17 lazy dinners we’ve been adding to our meal plan

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Lazy dinners? We’ve got them down to a science in our meal plan. We’ve been tossing these perfect recipes into the mix for times when you’d rather chill than cook. They’re the kind of meals that are a breeze to make and still always hit the spot.

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

A baking sheet filled with vegetables and sausages.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dinner is a game-changer for those lazy evenings. Simply toss sausages and your choice of veggies on a sheet pan and bake. Within 30 minutes, you have a fulfilling meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup. It’s a great choice for a stress-free evening, so you can be sure that you get to enjoy a flavorful dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole takes the hassle out of traditional stuffed peppers. Ready in 45 minutes and requiring no actual stuffing, it’s a straightforward dish that delivers all the familiar flavors in a more convenient format. For a laid-back meal that’s both easy to prepare and comforting, this casserole fits perfectly into a lazy dinner plan.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Cabbage and Sausage

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This quick and straightforward Cabbage and Sausage Skillet can transform a hectic evening into a stress-free dinner in just 25 minutes. You may already have the ingredients in your kitchen, and it’s an effortlessly hearty dish that that you’re going to wish had become a staple in your meal plan sooner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal combines chicken with a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, creating a dish that seems sophisticated yet is incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for those days when you’re looking for something special but straightforward, making your dinner prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

For a comforting and filling meal with minimal prep, the Slow Cooker Taco Soup is a top choice. With only 20 minutes of preparation, you can let the slow cooker work its magic, leaving you free to tend to other tasks. It’s also perfect for batch cooking, so it’s even a great option for future lazy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re pressed for time, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come to the rescue. Ready in a mere 20 minutes and using only one skillet, they pair perfectly with rice or vegetables to create a complete meal without any hassle on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a go-to dish for those evenings when you want a comforting meal without the effort. Ready in under an hour, it’s straightforward to prepare and yields enough for leftovers, making your future meal planning a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy spinach chicken bake in a glass baking dish.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With a prep time of just 30 minutes, this Spinach Chicken Bake is an excellent option for a laid-back dinner. Combining chicken, spinach, and cheese, it’s a breeze to prepare and even simpler to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

For a no-stress meal that’s ready in 30 minutes, try the Loaded Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole. Just combine your frozen vegetables with a creamy cheese sauce and bacon for a dish that’s effortless to prepare and comforting to eat on those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This easy Broccoli Casserole is a lifesaver for a straightforward dinner, taking just 50 minutes to prepare. It’s an easy, quick dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to cut down on the time spent in the kitchen while still enjoying a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Ready in under an hour, Chicken Corn Soup is a straightforward dish that combines chicken, corn, and veggies in a creamy broth for a meal that’s easy to make and just as easy to clean up, giving you a relaxing weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fajita Baked Chicken is a 30-minute meal that’s simple yet packed with flavor. Seasoned chicken joins forces with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella to create a low-effort, high-reward dinner perfect for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Italian Sausage Soup

A fork in a bowl of cabbage and sausage.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Sausage Soup is a quick, 30-minute fix for a comforting meal. Just combine Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and you’ve got a no-fuss soup that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Chicken bites with garlic butter and herbs on a plate.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick, flavor-packed meal that you can whip up in 25 minutes. It’s a simple one-pan dish that works great as a filling main course or a robust side, ideal for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying.
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 Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a one-skillet meal you can serve up in just 30 minutes. With ingredients like cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, it’s an easy dish to prepare and perfect for leftovers, making your weeknights smoother.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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.

In just half an hour, the Cheesy Beef Casserole brings together beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheese for a one-skillet meal that feels like home cooking without the time commitment. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get your veggies in.
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.

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a creamy, comforting blend that’s ready in about an hour. It’s a simple, one-pot affair that produces a homemade meal without requiring you to spend your whole evening in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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