17 Lazy Dinner Recipes We Always Keep Bookmarked

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17 Lazy Dinner Recipes We Always Keep Bookmarked

Lazy dinner recipes are our secret tool that we always have ready in the bookmarks for those nights when cooking feels like a chore. They’re all about keeping it simple and getting straight to the point: great food with minimal effort. These are our 17 recipes that turn a regular evening into something a bit more chill so that you can get a laid-back meal on the table as easily as possible.

Chicken bites with garlic butter sauce and herbs on a plate.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

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

Grab some tuna, noodles, cheese, and a few pantry staples to whip up this casserole in under an hour. Just mix the ingredients, toss them into a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. It’s a breeze to make and even easier to reheat. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven tonight, and look forward to effortless leftovers tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

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

This dish calls for broccoli, cheese, and some basic seasonings to create a comforting meal in about 50 minutes. Start by mixing the ingredients together, then bake until bubbly and golden. It’s ridiculously easy to make, requiring minimal active kitchen time. Great for beginners or anyone looking to keep dinner prep straightforward.
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.

You’ll need sausage, your choice of veggies, and a sheet pan. Cut everything into bite-sized pieces, spread them out on the pan, and bake for 30 minutes. Feel free to drizzle your favorite dressing over the top before serving to add an extra layer of flavor. This meal is the definition of easy and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Cabbage and Sausage

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

When you want something good but don’t feel like doing much, this meal hits the spot. Cabbage and sausage come together in one pan, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ve got dinner served. It’s become our staple for easy evenings, showing that you don’t need to spend a long time in the kitchen to enjoy a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

Throw some beef in the Crock Pot in the morning, along with beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning, and let it work its magic. With just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll come back to a flavorful soup that’s like a taco in a bowl. It’s perfect for those days when you’re busy or just want an easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Spinach Chicken Bake is perfect for lazy nights, ready in 30 minutes and doesn’t ask much from you. Just pop chicken, cheese, and spinach in a pan, bake it, and there you go. It’s great for those times you want a good meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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 crowd-pleaser ready to go. It’s super easy– just mix fajita spices, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for when you’re after a great meal but not the cleanup that usually follows.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A person is holding a wooden spoon full of chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a quick, delicious meal, these chicken bites are ready in 20 minutes. They pair well with anything from rice and veggies to salads. Perfect for busy nights or when you need a good dinner without delay.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

This soup is a go-to for lazy evenings when you’re in the mood for something hearty without the effort. Saute some mushrooms and onions, add spices, and let it simmer. In 45 minutes, you’ll have a bowl of rich, earthy flavors that make staying in an absolute treat.
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 cooking feels like too much work but you still want something good, this casserole is a game-changer. Broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon come together quickly. With just 30 minutes from start to finish and one dish to clean, it’s a no-brainer for a lazy dinner.
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. Perfect for anyone wanting to put together something filling without much work, especially during the colder months.
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 make this fantastic soup. It’s easy for days when you’re not in the mood to cook for long. Ready in about an hour, you can tweak the spices to your liking. Turn to this soup for a comforting, easy dinner option.
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 craving something comforting, this skillet meal delivers. Mix ground beef with cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheese for a filling dish that’s quick to make. It comes together in 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a delicious, hassle-free dinner.
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.

Make some Creamy Garlic Chicken in just 30 minutes. It’s chicken thighs in a creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, all cooked in one pan. It goes well with rice or any side, perfect for a flavorful, quick dinner with an easy cleanup.
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.

End a busy day with this hearty Italian Sausage Soup. Ready in 30 minutes, it blends Italian sausage with tomatoes and Parmesan effortlessly. Just sauté, simmer and serve. It’s a great pick for nights when you want something hearty without the long cooking time.
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 sure hit if you’re looking for a quick, simple dinner. Cook some bacon until crispy, then cook the cabbage in the same pan to soak up the flavor. It’s ready in 20 minutes, perfect for when you’re pressed for time.
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.

For those lazy nights but you still want something homemade and hearty, go for this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. It’s a comforting bake, ready in 30 minutes. It combines beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese in an easy, relaxing dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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