Lazy dinner recipes are great for those busy nights when you want something delicious but easy. They save you time and still let you enjoy a comforting meal. These 17 recipes are simple to make, cutting down your cooking time. As you start using them, you’ll be wishing you knew about them last year.
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup is your go-to for a comforting meal with minimal effort. You only need 20 minutes to prepare everything. Prepare it in the morning, and come back to a ready-to-eat, flavorful meal. Start by browning ground beef on the stove and then, combine it with other common kitchen ingredients in your slow cooker. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re either too busy or just want to unwind.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Spinach Chicken Bake
For a balanced meal in a snap, the Spinach Chicken Bake is your answer. Combine chicken, cheese, and spinach in a pan – and you’re good to go. This dish not only gives you your protein and veggies in one go but also spares you the hassle of washing multiple dishes since everything is just done in one pan. It’s a perfect pick for a relaxed dinner, especially when you’re not in the mood for a complicated cooking routine.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Cabbage and Sausage
The Cabbage and Sausage dish is all about easy cooking with great flavors. Cabbage, a versatile and often underrated vegetable, pairs wonderfully with the smoky taste of sausage, making this dish a simple and appealing option. In under 30 minutes, using only one pan, you’ll have a hearty meal ready. It’s an excellent choice for those days when you’re looking for something filling but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel less hectic and weekends more relaxed. This easy one-pot soup blends the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the vibrant taste of red peppers. In about an hour, you’ll have a warm, homemade soup that requires little effort. It’s customizable, so you can play with the flavors to suit your taste. So whether you’re just starting in the kitchen or have been cooking for years, this soup is a dependable choice for a lazy but hearty homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
If you haven’t tried this recipe before, it’s guaranteed to become a staple after you make it. This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole features broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon that are baked until bubbly and golden. It’s great for those lazy nights when you need something quick, flavorful, and veggie-packed. Plus, with everything prepared in one dish, the cleanup is minimal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Another lazy dinner you’d wish you’d found out sooner is this Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Perfect for times when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this soup is a comforting and easy choice since it comes together in just one pot. Simply sauté mushrooms and onions, then let them simmer with the rest of the ingredients to thoroughly blend all the flavors. The result? A warm, hearty soup that will make everyone come back for seconds. Plus, the one-pot method means you’ll have less to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Chicken is a great choice for those evenings when you want something delicious without putting too much effort. In just 30 minutes, you can serve juicy chicken thighs with sun-dried tomatoes, simmering in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. Serve it with rice or your choice of side for a complete dinner experience. And since you only need one pan to do everything, cleaning up will be a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
Fans of creamed corn soup will absolutely love this hearty Chicken Corn Soup. Ready in less than an hour, this soup combines tender chicken and hearty vegetables, simmered in a flavorful broth. This comforting soup is all about convenience too, since everything cooks together in just one pot. So, whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced cook, you can’t go wrong with this easy and lazy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Italian Sausage Soup
End a busy day with the warmth of this Italian Sausage Soup. This easy-to-make and filling dish can be made in served in just about 30 minutes, making it the perfect end to a busy day. This soup is reminiscent of a classic tomato soup but with the added depth of Italian sausage and Parmesan. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
On busy days when you’re craving for something easy that doesn’t skimp on flavor, try these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. In just 20 minutes, you can cook up this flavor-packed recipe that everyone will love – think juicy chicken bites simmered in a garlic butter sauce. They’re easy to prepare and are a wonderful addition to any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special date night. Serve these with rice and veggies for a hearty meal, or over a salad for a lighter option. This recipe is simple enough for any cooking level and will still taste great the next day, that is if you have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Another dish perfect for a lazy and cozy night in is this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just spread everything on a sheet pan, bake, and enjoy the roasted and caramelized flavors of veggies and sausage in just 30 minute. This recipe is also very versatile. You can customize it with the veggies you have on hand and drizzle with your favorite dressing for the extra flavor. And since everything comes together in just one sheet pan, clean up after will be a breeze so you can enjoy the rest of the night without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Fajita Baked Chicken
Everyone loves an easy, flavorful meal for laid-back evenings. The Fajita Baked Chicken offers just that. This dish features spiced chicken breasts topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, which are baked together until golden. This chicken fajita dinner is perfect for family dinners since it’s a one-dish bake that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon recipe is a delicious and heartwarming meal that comes together in about 25 minutes. This dish brings out the best in cabbage and pairs it with the umami of bacon, making it an excellent choice for lazy evenings. Even with just a few ingredients, it delivers big flavors and will surely turn anyone into a cabbage lover.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Turn an ordinary evening into a special one with the Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Featuring boneless chicken thighs simmered in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is guaranteed to impress everyone without much effort. Bonus: you can make this lazy dinner in just 30 minutes and just one skillet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Imagine a dish that feels both cozy and gourmet, without the hard work. In one skillet, in about half an hour, you get chicken drenched in a sun-dried tomato sauce. The flavor of the tomatoes is a perfect contrast, making this a great pick for a warming, lazy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Spice up dinner time with the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. This dish takes the comfort of a casserole and adds a spicy twist. Enjoy a blend of chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños, topped with melted cheese and baked until golden. Ready in just over an hour and with only 20 minutes of prep, it’s a perfect pick for a relaxed evening, whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
For a meal that feels like home, try the Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish blends beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach into a comforting casserole for a filling and flavorful dish. Just saute the main ingredients in a skillet, layer everything in the baking dish, and bake. It’s a great option for busy weeknights, especially when you want a complete meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach