17 Lazy Recipes That Cut Corners Without Cutting Flavor

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17 Lazy Recipes That Cut Corners Without Cutting Flavor

We’ve all been there, right? You want a good meal, but you’re not up for the whole song and dance of cooking. That’s why I’ve put together these 17 recipes that are super easy but still taste great. They’re quick to throw together, and you won’t need to dirty a ton of dishes, either. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep dinner simple without giving up on flavor, stick around.

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

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 no-brainer for anyone looking to throw together a quick dinner. You just need tuna, noodles, cheese, and some basic kitchen staples. Mix everything, bake it, and you’re set in less than an hour. It’s super easy to make, and leftovers are a breeze to heat up. It’s one of those recipes we always have bookmarked for when we’re feeling lazy but still want a solid meal. The key here is how little time you spend on such a good meal. Serve straight from the oven for a hot, comforting dish that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

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

The Broccoli Casserole is perfect for those nights when you can’t deal with complicated dinners. With just broccoli, cheese, and some simple seasonings, you’ve got a meal ready in about 50 minutes. It’s really easy to put together, barely takes any effort, and it’s another recipe that’s great to have on hand for a lazy evening. Plus, it’s delicious without needing to do much. It shows that a few ingredients can come together quickly for a great dinner. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top before serving can add a nice touch.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli 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.

For a hearty meal with minimal cleanup, the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is fantastic. Chop up some sausage and veggies, toss them on a pan, and bake. In 30 minutes, you’re eating. You can throw on some dressing for extra flavor if you want. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for those lazy nights. Definitely a keeper in our book of easy recipes. This meal is all about getting a great dinner on the table with minimal effort. Serving it right off the sheet pan keeps cleanup easy and the meal casual.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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

When you’re in a hurry but still want something appetizing, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your go-to, ready in 20 minutes. They’re versatile and pair well with anything from rice and veggies to salads. Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re after a quick dinner without the wait. Try serving these bites with a dipping sauce on the side for an extra flavor kick. If there are leftovers, place them in a container in the fridge. They reheat well, making for a quick snack or part of a meal later.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cabbage and Sausage

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

If you need a quick dinner, Cabbage and Sausage is the way to go. Just cook cabbage and sausage in one pan for less than 30 minutes. It’s our go-to for an easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste. Great for when you want something good but can’t be bothered to spend much time cooking. This recipe is a champion of quick and good meals without the hassle. Dish it up with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all the great flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

The Spinach Chicken Bake is all about simplicity for a lazy night, ready in just 30 minutes without asking too much from you. Just throw chicken, cheese, and spinach in a pan, bake it, and you’ve got yourself a meal. It’s perfect for those times when you’re craving something good but can’t be bothered with a lot of effort. This goes great with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days, just be sure to cover it tightly.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of crock pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

The Crock Pot Taco Soup is like magic on busy days. Throw in beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, and let it cook itself. With just 20 minutes of prep, you come back to a soup that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the ultimate lazy dinner recipe because it’s so easy and tastes like you put a lot more effort into it. Lean into this recipe for those days when you want a great meal with hardly any work. Top it off with some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for an extra special touch when serving.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

In just 30 minutes, you can have this Fajita Baked Chicken ready to impress. It’s really simple — just mix fajita spices, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, bake, and you’re all set. It’s best when you’re looking for a great meal without the hassle of cleanup afterward. Slice it up and serve with tortillas or rice for a full fajita experience at home. Store any leftovers in an airtight container; they’ll be good in the fridge for a couple of days.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a dream for lazy evenings when you want something hearty without putting in too much effort. Just sauté some mushrooms and onions, add spices, and let it simmer. In 45 minutes, you’ve got a bowl of rich, earthy flavors that make staying in worth it. Serve this soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. Cool any leftovers before storing them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to four days.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom 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.

For those nights when you’re not up for cooking but still want something delicious, this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a lifesaver. Broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon come together in a flash. With just 30 minutes from start to finish and one dish to clean, it couldn’t be easier. A sprinkle of green onions on top before serving can add a fresh, colorful touch. It’s best enjoyed fresh but if you have leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Mix chicken and creamed corn for a soup that’s perfect for laid-back nights. It’s straightforward, with everything cooked in one pot in less than an hour. Good for anyone wanting to whip up something filling without putting in too much effort, especially during the colder months. Add a dollop of sour cream and some fresh herbs before serving for a cozy, comforting bowl. This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep.
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.

Start with sweet potatoes and red peppers to whip up this fantastic soup. It’s an easy choice for days when cooking feels like too much. Ready in about an hour, you can adjust the spices to suit your taste. This soup is a comforting, easy dinner option. Garnish with sour cream and parsley for a beautiful, flavorful finish. For storage, let the soup cool down before refrigerating, and it will be perfect for enjoying again over the next few days.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper 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.

When time is short, but you’re in the mood for something comforting, this skillet meal hits the spot. Combine ground beef with cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheese for a filling dish that comes together in 30 minutes. It’s a perfect choice for a delicious, hassle-free dinner. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal. Leftovers are easy to store in the fridge and taste just as good the next day when reheated properly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Whip up some Creamy Garlic Chicken in just 30 minutes. It features chicken thighs in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, all cooked in one pan. It pairs well with rice or any side, making for a flavorful, quick dinner with easy cleanup. A side of steamed vegetables or a light salad complements this dish beautifully. Make sure leftovers are cooled before storing in the fridge, and enjoy within the next 2-3 days for the best taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

Cap off a busy day with this hearty Italian Sausage Soup. Ready in 30 minutes, it effortlessly combines Italian sausage with tomatoes and Parmesan. Just sauté, simmer and serve. It’s a great choice for nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time cooking. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and serve with a piece of garlic bread for dipping. This soup stores well in the fridge for several days so you have a quick meal ready whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

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 is a definite go-to if you’re looking for a quick, simple dinner. Fry some bacon until crispy, then sauté the cabbage in the same pan to soak up all that flavor. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s perfect for when time is tight. This dish can be served as is or with mashed potatoes for an extra-filling meal. Cool completely before storing in the fridge, and it’ll be good for up to three days.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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.

On lazy nights when you still crave something homemade and hearty, this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is what you need. It’s a comforting bake that’s ready in 30 minutes. Beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese combine to create an easy dinner choice. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick meal without any additional effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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