Dinner ideas for lazy cooks are here to make your week easier. These 17 simple recipes offer everything from filling casseroles to warm soups — all perfect for busy nights. Each one is picked to save you time in the kitchen without skimping on taste.
Designed with minimal effort in mind, these recipes are ones to keep on hand for making quickly any night of the week. Enjoy delicious dinners without unnecessary hassle.
Fajita Baked Chicken
This Fajita Baked Chicken is perfect for all lazy cooks looking for an extra hassle-free dinner. Simple to make with chicken, cream cheese, and peppers, it’s a straightforward dish. The option to use pre-cut veggies adds to its convenience, perfect for an effortless meal.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Choose the Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole for an easy dinner. It’s a mix of frozen broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, taking only 30 minutes in the oven. Its one-dish simplicity suits those lazy evenings when you want a no-stress yet hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
The Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is perfect for lazy cooks. Requiring just one pot and about an hour, it’s a straightforward recipe for a comforting soup. Always a great choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend when you just don’t feel like spending endless hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Crock Pot Taco Soup
The Crock Pot Taco Soup is a perfect choice for lazy cooks. Just spend 20 minutes preparing the ingredients, then let the Crock Pot do the rest. This recipe combines ground beef with basic ingredients for a comforting soup that’s great for enjoying throughout the chillier months of the year.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
This Cabbage and Sausage is the epitome of simple cooking with great results. Ready in under 30 minutes in one pan, this dish is a practical option for a quick and effortless dinner, especially on days when you want to keep things straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a dish that brings comfort with minimal effort. You can prepare tender chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce in just about 30 minutes using a single skillet. It’s a wonderful choice for a warm, easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
For an extra straightforward dinner, make this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Just spread your ingredients on a pan, bake, and enjoy. Make it on nights when you need something simple and hearty. You can even prepare a bit extra for the next day’s lunch.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
On those nights when you want a comforting but easy meal, this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a great pick. It’s a skillet meal that combines ground beef with cauliflower rice for a hearty dish. Plus, it comes together in just half, so it’s perfect for those nights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick dinner that is surprisingly straightforward to make. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare this flavorful, high-protein meal. Serve it on its own or alongside some rice, pasta, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is a great option for a simple and comforting dinner. It takes about an hour to bring together a light, flavorful broth with chicken and veggies. This soup is particularly cozy for lazy dinner nights, especially during cooler weather.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Spinach Chicken Bake
This Spinach Chicken Bake is extra convenient and comes together in only one baking dish. It combines chicken, cheese, and spinach for a meal that’s easy to prepare. This dish is a smart choice for a quick dinner when you’re looking to get in some extra protein and nutrients at the end of the day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Italian Sausage Soup
Italian Sausage Soup is a warm and easy meal for busy days. Ready in about 30 minutes, this one-pot meal features sausage, cream, and tomatoes. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a great pick for a relaxed, easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is an easy choice for a ‘breakfast for dinner’ experience. Made with hash browns, bacon, eggs, cheese, and cottage cheese, it’s filling and simple to customize. It’s a fun and different dinner idea that’s both filling and straightforward to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for when you need a meal that’s quick and full of flavor. These can be ready in just 20 minutes, offering a delicious dish with minimal effort. They’re an excellent choice for those evenings when you want a speedy, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a great blend of simplicity and rich flavors. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a great option for quick dinners. It’s an easy-to-make soup that is cozy and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is a comforting, filling dish, ideal for laid-back evenings. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare and offers a cozy, easy-to-make dinner. This casserole is a great companion for nights when you’re looking for something straightforward yet comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a simple yet flavorful dish. In roughly 25 minutes, you can enjoy a meal where bacon’s smokiness perfectly complements the cabbage. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxed evening, providing a warm, hearty dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon