For many parents, cooking falls into two categories: the beautiful dishes we see (and even save) while scrolling Instagram in the hopes of making them one day, and the actual meals we throw together on the fly for hard-to-please kiddos. If you’re tempted to whip out the takeout menus every time you think of your brood rejecting yet another supper, we feel you. So we found 14 lazy dinner ideas that require very, very little of you—and might just become new family favorites. From pasta so simple it practically makes itself to the easiest BBQ chicken, these easy dinner ideas are perfect recipes for people who hate cooking.
Breakfast Board for Dinner
However you display it, breakfast for dinner is always easy, fun, and usually gets a thumbs up from everyone. You can opt to go sweet or savory and there are so many options, you can choose this route often. Check out The Baker Mama for an incredible array of breakfast boards that make perfect dinner options.
French Bread Pizza
Instead of ordering pizza yet again, try this simple French bread version. Loaded with butter and garlic, and topped with pizza sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings you want, this recipe only takes 20 minutes. Check out I Heart Naptime for different variations on this easy dinner idea.
No-Cook Burrito Bowls
No-cook anything sounds appealing when you have no time. This lazy dinner idea is perfect for people who hate cooking because it has store-bought shortcuts but doesn’t skimp on flavor. Check out the various combos and substitutes you can make at Taming Twins.
Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken
Chicken slathered in a flavorful sauce without the hassle of using the grill? Yes, please! This oven-baked version of summer’s favorite dinner idea is so simple that even people who prefer not to spend time in the kitchen can pull it off. Choose your favorite brand of BBQ sauce and get the instructions from Boulder Locavore.
Spaghetti Aglio Oglio
If you’re looking for what might be the easiest pasta recipe ever—you’ve found it. Made with four ingredients, you can keep it plain for picky eaters or spruce it up with greens for a healthier quick bite. Get the details from Bacon Is Magic.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Another one of the best lazy dinner ideas is slow cooker pulled pork. It doesn’t require fancy prep or use of the stove, and you’ll have enough leftovers to last a few days. It’s also versatile; you can make carnitas tacos, sandwiches, and more. Get the recipe from Erin Clarke of Well Plated.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos
The best part about using a slow cooker? You throw everything in one pot—for hours on end—and the results taste great. These ranch chicken tacos from I Heart Naptime only require four ingredients (minus your tortillas and toppings), and are a crowd-pleasure.
Meatball Sub Bubble Up Bake
The meal prep for this recipe is so easy that people who hate cooking can have their older kids make it! It takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, and it’s made in one cast iron pan, so the clean-up is minimal. Get the recipe from Life with the Crust Cut-Off.
Easy Butter Garlic Shrimp
Sheet pan dinners are perfect lazy dinner ideas. Toss everything together, put it in the oven, and dinner is done. These butter garlic shrimp from Once Upon a Chef are ready in less than 20 minutes and you can serve them with pasta, rice, french bread, or as an appetizer.
Fish Stick Tacos
Okay, here us out—the fish sticks of your youth get a major upgrade when you use them for taco night. You take the DIY breading and frying out of the equation and still end up with a lazy dinner idea that doesn’t taste like you put in almost zero effort with this recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Another slow cooker recipe? Yes. If you want recipes for people who hate cooking, your Crock Pot is your best friend. This comfort food recipe from Bake Me Some Sugar is so simple, you just have to buy the ingredients, cut the veggies, throw them in the slow cooker, and back away. This is one of the best lazy Sunday dinner ideas!
Grilled Sirloin Steak
Okay, so this one does require a grill. But we still consider it a lazy dinner idea, especially a lazy Sunday dinner idea because the prep work is minimal. There is no marinating time and grilling time is minutes to get a perfect steak. Throw in a pre-made salad, toss potatoes in the oven, and you’ll have a fantastic meal courtesy of Spend with Pennies.
Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia
This type of fish is ideal for picky eaters because it has a mild taste, and it’s great for people who hate cooking because it takes almost no effort to pull off a great dinner. The only seasoning you’ll need is Old Bay, and of course, garlic. Get the recipe from Dinner Then Dessert.
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
Give your fave childhood comfort food a glow-up with this Once Upon a Chef recipe. It’s got fancy cheese like Gruyere and Cheddar, and you can add anything like mayo, pesto, avocado, tomato, and more. And for the picky eaters, American cheese is a winner.
