Lazy Day Lifesavers: 21 Easy Recipes for When You Just Can't Cook

We’ve all been there. You’re tired and definitely don’t feel like cooking, but you still need to eat. So we have recipes without the fuss that will help you get an easy meal on the table with minimal effort.

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Andouille Sausage

sheet pan cajun shrimp — Photo Credit: XOXO Bella.

Looking for tasty dinner ideas? Why not give this sheet pan shrimp and andouille sausage recipe a whirl? It’s fail-proof, easy, and oh-so delicious.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp and Andouille Sausage.

Dumpling Soup

A bowl of brothy soup with dumplings. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

Save your money and skip the takeout because you can make this delicious and easy dumpling soup at home in just 15 minutes. Frozen dumplings cook in a garlic and ginger broth and spinach wilts in the last few minutes of cooking for a light, but satisfying soup. Top with chili crisp oil and sesame oil for more flavor.

Get the Recipe: Dumpling Soup.

Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu and Vegetables

This baked BBQ tofu is combined with broccoli, peppers, sweet potatoes, a BBQ dry rub, and your favorite BBQ sauce for the ultimate vegetarian sheet pan dinner! It’s a complete and easy meal all in one simple dish loaded with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan BBQ Tofu and Vegetables.

Turkey and Cheese Sliders

Sliders made of turkey slices and cheese, with onions and mushrooms. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

These delicious turkey and cheese sliders are loaded with layers of deli turkey, caramelized mushrooms and onions, and melty cheese – all on sweet Hawaiian rolls! They are perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or game-day spreads. Easy to assemble and bake, they’re sure to become a favorite.

Get the Recipe: Turkey and Cheese Sliders.

Easy Udon Noodles

A bowl of udon noodles with vegetables and chopsticks. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

Save your time and money on a busy weeknight. These easy udon noodles taste even better than takeout! Made with snow peas, broccoli, and peppers, this pan-fried noodle dish is loaded with veggies and flavor. Naturally vegetarian, you could add some protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired.

Get the Recipe: Easy Udon Noodles.

Turkey Pesto Panini

A turkey panini made with cheese and pesto. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

This recipe is inspired by a Starbucks panini, but we’ve added a lot more fillings for even more flavor. It comes together quickly thanks to deli turkey and has tons of flavor, thanks to the pesto and cheese. Serve with fries, chips or a fruit cup.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Pesto Panini.

Moo Shu Shrimp

This moo shu shrimp recipe has everything you’re looking for in a weeknight meal. It’s nutritious, it’s fast (just 20 minutes), and it’s totally delicious. With classic moo shu flavors, this easy stir-fy is quick and easy to make at home. Serve over rice or with a warmed tortilla as a nod to moo shu wraps.

Get the Recipe: Moo Shu Shrimp.

Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta

This sheet pan chicken caprese pasta is made with chicken tenderloins, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and bocconcini (fresh mozzarella balls) and packs in many authentic Italian flavors. Serve with pasta or garlic bread for an Italian-inspired meal.

Get the Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Caprese Pasta.

Naan Pizzas

These easy mini naan pizzas are perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking as they take just a few minutes to prep. Put out toppings and let everyone make their own.

Get the Recipe: Naan Pizzas.

Lemon Pepper Shrimp

This juicy lemon pepper shrimp recipe is sure to become a weeknight dinner fave and there’s a lot to love. It’s full of butter-y, lemon-y, pepper-y flavor (YUM!); it’s ready in about 10 minutes; and it’s made with a handful of ingredients. The bright and delicious lemon flavors enhance the shrimp in this delicious recipe. We love it over rice, but it would also be great on pasta.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Shrimp.

Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers

This sheet pan sausage and peppers recipe is a weeknight dinner winner. It’s made with simple ingredients, loaded with flavor (thanks to an Italian seasoned olive oil drizzle). It has all of the components of a nutritious meal – protein, produce, carbs, and flavor – it’s a winning combination.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers.

Vegetable Pesto Pasta

A plate of pesto pasta with zucchini and tomatoes. — Photo Credit: Through The Fibro.

This meatless pasta meal is so easy you’ll want to make it every week! Pesto-coated noodles are tossed with zucchini and tomatoes for a delicious and nutritious meal. Add a protein or make it ahead and serve chilled as a pasta salad!

Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pesto Pasta.

Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet

A ground turkey taco skillet with corn, black beans and jalapeno pepper rings. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

Taco night has never been so tasty! This dish is as easy as can be and is loaded with cheesy ground turkey, black beans, corn, and plenty of taco toppings to make a one-dish meal that can fill up a hungry family. You can have this quick meal on the table in just about 15 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet.

Ground Turkey Stir Fry

This easy recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes and is loaded with protein, veggies, and a flavorful sweet and savory stir-fry sauce that’s made with pantry staples! Ground turkey and broccoli florets cook together and then get major flavor from the sauce. Serve over rice and dinner is ready.

Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stir Fry.

Bean and Cheese Burritos

Burritos on a plate with bean and cheese filling. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

Bean and cheese burritos are always a good idea for weeknight dinners. These are so easy to wrap up for a meatless meal that is filling, budget-friendly, and best of all, delicious. Put out some fresh toppings or add them inside so your family can dress a simple bean burrito up if desired.

Get the Recipe: Bean and Cheese Burrito.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

A plate of saucy red pasta with herbs and cheese over the top. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

One-pot meals are always a good idea on busy nights. This recipe makes the most creamy tomato pasta without requiring copious amounts of cream. And no need to drain the pasta, the pasta water helps give it a creamy flavor and texture.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Pasta.

Crispy Baked Quesadillas

A sheet pan of crispy baked chicken and cheese quesadillas. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

These baked quesadillas are easy and cheesy with plenty of tender chicken tucked between crispy baked shells. It’s a great way to make quesadillas for a crowd as you no longer need to babysit the stove! The recipe calls for chicken, but you could swap it for cooked ground beef, black beans, or fajita veggies instead if desired.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Quesadillas.

Shredded Chicken Nachos

Nachos topped with salsa, sour cream, peppers and shredded chicken. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

These shredded chicken nachos contain layers of crunchy tortilla chips, shredded salsa chicken, beans, and two layers of cheese. After a quick broil, it’s time to top with the perfect nacho toppings your heart desires. These loaded chicken nachos are the perfect blend of crunch, spice, and savory goodness.

Get the Recipe: Shredded Chicken Nachos.

Dinner-Worthy Snack Board

A charcuterie board with meat, olives, nuts, cheese and fruit. — Photo Credit: My Everyday Table.

Who says you can’t have a mini charcuterie board for dinner? This snack board has such a delicious assortment of deli meats, cheese, fresh fruit, and veggies. It has all of the variety we look for in a meal, with minimal prep.

Get the Recipe: Dinner Worthy Snack Board.

Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes

Sausage and Potatoes in a black plate with herbs — Image Credit: Coorie Cooks.

This Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes is a simple yet satisfying meal. With juicy sausage links and crispy potatoes, it’s packed with flavor and customizable. You can switch up the sausage, potatoes, or seasonings to match your cravings, making it a go-to for any night of the week. It all cooks on one pan for easy cleanup!

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes.

Turkey Tacos

Ground turkey is seasoned with a mix of spices and simmered with salsa to add another layer of flavor for juicy and delicious taco meat every time. Stuff into tortillas and add your favorite fresh toppings. This turkey taco recipe is quick and easy to make, made with simple ingredients, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Tacos.