19 dinners even lazy cooks will nail every time

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If you dread the idea of spending hours in the kitchen, these recipes are perfect for dinners even lazy cooks will nail every time. Each recipe is simple, quick, and requires little to no cooking expertise, making your evenings hassle-free and enjoyable. With minimal prep and cooking time, these meals let you reclaim your evenings while still eating well. You won’t need to juggle multiple pots or decipher complicated instructions. Most are easily customizable based on your taste preferences and what ingredients you have on hand. So if you’ve been hesitant to tackle cooking at home, these dishes give you the perfect chance to dive in without stress.

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Spinach Chicken Bake is a simple one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. The dish combines marinated chicken, cheese, and spinach into a hearty meal. It’s perfect for those new to cooking, as the instructions are straightforward. The cooking time is minimal, allowing for a quick dinner solution. This recipe gives you a complete meal without the need to make additional sides.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ideal for beginners, this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner requires little culinary skill. All you need to do is place the sausage and vegetables on a sheet pan and roast them. The total cooking time is just 30 minutes, so it’s quick and practical. The dish is complete in itself, eliminating the need for extra sides. It’s perfect for those who want a nutritious meal without a complicated cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Corn Soup is prepared in one pot, minimizing kitchen mess. Combining tender chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is a meal in itself. It is ready in under an hour, making it ideal for a quick dinner. The recipe is particularly beginner-friendly, with easy-to-follow steps. This soup is perfect for those seeking both convenience and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a 30-minute dish that requires only a single baking dish. This recipe combines broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon into a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for newcomers to cooking, as it’s simple to assemble and bake. No intricate cooking techniques are needed here. With a quick baking time, it’s an easy way to get dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Italian Sausage Soup can be whipped up in 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for a speedy dinner. The soup combines Italian sausage, heavy cream, and canned tomatoes into a comforting meal. It’s perfect for those who prefer not to spend much time in the kitchen. The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. You’ll find that this dish simplifies dinner preparation while still offering depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you dread spending time in the kitchen, this Cabbage and Sausage recipe is for you. This one-pan dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, including prep time. It’s a filling and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort and skill. Cleanup is easy, thanks to the one-pan design. The dish offers a blend of textures and flavors while being low-maintenance.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This Crock Pot Taco Soup is ideal for those who love a nearly hands-off cooking experience. Just 20 minutes of prep time is needed, and then the slow cooker does the work. It’s a straightforward recipe that combines ground beef and kitchen staples. This is a great option for lazy cooks who still want a flavorful meal. Simply set it up and let the slow cooker take care of the rest.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice requires just one pan and 30 minutes of your time. The recipe combines ground beef and cauliflower rice into a hearty meal. It’s a straightforward process that requires minimal culinary skill. The quick cooking time means you won’t spend all day in the kitchen. This dish is optimal for those who prioritize convenience and simplicity in meal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Canned Chicken Patties are simple finger food that can be ready in just 20 minutes. All you need is some canned chicken and a few pantry staples. The cooking process is as simple as forming patties and frying them. They’re a good option for those not comfortable with complex recipes. With almost no prep time and quick cooking, these patties offer a stress-free meal solution.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Big Mac Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Big Mac Salad mimics a classic burger but in a quicker, simpler salad form. With a handful of components, it can be assembled in no time. This is particularly useful for those new to cooking or short on time. It’s a complete meal that doesn’t require the flipping and cooking of a traditional burger. Minimal chopping and no complicated techniques make this salad an easy and practical meal option.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fajita Baked Chicken is a one-pan meal that combines chicken with cream cheese and sweet peppers. It requires simple preparation and bakes in the oven for a hands-off cooking experience. The dish is particularly ideal for cooking beginners who still want a high-protein, complete meal. Your time in the kitchen is minimized, making this a convenient dinner option. With straightforward steps and a single pan, it’s a hassle-free recipe.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is cooked in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. Pair it with rice or vegetables and have a complete, no-fuss meal. The recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners or those who prefer simple cooking steps. It’s a time-efficient option for anyone who wants a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The one-pan method also means less cleanup afterward.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad offers a simple twist to conventional chicken salads. The preparation is uncomplicated, involving just mixing the ingredients. The dish is great for those who dislike cooking but want something a little different. It’s a quick meal to prepare — no complicated culinary skills are required here.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a dish that can be prepared in just 25 minutes. Combining cabbage and bacon, this dish is simple but offers contrasting flavors. It’s perfect for newcomers to cooking who are looking for something easy yet hearty. One pan is all you need, which simplifies both cooking and cleanup. For a quick, low-effort meal, this recipe is a go-to choice.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Shawarma Kebabs are oven-baked, reducing the amount of active cooking time. It’s a straightforward, protein-rich dish that’s a great fit for cooking novices. The prep is minimal, and the cooking process is simple, making it a practical dinner choice. The kebabs are ready in a snap, freeing you from prolonged kitchen duty. With less mess and hassle, this dish brings convenience to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Combining chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños, this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a straightforward meal. It’s an excellent option for those who want something simple yet memorable. No complicated steps are involved, just mix the ingredients and bake. It’s an easy way to enjoy a flavorful dinner without extensive prep or cooking time. Cleanup is also minimal, making it a practical choice for any lazy cook.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-skillet Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is ready in 30 minutes. The chicken thighs and sun-dried tomato sauce come together easily for a quick meal. It’s a straightforward dish that requires minimal effort or culinary skills. This recipe is perfect for those who want to avoid complicated steps but still crave something flavorful. One skillet means less washing up, adding to the convenience factor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese, this Cheesy Beef Casserole is simple and quick. Assembly and baking are straightforward, requiring no special culinary techniques. This dish is a complete meal, making it practical for those who want dinner without the effort. The quick cooking time ensures you won’t be tied to the kitchen for long. Its simplicity and speed make it a top choice for the reluctant cook.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

A chicken bacon ranch popper skewered by a toothpick.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are an easy-to-prepare finger food. Just mix the ingredients, shape into balls, and bake. It’s a practical option for those who want a tasty meal without spending much time in the kitchen. The recipe is uncomplicated and perfect for beginners. Quick to prepare and cook, these poppers offer a no-stress meal experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

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