solution for busy nights, and this one stars ground pork along with your choice of colorful veggies in a savory sauce. It’s a customizable, quick, and flavorful dinner option for those who’d rather kick back than spend hours in the kitchen. With minimal effort, you can whip up a satisfying stir-fry.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Chicken Chop Suey

Bowl of chicken chop suey with fork.
Chicken Chop Suey. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A journey into the world of Chinese-American cuisine, chicken chop suey combines tender chicken and an array of vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce. What’s remarkable is how easy it is to prepare, offering a flavorful dish without the fuss. When you crave something that’s both comforting and convenient, this is the dish to turn to.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chop Suey

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

For steak aficionados, this dish presents bite-sized morsels of succulent meat cooked to perfection in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce. It’s a surefire way to infuse an air of luxury into your lazy evening without the need for culinary expertise. These steak bites are a testament to the idea that gourmet dining can be accessible and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sometimes, a hearty casserole is the answer, especially when it’s as simple as chicken divan. This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy sauce, all baked to a golden perfection. It’s an uncomplicated yet deeply satisfying choice for a cozy and comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

BBQ boneless chicken thighs on indoor grill.
Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Craving the smoky essence of BBQ without the hassle of firing up a grill? These boneless chicken thighs are grilled to perfection with BBQ sauce, bringing the essence of summer right to your plate with minimal effort. It’s the perfect choice for those lazy nights when you want to savor the outdoors without leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Grilled BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs

Chicken Nuggets

Air fryer chicken nuggets on plate with ketchup.
Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sometimes, returning to familiar favorites is the wisest choice. These crispy chicken nuggets are the epitome of convenience for a quick meal or snack. There’s no need to complicate dinner when you have these little bites ready to satisfy your hunger with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Nuggets

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice.
Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

In the mood for something bold and flavorful? Enter the Korean-inspired beef and broccoli. This dish features savory beef, vibrant broccoli, and a delectable sauce that’s quick and easy to prepare. It’s the perfect option for a lazy evening when you crave something that’s both tasty and adventurous without the laborious cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Beef Quesadillas

Stack of beef quesadillas on a plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sometimes, all you need is a dose of cheesiness and savory goodness. These beef quesadillas deliver just that, filled with seasoned beef and oozing melted cheese. It’s a simple and scrumptious choice for a low-effort dinner, perfect for satisfying your cravings with minimal culinary exertion.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Bowl of black pepper chicken with chop sticks.
Chinese Black Pepper Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

If you’re in the mood for a bit of a spicy kick, look no further than black pepper chicken. This stir-fried delight features bold flavors and minimal cooking effort, making it an ideal choice for a quick, flavorful meal. It’s a dinner option that adds a bit of excitement to your lazy cooking routine.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Black Pepper Chicken

Panko Chicken Breast

Panko chicken on a white plate.
Panko Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Achieving that perfect crispy chicken breast without the mess of deep-frying is a lazier cook’s dream come true. These panko-coated chicken breasts are baked to a golden perfection with minimal fuss, making dinner a breeze. It’s the kind of meal that proves gourmet can be easy.
Get the Recipe: Panko Chicken Breast

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tacos are universally loved, and when you use seasoned ground pork, they become even more accessible for the lazy cook. Customize your toppings, and you’re all set for a straightforward and satisfying taco night that doesn’t require much effort. It’s a testament to how simplicity can result in a delectable meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken in bowl with one piece cut to show inside.
Popcorn Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Whether it’s for a quick snack or a full meal, these bite-sized pieces of breaded and fried chicken are a breeze to prepare and consistently please the palate. It’s the perfect option for a laid-back evening when the last thing you want to do is cook an elaborate dinner. These recipes are designed to provide you with a wide array of delicious and satisfying dinner options without the need for extensive preparation or culinary expertise. Enjoy your meals without the hassle!
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Chicken

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