The 21 Lazy Dinner Recipes That Moms Don’t Mind Making

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The 21 Lazy Dinner Recipes That Moms Don’t Mind Making

We want to be sure to help moms keep it simple and stress-free when it comes to lazy dinner recipes. These are the meals that come together quickly, with minimal ingredients and even less hassle. They’re the perfect answer for those evenings when juggling the kids’ activities and homework sessions leaves little time for cooking. Think of these recipes as your go-to toolkit for feeding the family without the need to spend hours in the kitchen.

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.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole combines wide egg noodles, canned tuna, frozen peas, whole milk and cheddar cheese and is ready in a snap. It’s the perfect choice for a straightforward meal that’s also easy to clean up. The combination of creamy cheese with hearty tuna and pasta makes it a comfort food staple. Moms approve of its simplicity and great taste with minimal effort. This dish also keeps well, so you can have an even easier dinner the next day or a solid lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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.

Get this Chicken Tater Tot Casserole with cheese and green onions ready in no time. This dish is a hit because it combines the crunch of tater tots with the comfort of melted cheese and shredded chicken, all topped with fresh green onions for a bit of zest. It’s quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear at the dinner table. Great for a laid-back dinner, and moms love how simple it is to make everyone happy. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken, making it budget-friendly and practical.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

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.

These Reuben Bowls are a quick fix for a busy night, ready in just 30 minutes. Brown some corned beef, toss it with cabbage, add sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, and you’re pretty much done. Opt for a store-bought dressing to make it even easier. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic sandwich flavor without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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.

This Baked Ravioli is like the easygoing cousin of lasagna. Using frozen ravioli means you’re halfway there before you even start. Layer it up with sauce and cheese, and let the oven do the rest. It’s a great choice for those nights when you want to make something hearty but don’t want to spend all evening on your feet.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Ready in 20 minutes, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are simple and fast. You just need chicken, garlic, butter, and herbs. It’s the perfect dish for those evenings when you want a good meal fast. This recipe is all about delivering big flavor in little time, which is why it’s a go-to for moms on the run. It’s also great for kids who love delicious, bite-sized meals. This dish addresses the need for quick prep and minimal cooking time without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This veggie-packed casserole with broccoli, cauliflower cheese and bacon is on your table in 30 minutes. It’s easy to whip up and a smart choice for getting more greens into dinner. The creamy cheese and crisp bacon add a rich flavor that complements the fresh veggies. Moms appreciate how quick and easy it is to serve something so good and nutritious. This dish is also perfect for those looking to add more vegetables to their family’s diet without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot full of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Crock Pot Taco Soup is a hearty dish that’s perfect for those who need a quick and easy meal option. Toss ground beef, cream cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a mix of spices into the Crock Pot and let it work its magic for a meal that’s ready by dinner time. This soup packs a punch with bold taco flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a filling meal. It’s a great pick for days when you’re out and about and want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal. Moms love this one for its convenience, plus it’s a great way to get a full meal on the table without standing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up image of a bowl of tuna macaroni salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Got 40 minutes? That’s all you need for this Tuna Macaroni Salad. It’s a no-nonsense dish that’s great for when you’re not in the mood to cook up a storm. Boil some pasta, stir in a few simple ingredients like canned tuna and mayo, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that’s straightforward and hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This quick and hearty Cabbage and Sausage dish is done in less than 30 minutes. It features cabbage, an often overlooked but versatile vegetable that pairs perfectly with sausage flavors. Moms love it because it’s easy and gives them a break during hectic evenings. It’s a less-effort meal that delivers on taste and convenience. Its simplicity and use of common ingredients make it a perfect choice for a fast, filling dinner. This dish also requires minimal cleanup, which means more time to relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole puts a simple spin on a classic in just 45 minutes. Filled with beef bell peppers, rice and tomatoes, it’s a practical choice for a relaxed dinner that keeps everyone full and happy. The flavors mimic traditional stuffed peppers but with less work involved, making it a go-to for busy evenings. Moms give it a thumbs up for its simplicity and hearty flavors. It’s also a great dish for introducing kids to new veggies in a familiar format.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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.

This dish is all about saving time and keeping it simple. Toss your sausages and an array of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions onto a sheet pan, bake for 30 minutes, and you have a complete meal. The flavors combine perfectly as everything roasts together, creating a hearty and filling dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s especially popular among moms because it cuts down on dishes and prep time, making it easier to enjoy dinner with the family.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe gives a quick and simple way to cook crispy and flavorful pork chops in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The secret to its flavor lies in the coating process, where pork chops are first covered with a thin layer of mayonnaise to keep them moist and then coated in a homemade breadcrumb mixture seasoned with spices. This technique ensures the chops are juicy inside and crispy outside. You can serve these pork chops with sides like baked zucchini or roasted cauliflower for a complete, hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

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.

The Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes. This dish combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach with a rich topping of cheddar cheese, creating a hearty and flavorsome meal. Great for when you need a quick dinner that keeps things simple. It’s especially popular with moms looking for a nutritious meal that doesn’t require all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

The Spinach Chicken Bake is a quick 30-minute meal that combines nutritious spinach with juicy chicken thighs, all topped with melted cheese and a hint of spices. This dish is delicious and easy to make, packed with flavors that everyone in the family can appreciate. It’s a great choice for busy moms looking for a healthy dinner option that requires minimal prep and cleanup. This dish shows that you can have a meal that’s both healthy and quick, making it a weeknight winner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

In just 25 minutes, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is on the table, making it a great pick for moms looking to keep dinner prep to a minimum. It’s all about ease here, with pre-cooked chicken and store-bought dressing slashing the time you’d usually spend in the kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that lets you take a breather on those hectic evenings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is a straightforward dish that can be prepared quickly and cooks in just 50 minutes. It combines broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese and a crunchy cracker topping for a texture that’s both pleasing and hearty. This casserole is perfect for moms looking for a dish that’s easy to assemble and can serve as a comforting meal for the whole family. It’s also great for getting kids to eat their veggies in a delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is prepared in just 30 minutes and features tender chicken breasts simmered in a luxurious creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce. This dish is rich in flavor and perfect for those evenings when you need something quick yet impressive. It’s a hit with moms because it combines the convenience of a one-pan meal with the taste of a dish that seems like it took hours to prepare. Plus, it’s so easy to make that it’s perfect for a stress-free dinner after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken with cream cheese is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layer chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers into a pan add mozzarella, and bake. It’s a great way to make a spicy chicken dinner without much work. Perfect for busy nights when you need a flavorful meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This dish is a hit because it’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. Moms love it because it’s hearty and keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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 can be whipped up in just 25 minutes. It’s a simple mix of green cabbage, bacon and white onion sautéed in a skillet. This dish is great for adding greens to your dinner without extra hassle. It’s a solid choice for a relaxed dinner when you’re short on time but still want something that tastes homemade. It’s popular among moms because it packs a lot of flavor with just a few ingredients and one pan, meaning less mess and less stress.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a hearty and quick-to-prepare meal that features ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. A great pick for a hearty dinner that’s easy to make. This skillet meal is a lifesaver on busy nights, combining nutritious ingredients that cook up fast. Moms love this recipe because it simplifies mealtime and minimizes cleanup while delivering a meal that feels comforting and complete.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is ready in about an hour and is a great choice for an easy dinner. Made with simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, red peppers, and onions, it’s a good pick for a comforting meal on busy nights. The naturally sweet flavors of the potatoes complement the mild heat from the peppers, creating a soothing, balanced soup. Moms love this recipe because it’s straightforward and produces a nutritious meal that warms up any evening.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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