Lazy dinners are a lifesaver when you’ve had one of those days where work-from-home stress just doesn’t seem to end. We’ve all been there — back-to-back calls, overflowing inboxes, and deadlines that seem to loom closer with every tick of the clock. When you finally shut down your computer, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why these 17 easy recipes are perfect. They’re quick to whip up, require minimal effort, and are just what you need to cap off a hectic day.
Cabbage and Sausage
In just 25 minutes, you can cook up a meal that’s great for those days you’re not in the mood for a lot of kitchen time. This recipe pairs cabbage with sausage for a hearty and flavorful dish. Cut the cabbage in half through the stem, remove the core from each half by angling your knife, then slice the cabbage halves into thin strips and bite-sized pieces. It’s simple to make with ingredients you likely have on hand, perfect when you need a quick, no-stress dinner. This makes a great lazy family dinner since it uses basic ingredients for a fast, stress-free meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
In just 30 minutes, you’ll whip up this filling one-skillet meal with ground beef, cheddar, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms. It’s a lazy day lifesaver when cooking feels like a chore. Plus, any leftovers freeze well for another quick meal. Serve hot with a side salad or veggie for a complete meal the whole family will enjoy. 30 minutes total. And you can sub regular rice for cauliflower rice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Spinach Chicken Bake
Here’s a dish that’s both quick to make and perfect for a hearty dinner. Ready in about 30 minutes, you’ll bake chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, creating a meal that’s comforting and filling. It’s just right for those nights when you want a hearty meal but don’t want to spend ages cooking. This recipe ensures you get a great dinner on the table without much work. It makes a go-to lazy family dinner since it’s a complete meal baked all in one dish.
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Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
If you’ve got 30 minutes, you can have a nutritious meal on the table with almost no effort. Just lay out your sausages and veggies on a sheet pan, bake them, and you’re done. This recipe is great as a lazy family dinner since there’s virtually no prep required — just toss everything on a pan. It’s a great choice for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s good for you. This recipe is all about making dinner simple, letting you relax after a long workday instead of spending the night cooking.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
When you need a filling dinner but don’t want to spend all evening cooking, this meal is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s made in one skillet, combining juicy chicken pieces with a rich buttery garlic sauce. You can pair it with rice and veggies for a complete meal or put it over a salad if you’re looking for something lighter. This recipe is a great pick for a delicious meal without the complicated steps, perfect for wrapping up a busy day. The chicken is crispy with a tender interior, and the garlic butter is extra flavorful. It’s the perfect lazy dinner as the entire meal comes together quickly in one skillet.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Chicken Tortellini Soup
For those hectic work-from-home days, Chicken Tortellini Soup is a great go-to. It’s not only easy to make in a single pot, but it also only takes 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a hearty meal that will help you wind down after a long day without adding stress in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
White Bean Soup
After a day filled with endless tasks, the White Bean Soup is a perfect dish to help you relax. Ready in 40 minutes and requiring just one pot, this soup is a practical choice that brings both nutrition and simplicity to your dinner table, making it an excellent option for any busy evening.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This dish is ready in 30 minutes. Using frozen broccoli and cauliflower, it’s mixed with a creamy sauce, sprinkled with cheese and bacon, and baked until golden. It’s super easy and perfect for when you want something filling but don’t have much time to cook. Serve this on those evenings when you’re looking for comfort without the effort. It’s a go-to lazy family dinner because it’s a flavorful veggie-packed casserole that comes together effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken makes a go-to lazy dinner as cooking it is easy, and everything bakes together effortlessly. You’ll season chicken breasts and top them with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, then bake everything to perfection. It’s all done in one pan, meaning you won’t have to worry about a pile of dishes afterward. This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you still want a meal that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require much effort or time.
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Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
This soup is perfect for when you want something delicious and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll need about an hour to make it, but it’s mostly hands-off. Just get your sweet potatoes and red peppers ready, then sauté, simmer, blend, and serve. It’s a lazy dinner winner because aside from some chopping, most of the cooking happens unattended. This dish is a straightforward way to enjoy a homemade meal, especially on those nights when you’re looking for comfort with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Get all the cozy flavors of chicken pot pie in soup form, ready in 1 hour. Chicken, veggies, and carbs simmer together in one pot, no pie-making required! A clever weeknight take on the classic using mostly pantry staples that are a go-to lazy family dinner. Serve with biscuits or crusty bread. Swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts, or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey instead. If using pre-cooked chicken or turkey, skip the “Cook Chicken” step.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Get a balanced meal fast with this 30-minute skillet of ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, mushrooms, and cheddar. It’s a no-brainer hearty dinner for lazy nights that the whole family will love. Make sure to prep and measure out all ingredients before starting, as this recipe comes together quickly, and you’ll want everything ready to grab and add when needed. Serve it straight from the skillet for easy cleanup.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken breasts simmer in a luscious Parmesan-garlic-cream sauce, all in one pan. For the creamy garlic sauce, deglaze the pan with chicken stock, simmering for 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Then, add the heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute before stirring in the Parmesan until melted. This dish feels fancy but comes together in 30 minutes for those lazy nights when you still want something delicious. A go-to lazy family favorite to serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Italian Sausage Soup
Italian sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes are combined in one creamy pot in just 30 minutes. The ultimate lazy but filling dinner for cozy nights that the whole family will crave. Serve with crusty bread for dunking. For extra protein, add de-veined shrimp during the last 3-5 minutes of simmering the soup.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Mushrooms simmer in a velvety sour cream milk broth with butter and spices. Hearty flavors in 45 minutes flat, all in one pot. Top with bread for an easy, comforting lazy family meal. For extra creaminess, top with a dollop of crème fraîche. Stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add some heat. Refrigerate the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Just 25 minutes and one pan is needed to make this cabbage with crispy bacon and onions. Flavor-packed but ultra simple for busy nights, making it a go-to lazy family dinner. For a slight crunch that complements the bacon’s texture, cook the cabbage per the original recipe. If you prefer it softer, simply let it cook longer in the pan until it reaches your desired tenderness. Serve alongside proteins or eat as a main dish.
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Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Chicken thighs baked with sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parm for a decadent 30-minute skillet meal. When you want something special with minimal effort, this one is sure to become a go-to lazy family favorite. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. For variety, season the chicken thighs with dried oregano and/or basil before cooking. When adding the sun-dried tomatoes, you can also sprinkle in some pine nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken