Whether you want quick-prepped meals, lazy meal planning with one-pot prep, or and slow cooker recipes, this list of meal ideas for when you don’t want to cook has both.
Also, the entire list promises to make your entire home smell good as the food cooks on your quiet and slow Sunday.
So pick one of these lazy Sunday dinner ideas and enjoy on your day off.
1. Chicken and Rice Casserole
I feel like a chicken and rice casserole is the definition of comfort food on a slow Sunday afternoon. It’s savory, flavorful, and satisfying.
Also, I think it’s just a great recipe to add to one of those meal plans for lazy cooks. It looks like it might be a dish that’ll last multiple nights which means less cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
2. Italian Pork Roast
If you love wonderfully aromatic herbs and recipes that sound like they came out of a Martha Stewart magazine, then this is the lazy Sunday dinner idea for you.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pork Roast
3. Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
Mediterranean chicken just sounds like it’s packed down with a lot of good flavor.
And with tangy olives and lemon and good aromatics, I think this will pair well with some roasted potatoes or rice.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Thighs
4. 15 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti
I’m sorry but 15-minute spaghetti… that looks this good? I’d make this and eat it within seconds. Or at least try to slow it down and enjoy my Sunday meal.
Honestly, it’s perfect for those who want simple ideas for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: 15 Minute Instant Pot Spaghetti
5. Ham and Navy Bean Soup
I love ham and navy bean soup. It’s ridiculously comforting, satisfying, and flavorful. This soup is also one of those easy and healthy ideas that’s great for lazy cooking.
Also, if it’s a cold Sunday for you, then this is gonna be extra good!
Get the Recipe: Ham and Navy Bean Soup
6. Easy Sweet Potato Lasagna
I’ve had sweet potato lasagna before and I can verify that it is indeed delicious.
And this recipe looks like a very nice dinner to sit down to on your day off.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Lasagna
7. Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
A tomato basil chicken dish just feels like a really flavorful and good dinner to make for a Sunday afternoon.
Pair it with some rice and I think you’re all set.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
8. Braised Chicken Thighs
Braised chicken with white wine, garlic, and thyme just sounds like a nice dinner for two.
Make some mashed potatoes to go with it, and I think you just leveled up the meal.
Get the Recipe: Braised Chicken Thighs
9. Penne alla Vodka Pasta
If you’re craving pasta (because who isn’t), then this cheesy tangy Sunday dinner is probably the one you wanna make.
Get the Recipe: Penne alla Vodka Pasta
10. Bourbon Chicken
Besides the fact that the prep time for this dinner is just 5 minutes, this bourbon chicken looks so good!
Also, there’s no bourbon involved which means no expensive runs to the store.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Chicken
11. Pork Sirloin Roast
If you’re craving a tasty roast for your Sunday dinner, then this is probably the recipe to make. Also, the smells it makes as it’s cooking are probably fantastic.
Get the Recipe: Pork Sirloin Roast
12. Sirloin Tip Roast (Slow Cooker)
I love slow cooker meals on Sundays. The whole house starts to smell amazing, there’s a nice warmth in the kitchen, and you have a nice dinner to look forward to.
It’s honestly perfect for lazy cooking, and especially if you’re looking for meal ideas for when you don’t want to cook.
Also, this sirloin tip roast just sounds really good!
Get the Recipe: Sirloin Tip Roast (Slow Cooker)
13. Baked Whole Salmon Fillet
If you’re craving fish, then I think this salmon fillet bake is probably a great idea. Also, you might wanna quickly cut up some potatoes; I think it’ll go pretty well together.
Also, it’s just great option for those figuring out what to make tonight.
Get the Recipe: Baked Whole Salmon Fillet
14. Beef Enchilada Pasta
Ok, definitely not healthy, but I couldn’t not add it.
I mean, how do you go wrong with a cheesy meaty pasta dinner?
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Pasta
15. Marry Me Chicken
Any chicken dish that has the words “marry me” in it, instantly catches my attention.
And with ingredients like parmesan, cream, garlic, butter, and sun-dried tomatoes, I’m sold.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken
16. One Pot Turkey Meatball Stroganoff
I love stroganoff, and this recipe being made with hearty turkey meatballs, and a white wine sauce, makes it sound eat-worthy.
This is one of those lazy meal planning ideas that looks both hearty and simple to make.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Turkey Meatball Stroganoff
17. Creamy Vegan Mushroom & Herb Risotto
Whether you’re vegan or not, I don’t think it matters. The ingredients to this creamy Sunday dinner look pretty good, and I think it’ll taste great.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mushroom & Herb Risotto
18. Sheet Pan Sausage & Peppers
I grew up eating sausage and veggies for dinner, and this roasted version of the recipe sounds (and looks) pretty good.
Also, with a short prep time, I think this definitely qualifies as a lazy cooking dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage & Peppers
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.