Here Are Our 17 Favorite Lazy Dinners

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Here Are Our 17 Favorite Lazy Dinners

Lazy dinners are all about easy, great meals that we love coming back to time and again. These 17 are our favorite go-to dishes for when we want something simple and filling, without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. This post is all about celebrating those perfect lazy dinners that make our evenings more relaxing.

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is all about making your dinner routine easier and is ready in about 30 minutes. You just toss chicken, cheese, and spinach together in a pan and bake. It’s that simple. You get a good mix of protein and veggies, making it a perfect choice for a lazy evening meal. Plus, it only uses one pan, so you can relax after eating without worrying about a pile of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This meal is for those nights when you want something filling but don’t want to spend ages cooking. Cabbage and sausage come together in one pan for a meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. It takes less than 30 minutes to get this dish on the table, making it a great option for a stress-free evening. It’s the kind of meal you’ll wish you knew about sooner for those lazy dinner nights.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of crock pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Start your day by browning some ground beef, and then toss it into your Crock Pot along with beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning. With just 20 minutes of prep in the morning, you’ll come back to a fully cooked, hearty soup that captures all the flavors of a taco in a spoonful. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days or when you just want to kick back. It turns dinner into an easy, flavorful affair that proves great meals don’t have to keep you in the kitchen all day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

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 is a perfect weeknight family meal that takes less than 1 hour to make. It’s straightforward to prepare and reheats well, so any leftovers will make for a convenient meal tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

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

Throw sausage and veggies on a pan, bake for about 30 minutes, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s both easy to make and great for a cozy night in. It’s flexible, too. Use whatever veggies you have and add your favorite dressing for extra flavor. This dish is a perfect example of how you can make a hearty dinner without much work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita baked chicken in a baking dish with salsa and sour cream.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require much effort. Season chicken with fajita spices, add cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, and bake. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a relaxed evening meal. Plus, it’s all made in one dish, so you can spend more time chilling out and less time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re feeling too lazy to cook but still want a great dinner, this casserole is a lifesaver. You’ll mix broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon and bake them until they’re perfectly golden. It’s a great way to get your veggies in, and since you’re using just one dish, you don’t have to worry about a big cleanup. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken bites with garlic butter sauce and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a meal that’s quick and full of flavor, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a fantastic choice. You only need 20 minutes to bring this dish to life. Serve them with rice and veggies for a complete dinner or toss them in a salad for something lighter. It’s easy enough for anyone to make and will taste just as good the next day if you have leftovers. This dish is perfect for those days when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup with carrots and parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is a comforting blend of chicken and creamed corn, perfect for those nights when you want something filling without much fuss. It takes less than an hour to cook everything in one pot. This recipe is straightforward, making it a go-to for both new and seasoned cooks. It’s especially good during the colder months, especially when you need a cozy meal that’s easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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.

Mix sweet potatoes and red peppers in a pot, and you’ve got the start of an incredible soup. This easy recipe is perfect for those days when you want something filling and wholesome without too much hassle in the kitchen. It cooks in about an hour, and you can tweak the spices to make it exactly how you like it. This soup is a straightforward, comforting option for any night of the week, perfect for a homemade meal that feels special without requiring too much work.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re in a hurry but craving something comforting, this skillet meal is just the ticket. Combine ground beef with cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and a generous amount of cheese for a dish that’s as filling as it is easy to make. It all comes together in one skillet in 30 minutes, making it perfect for beginner cooks or anyone who wants a delicious dinner quickly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white dish with chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic pick for a quick weeknight dinner. In just half an hour, you can enjoy tender chicken thighs in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a one-pan meal that pairs beautifully with rice or your preferred side, ensuring you get a flavorful dinner on the table quickly and with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of creamy Italian sausage soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is a hearty way to wrap up a long day. Ready in about 30 minutes, it combines the rich taste of Italian sausage with the smoothness of tomatoes and Parmesan. It’s simpler than it sounds — just sauté, simmer, and it’s ready to enjoy. This soup is a great pick for when you want something hearty without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A spoon is serving Hungarian mushroom soup into a bowl.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This cozy soup is perfect for days when you want something hearty but easy. Start by sautéing mushrooms and onions, then simmer them with spices in a pot. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a rich, flavorful soup that’s sure to warm you up. The combination of earthy mushrooms with savory spices makes this a comforting dish for any lazy evening.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan with bacon and cabbage in it.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get dinner ready in just 20 minutes with this simple yet flavorful dish. First, crisp up some bacon, then cook sliced cabbage in the same pan to soak up all the bacon’s savory flavors. It’s a straightforward meal that packs a punch, perfect for nights when you’re short on time but still want something filling.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet filled with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In about 30 minutes, you can enjoy this delicious chicken cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. You’ll need chicken thighs, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer everything in one skillet for a dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even an impromptu fancy dinner night at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy spinach and sausage casserole with a wooden spoon.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This comforting casserole is ready in 30 minutes, mixing beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach topped with cheese. You’ll cook the beef and veggies in a skillet before baking. It’s a cozy, flavorful meal for any night, especially when you’re short on time but still want something homemade. Plus, it’s just as delicious the next day, that is, if ever you have any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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