Lazy dinners just got a serious upgrade with recipes you’re going to kick yourself for not trying sooner. We’re talking about those nights when the clock’s against you, but settling for less isn’t an option. These 17 are the kind of meals that make you feel like a kitchen wizard on even the busiest of weekdays; showing off that fast and simple can still mean really good.
Spinach Chicken Bake
If you’re looking for something new but easy, this recipe is the way to go. Ready in 30 minutes, combine seasoned chicken thighs, spinach, and cheeses, and bake until golden. It’s quick to prepare and easy to clean up. Customize it with your favorite seasonings for a relaxed evening meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Cabbage and Sausage
With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this cabbage and sausage stir-fry is a quick solution for dinner. It’s very easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have. Perfect for busy weeks, make this recipe when you need to whip up an easy and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This recipe is one of the easiest and fastest dinners you can make. Juicy chicken bites are cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce in a single skillet and can be served in 30 minutes. Serve these bites with some rice or your favorite veggies to round out the meal. It’s a great pick for busy weeknights and will surely be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
When you’re feeling really lazy, but still need to get a meal on the table, make this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. It’s a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare and reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This dish uses frozen broccoli and cauliflower and then mixes it with a creamy sauce, cheese, and bacon to add layers of flavor. Everything comes together in one baking dish and can be served in just 30 minutes. This is the dish you turn to when you need something effortless and filling on the table quickly during those busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Prepare to serve up a dish that combines chicken breasts with a rich sauce made from Parmesan, garlic, and heavy cream, all in one pan and ready in 30 minutes. This recipe is a go-to for evenings when you’re craving something special but don’t have the time for complex cooking methods and preparations. It’s straightforward, quick, and sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Crock Pot Taco Soup
All it takes is tossing ground beef and some pantry staples into your slow cooker, and then your Crock Pot will do everything for you. With just 20 minutes of prep, you’ve set yourself up for a hearty meal that cooks while you’re tackling the rest of your day. Plus, it’s great for freezing, meaning you can double up and save yourself time on another night.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Throw sausages and your favorite veggies on a sheet pan, bake them, and in just 30 minutes, you have a great dinner ready. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights because it’s quick and easy. It’s the kind of meal that makes your evening less hectic, giving you a delicious and hearty dinner without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is easy enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in just 45 minutes and yields a filling, flavorful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Chicken Corn Soup
Set yourself up for a smooth week ahead with this soup. Ready in less than an hour, it combines tender chicken, corn, and vegetables in a creamy broth for an easy dinner that’s already a complete meal in itself. Plus, everything cooks in just one pot, so cleaning up after will be quick and practically effortless.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
This dish brings together seasoned chicken breasts, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless way to add some excitement to your dinner lineup. This dish is perfect for when you don’t want to spend hours cooking and need something a bit easy and a bit out of the box.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Italian Sausage Soup
This one-pan dish is simple, quick, and perfect for nights when you’re stuck finding something to cook. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream. Drop in some fresh herbs to brighten the flavors and make this a new go-to on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Cook cabbage, bacon, and onion in one pan, season to taste, and it’s ready to serve. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s full of flavor. Whether as a side or the main dish, it’s filling and hits the spot on busy nights. It’s especially good for those just getting started in the kitchen, as it’s simple and doesn’t need anything else to make it a meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
In just 30 minutes, you can cook up this creamy and hearty dinner. This dish is a great option for busy nights, combining cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms for a complete meal all in one skillet. It’s easy, quick, and stores well in the fridge. Make this for meal prep and enjoy a filling meal any time with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Enjoy comfort food at its best with this one-pan meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. Chicken thighs simmer in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, then finished with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepper for extra flavor. This dish is not only hearty but also minimizes cleanup, making it a perfect dinner option for those busy nights when you want a comforting meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole mixes ground beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar cheese for a quick and filling meal. You only need one skillet and about 30 minutes to get it done. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something that feels homemade. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies in your dinner in an easy and practical way.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
In about an hour, this soup brings together the creaminess of sweet potatoes and the natural sweetness of red peppers. It’s an easy process — prep, sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish — all in one pot. This creamy soup is a perfect choice for any night of the week when you’re looking for a homemade meal that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup