Lazy dinners are a lifesaver when you’re looking to clock out of your workday and straight into chill mode. These 17 great recipes are perfect for evenings when you just want to kick back and relax. They’re quick, they’re easy, and best of all, they give you that extra time to spend however you like — be it diving into your favorite book, catching up on the latest show, or just enjoying some well-deserved peace and quiet. After a long day at work, you deserve a break, and these meals are here to make sure you get just that.
Cabbage and Sausage
After a full day of work, this Cabbage and Sausage dish is perfect for a chill evening. It’s quick, takes only 25 minutes, and uses simple ingredients like cabbage and sausage, cooked all in one pan. This meal is all about getting a filling dinner on the table fast so you can kick back sooner. Plus, cleaning up is super easy. Just cook, eat, and relax. This is a solid pick for anyone looking to minimize kitchen time and maximize downtime.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Here’s a great Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s got everything you need — ground beef, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice — cooked together in one skillet. This means you spend less time cooking and cleaning and more time chilling out. It’s a good fit for those nights when you need something hearty but easy and you just want to unwind after work without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are super simple and perfect for a lazy dinner. Ready in just 25 minutes, these chops are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown, giving you a great meal with minimal effort. It’s an easy way to enjoy crispy pork chops without the mess of frying, perfect for a low-key evening.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Spinach Chicken Bake
Try the Spinach Chicken Bake for a lazy dinner that’s as easy as it gets. Mix chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach in a dish and let the oven handle the rest for about 30 minutes. This recipe lets you take a break while it cooks, and there’s hardly any cleanup. Just serve it with some bread, and you’re good to go. It’s perfect for those times when you want a good meal without the work.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Make your after-work routine smoother with this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just toss everything — sausage, broccoli, zucchini and sweet mini peppers — on a sheet pan, bake for 30 minutes, and dinner’s ready. This meal is about making things easy with minimal cleanup and a straightforward cooking method. It’s a great way to end a busy day, letting you enjoy more of your evening with less time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Chicken Tortellini Soup
For a comforting meal that’s easy to make, try the Chicken Tortellini Soup. It’s ready in 40 minutes, and you only need one pot. With chicken, cheese tortellini, and veggies, it’s a filling soup that’s great for unwinding after a long day. Just serve it with some bread, veggies, or salad, and you’ve got a great meal that doesn’t require much effort, which is perfect for a relaxing night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
White Bean Soup
This White Bean Soup is perfect for a relaxed dinner after a busy day. It’s ready in just 40 minutes with minimal effort, using just one pot. It combines creamy cannellini white beans, onions, carrots, and celery in a rich broth, making it a great choice when you need a comforting meal without a lot of work. Top it with fresh parsley and crispy croutons, or add some smoked sausage or bacon for extra flavor and protein. This soup makes your after-work couch time well-earned.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
When you need a quick meal, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a lifesaver. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish has juicy chicken cooked in a garlic butter sauce. It’s simple and fast, making it a great choice for a lazy dinner. You can serve it however you like — over rice, with veggies, or alongside mashed potatoes. It’s about getting a great meal on the table quickly so you can enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
When you need a quick dinner, Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is ready in 30 minutes. It mixes broccoli and cauliflower with a cheesy sauce, topped with more cheese and bacon, and baked until golden. It’s super easy and a great way to enjoy a hearty meal quickly. Add some green onions or diced chicken for more flavor. This casserole is a smart pick for a quick and filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
For a straightforward dinner, try the Fajita Baked Chicken. Just season the chicken with fajita mix, add cream cheese, bell peppers, and mozzarella, and bake in one pan. This dish is a lifesaver on busy nights, serving a flavorful meal with very little effort. Serve it with rice or tortillas to complete the meal. This easy dinner is perfect for earning some relaxing couch time.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
The Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a great pick for an easy dinner. It takes about an hour, mostly hands-off. Just sauté sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then simmer and blend. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy dinner with minimal effort. Top it off with sour cream and parsley for a great finish. This soup makes it easy to enjoy a good meal without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Turn the classic comfort food into an easy soup with the Chicken Pot Pie Soup, ready in an hour. This one-pot meal includes chicken, peas, carrots, celery, and potatoes in a creamy broth. It’s a great choice for a midweek dinner, bringing all the comfort without the extra steps of baking a pie crust. Serve this soup with biscuits or bread for a complete meal. It’s an easy way to relax after a day’s work with a home-cooked meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is your shortcut to a great dinner, ready in 30 minutes. It’s all made in one skillet, combining ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, mushrooms, and cheddar for a hearty meal. Quick to prepare and even quicker to clean up, this casserole is perfect for those evenings when you want a filling dinner without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken serves up comfort in just 30 minutes. Cook everything in one pan, where chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy garlic sauce of heavy whipping cream and Parmesan sauce. Pair it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a meal that feels special without all the work. It’s a great pick for a relaxing night in, allowing you to enjoy a good meal and still have plenty of time to chill on the couch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Italian Sausage Soup
Italian Sausage Soup is just what you need for a comforting dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes. This easy-to-make soup is filled with Italian sausage, cream cheese, and diced and pureed tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian spices. Just heat everything together and serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth or topped with croutons for a bit of crunch. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a busy day without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick 25-minute meal that’s great for a busy weeknight. Using just one pan, you’ll sauté cabbage with crispy bacon, onion, and garlic until it’s perfectly tender. It’s simple and quick, making it a smart option for a quick, easy-to-make dinner. This dish is great on its own, or you can eat it with pork chops for a more filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sun-dried tomato Chicken is your answer to a special dinner without all the effort, ready in just 30 minutes. Bake chicken thighs with sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parmesan for a rich and hearty dish. The sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce make this chicken extra flavorful. Serve it with pasta, rice, or bread to make sure you get all the sauce. This dish is a great way to treat yourself on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken