18 lazy dinners that make your after-work couch time well-deserved

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Lazy dinners are your ticket to blissful, post-work relaxation. We get it, you’ve clocked out, and the last thing you want is to clock into kitchen duty. That’s why these 18 recipes are a godsend for anyone who’d rather spend the evening sprawled on the couch than standing at the stove. They’re easy, they’re quick, and they hit the spot just right. So, slip into those comfy pants, because tonight, you’re dining without the grind, and that couch is going to feel like a throne.

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

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Try this Spinach Chicken Bake for a stress-free dinner that practically cooks itself. Just toss chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach into a dish and let it bake for about 30 minutes. With minimal cleanup involved, this recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want to decompress without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready in a flash, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. With juicy chicken cooked on the stovetop and then tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s a dish that’s a great choice for those nights when you want a quick meal that lets you relax sooner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Kick back and enjoy your evening with this Baked Ravioli that’s a breeze to put together. It gives you that cozy lasagna feel without the extra work, perfect for busy weeknights. Just layer frozen cheese ravioli with marinara sauce and a generous helping of cheese, and let the oven do the rest. In just 1 hour, you’ll have a great meal that makes your after-work couch time well-deserved.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Cabbage and Sausage

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

For a great end to a busy day, this Cabbage and Sausage dish makes your evening simpler and more relaxing. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines cabbage and sausage in one pan for ease of cooking and cleaning. It’s the perfect way to get a hearty meal quickly, so you can spend more time enjoying your couch than your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re looking for a straightforward meal that cuts down on cleanup, the Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a smart pick. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish mixes ground beef, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice in one skillet. It’s great for nights when you want a fulfilling meal without the hassle, helping you transition smoothly into your evening relax time.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken simplifies your dinner routine. Season the chicken with fajita mix, add cream cheese, bell peppers, and mozzarella, and bake it all in one pan. This dish is a lifesaver on busy nights, serving up a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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.

This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a perfect choice for a no-fuss meal after work. Just toss sausage, broccoli, zucchini, and sweet mini peppers on a sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes. This meal simplifies your evening, letting you enjoy a hearty dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are the way to go for a quick dinner. They’re ready in about 25 minutes and bake to crispy perfection. This dish is an excellent choice for a relaxing evening, providing a hearty meal without taking up much of your time.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking pan.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick dinner, turn to the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish blends broccoli and cauliflower with a cheesy sauce, then topped with more cheese and bacon and baked until golden. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal quickly.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach gets dinner on the table in just 30 minutes. Mixing ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, mushrooms, and cheddar all in one pan, this dish is always perfect for a no-stress evening meal that helps you wind down after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup comes together quickly, needing only 40 minutes to prepare. It’s packed with chicken, cheese tortellini, and veggies, creating a comforting meal that’s great for unwinding at the end of a long day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a great pick for an easy dinner. It takes about an hour, mostly hands-off. Saute sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then simmer and blend. This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner that requires little attention.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Pot Pie Soup turns a classic comfort meal into an easy, one-pot dinner. Ready in an hour, it’s packed with chicken, peas, carrots, celery, and potatoes in a creamy broth. Perfect for a relaxing night, this soup lets you enjoy a hearty meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup makes your evening meal easy and relaxing. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-pot wonder combines cannellini beans, onions, carrots, and celery in a rich broth for a hearty and comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is ready in 30 minutes and cooks all in one pan. Chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce make a perfect quick meal to pair with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s a great choice for a relaxing evening, getting you to your couch time faster.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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 is ready in 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner. It’s made with ingredients like Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, garlic, and onion. This soup is great for warming up your evening with minimal kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a straightforward meal that’s done in 25 minutes. Just sauté cabbage with crispy bacon, onion, and garlic until tender. It’s a great way to enjoy a simple, hearty dinner quickly.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken offers a flavorful meal without much effort, ready in 30 minutes. Bake chicken thighs with sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parmesan for a rich, hearty dish. This is a great dinner option when you want something good but don’t want to spend all evening cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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