17 lazy dinners that will help you ditch your dinner rut ASAP

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Are you tired of having the same dinner every night? It’s time to switch things up with easy-to-make dinners that save you time and add a fresh twist to your meals. These 17 recipes are here to help you escape the dinner rut.

Each is perfect for lazy evenings when you want something different without much hassle. These dishes are designed to bring new flavors to your dinner table while keeping things simple. From one-pan dishes to quick skillet meals, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to boring dinners and hello to enjoyable, stress-free dining experiences.

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

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 one-dish meal mixes broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes, and you’re good to go. It’s a quick and easy choice that can help you get out of a dinner rut on a lazy night. Plus, with just one dish to clean, it makes your evening even easier.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

Put sausage and veggies on a baking sheet, cook, and you have a complete meal. It’s simple and quick, which makes it perfect for a lazy dinner that’s different from the usual. Plus, using just one baking sheet means less cleaning up.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This Cabbage and sausage cook up in one pan in under 30 minutes. It’s a quick and simple meal that helps break the usual dinner cycle when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time cooking. One pan means easy clean-up too.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of Crock Pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Put your ingredients in a Crock Pot, set it up, and you’re free to go about your day. With just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll have a warm and hearty soup waiting for you. It’s a good option for a lazy dinner when you want something different but don’t want to stand over the stove. The ground beef and basic ingredients make it a straightforward yet filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

In 30 minutes, this casserole combines beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach into a comforting meal. It’s a simple, yet filling option for when you’re tired of the same old dinners and want something different without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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.

Blend sweet potato and red pepper, and in about an hour, you have soup ready to serve. It’s a simple option for a lazy dinner that adds variety to your meal plan. With only one pot to use, it’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

In about 30 minutes, you’ll have chicken coated in a sun-dried tomato sauce, all made in one skillet. This recipe provides a nice flavor contrast and is an excellent option for a lazy dinner that will break you out of the usual chicken dish cycle. It’s quick and requires minimal effort, making it a convenient choice for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Chicken, cheese, and spinach come together in a pan for a meal that’s both quick and balanced. It offers both protein and vegetables, making it a well-rounded choice for a lazy dinner that’s a bit different from the usual. It’s simple to make and can be ready in less than an hour.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

This one-pot soup can be ready in 45 minutes, making it a good choice for a quick, lazy dinner. It’s rich and warming, suitable for both weeknights and weekends. Even if you’re not skilled in the kitchen, it’s straightforward to make.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

In 30 minutes and using just one skillet, this recipe turns chicken thighs and sun-dried tomatoes into a comforting meal. It’s a smart choice when you’re short on time and energy but still want something that feels homemade and breaks from the routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños unite for a dish that offers both heartiness and a kick of spice. This casserole is perfect for breaking the monotony of regular lazy dinners with a bit more flavor and excitement.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Within an hour, you’ll have a pot full of chicken and veggies. The light broth lets the natural flavors of the chicken and corn come through. This is a good meal option for a cozy, lazy dinner, especially during colder months.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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.

Ready in about 30 minutes and made in one pot, this soup combines sausage, cream, and tomatoes for a warm, simple meal. It’s a good way to end a long day when you want a lazy dinner that’s still hearty and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

In just 20 minutes, you’ll have chicken bites rich in flavor and ready to serve. This is a perfect quick fix for a lazy dinner and a good way to shake up your usual dinner routine. Made on the stovetop, this recipe offers a change of pace without requiring much time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers come together for a flavorful, protein-packed meal. It’s a nice switch from your usual chicken dishes and an excellent choice for a lazy dinner. Pre-cut veggies from the store can save even more time.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

In about 25 minutes, you’ll have a simple yet filling dish that blends the flavors of cabbage and bacon. It’s an ideal choice for a lazy dinner when you’re looking to break out of a repetitive meal cycle without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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 skillet meal pairs ground beef with cauliflower rice for a comforting meal ready in no time. It’s an easy and quick way to diversify your dinner options when you’re stuck in a dinner rut and looking for a lazy but filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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