Lazy Sunday Dinner Ideas (Instead of Eating Out)

There is nothing better than a lazy Sunday after a long and busy week! While getting takeout may seem tempting, this post has over 30 lazy Sunday dinner ideas to prioritize healthy, home-cooked meals – even when you don’t feel like cooking. 

These recipes utilize fast cooking techniques and principles, like sheet pan dinners, one pot meals, slow cooker or air fryer dishes. Simple, quick, and healthy meals for the whole family. 

Now, these recipes are great for lazy Sundays but could also work for busy weeknights as well. Home-cooked meals allows us to control the ingredients, portion size, – plus utilize leftovers for future lunches.

Most of these meals are high in protein, with at least 20 grams per serving to promote meal satiety and satisfaction – with some keto, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. 

If you’re tired of questioning what to cook every single night, make sure to check out my Meal Planning Toolkit. It’s a flexible solution to meal preparation: breakfast, lunch and dinner with 10 no-brain dinner recipes!

Sheet Pan Dinners

Sheet pan dinners: the ultimate lazy Sunday dinner idea. What is easier than throwing a bunch of ingredients on a sheet pan, and popping it in the oven? With just a little bit of prep, these delicious recipes are well-balanced and on the table in no time.

Chicken Fajitas from On My Kid’s Plate

These sheet pan chicken fajitas combine juicy pieces of chicken mixed with crisp peppers and onions, tossed in delicious, flavorful spices. Serve with tortillas, rice or your favorite Mexican toppings. Omit the chicken, and add black beans for a vegetarian option.

Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables from A Cedar Spoon

All of your ingredients roast on a baking sheet for minimal clean-up and an easy, healthy meal. Chicken sausage and colorful vegetables are mixed with olive oil and your favorite spices. Easy meal prep recipe, too!

Also try Sausage and Potato Foil Packets from Unique Cooks and Kielbasa and Potato Sheet Pan Supper from Hezzi D’s. 

Easy One-Pan Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice from The Foodie Blogger

This oven baked chicken and rice is a simple and wholesome meal that’s a breeze to make, using just a handful of ingredients. It features juicy chicken thighs, perfectly cooked rice, and deliciously roasted vegetables for a quick dinner. 

Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken from Simply Designing

This caprese chicken bake has only 5 ingredients which require very little prep!

Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner from 100 Days of Real Food

Here’s a healthy meal that takes little effort with a fresh and homemade basil and spinach pesto! Plus, all the benefits of the essential fatty acid EPA from the salmon. 

Sheet Pan Loaded Nachos from Evolving Table

These sheet pan nachos will be a hit the entire family. Tortilla chips are loaded with seasoned ground beef, beans, and melty cheese for a quick and easy dinner.

Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies from The Slow Roasted Italian

Savor the delightful harmony of tender chicken and crisp veggies in this One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies dish. Each bite offers a burst of sweet and savory flavors, perfectly balanced for a memorable meal.

Also try this Sheet Pan Chicken Teriyaki and Vegetables from Hezzi D’s. 

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One Pot Meals

Sometimes, throwing everything into one pot is the easiest way to throw together a quick dinner. Utilizing already-cook protein sources or frozen veggies can make these dishes even faster (and lazier). 

Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers from 100 Days of Real Food

Throw everything in a pan for a quick and hearty meal in less than 25 minutes. Gluten-Free, dairy-free and nut-fre.

One Pot Jambalaya Pasta from The Slow Roasted Italian

Savor the bold and zesty flavors of this one-pot jambalaya pasta, where succulent chicken, spicy Andouille sausage, and tender shrimp marry perfectly with Cajun spices for a tantalizingly easy dinner.

Cajun Baked Salmon from Healthy Fitness Meals

This easy-to-make Cajun Baked Salmon recipe will be one of your favorite meals to add to your weekly dinner menu. Juicy and flaky salmon filets baked to perfection with tender zucchini, in under 30 minutes. 

Easy Beef Burrito Bowl from On My Kid’s Plate

This easy beef burrito bowl recipe is made all in one pot, and is the perfect quick dinner for lazy Sundays or busy weeknights for the whole family. Packed with savory ground beef, filling black beans, and flavorful vegetables all on tender rice. This dish always makes great leftovers for the next day. 

Easy Tofu Ground Beef from Watch. Learn. Eat.

This Tofu Ground Beef Recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in less than 30 minutes! It’s rich, smoky, crispy and makes for the best ground beef substitute. Vegan and gluten-free. 

Egg Roll in a Bowl from Whole New Mom

This Egg Roll in a Bowl is a one-pot meal that’s super healthy and filled with veggies.

One Pot Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo from One Pot Only

An easy take on a classic comfort meal – this one pot chicken alfredo dish is loaded with a creamy sauce, chicken, broccoli and farfalle pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes.  

Garlic Butter Chicken and Asparagus Skillet from Modern Honey

A quick and easy one skillet dinner with simple ingredients you probably already have in your home. 

One Pan Chicken Teriyaki and Noodles from The Recipe Rebel

One pan teriyaki chicken and noodles checks all of the boxes for an easy, lazy Sunday dinner idea. It’s easy, flavorful, and filling with protein-packed chicken, and a medley of nutritious veggies in just one pan with the best sweet and tangy sauce!

Cheesy Taco Skillet from Homemade Hooplah

An easy taco skillet that’s like a gourmet version of hamburger helper. Customize it with additional spice and more veggies.

Easy Tinga De Pollo Tacos from Borrowed Bites

Easy Chicken Tinga Tacos takes shredded rotisserie chicken and a wicked good sauce to get dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes! Use a rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal.

Simple and Creamy Vegan Pasta with Peas from Resplendent Kitchen

A 15-minute vegan-friendly pasta dish made with butter beans so it’s high in protein, too! 

Soups

These soup recipes can be prepared in 30-minutes or less – and great for meal prep or leftovers for the next few days. Packed with veggies and fiber, a delicious soup often makes a healthy, well-balanced meal.

Chicken Enchilada Soup from A Grateful Meal

If you’re craving a little spice, this chicken enchilada soup is warm and comforting. Add in your favorite toppings – like sliced jalapenos or avocado slices.

For more Mexican-inspired soups, also try Creamy Chicken Fajita Soup from The Cookin Chicks.

High Protein Turkey Chili from One Wholesome Life

Chili is the ultimate lazy Sunday dinner recipe – just throw a bunch of ingredients in a pan and voila!

Turkey Quinoa Soup from Through the Fibro Fog

This turkey quinoa soup is packed with tasty veggies, herbs, and shredded meat. It’s a simple one pot dinner for the whole family that’s full of protein and fiber.

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup from Curry Trail

Creamy chicken tortellini soup is perfect for cold winter nights. Loaded with vegetables, juicy shredded chicken, cheese-stuffed tortellini in a creamy, rich, savory broth. 

Easy Meatball Soup from Healthy Fitness Meals

This easy-to-make Meatball soup is filled with tender meatballs, hearty beans, and a warm tomato broth. It’s a tasy and comforting lazy Sunday meal idea – perfect for a chilly day! 

Coconut Lime Soup from Beet of the Wild

This vegetable-rich Coconut Lime Soup is an easy one-pot dinner that tastes like take-out. Plus, its versatility allows you to add your choice of protein, making it a quick meal the whole family will enjoy. Pro-tip: use leftover or rotisserie chicken for easy add-on protein. 

Slow Cooker Meals

Slow cooker meals are especially ideal if you want a lazy Sunday night – just throw a bunch of ingredients in the crockpot in the morning so you don’t even have to cook dinner at all!

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken from Semi-Homemade Kitchen

Only two ingredients – and made in a slow cooker. The ultimate lazy Sunday dinner recipe! Just top with some fresh veggies, like avocado slices – and serve with a packet of microwaveable rice for a healthy but simple meal.

High Protein Buffalo Chicken Crockpot Pasta

This is a super simple, creamy, spicy buffalo chicken pasta that utilizes a blended cottage cheese sauce for a filling, high-protein dinner. Just throw everything (even the noodles) in the crockpot and you have the easiest tasty Sunday dinner.

Air Fryer and Instant Pot Recipes

Utilizing an air-fryer or instant pot speeds up the cooking time and there is usually less dishes to wash.

Air Fryer Snapper with Cauliflower from Cooking in the Keys

A healthy, high protein meal that’s ready in less than 20-minutes!

The Best Air Fryer Flautas from Bless This Meal

Crispy and delicious air fryer flautas are filled with seasoned shredded chicken and cheese, then air-fired to perfection. Quick, easy and full of flavor! 

Instant Pot Sloppy Joes from Chew Out Loud

Sweet, savory and tender, these Instant Pot Sloppy Joes are always a crowd pleaser! Like so many instant pot meals, they’re great for an easy Sunday dinner. 

Air Fryer Orange Chicken from Hollis Homestead

20-minute Air Fryer Orange Chicken is the perfect dinner when you don’t have much time to prepare, or even forget to take something out to defrost for dinner.