Ahh, cooking dinner. Sometimes it’s the therapy I need after a long day. Making something from scratch and feeding my kids a meal that took me a few hours to make often gives me a nice sense of satisfaction. But more often than not, I don’t have a ton of time to cook, or just the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen at the end of the day feels less like therapy and more like a horrible chore. And let’s face it, my kids can’t live on boxed mac ‘n’ cheese and take out all the time.
Instead of reaching for another boxed meal, split the difference. I’ve got an arsenal of recipes on hand for those days that I’m just feeling too lazy to cook but still want my family to eat something homemade. Get dinner on the table again with these easy recipes that cut out all the hassle. All of these meals are super simple, and are sure to please everyone in your family. Check them out in the slideshow.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
15 dinner recipes for moms who can't cook (or are just feeling lazy)
Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos
These taquitos are an all-time reader favorite, and it's so easy to see why. Pair it with our creamy lime cilantro dressing for a fantastic Latin dish.
Get the recipe at Our Best Bites
Image: Our Best Bites
Frito Chili Pie
Frito chili pie makes a classic, quick-fix weeknight supper that the whole family will love.
Get the recipe at Add a Pinch
Image: Add a Pinch
Easy Pizza Pinwheels
These pizza pinwheels are super easy to make, can be adapted to be kid or adult friendly, and make a great after school snack or even a light meal.
Get the recipe at I Heart Naptime
Image: I Heart Naptime
Baked Ham and Cheese Rollups
Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
All you need are a few simple ingredients and just thirty minutes for the best homemade macaroni and cheese.
Get the recipe at Just a Taste
Image: Just a Taste
Easy Homemade Pancakes
This recipe is seriously just as easy as starting from a boxed pancake mix, so if you’ve never tried pancakes from scratch, you are in for a treat.
Get the recipe at Love from the Oven
Image: Love from the Oven
Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes
These easy homemade sloppy joes can be made in fifteen minutes, and they use simple ingredients you should already have in your pantry.
Get the recipe at Around My Family Table
Image: Around My Family Table
Easy Honey Baked Chicken
Quick prep and something the whole family, even toddlers love: honey baked chicken.
Get the recipe at Oh, Sweet Basil
Image: Oh, Sweet Basil
Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
Like Mexican food? Then you've gotta try this easy Mexican chicken and rice casserole. It's classic Mexican flavors in an easy weeknight package.
Get the recipe at Mom on Timeout
Image: Mom on Timeout
Grilled Peanut Better Jelly Sandwich
These are incredibly easy to make, and they are so good. They will be your new families favorites, trust me.
Get the recipe at The Food Nanny
Image: The Food Nanny
Oven Baked Spicy Chicken Tacos
SUPER EASY oven baked spicy chicken tacos make a weekly appearance on our table. These have all the flavor and none of the stress.
Get the recipe at The Cookie Rookie
Image: The Cookie Rookie
Easy 3 Ingredient Meatballs
With only three ingredients and the use of your slow cooker, they literally take three minutes to prepare. They are super flavorful with a little bit of savory and a little bit of sweet.
Get the recipe at 365 Days of Slow Cooking
Image: 365 Days of Slow Cooking
Easy Chicken & Broccoli
This classic chicken and broccoli recipe is full of fresh and delicious flavor, and it's ready to go in just twelve minutes.
Get the recipe at Gimme Some Oven
Image: Gimme Some Oven
Skillet Nachos
I love how EASY and cheesy these ultimate skillet nachos are. These can be made in twenty minutes or less and could not be simpler.
Get the recipe at I Heart Naptime
Image: I Heart Naptime
Easy Chicken and Vegetables
A quick, healthy recipe made with chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp will work for any weeknight.
Get the recipe at The Yummy Life
Image: The Yummy Life