8 Quick Dinners for Lazy Cooks

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I am the laziest cook in existence. Although I don't mind cooking and I'm not bad at it, I just usually think of 100 other ways I could spend my time and end up eating a sandwich or cooking a frozen meal. But through the years, I've discovered some recipes I love that are either easy or quick, and they have plenty of portions for later.

1. Skillet Chicken Enchiladas

These chicken enchiladas require minimal effort besides chopping a few veggies. I used to buy fresh garlic and chop it, but in the past year, I've bought the pre-chopped jar from the grocery store. It's easier to use and it doesn't spoil as quickly. Another option is to replace fresh vegetables with Rotel (if you're in a hurry).

2. 15-Minute Chicken Chili

My roommate makes chili at least once a week and puts it into separate containers for work lunches. Even more impressive? Her chili only takes about 30 minutes to cook and is pretty simple. While this chicken chili recipe isn't hers, it's close enough and only takes 15 minutes (as long as you've pre-cooked your chicken)! Add fresh vegetables and switch out the chicken with beans or tofu, and you have an even healthier option!

3. Swiss Chard Egg Bake

Swiss chard is in season and is a wonderfully healthy alternative to grains. I stumbled upon this Whole Foods' recipe for an egg bake with Swiss chard when I Googled the ingredients in my fridge last year. I made a couple changes — adding bacon to the mix and less cheese (again, based on what I had in my fridge). Serve with whole grain toast and you have a fun take on breakfast for dinner.

4. Chicken Tacos

I recently hosted a party at my house and slow cooked meats all day. Everyone's favorite was this shredded chicken taco meat recipe, which was the easiest thing I've ever made. There's a different variation from Two Healthy Kitchens that uses salsa instead of chicken broth, but it's really up to you! While the title of this article suggests "quick," don't forget the Crock-Pot was invented for lazy people. You just throw everything together, leave, and come home to a meal. Add sour cream, fresh salsa, guacamole, fresh veggies, and cheese, and you've got delicious tacos for dinner!

5. Goat Cheese and Zucchini Frittata

A cast iron skillet should be as much a part of your kitchen as a slow cooker, especially if you're lazy. Frittatas are the easiest dish to make, and super quick! Cook the eggs with zucchini, goat cheese and roasted red pepper (from a jar) and you've got a flavorful meal. Pair with a fresh salad.

6. Gingery Shrimp and Couscous

Couscous is a great staple to any diet. Shrimp is always quick to cook (in fact, if you cook it too long, you ruin it). Pair the two together and cook with ginger, onions, and snow peas and you have something delectable.

7. Salmon With Bok Choy and Rice

Salmon is super easy and quick to make, and is full of antioxidants and omega-3s. Bake the salmon for 8–10 minutes and steam bok choy simultaneously with minute rice and your meal is complete.

8. Pasta With Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil

This atypical pasta doesn't have marinara, but instead a combination of country ham, arugula, tomatoes, and more. Buzzfeed compiled an additional 27 pasta dishes that are all under 30 minutes. They all sound delicious!

What are some quick dinners you like to cook?

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