15 Super Lazy Dinner Recipes for Nights When You Can’t Even

We’ve all been there – too tired to cook dinner.

What’s the worst that could happen if you don’t cook dinner tonight? You might end up with a long night of takeout or searching for leftovers.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone and there are easy solutions.

These super lazy dinner recipes will help you get a decent meal with minimal fuss.

They’re perfect for nights when you just can’t even muster the energy to boil water.

One-Pot Pasta Recipes

One-pot pasta recipes offer an easy and satisfying meal solution.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried basil.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tacos in a Flash

Quick and easy tacos made with seasoned ground beef and toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 8-10 taco shells
• Shredded cheese
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Salsa

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the taco seasoning to the ground beef and stir to combine.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the taco shells according to package instructions.
5. Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture into the shells and topping with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Slow Cooker Soup Solutions

Hearty slow cooker soup for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy.

Omelette Options

A simple and versatile omelette recipe perfect for a lazy dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped herbs (optional)
• 1 tablespoon shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork.
2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
3. Heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat and add the butter.
4. Once the butter has melted, pour in the egg mixture.
5. Let the eggs cook for about 2 minutes, until the edges start to set.
6. Add the chopped herbs and shredded cheese to one half of the omelette, if using.
7. Use a spatula to gently fold the other half of the omelette over the filling.
8. Cook for another minute, until the cheese is melted and the eggs are almost set.
9. Slide the omelette out of the pan onto a plate and serve hot.

Grilled Cheese Variations

A gourmet twist on the classic comfort food, grilled cheese variations offer endless possibilities.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 slices of artisanal bread
• 1/4 cup caramelized onions
• 1/4 cup fig jam
• 2 slices of brie cheese
• 2 slices of prosciutto
• Fresh arugula leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-low heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the grill.
4. Top with a slice of brie cheese, a few slices of prosciutto, and a spoonful of caramelized onions.
5. Drizzle with fig jam and top with the second bread slice, butter-side up.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
8. Remove from heat and top with fresh arugula leaves.

Easy Stir-Fry Recipes

Quick and flavorful stir-fry with your choice of protein and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup protein (chicken, beef, or tofu)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add protein and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Breakfast for Dinner Ideas

Scrambled eggs and sausage for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 sausage package
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together.
2. Add milk, salt, and pepper to the bowl and mix well.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the sausage.
4. Cook the sausage until browned, then set aside.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the pan and scramble the eggs.
6. Add the cooked sausage and shredded cheese to the eggs and mix well.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

Quesadilla Night

Easy and delicious quesadillas for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 large tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 cup cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle shredded cheese on half of it.
3. Add cooked chicken, diced onion, and diced bell pepper on top of the cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
8. Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.

Simple Salad Jars

Simple salad jars are a healthy and easy meal option.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Carrots
• Cheese
• Salad dressing

Instructions

1. Layer mixed greens at the bottom of a jar.
2. Add sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and carrots.
3. Top with cheese and a drizzle of salad dressing.
4. Seal the jar and refrigerate until ready to eat.
5. Shake well before serving and enjoy.

Baked Potato Bar

A baked potato bar is a fun and easy meal option.

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender.
5. While the potatoes are baking, prepare the toppings by heating the black beans in a pan and chopping the cilantro.
6. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. Set up a topping bar with the shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, black beans, and chopped cilantro.
8. Let everyone create their own baked potato with their choice of toppings.

Quick Fried Rice

Quick Fried Rice is a simple Chinese dish made with leftover rice and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and stir-fry until they are translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked rice to the skillet, stirring constantly.
4. Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet, then add a little more oil if necessary.
5. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until they are cooked through.
6. Mix the eggs with the rice and vegetables, then add soy sauce to taste.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

Lazy Lasagna Recipes

Easy, layered lasagna for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add chopped onion and garlic.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan.
6. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
8. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
9. Repeat the layers, starting with the marinara sauce, noodles, and remaining ricotta mixture.
10. Top with mozzarella cheese and cover with aluminum foil.
11. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Chicken and Rice Bowls

Simple and flavorful chicken and rice bowls made with juicy chicken and savory rice.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the white rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breast to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the mixed frozen vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, and stir to combine.
7. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice between four bowls, then top with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Fast and Easy Fajitas

Quick and flavorful fajitas made with sizzling beef and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef strips
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper
• 4 small flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese

Instructions

1. Slice the beef into thin strips and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until browned.
4. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Warm the flour tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble the fajitas by placing the beef and vegetable mixture onto the tortillas and adding desired toppings.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Microwaveable Meals

Quick and delicious microwaveable macaroni and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 cup macaroni
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine macaroni and water in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente.
3. In a separate bowl, mix milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
4. Add the cheese mixture to the cooked macaroni and stir well.
5. Microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the microwave and add butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Stir well and serve hot.

Conclusion

You’ve got the recipes, now it’s time to get cooking! But wait, there’s more – try these lazy dinner recipes and you’ll be hooked, craving more of that effortless flavor, and wondering what other secrets are lurking in the kitchen, waiting to be revealed.