Let’s talk lazy dinners, because honestly, who wants to juggle pots and pans after clocking out? These 19 recipes are your new best friends that won’t ask too much of you. They understand you’ve been staring at a screen all day and that you’d rather be binge-watching your favorite show than watching a pot boil. We’re keeping it straightforward here — think less time chopping, more time relaxing.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
When you’re looking for something quick and straightforward, these pork chops are just right. Coat chops in mayo, toss in a breadcrumb and seasoning mix and then bake. In 25 minutes, these pork chops come out perfectly crispy and juicy. This dish allows you to unwind sooner, serving a hearty meal that requires minimal effort. It’s the perfect dinner for nights when you’re too tired to prepare a complex meal but still want something that feels home-cooked.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Spinach Chicken Bake
Try this Spinach Chicken Bake for a laid-back evening. Bake marinated chicken thighs topped with layers of cream cheese, fresh spinach that has been wilted in avocado oil, and shredded mozzarella cheese. This 30-minute casserole is so easy and involves little cleaning, making it a great pick for nights when you just want to chill. The creamy texture and rich flavors of the cheese blend perfectly with the chicken and fresh spinach, creating a comforting meal that allows you to unwind after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Whip up these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites in just 20 minutes. This dish features chicken cut into bite-sized pieces, tossed in cornstarch mixture, and then pan-fried. Add into a garlic butter sauce and toss until evenly coated. It’s a top choice for a speedy and relaxing dinner. The garlic butter adds a rich flavor that coats each chicken bite for that appetizing meal without the long prep time. It’s perfect for busy individuals who want to enjoy a good meal without missing out on relaxation.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is your go-to for a no-stress meal that feels like a treat. Just layer frozen cheese ravioli, marinara sauce, and lots of cheese, and bake for about an hour. It’s a super choice for when you want to relax and feel like dinner took care of itself. The gooey cheese and robust marinara sauce envelop the ravioli, delivering a lasagna-like experience without the effort. This dish is a lifesaver on hectic days, giving you more time to spend on what truly matters.
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Cabbage and Sausage
When you need dinner fast, this Cabbage and Sausage dish comes together in just 25 minutes. Cook sausage and then cabbage in one pan, and you’re done. Onions are sautéed to add depth, and apple cider vinegar is used to brighten the flavors. It’s perfect for when you want a hearty meal without staying long in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is all about simplicity. Ready in 30 minutes, it mixes ground beef, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice in one skillet. Pick this when you need a straightforward meal that lets you unwind after a busy day. The cheesy ground beef paired with light, fluffy cauliflower rice creates a filling dish without the heaviness of traditional rice. It’s a great option for those seeking a simple, delicious meal that supports a relaxing evening.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This easy sheet pan dinner is just what you need after a long day. Toss sausage, broccoli, zucchini, and sweet mini peppers on a pan, season well, and then bake. In half an hour, you have a great meal ready. The flavors combine beautifully, creating a comforting and hearty meal with minimal cleanup. Great for those evenings when you want a delicious meal but don’t want to spend much time cooking or cleaning. It’s the perfect solution for a stress-free dinner that lets you relax more and cook less.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
For those evenings when you’re looking for a no-hassle dinner, the Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a great pick. You can whip it up in less than an hour, which is perfect for relaxing after a long workday. It’s also easy on your budget, and you can prep it ahead of time, so you can just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Plus, if you have leftovers, they freeze really well for another night. It’s a simple dish that’s well-liked by both kids and grown-ups, making your post-9-to-5 meal prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken keeps dinner easy. Season the chicken with fajita mix, layer with cream cheese, bell peppers, and mozzarella, and bake. Done in 30 minutes, this meal is great for evenings when you want a flavorful dinner that doesn’t require much work, perfect for spending more couch time. The peppers and onions add a fresh contrast to the creamy, spicy chicken, making every bite exciting. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful dinner with minimal work, maximizing your downtime.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole is quick to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients. Ready in 30 minutes, it combines broccoli and cauliflower in a creamy, cheesy sauce made from cream cheese, mayo, sour cream and seasonings, topped with more cheese and bacon, baked until golden. It’s a great choice for a filling meal that’s both comforting and filling. Perfect for those nights when you need comfort food without the hassle, helping you unwind and enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Ready in 30 minutes, this cheesy beef casserole mixes ground beef, with cauliflower rice, spinach, and mushrooms for a delicious meal that’s easy on your schedule. The cauliflower rice is a lower-carb substitute for traditional rice. It’s just the thing for a no-stress dinner that helps you chill out after work, especially on days when you’re looking for a filling meal that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Chicken Tortellini Soup
When you want something comforting, this Chicken Tortellini Soup is just what you need. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s brimming with chicken, cheese tortellini, carrots, and celery, making it a great pick for a soothing, easy dinner. The mix of ingredients results in a delicious soup with layers of flavor from the chicken, pasta, vegetables and seasonings. This soup is not only comforting but also perfect for those cold evenings when you need a soothing hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Choose this Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup for a laid-back, flavorful dinner. It takes about an hour, mostly hands-off, allowing you to relax while it cooks. Sweet potatoes and red peppers make for a naturally sweet and slightly earthy flavor, enhanced with onions and garlic. Blending the soup into puree fully incorporates the vegetables and broth into a rich and velvety texture. This soup is a great choice for a chill night in, serving a cozy meal that requires little attention, letting you maximize your downtime.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Enjoy the classic comfort of Chicken Pot Pie Soup, ready in just an hour. This easy, one-pot meal is hearty, creamy and cozy. It combines protein from chicken with vegetables like potatoes, carrots and celery in a thick, nutrient-rich broth. Seasonings like thyme, parsley and paprika add depth of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for chilly evenings when you want a comforting meal that reminds you of home without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
White Bean Soup
White Bean Soup is a simple, soothing meal ready in just 40 minutes. With cannellini beans, spinach, onions, carrots, and celery, this one-pot wonder creates a hearty broth that’s perfect for settling down after a busy day. Half of the beans are blended and added to the broth for a silky texture. It’s great for anyone looking to minimize kitchen time while still enjoying a nutritious and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken, ready in just 30 minutes, is the perfect quick meal for a busy weeknight. It features boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chicken stock, and heavy whipping cream. This imparts flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese and cream into the dish. It will help you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your evening, making it perfect for nights when cooking feels like a chore.
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Italian Sausage Soup
Italian Sausage Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. It combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, pureed and diced tomatoes, garlic, and onion for a rich and creamy soup. This recipe is perfect for warming up on a cold night and is especially good for those who want to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect example of how a few ingredients can come together to make a meal that feels like a treat.
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Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick dish, ready in about 25 minutes. It combines the crunch of sautéed cabbage with rich, crispy bacon, along with onion and garlic for added depth of flavor. This meal is a great option for those evenings when you’re looking for something straightforward yet filling. It’s great for anyone who wants a hearty meal without the long prep times, creating more room to relax and unwind at the end of the day.
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Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sun-dried tomato Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s quick to prepare — it takes just 30 minutes. This meal features chicken thighs cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan, creating a rich and creamy dish full of flavor. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a great meal but don’t have the energy for elaborate cooking. It shows how simple ingredients can be turned into a meal that’s both quick and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken