Throwback lazy dinners are making a comeback, but with a modern spin to fit today’s busy lifestyles. We’ve taken those classic, laid-back recipes and given them an update to make them even more perfect for the quick-paced life of a modern cook. These 17 meals are great for anyone who wants a good dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick 25-minute nostalgic dish that packs a flavor punch. Just cabbage, bacon, and onion in one pan–and you’re set. Great as a main dish or a hearty side, it’s easy and filling, perfect for nights when you need something good fast.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
For a cozy meal that’s perfect for lazy nights, this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is your go-to. It’s like the one you grew up with, but it’s been updated with a breadcrumb topping. It comes together in less than an hour, combining noodles, tuna, and cheese. This is a comforting dish that’s also great for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Nothing beats a ground beef-based skillet dish. This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet is a 30-minute wonder, combining cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms into a hearty one-skillet meal. It’s simple to make and store, perfect for busy evenings and meal prep. A recipe that makes life easy and adds flavor to your dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Broccoli Casserole
This Broccoli Casserole recipe is a must-have for easy dinners, especially on lazy nights and when you’re craving something from your childhood. It’s a breeze to make, taking only 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great pick for beginners or anyone who wants to cut down cooking time, keeping dinner simple yet savory.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Creamy Garlic Chicken
This Creamy Garlic Chicken comes together in one pan in 30 minutes. It showcases chicken breasts in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. It’s a great classic dish for nights when you’re craving something a little fancy but easy to make. It’s quick, simple, and sure to please any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
If you grew up eating stuffed peppers, you’re going to love this recipe. Try this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole for an easy 45-minute meal that skips the hassle of stuffing peppers but keeps all the delicious, filling goodness. It features ground beef, chopped bell peppers, rice, and diced tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a stress-free, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to hit the spot on lazy nights.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Spinach Chicken Bake
Mix chicken, spinach, and cheese, toss in your favorite spices, and you’ve got a Spinach Chicken Bake ready in 30 minutes. It’s super simple to make, and clean-up’s a breeze. Perfect for those evenings when you’re feeling lazy but still want a great meal. Definitely a keeper for your easy dinner recipes on those laid-back nights.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Cabbage and Sausage
Cook cabbage and sausage together in the same skillet, and in just 25 minutes, you’ve got a meal where the flavors are infused perfectly. It’s super easy since you likely have everything on hand already. This skillet dish is a solid pick for a quick, hearty dinner on those lazy evenings. It’s a great recipe to have in your back pocket for laid-back nights.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then fry them for 4 minutes on each side. Toss them in garlic butter for a flavor-packed meal that’s ready in 20 minutes using just one pan. Serve with your choice of rice, quinoa, or veggies for a complete, hassle-free dinner. This one’s a game-changer for busy nights when you’re looking for something great but easy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Take frozen broccoli and cauliflower, mix them with a creamy sauce, sprinkle in cheese and bacon, and you’ve crafted a Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Its nostalgic flavors have been updated with ingredients like microwaveable, steamable frozen veggies. It bakes in one dish and is ready in 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate no-sweat, delicious meal for nights when you’re tight on time.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Sausage and veggies are a classic for so many people. This recipe takes that meal and upgrades it to be cooked on a single sheet pan. Toss sausages and your favorite veggies on your sheet pan and bake. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner that simplifies your evening. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights, serving a delicious and filling meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Change up taco night and make some soup in your slow cooker. Throw ground beef and some pantry staples into your Crock Pot, and let it work its magic. With just 20 minutes of prep, you’re all set for a hearty taco soup that cooks itself. It’s also great for freezing, making your dinner plans easy now and later.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Chicken Corn Soup
Whip up Chicken Corn Soup in less than an hour for a comforting weeknight meal. Chicken, corn, and veggies come together in a creamy broth, all in one pot for easy cleanup. It’s the kind of classic meal you’ll want to make on repeat for its simplicity and great taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken spices up dinner in just 30 minutes. Seasoned chicken pairs with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella for an easy yet impressive meal. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to shake things up without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Italian Sausage Soup
Italian Sausage Soup is a 30-minute miracle. It combines Italian sausage with cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream for a one-pan wonder. A touch of fresh herbs turns it into a simple, speedy, and scrumptious meal. It’s the effortless, comforting dish you’ll wish you added to your routine sooner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Create a Cheesy Beef Casserole in 30 minutes with beef, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. It’s a one-skillet, home-cooked meal without the hassle, perfect for when you’re short on time but craving something homemade. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
In about an hour, Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup serves a creamy, comforting meal with simple, one-pot preparation. To create that smooth consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. This recipe is a homemade dinner that keeps your night easy and your stomach happy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup