Hate cooking? Try these 19 lazy dinner recipes

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If you’ve ever wished for lazy dinner recipes that require minimal effort yet still taste amazing, look no further. Whether you’re a cooking novice, pressed for time, or simply not in the mood to cook an elaborate meal, these 19 recipes are designed to make your life easier. They prove that quick and straightforward can also mean flavorful and complete, bringing comfort to your dinner table without the usual fuss.

While these dishes are simple to make, they’re anything but basic when it comes to flavor. Ranging from one-pan wonders to 30-minute meals, these recipes cover a variety of tastes and preferences. Ideal for those evenings when you’d rather not be tied to the stove, each dish provides a hassle-free solution to simplify your evenings.

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

This dish features ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. It is an ideal meal for those looking for simplicity and minimal prep work. The recipe is especially good for individuals new to cooking or with limited time. You can prepare a complete, filling meal in just a few steps.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cabbage and Sausage

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

This one-pan meal includes cabbage and sausage and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for those who want to minimize both cooking time and clean-up. The recipe requires no complex culinary skills, making it accessible for all. This dish offers straightforward preparation and a filling outcome.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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.

This recipe features roasted sausage and vegetables, all prepared on a single sheet pan. It’s designed for cooking novices and can be ready in 30 minutes. It’s an uncomplicated option for those who are looking for a complete yet simple meal. You’ll appreciate the minimal fuss involved in making this dish.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Crock Pot Taco Soup

This Crock Pot Taco Soup lets your slow cooker do most of the work. It requires just 20 minutes of preparation time. This is an ideal dish for people who enjoy a near-hands-off cooking experience. With ground beef and a few other kitchen staples, this hearty meal is delicious for dinner, and its leftovers are an excellent option for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with fresh herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken dish merges chicken with a rich cream sauce all in one pan, offering a meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Designed with time constraints and beginner cooks in mind, this recipe simplifies the cooking process without compromising on flavor. Serve the chicken on its own, with a veggie-based side dish, or on top of pasta or rice.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

This casserole involves chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños. It is an easy-to-follow recipe ideal for cooking beginners. The dish provides an enjoyable dinner without requiring complicated cooking techniques. This is a great way to make a meal more exciting with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This loaded casserole effortlessly blends broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon into a satisfying meal. With a quick 30-minute preparation time, it’s a convenient option for those who are either new to cooking or prefer to avoid complicated recipes. You’ll discover that this dish simplifies mealtime and delivers on flavor, making it a straightforward yet satisfying choice.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish incorporates chicken, cream cheese, and sweet peppers. It’s a simple recipe that requires just 30 minutes of cooking in the kitchen. This makes it an excellent option for people new to cooking or short on time. The dish offers a complete, high-protein meal with little hassle.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

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.

This one-pan dish features ground beef and cauliflower rice. It’s ready in 30 minutes and requires minimal cooking skills. This makes it an excellent option for people who are looking for a straightforward cooking experience. The dish offers a complete and satisfying meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

This 30-minute soup is a great option for cold nights. It combines cauliflower, chicken broth, seasonings, and is thickened with butter, cream, and cheese. The result is a cozy and creamy dish. Top it off with crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Canned Chicken Patties

These patties provide a meal solution in just 20 minutes. They are made from canned chicken, making them very easy to prepare. The recipe is particularly suitable for cooking beginners. The dish offers versatility and simplicity, providing a quick and straightforward meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

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.

This soup combines Italian sausage, heavy cream, and canned tomatoes. It is a one-pot dish that takes only 30 minutes to prepare. This is a fantastic option for those who are looking for a comforting yet easy dish. The recipe is designed to be accessible, even for those who dislike cooking.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

This salad brings a spicy twist to traditional chicken salads. The recipe is simple to prepare and is well-suited for people new to cooking. The dish is flavorful yet requires minimal culinary skills. It’s a great way to enjoy a salad without the usual monotony.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

This dish features fried cabbage and bacon and takes just 25 minutes to prepare. It’s a straightforward recipe, perfect for those new to cooking or short on time. The preparation process is simple, and the dish ends up being flavorful. It’s a quick way to have a tasty and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe pairs chicken thighs with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The whole meal is prepared in one skillet and is ready in 30 minutes. It is a practical choice for those who want a straightforward cooking experience. This dish combines convenience and flavor in a quick and simple way.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Shawarma Kebabs

These kebabs are oven-baked and can be prepared quickly. The recipe is simple to follow, making it suitable for cooking novices. This dish provides a protein-rich meal without requiring intricate cooking techniques. It’s an easy and efficient way to prepare a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

This salad features cucumbers and onions in a creamy dill dressing. It’s a quick, 30-minute dish that is also light and balanced. This is an excellent option for those new to cooking or who prefer a simple process. The dish offers a straightforward, quick, and delicious meal option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Big Mac Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This is a salad version of the classic Big Mac burger. It’s a one-bowl meal that doesn’t require any complicated cooking techniques. It’s particularly suitable for those new to cooking and wanting an easy meal. The result is a satisfying dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Spinach Chicken Bake

This one-pan recipe features marinated chicken, cheese, and spinach. It is designed for those who want a flavorful meal without the hassle of complex cooking. The dish is simple to prepare, requiring only a single pan for cooking. It’s an uncomplicated but delicious option for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

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