When the day has drained all your energy, cooking might be the last thing you want to do. These 15 easy dinner recipes are perfect for those times when you need something simple and satisfying without a lot of effort. Keep these go-to meals on hand for those exhausting days when all you need is a quick, delicious dinner.
Italian Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Creamy Pea Pasta
Creamy pea pasta is an easy and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s a great option when there’s little time for cooking. This dish makes dinner feel effortless while still being comforting and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Pasta
Thai Chicken Chili
Thai chicken chili offers a warm, flavorful meal with a little kick of spice that makes it satisfying on those hectic nights. The prep is quick, and the ingredients are easy to find, so you won’t be in the kitchen for long. It’s a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Chili
Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a rich, cheesy pasta dish that you can make in just 15 minutes. With only a few ingredients and simple steps, it’s a great go-to when dinner needs to be fast but still filling. This comforting meal is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe
Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Weeknight lasagna roll-ups offer a fun twist on the classic lasagna, and they come together quickly. With minimal prep time and a fast bake, it’s a great option when there’s no energy left to make a big dinner. These roll-ups are a cheesy, comforting favorite that’ll keep everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Slow cooker garlic roast pork takes almost no effort but delivers a tender, flavorful meal. Simply season the pork and set it to cook, then let the slow cooker do the rest. This meal is perfect when you want a hearty dinner without spending much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Italian Meatball Soup
Italian meatball soup is a hearty and filling dish that’s easy to put together, even after a long day. The ingredients come together quickly, making it a great option when time is limited but you need something satisfying. This comforting soup will warm you up with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatball Soup
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Semi-homemade chicken enchiladas cut down on prep time by using rotisserie chicken, so they’re ready in a flash. The recipe is quick and simple, allowing for a hearty meal without a lot of work. This dish is perfect for lazy nights when you still want a flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Crockpot Carnitas
Crockpot carnitas are easy to make and packed with flavor, requiring hardly any effort. Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, and it will do all the work while you relax. These tender carnitas make the perfect filling for tacos or burritos, providing a satisfying meal without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas
Honey Glazed Chicken
Honey glazed chicken combines sweet and savory flavors that make dinner feel special but require very little time in the kitchen. The dish cooks quickly, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s a simple yet impressive dinner that will leave you feeling content without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Chicken
Crockpot Chili
Crockpot chili is the perfect lazy dinner because it requires little effort but delivers a hearty, filling meal. Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, making dinner stress-free. This dish is ideal when time is short but you still want something comforting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Slow Cooker Thai Pork
Slow cooker Thai pork is a flavorful meal that requires minimal hands-on time. Toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, and it will do the rest while you unwind. This dish is a great choice when you want a tasty dinner that doesn’t require much work to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork
Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tuna and tomato pasta is a quick, simple dish that can be made with just a few ingredients. It comes together quickly and makes for a filling meal when time is tight. This easy pasta is satisfying and requires almost no effort, making it perfect for lazy nights.
Get the Recipe: Tuna and Tomato Pasta
Tomato Lime Chicken
Tomato lime chicken is a bright and flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to make. You can serve it in tacos, salads, or over rice, offering a lot of flexibility with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Pesto Salmon
Pesto salmon is a quick, delicious meal that doesn’t take long to prepare. With minimal prep time and a fast cook, this dish is perfect for those nights when you need dinner ready in a flash. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s easy to pull together on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon
Canned Chicken Salad
Canned chicken salad is the ideal meal for when cooking feels like too much. With just a few ingredients, it’s ready in minutes and is both light and satisfying. This easy meal requires no cooking at all, making it perfect when time and energy are in short supply.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Salad