20 lazy dinner recipes that make it look like you tried harder than you did
These lazy dinner recipes are perfect for nights when cooking feels like too much work. Keep this list handy for those evenings when takeout is tempting but staying in sounds better.
Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
This lemon chicken and potatoes is made with juicy chicken thighs marinated in lemon and pan-fried until golden. It’s fresh, simple, and just right for a delicious dinner. Get the recipe: Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
Cheesy Garlic Buttered Gnocchi
Soft pan-fried potato gnocchi tossed in a garlicky butter sauce with parmesan, herbs, and spices. If you’re a garlic gnocchi fan, this one’s for you. It’s quick, easy, and lets the gnocchi shine while still bringing tons of flavor to the table. Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Buttered Gnocchi
Easy Penne alla Vodka with Sausage
This penne alla vodka has been a go-to for years and still gets rave reviews every time. It’s rich, creamy, and ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights or when friends swing by last minute. Get the Recipe: Easy Penne alla Vodka with Sausage
Cheeseburger Bowl (With Smashburger Sauce)
This easy cheeseburger bowl recipe brings all your favorite burger flavors into one low carb high protein meal. Think beef, cheese, pickles, and that signature burger sauce all in a bowl. Ready in 30 minutes and way easier than firing up the grill. Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Bowl (With Smashburger Sauce)
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Creamy and comforting, this old-school recipe for tuna noodle casserole is simple and healthy. It takes no time to whip up, but it tastes like there was a lot of effort behind it. Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi
Sheet pan sausage and gnocchi is a simple one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Smoked sausage, pillowy gnocchi, broccoli, and mushrooms are all tossed with seasoning and roasted to golden perfection. It’s cozy, easy, and perfect for busy nights. Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
Super easy, but it tastes like you ordered it in a restaurant! This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is a rich and delicious meal that everyone asks for over and over. Best part? It is ready in less than half an hour. Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Pasta
30-Minute Taco Beef Salad
Who doesn’t love a good taco salad? This recipe is so quick and easy and perfect to customize with all your favourite toppings for those picky eaters. Get the Recipe: 30-Minute Taco Salad
Chicken Pineapple Curry
This chicken pineapple curry is rich, creamy, and full of tender chicken in every bite. It’s ready in 20 minutes and gets a boost of tropical flavor from sweet pineapple. Get the recipe: Chicken Pineapple Curry
Mongolian Beef
Craving takeout but trying to keep it healthy? This healthy Mongolian beef has you covered. It is made with tender shaved beef, tossed in a balanced, flavorful sauce, and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy nights and picky eaters alike. Get the Recipe: Mongolian Beef
30-Minute Spicy Chicken Soup
Warm and cozy, this spicy three-bean chicken soup is a tasty, protein-packed meal. It also reheats great, making it perfect for enjoying as lunch tomorrow too. Get the Recipe: Three Bean Chicken Soup
Spicy Shrimp Bowl
This spicy shrimp bowl with rice and peach avocado salad is fresh, flavourful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Simple ingredients, bold taste, and an easy win for a quick and delicious dinner. Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Bowl Recipe
Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
Saucy and tangy, these ground chicken sloppy Joes are a one-pan recipe that doesn’t require many ingredients. Added bonus: this American classic takes less than half an hour to make. Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
Chili Mac
This one-pan Chili Mac is a quick and easy dinner the whole family will enjoy. With just a few ingredients, this better-than-the-box meal comes together fast and feeds the whole family. Get the recipe: Chili Mac
Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken Sausage and Veggies
This easy sheet pan chicken sausage and veggies recipe is made with a ton of good stuff, all roasted to perfection on a single sheet pan. It’s simple, healthy, and great for busy weeknight dinners. Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Chicken Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce
This healthy chicken stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes way fancier than it is. Juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a rich peanut sauce make it feel like takeout without the wait. Just add rice or noodles and dinner is done. Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce
Kielbasa and Potatoes
This one-pan kielbasa and potatoes recipe makes a great weeknight dinner with minimal effort. Made with simple ingredients like red potatoes, onion, garlic, and kielbasa, it’s the kind of meal the whole family gets behind. Get the Recipe: Kielbasa and Potatoes
Teriyaki and Honey Glazed Salmon
This teriyaki and honey glazed salmon recipe is sticky and tasty with the most delicious and easy 3-ingredient glaze and drizzled with a simple, tasty, creamy sesame sauce. Easy but so fancy! Get the Recipe: Honey Teriyaki Glazed Salmon
Simple Chicken Enchiladas
This easy recipe shows how to make quick and delicious chicken enchiladas with only a few pantry ingredients. This tasty dish is super simple and a crowd-pleaser. Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchiladas
Thai Fried Rice with Shrimp
This Thai fried rice with shrimp is the go-to move when there’s leftover rice in the fridge. One pan, big flavor, and dinner’s ready in less than half an hour. Get the recipe: Thai Fried Rice with Shrimp