Looking for easy dinner ideas that don’t take much effort? Here are 15 lazy dinner recipes that are perfect for busy nights when you just want something simple and delicious. These meals are the ones we make over and over again because they’re quick, satisfying, and use ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Tuna and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Crockpot Chili
The slow cooker does all the work in this hearty chili recipe, leaving you with a flavorful, filling meal with minimal effort. Toss in the ingredients, set it, and let the flavors meld together while you go about your day. It’s the perfect option for a no-fuss, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
These lasagna roll-ups are a quick way to enjoy all the cheesy, saucy goodness of traditional lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen. With a little prep and a short bake, you’ll have a comforting meal that feels homemade but doesn’t take long to make. It’s a great choice when you want something filling without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Honey Glazed Chicken
Honey glazed chicken is a simple dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with hardly any work. A few ingredients come together to create a meal that tastes like it took more time than it actually did. It’s a great choice when you want something special without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Tomato Lime Chicken
This bright and zesty tomato lime chicken is fast to make and packs a punch of flavor. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or with a salad for a quick, satisfying meal that feels fresh and vibrant. It’s an easy way to get a delicious dinner without spending much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a creamy, cheesy pasta that uses simple ingredients and comes together in just minutes. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something delicious. Perfect for when you want to skip the fuss but still enjoy a rich, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
With pantry staples like tuna and tomatoes, this pasta dish is an easy, no-fuss meal that’s both filling and tasty. It’s a quick option when you want a satisfying dinner without having to prep too much. The combination of flavors makes it feel like a real treat, even though it’s effortless to make.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Canned Chicken Salad
Canned chicken salad is an easy, no-cook meal that comes together in just minutes. With basic ingredients, it’s perfect for nights when you want something light but still filling. Serve it on a sandwich, crackers, or just as is for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad
Thai Chicken Chili
Thai chicken chili is a spicy, flavorful dish that requires minimal prep but tastes like it took all day to cook. The blend of bold ingredients makes it a hearty meal that’s quick to whip up. It’s a great choice for when you want something satisfying without standing over the stove for too long.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Toss the pork and garlic into the slow cooker and let it do the hard work for a tender, flavorful roast. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that results in juicy meat with a rich flavor, perfect for serving with your favorite sides. This dish is a great way to enjoy a filling dinner with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Semi-homemade chicken enchiladas come together with rotisserie chicken and a few simple ingredients, making them quick to prepare. A fast bake is all it takes to turn them into a cheesy, flavorful meal that tastes like it took longer to make. It’s a great option for when you want comfort food with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
This carrot chicken soup is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that feels like it took hours but actually comes together quickly. Perfect for when you want something warm and comforting with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Carrot Chicken Soup
Crockpot Carnitas
Crockpot carnitas are the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal, giving you tender, flavorful pork with hardly any prep. Whether you serve them in tacos, burritos, or bowls, they’re a versatile, satisfying dish. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon is a simple yet flavorful meal that’s ready in no time. A few ingredients and a quick cook are all it takes to create a meal that feels special, even though it’s super easy. It’s a great option for when you want something healthy and delicious without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Creamy Pea Pasta
This creamy pea pasta uses just a few pantry staples to create a rich, comforting dish that’s ready in minutes. It’s a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor, with none of the hassle of a complicated recipe. Perfect for when you want something filling and tasty with very little work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Slow Cooker Thai Pork
Slow cooker Thai pork comes together with minimal prep, letting the slow cooker do all the work. The result is tender, flavorful pork that’s perfect for tacos or served over rice. It’s an easy way to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal without spending much time cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork