After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen, which is why lazy dinners are such a lifesaver. These 17 great recipes are perfect for full-time workers who need a quick, easy meal solution that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. Whether you’re looking for something to whip up between meetings or need a simple dish that can cook while you unwind, these recipes are exactly what you’ve been searching for.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
On days when the thought of cooking is just too much, this Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole comes to the rescue. It’s all about tossing together some simple ingredients like tuna, noodles, and cheese. Throw it in the oven, and before you know it, you’ve got a hot, hearty meal that beats anything pre-made. It’s the go-to dish for those times when you want a no-stress dinner that still feels like you’ve made an effort. And it’s so straightforward that it might just change the way you view cooking after a full day of work.
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Broccoli Casserole
When you’re not up for a big to-do in the kitchen, this Broccoli Casserole is exactly what you need. Grab some broccoli, cheese, and your favorite seasonings, mix them together, and let it bake. In about 50 minutes, dinner’s on the table. It’s a straightforward dish that’s just right for those lazy evenings. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that might just earn a regular spot in your weekly lineup, helping you to relax more after work. And if there’s any left, it’s easy to store for tomorrow’s dinner.
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Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fast, simple, and downright delicious. Crisp up some bacon, then use the bacon fat to cook the cabbage until it’s perfectly tender. Pair it with mashed potatoes if you’re looking to round out the meal. Cool it down and then store it in the fridge, covered, for up to three days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s just warmed through. This method keeps the cabbage from getting soggy, bringing back that perfect texture you loved at first bite.
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Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Now, if you’re all about avoiding a mountain of dishes, the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is your best friend. Chop up some sausage and veggies, throw them on a sheet pan, and let the oven do its thing. In 30 minutes, you have a great dinner that’s as easy to clean up as it was to make. It’s perfect for when you want good food without the hassle. And the best part? It’s a full meal on one pan, which means you can spend more time enjoying your evening and less time washing up.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
For a super quick meal, try these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. You only need 20 minutes, and they’re ready to go. They go with pretty much anything, so you can make a meal out of what you’ve already got at home. Plus, they’re just as good the next day, so if you make too much, you’ve got yourself a head start on tomorrow’s meal. These bites might just convince you that making a homemade meal can be faster than waiting for takeout. Got leftovers? No problem. Store them in the fridge in a sealed container, and they’ll be good for up to three days, so you have work lunch for tomorrow all set.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
For those long work days, this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is a real game changer. You just toss in the ingredients before starting your day and let it do its thing. By the time you clock out, you’ve got a hot, hearty meal waiting for you. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to come home to a finished dinner, with the option to cook it on low or high depending on your schedule.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
When you’re in a rush but still want something great, Cabbage and Sausage is the way to go. Just one pan and less than 30 minutes, and you’ve got a meal that’s so good you’ll forget how easy it was to make. It’s the kind of dish you lean on when you want a hearty meal without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. It’s a straightforward recipe that’ll show you how homemade meals can be both easy and rewarding, giving you a break from the takeout routine.
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Shake and Bake Pork Chops
These Shake and Bake Pork Chops are the way to go after a long day. They’re ready in just 25 minutes, which is nothing short of amazing for a busy weeknight. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and no complicated steps — ideal for full-time workers who don’t want to compromise on a good meal after a busy day.
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Spinach Chicken Bake
The Spinach Chicken Bake is all about making life easy. You just need some chicken, cheese, and spinach. Throw it all in a pan, bake, and before you know it, dinner’s ready. It’s a straightforward dish that’s great for when you’re feeling lazy after a long workday but still want something good to eat. And who knows? This no-stress approach to a delicious meal might just reignite your love for cooking on those nights you’d rather do anything but. Leftovers of this dish refrigerate well for up to three days in an airtight container.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Fajita Baked Chicken
Fajita Baked Chicken is a total win for an easy dinner. You just mix up the fajita spices, cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, bake it, and that’s dinner sorted. It’s great for when you want something really good but don’t want to spend the night cleaning up the kitchen. If you have leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days in a container that’s tightly sealed.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
If you’re in the mood for something hearty and filling, this Hungarian Mushroom Soup is just the thing. You sauté some mushrooms and onions, add spices, let it simmer, and you’ve got a soup that makes staying in totally worth it. Pair it with some bread, and you’ve got a great meal that doesn’t require you to do much at all. This soup could easily become your go-to comfort food, showing that a little effort goes a long way in making a meal that’s both simple and heartwarming.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This dish is a lifesaver on busy nights. You just toss broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon together, bake for 25 minutes, and sprinkle green onions on top. It’s super versatile, working as either the main show or a side act. Best eaten fresh, but if you’ve got leftovers, they’ll last in the fridge for a couple of days. When you’re ready to reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until it’s hot enough. This keeps your effort minimal but your meals flavorful. Feeling adventurous? Switch up the cheese to shake things up.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Ready in about an hour with minimal effort. Just sweet potatoes, red peppers, some spices, sour cream, and parsley. Cook the veggies until they’re soft, blend them up, season, and let it all simmer together. It’s the perfect pick-me-up dinner. Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of parsley before serving. Cool the soup completely before storing it in the fridge in a sealed container, where it will keep perfectly for a few days. Reheat it on the stove on low heat, stirring often. If it’s too thick, a splash of water or broth can bring it back to the right consistency, making it as good as when you first made it.
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Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This one’s a 30-minute miracle — meant for those days when you’re exhausted after work but still really hungry. Brown some ground beef, throw in mushrooms and cauliflower rice until everything’s tender, then melt some cheese into the mix. It’s an all-in-one skillet dinner that’s as easy as it gets. Serve it straight from the skillet for the easiest cleanup. Leftovers? They reheat like a dream. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to keep it moist. This way, your next meal is ready in minutes. Quick and easy can also be incredibly good.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken
This one-pan wonder features chicken in a creamy garlic sauce, all jazzed up with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. Just brown the chicken, throw in the goodies, and let it simmer in cream until it’s thick and velvety. It’s a fantastic main dish that loves being paired with rice and some steamed veggies on the side. Leftovers keep well in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, place it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the sauce from drying out. It’s a simple trick that ensures your chicken stays moist and flavorful.
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Italian Sausage Soup
When you’ve had a rough day at work, make this no-brainer soup that fills you up and feels like a hug. It’s filling enough to stand on its own as a meal. Serve it with some garlic bread for the ultimate dip-and-sip experience. Great for leftovers, too, as it reheats like a champ. Store this hearty soup in the fridge in a sealed container for up to four days, keeping those flavors locked in. When you’re ready for round two, reheat it on the stove over medium heat until it’s piping hot.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
This casserole bake is as straightforward as it gets and is ready in just 30 minutes. Layer beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese in a dish, and bake it until everything’s nice and bubbly. It’s a solid main course that doesn’t need anything else to make it a hearty dinner. Plus, the leftovers are just as good the next day, making your future meal planning a breeze. Keep it in the fridge, covered, for up to three days. Reheat in the oven until it’s bubbly and hot throughout. This method ensures the casserole retains its texture and flavor, making it feel like a brand-new meal every time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach