Lazy Chef’s Guide: 15 Dinners That Practically Cook Themselves

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Lazy Chef’s Guide: 15 Dinners That Practically Cook Themselves

For those evenings when even the thought of cooking feels like a chore, we’ve got you covered with our selection of lazy dinners. These meals are perfect for anyone looking to minimize their time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. From slow cooker wonders to one-pan delights, our list includes dinners that practically take care of themselves. Dive into these recipes that promise to keep your evenings relaxed and your stomachs satisfied, all with minimal effort on your part.

A skillet filled with chicken and spinach.
Creamy Chicken With Sage. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Meatball Casserole

A casserole dish filled with meatballs and cheese.
Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

The meatball casserole is a comforting and flavorful choice for easy Monday night dinners. It combines juicy meatballs, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, offering a cozy meal that can be prepared ahead of time. This dish is an excellent way to enjoy a comforting family dinner without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Tex Mex Chicken

Chicken fajitas in foil with peppers, onions and sour cream.
Tex Mex Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Tex Mex chicken infuses your dinner with vibrant spices and colorful vegetables, making it a fantastic option for a laid-back yet flavorful Monday meal. It’s quick to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy a bold and enjoyable dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tex Mex Chicken

Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach

A skillet filled with chicken and spinach.
Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Creamy chicken with sage and spinach makes Monday dinners feel luxurious, blending fresh herbs with a creamy sauce for a lush dining experience. This dish is an excellent way to add a touch of gourmet to your weeknight routine, providing a comforting yet flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach

Chicken Cheesy Skillet

Chicken and cheese in a skillet.
Chicken Cheesey Skillet. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

The chicken cheesy skillet is a hassle-free dinner solution that combines tender chicken, melty cheese, and aromatic vegetables in a single pan. It’s perfect for those looking for a warm and easy meal to start the week, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cheesy Skillet

Chicken Baklava

Chicken wings on a plate with parsley.
Baklava Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken Baklava puts a savory spin on a sweet classic, offering a unique dinner option that’s sure to spark conversation. This dish is an excellent choice for making Monday dinners more exciting, introducing a novel flavor profile to your weekly routine.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Baklava

Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork

Shredded pork on a white plate.
Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Brown sugar crockpot pork is ideal for anyone looking for a simple yet fulfilling Monday dinner. Its slow-cooked tenderness and sweet caramelization make for a comforting meal that’s ready to serve as soon as you’re home, perfect for a hassle-free start to the week.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork

Burrito Bowls

A bowl of cauliflower rice with meat and vegetables on a cutting board.
Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Burrito bowls are a customizable and engaging choice for Monday dinners, allowing each person to create their perfect meal. They’re quick to put together, making dinner a fun and interactive experience that brightens the beginning of your week.
Get the Recipe: Burrito Bowls

Butter Chicken

A white plate with chicken and parsley on it.
Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Butter chicken offers the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine in an unexpectedly easy-to-prepare dish, making it a perfect pick-me-up for Monday nights. Its creamy, rich sauce provides a delicious escape from the day-to-day, ideal for a cozy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Butter Chicken

Chicken Fricassee

A white dish with chicken and peppers on it.
Chicken Fricassee. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken Fricassee is a comforting and elegant choice for a Monday dinner, featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce. This meal is great for bringing the family together around the dinner table, making the start of the week feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fricassee

Chicken Meatballs

Chicken meatballs in a white bowl with a fork.
Chicken Meatballs. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken meatballs are a light and versatile dinner option for Mondays, easily becoming the highlight of various dishes. Their ease of preparation and delicious flavor make them a great way to begin the week with a meal that’s comforting and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatballs

Chicken Paprikash

A plate of chicken with sauce and parsley on a cutting board.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Chicken Paprikash brings a taste of Hungary to your Monday dinner table, with its comforting paprika-spiced chicken and creamy sauce. This dish is a wonderful way to add some warmth and flavor to the start of your week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Chili

A white bowl of soup on a wooden cutting board.
Chili. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A bowl of chili is a robust and warming choice for Monday nights, especially suitable for cooler evenings. It’s a filling and comforting dish that can be made in advance, offering a stress-free and hearty dinner to kickstart the week.
Get the Recipe: Chili

Pizza Bowls

A plate with four mini pizzas on it.
Pizza Bowls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Pizza bowls transform the beloved pizza flavors into a novel and customizable Monday dinner option. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of pizza in a unique form, adding excitement to the start of the week with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Bowls

Taco Casserole

A casserole dish filled with meat and cheese.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Taco casserole offers the lively flavors of tacos in an easy-to-make casserole form, ideal for dispelling the Monday doldrums. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that combines ease of preparation with delicious taste, ensuring a joyful beginning to your week.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Asian chicken skewers on top of rice.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Teriyaki chicken skewers are a sweet and savory selection for an effortless Monday dinner. Their simple yet delicious preparation makes them a top choice for those seeking a flavorful meal that’s easy to put together, ensuring a delightful start to the week.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

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