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Home » Dinner

31 Lazy Dinners for Nights When Cooking Feels Like a Chore

Published: Jan 6, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Lazy dinners are the secret to surviving those nights when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do. They’re easy to throw together and packed with enough flavor to keep everyone happy without much effort. Whether you’ve had a long day or just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, these recipes are great for keeping things simple while still getting something good on the table. Perfect for when all you want is a no-stress meal that gets the job done.

An image of lemon butter pasta in a bowl.
Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sesame Tofu

An overhead image of sesame tofu with rice on the side.
Sesame Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy sesame tofu pairs golden tofu with caramelized vegetables and a nutty sauce for a wholesome dish. Quick and effortless, it’s a perfect lazy dinner for nights when cooking feels like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu

Carrot Casserole

An overhead image of baked carrot casserole.
Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Carrot casserole combines creamy cheese and crispy breadcrumbs for a comforting meal. It’s a practical lazy dinner option for busy weeknights when you need something easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Naan Pizza

An image of naan pizza with different toppings on each.
Naan Pizza. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Naan pizzas like Margherita, Veggie, and Mediterranean come together in 30 minutes, making dinner simple. These customizable pizzas are a fun lazy dinner solution for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Naan Pizza

Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

A close-up image of gochujang cauliflower tacos on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of lime slices and sliced red onions.
Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Korean spiced cauliflower tacos feature crispy cauliflower and endless topping options for a flavorful meal. A great lazy dinner choice, they can be made ahead for nights when energy is low.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

An image of lemon butter pasta in a bowl.
Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon butter pasta is a bright, buttery dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. A go-to lazy dinner, it delivers flavor and comfort with minimal time and effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Butter Pasta (Pasta al Limone)

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole uses just three ingredients and comes together in 30 minutes. It’s a quick and comforting lazy dinner option for weeknights when you need something effortless.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of microwave mac and cheese in a bowl with a spoon.
Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Microwave mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy classic ready in minutes. For lazy dinner nights, this is the easiest way to enjoy comfort food without much work.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Minestrone

An overhead image of a bowl of minestrone soup served in a white bowl, accompanied by a spoon on the side and a white cloth underneath.
Instant Pot Minestrone. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot vegetable soup is packed with fresh veggies and beans, ready in under 30 minutes. A nutritious lazy dinner choice, it’s perfect for when you want something simple yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Minestrone

Spicy Vodka Pasta

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy vodka pasta delivers bold, creamy flavors in a dish that’s quick to prepare. This lazy dinner favorite is versatile and perfect for cozy nights or a simple date night.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Top view of a bowl of slow cooker tortilla soup.
Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker tortilla soup is hearty and easy to customize with your favorite toppings. For lazy dinners, this hands-off recipe is comforting and effortless to make.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

An image of instant pot tortellini soup in a bowl.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot tortellini soup combines cheese tortellini and veggies for a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. This warm, comforting lazy dinner is a lifesaver for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

An overhead view of the Tuscan bean soup placed on a serving dish with a spoon on the side.
Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tuscan bean soup is a budget-friendly 30-minute dish that’s big on flavor and comfort. An excellent lazy dinner choice, it requires minimal prep and delivers a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

Mumbai Pav Bhaji

A top-down view of a plate with pav rolls, bhaji masala, red onions, lemon wedges, and garnishes on the side.
Mumbai Pav Bhaji. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mumbai Pav Bhaji transforms vegetables into a spiced mash served with buttery rolls. A flavorful lazy dinner option, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Mumbai Pav Bhaji

Mushroom Stroganoff

An image of mushroom stroganoff and white rice on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy mushroom stroganoff comes together in just 30 minutes for a hearty, comforting meal. Serve this quick lazy dinner over noodles or rice for an effortless weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Spicy Soba Noodles

An overhead image of spicy soba noodles in a bowl.
Spicy Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy soba noodles combine crisp veggies, nutty noodles, and a fiery sauce for bold flavors. This quick lazy dinner is a perfect choice for busy nights when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles

Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

An overhead image of gochujang tofu rice bowl with chopsticks on the side.
Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Gochujang tofu brings crispy tofu coated in a sweet and spicy sauce to your table in 30 minutes. A bold lazy dinner option, it’s packed with flavor and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Spicy Gochujang Tofu

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

An overhead image of broccoli pesto pasta served in a plate.
Broccoli Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli pesto pasta combines roasted broccoli, tomatoes, and lemon zest for a vibrant dish. This 30-minute lazy dinner is perfect for nights when fresh flavors and ease matter most.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

A serving of Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells on a plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Philly cheesesteak stuffed shells mix savory beef, peppers, and cheese for a filling meal. Quick to make, they’re a family-friendly lazy dinner option for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Shells

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Broccoli cheddar soup is creamy and loaded with veggies, ready in just 35 minutes. A comforting lazy dinner, it’s great for chilly nights when you want something easy and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Homemade Margherita pizza delivers fresh mozzarella and basil on a crispy crust in just 20 minutes. A simple lazy dinner, it’s perfect for nights when you crave a quick and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders on a black plate with dill.
Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer ranch chicken tenders are crispy and ready in 20 minutes, making them kid-friendly. A hassle-free lazy dinner, they’re perfect for busy weeknights with little prep needed.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

A picture of cabbage stir fry in cast iron skillet.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is hearty and ready in under 20 minutes, making it a quick meal. For lazy dinners, this dish is filling and perfect when you need something fast.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Baking tray with cooked steak, bell peppers, and veggies with a steel bowl of fresh tomatoes in the middle and flour tortillas folded to the side.
Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Sheet pan steak fajitas combine fresh veggies and seasoned steak for a bold, flavorful meal. A quick lazy dinner option, it’s ready in 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb

A photo of a sheet pan Mediterranean roast lamb with chickpeas and cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mediterranean roasted lamb is a flavorful sheet pan meal ready in just 20 minutes. This practical lazy dinner is bold in taste and simple enough for any busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

A pan of beef and broccoli stir fry with a brown sauce.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Steak and broccoli stir-fry delivers big flavors and a satisfying meal in just 20 minutes. Perfect for lazy dinners, it’s a quick way to enjoy a hearty dish with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This quick stir-fry brings together simple ingredients for a meal ready in 20 minutes. It’s an easy lazy dinner for nights when you want something fast, filling, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic butter chicken bites are ready in just 20 minutes and packed with rich flavors. A great lazy dinner choice, they’re filling, quick, and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips

Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips on a white plate with white sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air fryer chicken breast strips are juicy and ready in 20 minutes, making weeknight dinners easy. For lazy dinners, these strips offer a healthy, no-hassle meal option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Breast Strips

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans in a white bowl with a fork.
Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Skillet chicken thighs with bacon and green beans is a one-pan meal done in 20 minutes. A hearty lazy dinner, it’s quick to make and perfect for nights when cleanup needs to be minimal.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer Mongolian beef brings sweet and savory flavors together in just 20 minutes. This lazy dinner option delivers restaurant-style flavors without much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner

A picture of ketchup over cheesy onion and ground beef skillet dinner.
Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cheeseburger skillet dinner combines classic burger flavors in a quick, one-pan meal. For lazy dinners, it’s family-friendly, easy to clean up, and perfect for weeknight ease.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet Dinner

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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