19 lazy recipes for when the couch is calling

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Lazy recipes are a lifesaver when the couch is calling your name louder than your growling stomach. We get it, some nights the idea of cooking feels as appealing as a root canal. So, this collection is great for those evenings when you’d rather be perfecting your couch groove than spending hours in the kitchen. These meals are quick, easy, and won’t leave you with a mountain of dishes.

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.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites, with a piece on a wooden spoon.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a quick dinner for nights when even takeout feels like too much work. Season and pan-fry chicken bites, then toss in garlic and butter for rich flavor, all in just 20 minutes. Serve over rice or with a side salad.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 perfect for a busy weeknight. Just coat the pork chops in mayo, shake them in a bag with breadcrumbs and spices, and toss them in the oven. You’ll get chops that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them with a side salad or veggies, and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Macaroni Salad is the ultimate lazy dinner. Just mix elbow macaroni, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, mayo, sweet pickle relish, and mustard. It’s creamy and crunchy, and you can have it ready in 40 minutes. Perfect for nights when cooking feels like a chore. Plus, you can throw in any leftover veggies you have in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with chicken, croutons, tomatoes, and dressing, served in a large white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is great when you need dinner fast. In just 25 minutes, combine pre-cooked chicken, pasta, lettuce, tomatoes, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing. Toss in some croutons for extra crunch. It’s light, filling, and you won’t be left with a pile of dishes. Perfect for those nights when you just want to chill and watch your favorite show.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Tortellini Soup

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

Sometimes, you just need a big bowl of comfort without the hassle. That’s where Chicken Tortellini Soup comes in. Ready in 40 minutes, this soup mixes chicken, cheese tortellini, and veggies in a tasty broth. It’s easy to make and great for batch cooking, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls bring you all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich without the hassle. Just layer shredded cabbage or coleslaw, add chunks of deli corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, then drizzle with Thousand Island dressing. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for nights when you want to eat well without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish featuring crispy tater tots topped with cheese and garnished with chopped green onions and herbs.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a classic comfort food for any night. Combine mushroom soup, tater tots, shredded chicken, and spices. Top with shredded cheese and bake until golden and crispy. Great for when you want something nostalgic and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Baked Ravioli

A white plate with a portion of baked ravioli topped with a red tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs. A silver fork is positioned on the left side of the plate.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is as simple as it gets for a comforting meal. Just layer frozen ravioli with marinara sauce and cheese, then let the oven do its thing for about an hour. The result? A cheesy, gooey dish that’s almost like homemade lasagna with less work. It’s great for those evenings when you want to feel like you’re cooking, but not really. Perfect for getting back to what you were doing, like perfecting your couch groove.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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.

Italian Sausage Soup is your go-to for easy, hearty meals. Ready in 30 minutes, it combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes into a rich, creamy broth. Serve with some slices of crusty bread to round out the meal. Perfect for nights when you’d rather be relaxing on the couch. Make this when you need a quick meal that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

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.

Ready in 30 minutes, this one-skillet meal combines ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. It’s easy, filling, and perfect for evenings when even ordering takeout sounds like too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake mixes marinated chicken with cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella. In just 30 minutes, you have a simple and tasty casserole. Serve with rice or garlic bread, and enjoy a hassle-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a quick fix for a hearty meal. Combine steamed broccoli, cauliflower, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce. Bake for a few minutes, and you’re done. A straightforward 30-minute dish for when you want comfort without the kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

White Bean Soup

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

White Bean Soup is perfect for those lazy evenings. Ready in 40 minutes, it combines white beans, spinach, carrots, and celery in a savory broth. It’s a simple way to keep your evening calm and your belly full without much effort.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is your go-to for those “can’t be bothered” evenings. This one-pan meal is ready in less than 25 minutes, combining cabbage, sausage, and spices for a simple, tasty dish. It’s easy, filling, and perfect for days when you just can’t even. And yes, you can still brag about cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a no-nonsense solution to your dinner dilemma. Toss sausage pieces with broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers onto a pan, season to taste, and bake. Ready in 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, letting you relax and binge-watch your favorite series.
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.

Fajita Baked Chicken is an easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Season chicken breast with fajita spices, layer with cream cheese, bell peppers, and mozzarella, and bake for 30 minutes. Great for nights when you want something good without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is ideal for those times when you crave a hearty meal without much effort. In around 30 minutes, mix ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar. Perfect for when you want a meal that seems like you put in more work than you actually did.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is the meal to make when you want to feel like you’ve got it all together. This dish pairs the crunch of cabbage with the savory taste of bacon, all done in about 25 minutes. It’s straightforward, filling, and won’t leave you with a pile of dishes. Great for when you want a good meal without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Who said good food had to be complicated? This dish features tender chicken breasts in a creamy white sauce made with grated Parmesan, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s perfect for nights when you want to impress or just treat yourself without the hassle of a complex recipe.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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