Lazy dinners are a lifesaver after those long work-from-home days when all you want is to kick back and relax. We know the drill: endless emails, back-to-back calls, and the blur of screen time can take a toll. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 17 easy recipes that are perfect for when you’re looking to reclaim your evening. These meals are quick to throw together, require minimal effort, and are just what you need to transition from work mode to relaxation mode.
Cabbage and Sausage
After a long day of work, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen? Not me, and I bet you don’t either. That’s where this 25-minute cabbage and sausage dish comes into play. It’s really straightforward: chop up some cabbage, throw in sausage, and boom, you’ve got yourself a hearty meal. It’s great because you probably already have everything you need. So, it’s not just quick but also easy and filling. Just what you need after a day of back-to-back meetings. Serve this dish straight from the pan for a stress-free dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Here’s a dish that has you covered after a tiring work-from-home day. In just 30 minutes, ground beef, cheddar, and cauliflower rice come together in one skillet. It’s all about getting a hearty meal on the table without breaking a sweat. And if you’re not into cauliflower rice, just use the regular stuff. Either way, you end up with a creamy, comforting skillet that makes tonight’s dinner decision easy. A fresh green salad on the side complements the creamy richness perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Spinach Chicken Bake
Imagine wrapping up your workday and having a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes. This Spinach Chicken Bake does just that. You mix chicken thighs with cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach, pop it in the oven, and get a bit of downtime while it cooks. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something good to eat but don’t have the energy for a big cooking project. Plus, it’s all done in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Let’s keep dinner super simple tonight. All you need is 30 minutes and a sheet pan for this sausage and veggies dinner. Lay everything out on the pan, bake it, and you’re done. This meal is a no-brainer for busy nights. You won’t have to juggle pots and pans or make a big mess. It’s all about getting a nutritious meal on the table with minimal effort. So, you can relax more after work. Throwing a quick, simple salad together while it bakes rounds out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
If you need something extra quick, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are ready in just 20 minutes. Everything cooks in one skillet, mixing juicy chicken with rich, garlicky butter. Serve it over rice or toss it in a salad. It’s versatile. This dish is for nights when you want something great to eat but can’t face the idea of cooking for hours. Quick and easy – exactly what you need to wind down from work. For a hearty meal, serve with steamed vegetables or over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.
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. Pair it with crusty bread to make sure you soak up every last drop. Try adding spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for an extra dose of greens.
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. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side of toasted, buttery croutons for a touch of crunch. Consider adding smoked sausage or bacon for an earthy flavor and extra protein.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
If you’re looking for a lazy dinner idea after a long day of working from home, this Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe is a real time-saver. In just 25 minutes, you can have crispy, flavorful pork chops on the table without any frying. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick, and it’s super easy too, which is great for beginner cooks or anyone who just wants to whip up a good meal fast.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
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. A sprinkle of green onions adds a fresh finish right before serving. Try throwing in some diced chicken or turkey for a complete meal in one dish.
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. Serve this flavorful dish with a side of fluffy rice or tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
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. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of parsley on top add the perfect finishing touches.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Transform the classic comfort of chicken pot pie into an appetizing soup, ready in just an hour. This one-pot wonder melds chicken, veggies, and hearty pieces in a way that’s both simple and filling. It’s the best choice for a weeknight meal, bringing all the familiar tastes without the hassle of pie crust. Enjoy this soup with a side of biscuits or crusty bread, perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth. It’s a dish that promises to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
In just 30 minutes, whip up a cheesy beef casserole that combines cauliflower rice, spinach, mushrooms, and cheddar for a nutritious yet indulgent meal. This skillet wonder is easy to prepare, making it perfect for those evenings when time is short but you’re craving something hearty. Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, because this dish comes together fast. Serve directly from the baking dish to keep cleanup to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Savor the richness of chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce, all cooked in one pan within 30 minutes. It’s a household favorite that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, ensuring a versatile dinner option. The creamy garlic sauce elevates the chicken to a level of taste that feels gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Italian Sausage Soup
Enjoy a hearty bowl of Italian sausage soup, where sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes come together in a creamy blend, all in 30 minutes. This soup serves as a filling dinner that’s easy to make, perfect for those chilly evenings at home. It’s a crowd-pleaser that demands minimal effort, making it a staple for any night of the week. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. This soup is not only comforting but also packed with flavors that everyone in the family will love.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
With just 25 minutes and one pan, you can serve up a deliciously simple dish of fried cabbage and crispy bacon. This recipe is the epitome of easy and flavorful cooking for busy weeknights. It stands well on its own as a main dish or pairs beautifully with other proteins for a more substantial meal. The combination of savory bacon with the slight crunch of cabbage serves a filling texture and taste. It’s a straightforward dish that delivers big on flavor, making it a go-to for stress-free dinners.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Prepare to be impressed by this sun-dried tomato chicken, a surprisingly easy-to-make meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Chicken thighs are baked with sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parmesan, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor yet simple to make. This skillet meal is perfect for those evenings when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Serve it over your favorite pasta or rice or with a side of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken