Lazy dinners are the way to go when you want to maximize your relaxation time after work. These 17 recipes are great because they’re simple to make and perfect for kicking back on the couch without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re all about making your evening stress-free so you can really feel like you’ve earned that downtime.
Cabbage and Sausage
This cabbage and sausage dish is a great pick for a quick and easy dinner after a long work-from-home day. You can have a filling meal on the table in just 25 minutes. Chop up some cabbage, throw in the sausage, and you’re all set. This one-pan wonder is perfect for evenings when you don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen, and you probably have the ingredients handy already. Serve it right from the pan for a no-mess, belly-filling dinner. With this recipe in your back pocket, you’ll be able to tackle your hectic work schedule without stressing over what to cook for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
After a tiring day of WFH, this ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice is a real lifesaver. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, comforting meal with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice (or regular rice, if that’s more your thing) all in one skillet. This dish is all about keeping it simple and easy, making it a great choice for nights when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking. Throw together a quick green salad on the side to balance things out. With a recipe this effortless, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious dinner without adding to your already-packed workday.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Spinach Chicken Bake
The Spinach Chicken Bake is a perfect meal for those WFH days when you want something delicious but don’t have the energy for a big cooking session. Mix chicken thighs, cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach in a baking dish, and let the oven do the work for about 30 minutes. While it bakes, you can take a break and relax. Cleanup is a snap since everything cooks in one dish. Serve with some crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce for a filling meal. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy professionals who want to eat well without adding stress to their already hectic schedules.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Make your dinner routine a breeze with this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner, perfect for busy nights after a long day of remote work. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, this meal is super easy to make. Just toss the sausage, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions on a sheet pan, bake, and you’re good to go. This no-nonsense approach means less cleanup and more time to unwind after work. While the sheet pan dinner bakes, you can quickly mix up a simple salad to round out your meal. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine and reduce stress after a busy workday.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
When you need a quick and lazy meal after a busy work day, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites really hit the spot. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish features juicy chicken breast cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all in one skillet. Serve it over rice, toss it in a salad, or pair it with steamed veggies or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. This versatile dish is great for nights when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With this recipe, you can easily treat yourself to a mouthwatering meal without sacrificing your precious free time after a long day of work.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and easy meal that’s perfect for unwinding after a busy work day. This one-pot soup takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a stress-free option for dinner. The combo of tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and veggies in a flavorful chicken broth makes for a hearty and filling meal. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and try tossing in a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for an extra veggie boost. This soup is a lifesaver for busy professionals who want a comforting and nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen after a long day of work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup
White Bean Soup
After a hectic day, unwind with this easy White Bean Soup. It takes 40 minutes to cook in just one pot, making it a smart choice for a quick and lazy yet wholesome dinner. The soup features creamy cannellini beans, onions, carrots, and celery, and a rich broth. Add fresh parsley and crispy, buttery croutons on top for extra texture. For more protein and added flavor, throw in some smoked sausage or bacon. This soup is a great pick-me-up for those evenings when you’re after a comforting meal fast and easy.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup
Shake and Bake Pork Chops
This Shake and Bake Pork Chops recipe is perfect for a chill dinner at home. Ready in 25 minutes, it gives you crispy pork chops without needing to fry them. Just coat the chops in a seasoned breadcrumb mix and bake until they’re golden brown. Ideal for a fast weeknight meal, this recipe is super simple, great for beginners or if you’re in a hurry to make a delicious dinner. It’s a surprisingly easy and lazy way to make sure you still enjoy a great meal amid a busy work week.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Get this dish on the table in 30 minutes. It mixes frozen broccoli and cauliflower with a rich sauce of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese, topped with more cheese and bacon, then baked till it’s golden. It’s incredibly easy and perfect for those nights when you need a hearty meal but don’t have much time. Serve it when you need some comfort without all the work. Add a bit of green onions for freshness or some diced chicken or turkey to make it a complete meal. This casserole is an excellent choice for a stress-free, hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
For a straightforward dinner, try Fajita Baked Chicken. Just season the chicken with fajita mix, add cream cheese, bell peppers, and mozzarella, and bake. It’s all made in one pan, so cleanup is easy. This recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights when you want something flavorful but simple. Have it with rice or tortillas for a complete meal. This dish is a great way to enjoy a delicious dinner without adding stress to your day.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
If you’re craving a comforting, hearty soup but don’t want to spend all day cooking, this Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is perfect. It takes about an hour, mostly hands-off. You’ll need to prepare sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then just sauté, simmer, blend, and it’s ready to serve. It’s a fantastic choice for a comfy dinner with little effort. Top it off with sour cream and parsley for the perfect finish. This soup is a great solution for busy folks who want a good meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Turn the classic chicken pot pie into a delicious soup in an hour. This one-pot meal combines chicken, peas, carrots, celery, and potatoes in a creamy broth. It’s a great midweek dinner option, bringing all the comfort without the need for a pie crust. Enjoy this soup with biscuits or bread for dipping. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone, making it easy to enjoy homemade comfort without spending too much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
In 30 minutes, you can make a cheesy beef casserole with ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, mushrooms, and cheddar. It’s a skillet meal that’s easy to make — great for a hearty dinner on a tight schedule. Get your ingredients ready before you start because this dish is quick to prepare. Serving it straight from the dish means less cleanup. This recipe is a fantastic way to simplify your dinner plans and keep the evening chill. For those juggling work calls and deadlines, this dish means you can still enjoy a good meal with the bonus of minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Enjoy chicken breasts in a rich garlic and Parmesan sauce, ready in 30 minutes and all in one pan. The garlic, herbs, and lemon juice make the chicken taste like it’s from a fancy restaurant. It pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. This dish is great for when you want something fancy without too much work. It’s a great way to have a delicious, comforting meal without adding to a busy day’s stress. This meal serves a luxurious dining experience that doesn’t disrupt your workflow. You can enjoy gourmet flavors on a time crunch, perfect for a mid-week pick-me-up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Italian Sausage Soup
This Italian sausage soup, ready in 30 minutes, is a hearty meal with Italian sausage, cream cheese, and diced tomatoes in a creamy soup. It’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting dinner on a cool evening. With garlic, onion, and Italian seasonings, it’s sure to please everyone with minimal effort. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. This soup is a time-saver for anyone who wants a good meal without spending a lot of time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Make a delicious fried cabbage and bacon dish in just 25 minutes using one pan. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick, flavor-filled meal during the week. Sauté cabbage with crispy bacon, onion, and garlic until it’s tender and slightly browned. It’s great on its own or with sausage or pork chops for a heartier meal. This simple dish delivers big on flavor, making it a go-to for an easy dinner after a long day. The quick prep and cook time are great for work-from-home professionals looking to minimize time in the kitchen while maximizing taste and nutritional value.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
This sun-dried tomato chicken, ready in just 30 minutes, is surprisingly easy and full of flavor. Bake chicken thighs with sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and Parmesan for a rich and filling dish. The tomatoes add a deep flavor, while the cheeses create a creamy sauce. It’s a great choice for a special dinner that doesn’t take all night to make. Serve with pasta, rice, or bread to enjoy all the delicious sauce.
Get the Recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken