21 low-effort dinners for nights when motivation is nowhere to be found

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Lazy dinners are great when you need something quick and easy without a lot of effort. These recipes are so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever stressed over dinner in the first place. If you’ve had a long day and don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen, these meals will come together with almost no work at all.

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

Tuna Melt Quesadillas

Four quesadilla slices on parchment paper, filled with melted cheese and tuna, garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Melt Quesadillas. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Tuna Melt Quesadillas are great when you want something easy but still comforting. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have crispy tortillas filled with melted cheddar and tuna. It’s a simple, no-stress meal that’s ready quickly, and if you make extra, you’ve got another dinner prepared for later. Just mix, layer, and cook — perfect for days when you’re too tired to spend time in the kitchen but still want to enjoy a homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Melt Quesadillas

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 those nights when cooking feels like too much. In 25 minutes, you’ll have juicy, crispy pork chops with minimal effort. Simply coat the chops in mayo, shake them in breadcrumbs seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and bake. Serve them with veggies or salad, and dinner is done!
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Egg Salad is a quick and easy dinner when you need something fast but filling. In just 25 minutes, you can mix together hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and a few simple ingredients like celery and pickles. This is a great option if you’re looking for a light meal still packed with protein.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

Baked Ravioli

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.

Baked Ravioli is the kind of meal you can throw together and let the oven do the work. It’s a simple dish where you layer frozen ravioli, marinara sauce, and cheese, and then bake. The result is a hearty, cheesy meal ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting without standing over the stove. Just a few minutes of prep, and then you can relax while dinner bakes. After a long day, it’s easy, hands-off, and just what you need.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

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 an easy way to put together a filling meal with ingredients you probably already have. It takes about 40 minutes and uses tuna, macaroni, and hard-boiled eggs. Add mustard and toss in any leftover veggies for some extra flavor. This salad is great for when you want something simple but filling without putting too much thought into it.
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 perfect when you’re looking for a light, quick meal that still fills you up. In just 25 minutes, you can mix pre-cooked chicken, pasta, and Caesar dressing with some fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes. Make this when you need a fresh, simple meal that doesn’t take a lot of time.
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.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is one of those meals that’s perfect for when you want something easy but still hearty. In 40 minutes, you’ll have a steaming bowl of soup packed with chicken, cheese tortellini, and vegetables. It’s also great for making extra and reheating whenever you need it. The beauty of this recipe is how little effort it takes. Everything comes together in one pot, making it easy to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites takes the pressure off a busy day. With just chicken, garlic, and butter, you’ll have dinner ready in 20 minutes without overthinking it. The pan-fried chicken turns out great, and the garlic butter sauce gives it a rich flavor that feels like a little extra care went into it. Pair with some rice or a small salad to make things feel complete. At the end of the day, it’s all about keeping things easy but still rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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 are the way to go when you’re craving those familiar Reuben sandwich flavors but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Shredded cabbage, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing come together for a meal that’s both easy and comforting. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish gives you all the goodness without the extra steps. This meal is just the thing to make dinner feel simple and manageable.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole features hearty ingredients like shredded chicken, mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheese, all cooked together to create a flavorful meal in about 45 minutes. This dish makes dinner feel easy, giving you time to relax while it bakes — a simple solution for nights when you just need a break.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

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 a great option when you’re looking for something hearty but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. You get a creamy, comforting meal in just 30 minutes with sausage, tomatoes, and cream cheese. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a good meal without the effort of a big recipe. This soup is filling and gives you that home-cooked feeling with just a few simple steps.
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.

Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a one-pan meal that helps you get dinner done quickly without much cleanup. Ground beef, mushrooms, cauliflower rice, and cheese come together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy nights. It’s filling, flavorful, and doesn’t require much from you, which makes it a great choice when you just want dinner to be easy. This recipe takes the stress out of cooking and gives you more time to relax.
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 is a great way to get a meal on the table without feeling overwhelmed. Marinated chicken, cream cheese, spinach, and mozzarella come together in 30 minutes, giving you a comforting dish without too much effort. Pair it with rice or garlic bread for a full meal that’s easy to make and enjoy. This dish is a great reminder that dinner can be simple and hearty without being complicated.
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 just the thing for a comforting, easy meal. Steamed broccoli and cauliflower mixed with crispy bacon and a creamy cheese sauce come together in about 30 minutes. This recipe is great for nights when you want something simple but filling, and it’s easy enough to put together even on your busiest days. It’s a great way to make sure you’re serving something wholesome without a lot of hassle.
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 the perfect choice for a comforting meal without much effort. With white beans, spinach, carrots, and celery in a light, flavorful broth, this soup comes together in just 40 minutes. It’s a great option for lazy dinners when you’re looking for something simple but filling. You don’t need fancy ingredients or too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, making clean-up just as easy. When you need a meal that helps you unwind, this soup has you covered.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

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

Cabbage and Sausage is the kind of meal that makes dinner easy without making a mess. Ready in under 25 minutes and cooked in one pan, this dish is a great option when you’re low on energy but still want a hearty meal. The combination of cabbage and sausage may be simple, but it delivers big flavors with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those lazy nights when you don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen or deal with a pile of dishes afterward.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a simple and easy solution for busy nights. With sausage, broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers, this meal comes together in just 30 minutes. All you need to do is toss everything on a pan, season it, and let the oven do the rest. It’s a great option for lazy dinners when you want something healthy and homemade but don’t have the energy to deal with a complicated recipe.
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 a simple and quick dinner that’s big on flavor without taking up your time. In 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken seasoned with fajita spices, topped with cream cheese, bell peppers, and mozzarella, all baked to perfection. It’s a great choice for lazy evenings when you want something comforting and homemade without too much work. With minimal prep and only one dish to clean, it’s easy to throw together and even easier to enjoy.
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.

This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a perfect choice for a quick, comforting dinner that doesn’t require much effort. Ground beef, cheddar, spinach, and cauliflower rice come together to create a hearty meal in about 30 minutes. It’s great for those nights when you want something filling but don’t have the energy for complicated recipes. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole makes dinner easy and stress-free.
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 perfect when you need something quick, easy, and comforting. In just 25 minutes, this one-pan dish brings together crispy bacon and tender cabbage for a simple but filling meal. It’s great for lazy dinners when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking or cleaning up. The best part? It uses affordable ingredients and gives you something filling and homemade without much work — perfect for when you’re tired but still want a meal that feels like a bit of care.
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.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a great way to make dinner feel special without wasting too much time. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken in a rich, garlicky sauce made with Parmesan and cream. It’s perfect for lazy nights when you want a comforting meal but don’t have the energy for anything complicated. This simple and quick recipe gives you a dish that feels like a treat but doesn’t require much from you. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and clean up, letting you enjoy your meal without added stress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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