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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Easy Lazy Dinners for Super Busy Nights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 13, 2025, updated August 21, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When life gets hectic, cooking can feel like a chore. These 22 easy lazy dinners are perfect for those super busy nights when you want something easy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. From simple pasta dishes to one-pan meals and slow cooker favorites, these recipes will help you whip up dinner in no time.

    Crockpot Smothered Chicken Thighs

    Crockpot Smothered Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Two Pink Penies.

    Crockpot smothered chicken thighs offer a simple and tasty solution for dinner. This dish brings the warmth of comfort food right to your table without requiring much effort. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying and easy to prepare.

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    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are simple to prepare and only take about 5 minutes to get ready. They combine cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon for a complete meal all in one package. Using frozen cod helps ensure the fish stays perfectly cooked, making this a great option for busy nights.

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    Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken

    SLOW COOKER RITZ CHICKEN.
    Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

    Tender chicken breasts are cooked slowly in a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. This dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a busy night. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

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    Salmon Stir-fry

    Salmon stir-fry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This quick stir-fry is packed with fresh vegetables and has a bright, citrusy flavor that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you need something easy to prepare. You can serve it on its own or pair it with rice for a more filling meal.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Barley Soup

    Chicken barley soup.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Barley Soup is a simple meal that does most of the work for you. It's filled with veggies, chicken broth, and tender shredded chicken, making it a comforting option for any dinner. This soup is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 20 minutes, including prep time, you can whip up a tasty vegetarian halloumi pasta packed with fresh vegetables. This dish is light and perfect for summer, offering a refreshing dinner option that highlights the flavors of the veggies without any heavy cream. It's a simple and satisfying meal that fits well into a busy schedule.

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    One-Pot Greek Salmon with Feta & Peppers

    A plate of rice, salmon and veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This salmon dinner is packed with flavor and everything cooks together in one pot, including the rice. It's a simple and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a busy schedule. With minimal cleanup and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole

    Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Retro Recipe Box.

    Enjoying enchiladas can be simple and quick with this easy recipe that skips the rolling step. You can use either ground beef or ground turkey, making it a flexible option for your dinner. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple and quick with just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup. This dish comes together in only 12 minutes using just 5 ingredients and one pot. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is simple to prepare and uses rotisserie chicken for convenience. It's filled with fresh lemon and rosemary flavors that brighten up the dish. Perfect for busy nights, this meal comes together quickly and is satisfying for the whole family.

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    One Pan Falafel Bake

    Falafel bake on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This one pan dinner is simple and really delicious. With premade falafel, beans, tomatoes, kale, and a cheesy topping, it creates a cozy vegetarian casserole that you'll want to make over and over. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Bacon Potato Casserole

    Bacon Potato Casserole.
    Photo credit: Cleverly Simple.

    This side dish is full of flavor, featuring layers of bacon, potatoes, and cheese. It's a great addition to any meal and is sure to impress everyone at the table. Preparing it is simple, making it a perfect choice for busy nights.

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    Cheeseburger Soup

    CHEESEBURGER SOUP.
    Photo credit: Wholesome Yum.

    Cheeseburger soup is a warm and satisfying meal that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a bowl. It's hearty and filling, yet surprisingly healthy, making it a great choice for a quick dinner. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.

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    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken is a simple and tasty meal that everyone will love. With just a few basic pizza ingredients, you can create a comforting dish that's perfect for busy nights. While pepperoni is a great topping, feel free to customize it with your favorite pizza toppings. This is a great option for a family dinner that doesn't require much work.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    Lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is incredibly easy to prepare. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. It's a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Ground Beef Tacos

    Ground beef tacos with salsa.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    These classic Ground Beef Tacos feature homemade taco meat loaded into freshly fried taco shells. Serve up with all your favorite toppings for an easy family meal that takes less than 30 minutes!

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    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies

    Potato Stir-Fry with Halloumi & Veggies
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This potato stir-fry with halloumi and veggies is a quick and easy dinner option that you can whip up in just 25 minutes, including prep time. It's a healthy choice that's full of flavor and can be made all in one pan. A splash of lemon adds a nice touch, making this dish not just good, but really enjoyable for a busy weeknight.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken With Creamy Tomato & Spinach Sauce

    Slow Cooker Chicken With Creamy Tomato & Spinach Sauce.
    Photo Credit: My Life Cookbook.

    Keto slow cooker chicken with creamy tomato and spinach sauce is a flavorful option for a weeknight meal. The sauce combines fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a delicious dish that's easy to prepare. With only 3.3g of net carbs per serving, this is a great choice for anyone looking for a low-carb dinner.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is a great option for a quick meal. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying dish. Adding a nice piece of mozzarella or burrata cheese on top takes it to the next level.

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    Creamy Crockpot Tortellini

    A bowl filled with Creamy Crockpot Tortellini.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves quick and tasty meals. Using frozen tortellini and a smooth, creamy sauce, this pasta dish is simple to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Peachy Barbecue Ribs

    Peachy barbecue ribs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Crockpot Peachy Barbecue Ribs are all about tender pork that easily falls off the bone, covered in a delicious peach barbecue sauce that's both sweet and tangy. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress friends with minimal effort. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Cold Soba Noodle Salad

    Cold soba noodle salad.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This cold noodle salad is great for meals on the go. You can add any protein you like, or enjoy it on its own. It's a simple dish that works well for busy days.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Chicken tacos.
      20 Dump-And-Cook Chicken Breast Recipes We Can’t Stop Making
    • Chicken corn chowder.
      19 Hearty Crockpot Soups You Can Set and Forget
    • Stuffed peppers.
      30 Simple Slow Cooker Dishes That Were Made for Potlucks
    • Baked lamb chops with veggies.
      24 Easy Fall Dinners That Are Perfect for Chilly Nights

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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