20+ Lazy Dinners with Minimal Prep

Some nights, cooking dinner feels like just one more thing on an already long list. Between work, kids, and trying to keep the house, the last thing any of us wants to do is spend hours in the kitchen. I’ve got 20+ Lazy Dinners with minimal prep that’s best for busy families, weeknights, and days.

These easy dinner ideas are great for busy families who still want a home-cooked meal without all the effort. Most of these minimal prep dinners use simple ingredients.

You’ll find crockpot recipes, one-pot meals, or sheet-pan dinners; there’s something here for everyone.

Be sure to check out my 10+ Healthy Vegetable Side Dish Recipes or my Healthy & Hearty Salad Recipes for Everyday Meals.

One-Pot Chili Con Carne

This hearty Chili Con Carne is a cozy one-pot meal made with ground beef, beans, and warm spices. It’s easy to prep, full of flavor, and perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings!

Creamy Garlic Marry Me Chicken

This Creamy Garlic Marry Me Chicken is a one-skillet dinner recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s creamy, garlicky, a little spicy, and loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan.

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is tender, saucy, and packed with sweet and savory flavor. Just 10 minutes of prep for a takeout-style dinner the whole family will love!

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs

These Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, sweet, and savory with just the right amount of sticky glaze—made with simple pantry ingredients and zero fuss!

Crockpot Soy Honey Garlic Chicken

This Crockpot Soy Honey Garlic Chicken is tender, juicy, and full of sweet and savory flavor—an easy, hands-off dinner the whole family will love!

Crockpot Slow Cooker Rump Roast

This Crockpot Slow Cooker Rump Roast is an easy, comforting meal made with tender beef, baby potatoes, and carrots, all cooked low and slow in a flavorful broth. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners!

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

These easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas come together with chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and pantry spices—then roast in the oven. Serve them with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, and avocado.

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

This Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is an easy, hearty dinner made with tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce—all cooked low and slow for a stress-free meal the whole family will love.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is creamy, cheesy, and packed with ranch flavor and crispy bacon. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that cooks low and slow—great for busy days.

Crockpot Jambalaya

Easy Crockpot Jambalaya made with chicken, sausage, and shrimp. A flavorful slow cooker meal for busy weeknights or cozy fall dinners.

Crockpot Birria Tacos

These Crockpot Birra Tacos are one of my favorite slow cooker dinners, especially when I know we’ll be busy all day and have just 20 minutes to prep, with the crockpot doing the rest.

Crockpot Butter Chicken

This Crockpot Butter Chicken is a popular dish in indian cooking, and this slow cooker version is a no-fuss dinner recipe. It’s not spicy that makes it great for kids. You only need about 15 minutes of preparation time, and the crockpot does the rest.

Bang Bang Shrimp

This Bang Bang Shrimp is crispy on the outside and coated in a creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

Creamy Potato Gnocchi with Bacon

This Potato Gnocchi with Bacon is ready in only about 25-30 minutes. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole

This hearty hamburger potato casserole is layered with ground beef, sliced potatoes, a creamy sauce, and melted cheese, baked until bubbly and tender. A comforting family dinner that’s simple to make.

Cheesy Chicken Taco Casserole with Black Beans

This Chicken Taco Casserole is a cheesy, family-friendly dinner made with shredded chicken, taco rice, beans, tomatoes, and green chilis. Baked in one dish and topped with melted cheese and sour cream, it’s an easy weeknight meal everyone will love.

Fried Coconut Shrimp with Orange Marmalade Dip

Crispy coconut shrimp fried to golden and served with a sweet-and-spicy orange marmalade dip. Ready in just 30 minutes.

One-Pot Instant Pot Shrimp Boil

This Instant Pot Shrimp Boil is a quick and easy dinner recipe that cooks in one pot, with tender shrimp, smoky sausage, sweet corn, and soft fingerling potatoes—all seasoned just right.

Creamy Poor Man’s Casserole

This Creamy Poor Man’s Casserole is a layered dish made with saucy ground beef, creamy noodles, and melted cheese. 

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from shredded chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and golden tater tots. 

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is an easy, comforting meal with tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce baked between buttery crescent rolls. Great for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.