20 Lazy Dinners You’ll Wish You’d Known About Yesterday

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20 Lazy Dinners You’ll Wish You’d Known About Yesterday

When you’re in need of lazy dinners that are easy to make and great to eat, you’ll kick yourself for not having these recipes in your life sooner. We’ve all been there: scrambling to put together a meal after a long day, wishing for something quick and delicious. These 20 no-stress recipes are perfect for those nights when you want a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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

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 no-hassle dinner just needs you to throw some sausage and your favorite veggies on a sheet pan, bake, and you’re all set. It’s a game-changer for busy nights, providing a nutritious meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. The best part? It cuts down on dishes, giving you more time to relax after a long day. This recipe is a must-have for anyone looking to streamline their dinner routine without sacrificing quality or taste.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

All you need for this Crock Pot Taco Soup is to toss ground beef, onions, heavy cream, cheese, diced tomatoes, and spices into your slow cooker and let it do its magic. It’s the epitome of “set it and forget it,” freeing up your evening for whatever you need or want to do. Coming home to a ready-to-eat meal that’s both hearty and flavorful can turn a stressful day into a relaxing evening.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

Toss frozen broccoli and cauliflower with cheese and bacon bits, bake, and enjoy a veggie-rich meal. This dish is a lifesaver for busy parents wanting to serve vegetables in a way that everyone will love. Dinner time is made less about persuasion and more about enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

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

Mix your favorite bell peppers with ground meat in a pot, bake for 45 minutes, and skip the traditional stuffing hassle with this simple casserole. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves stuffed peppers but not the time it takes to make them. It’s a delicious alternative that fits into a busy lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Combine canned tuna, noodles, and cream of mushroom soup, bake, and serve up a comforting dish that simplifies your dinner plans. This recipe is a win for anyone looking for an economical, no-stress meal. It brings back memories of home without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Season chicken with fajita spices, add cream cheese and sliced peppers, bake, and you’ve got a flavorful dish with minimal prep. It’s perfect for those who love bold flavors but need a quick and easy solution. It’s the quickest way to bring a restaurant favorite to your table without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grab a pan, some cabbage, sausage, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ve got a filling meal that’s both good and easy. It’s the perfect fix for those nights when you’re too tired but still want a home-cooked meal. Plus, with everything cooked in one pan, the cleanup is as easy as the cooking process. This dish proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen for a meal that feels like home, making it a great pick for anyone seeking convenience and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

Sauté chicken pieces in garlic butter for a quick, flavorful main that’s ready in 20 minutes. These bites are the answer for those craving a homemade meal but strapped for time. This recipe delivers big flavors without a big time commitment.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sauté cabbage and bacon for a 25-minute dish that’s simple and savory. It’s great for adding some variety to your meal routine without complicating your life. It is a straightforward yet delicious way to enjoy vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Layer chicken, spinach, and cheese, then bake, and you’ve got a nutritious meal in no time. This bake is a godsend on busy weekdays when you’re trying to eat healthily but also need to cater to a tight schedule. It easily blends convenience with nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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.

Mix ground beef with cauliflower rice and spinach, top with cheese, bake, and in 30 minutes, you have a low-carb comfort meal. This dish addresses the need for quick, health-conscious dinners that don’t skimp on taste or satisfaction. Healthy eating just got easier.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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.

Simmer sweet potatoes and red peppers until tender, blend, and serve up a soup that’s both comforting and easy to make. This recipe is a boon for those seeking warmth and nutrition in one bowl. It’s especially a great choice on days when cooking feels like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Cook chicken in a creamy garlic sauce in one skillet for a 30-minute meal that’s rich in flavor. It’s a dream for anyone needing a quick yet impressive meal to unwind after a long day. This dish turns dinner into a relaxing moment rather than another task.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine chicken, corn, and broth, simmer, and enjoy a comforting soup ready in under an hour. It’s an effortless way to bring a touch of homemade comfort to your table, great for chilly nights when you need warmth without the work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Brown Italian sausage, add veggies and broth, simmer, and in 30 minutes, enjoy a robust one-pot meal. This soup is a lifesaver for busy evenings. It provides a filling and flavorful dinner that won’t leave you stuck in the kitchen all night.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

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.

Brown ground beef, mix with cauliflower rice and cream, and cook for a quick, filling one-pan meal. It’s perfect for those looking to cut carbs without cutting flavor. This dish is a simple yet hearty dinner solution on hectic nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix cooked chicken with jalapeños, cream cheese, and spices for a make-ahead salad that’s flavorful and easy. This dish is a stress reliever, ready to eat whenever you are. It’s perfect for busy days when meal prep time is scarce.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

Sauté mushrooms, add broth and seasonings and simmer for a soup that’s rich in flavor and easy to make. It’s great for anyone wanting to enjoy a comforting, gourmet-like meal without needing to be a gourmet chef. It simplifies sophisticated dining.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sauté chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for a 30-minute meal that tastes gourmet. This dish is a treat for those seeking a special meal after a busy day. It delivers a luxurious dining experience without the luxury of time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Green Chile Chicken

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix green chile sauce with shredded chicken, heat, and serve for an effortless, delicious dish. It’s a great pick-me-up for those using leftovers creatively, providing a quick and delicious dinner option that breathes new life into yesterday’s chicken.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken

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