17 lazy dinners you’ll wish you’d found last year

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Lazy dinners are the unsung heroes of our busy lives. They effortlessly balance warmth and comfort without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s surprising how many simple yet flavorful recipes can go unnoticed. With these 17 recipes, you’ll discover meals that save time and leave a lasting impression. These are the dishes you’ll think, “Why didn’t I find these last year?” Each one promises straightforward prep with cozy, flavorful, and filling results.

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 casserole mixes broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon all in one dish. Just put it in the oven for 30 minutes, and you’ve got dinner ready. It’s great for nights when you want a simple and quick meal. Plus, with everything in one dish, cleaning up is a breeze. It’s a perfect recipe choice for those lazy dinner nights — you’ll wish you had this one on hand sooner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Want a quick and balanced meal? Try the Spinach Chicken Bake. Just mix chicken, cheese, and spinach in a pan, and you’re set. It’s easy to make and gives you both meat and veggies. The best part? Only one pan to clean afterward. It’s another good pick for a quick dinner on a lazy night.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This Cabbage and Sausage dish is all about simplicity and flavor. With just one pan and under 30 minutes, you get a delicious meal without much hassle. It’s perfect for those days when you want something quick and filling for days when you’re feeling extra lazy.
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.

Prep your ingredients, toss them into the Crock Pot, and let it do the work. In just 20 minutes of setting it up, you can look forward to a warm and hearty Taco Soup. Ground beef and some basic ingredients come together to make this simple yet flavorful meal. Perfect for those lazy dinner nights you’ll wish you’d known about last year.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco 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.

This is a straightforward one-pot soup that’s both comforting and easy to make. Blend sweet potato and red pepper, and in about an hour, you have a flavorful soup ready to serve. Great for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is warming, rich, and made all in one pot and in just 45 minutes. It’s a great choice for both quick weeknight dinners and chill weekends. Even if you’re not an expert cook, this soup is easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

For a meal that’s quick but doesn’t skimp on flavor, try the Creamy Garlic Chicken. All it takes is 30 minutes and a single skillet to transform chicken thighs and sun-dried tomatoes into a comforting meal. This recipe is a lifesaver for those busy evenings when time and energy are running low. And when it comes to cleaning up, one skillet is all you have to worry about. It’s a smart choice for keeping both your stomach and schedule full.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Ever have those evenings when you just want something cozy and uncomplicated? Chicken Corn Soup might be the answer. Within an hour, a pot brimming with chicken and veggies awaits. The light broth lets the flavors of the chicken and corn truly shine. It’s the sort of comforting, lazy dinner that you’re going to want to have on hand during the chilly months of the year.
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.

Sometimes, after a long day, all you want is a warm, simple meal. The Italian Sausage Soup fits the bill. In about 30 minutes, with one pot, you’ll combine a blend of sausage, cream, and tomatoes. It’s creamy but not overly so, letting the sausage take center stage. Perfect for those nights when you need a lazy, warming dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

For those days when you’re in a hurry but crave something heartwarming, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come to the rescue. In just 20 minutes on the stovetop, you’ll have chicken that’s rich in flavor. They are so easy to make and come together quickly — a lazy dinner staple.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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.

We all have those nights when we want to keep dinner straightforward yet fulfilling. The Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is just that. Spread everything on a pan, give it a bake, and soon you’ll be enjoying roasted veggies and sausage. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up and makes for an ideal lazy evening.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This one is always a favorite for lazy nights. Combining chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers yields a filling, protein-packed, flavorful meal. Save time by using pre-cut veggies that you can find in the grocery store. It’s a cozy, lazy dinner for the times when you’re not in the mood to spend all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon might sound simple, but it’s surprisingly flavorful and comforting. In about 25 minutes, you get a dish where cabbage meets the smoky flavor of bacon. It’s the perfect meal for a lazy evening when you want a comforting, nutrient-dense dish.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

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

On those nights when you’re after something warm but don’t want to spend ages cooking, this skillet meal is a lifesaver. Ground beef pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice, offering a filling meal without the wait. It’s homey, comforting, and tailor-made for a lazy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

Imagine a dish that feels both cozy and gourmet, without the hard work. In one skillet, in about half an hour, you get chicken drenched in a sun-dried tomato sauce. The flavor of the tomatoes is a perfect contrast, making this an ideal pick for a warming, lazy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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

For the evenings when you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, this casserole won’t disappoint. Chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños come together for a dish that’s both hearty and spicy. It’s the comfort of a casserole with a twist, just right for a lazy, cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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.

Casseroles have this innate ability to feel like home, don’t they? Mix in beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, and you have a comforting and filling dish. In just 30 minutes, you get a familiar meal that feels a bit special — the perfect companion for a lazy evening.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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