Simple, effortless dinners feels like that one shortcut and makes everything easier. These recipes are perfect for when you want food that feels like you’ve put in effort — without actually doing that. They get you through the door from “What on earth am I cooking?” to eating before your motivation runs out.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
This Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a meal that could change your dinner game. Lay out your sausages and a mix of veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini on a sheet pan, season as you like, and let the oven do the work. In 30 minutes, you’ve got a flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is something you’ll wish you knew about on your busiest days. It’s made with cooked chicken, diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and a touch of spices. The result is a creamy salad with just the right kick that keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches or a stress-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a dish you’ll regret not making sooner, especially on those hectic weeknights. It blends broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon bits into a dish baked to cheesy perfection and ready to serve in about 30 minutes. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also a hit with kids and adults alike. This casserole is for busy parents who need a delicious and nutritious dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Make this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole if you have no time to actually stuff some peppers. Just take some bell peppers, ground meat — beef or turkey — rice, and your favorite spices, then throw them all into a casserole dish and let it bake. In 45 minutes, you get a hearty, comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours making it. Next time you feel lazy, remember this casserole — it’s a game changer.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Cabbage and Sausage
This Cabbage and Sausage is ready in less than 30 minutes if you want something quick and filling after a long day. This recipe pairs smoked sausage with green cabbage, sautéed in butter along with onions and seasonings. Adding apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the sausage. It’s all cooked in one pan, which means minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
If you’re in a rush and need something great on the table fast, these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are your go-to. Cube some chicken, fry to golden, then toss in garlic and butter sauce. In about 20 minutes, you’re good to go. The chicken is incredibly flavorful and tender, and the garlic butter sauce is simple yet irresistible. This dish is not just quick — it’s also a crowd-pleaser that makes everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
If you haven’t discovered Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole yet, add it to your regular rotation for those nights you wish dinner would make itself. This casserole combines canned tuna, noodles, peas, and cream of mushroom soup into a hearty dish that comes together with minimal prep. Mix the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and in less than an hour, you have a comforting meal that feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Crock Pot Taco Soup
The Crock Pot Taco Soup is one of those dinners you’ll be glad to come home to, especially after a long, tiring day. Just brown some ground beef and throw it in the slow cooker with onions, tomatoes, heavy cream, and taco seasoning. Let it simmer for a few hours on low, and you’re set. This soup is easy, flavorful, and hearty without the work.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is just the ticket for a straightforward and good meal. It’s as simple as chopping some cabbage and frying it up with bacon pieces, adding rich flavor to the mild cabbage. This dish is ready in about 25 minutes. It’s perfect for those lazy nights when you still want to eat well but don’t want to spend much time cooking. Plus, it’s a delicious way to get some veggies in with a side of crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Spinach Chicken Bake
This Spinach Chicken Bake is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a healthy, delicious dinner that’s easy to make. Layer chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and a sprinkle of cheese, then bake until everything is melted and bubbly. It takes about 30 minutes, and you can use this time to unwind or catch up on your day. This dish fills you up and gives you a good dose of protein and greens.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Tuna Egg Salad
This Tuna Egg Salad is great for a lazy, nutritious dinner. You’ll need canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, some Greek yogurt, celery, and onions for crunch, and a bit of dill for that extra punch of flavor. Mix them all together, and in 25 minutes, you have a protein-packed salad that’s filling and refreshing. Plus, it’s versatile — serve it on toast, with crackers, or on a bed of greens.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a no-brainer when you want something quick and easy but still delicious. Mix cooked pasta with pre-cooked chicken, toss in crunchy croutons and juicy tomatoes, and top it off with creamy Caesar dressing. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect choice for those nights when you’d rather relax than cook. It’s a lazy dinner you wish you had known about sooner for a stress-free evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is your solution for an effortless meal that feels like a treat. Start with frozen cheese ravioli, layer it with marinara sauce, sprinkle generously with cheese, and let the oven do the rest. You’ll have a bubbly, golden dish ready to impress in just an hour. It’s a lazy dinner option that will make your evening smoother.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Try this Cheesy Beef Casserole for a quick, nutritious dinner. It combines lean ground beef, cauliflower rice, and fresh spinach under a melty cheese topping. Mix the ingredients, top with cheese, and bake. This 30-minute straightforward dish doesn’t skimp on flavor and is low on carbs. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies in a dish the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is the way to go when you want something comforting and soothing. Just simmer chopped sweet potatoes and red peppers until they’re tender, blend until smooth, and have a creamy soup that’s comforting and nutritious. Ready to serve in an hour, it’s a practical choice that fits perfectly into your laid-back dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Creamy Garlic Chicken gives a rich and comforting flavor with minimal effort. Cook chicken breasts in a skillet, add a sauce made from garlic, cream, and herbs, and let everything simmer until the chicken is irresistibly tender. This meal takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick dinner option. It’s a great way to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty but easy to prepare. Start with a chicken broth base, add corn kernels and chicken pieces, and let it all simmer together. You’ll have a filling and comforting soup in less than an hour. Using leftover chicken makes your life a little easier and your dinner much better.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Italian Sausage Soup
Let this Italian Sausage Soup lighten your load on those busy nights. It’s as easy as adding Italian sausage, your favorite veggies, and broth to a pot and letting it simmer. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a simple, nourishing meal that’s perfect when you need good food without stress. A real lifesaver when you’re too tired to think about dinner!
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Fajita Baked Chicken
This Fajita Baked Chicken is your answer if you wish to have restaurant-quality fajitas without leaving your house or waiting around. Season some chicken breasts with fajita spices, add a dollop of cream cheese and sliced peppers, then let your oven do the work. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a cheesy, flavorful meal perfect for a casual dinner. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to make any evening feel like a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Try this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice if you’re looking for a delicious dinner that’s easy to make and keeps your kitchen clean. It features a hearty combination of ground beef, onions, mushrooms, cauliflower rice, beef broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, and shredded cheddar cheese. Bringing all these ingredients together in a cast iron skillet results in a filling, one-pan meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
This Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a godsend for anyone who wants a touch of elegance without effort. Gather some mushrooms, broth, and seasonings, and you’re on your way. Just sauté the mushrooms, add the broth, and let the soup simmer until it’s rich and flavorful. This special meal is ready in 45 minutes without any complex steps. Plus, it’s a clever way to impress your family or guests on any given lazy evening.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is an indulgent meal that takes minimal effort. With chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and a few spices, you can create a quick and impressive dish. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Cook something special without spending much time in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs perfectly with pasta or a light salad, making it a versatile option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Green Chile Chicken
Green Chile Chicken saves your evening if you need a quick dinner that redefines leftovers. It’s packed with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and green chilis, ready in about 20 minutes. Heat it, and serve. It’s a perfect way to turn last night’s leftovers into tonight’s hit. It’s for those lazy nights when you want something good without the effort or a mess to clean up afterward.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken
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