10 Lazy Girl Dinners You Can Make in Under 10 Minutes

Let’s be real: some nights, even the thought of chopping an onion is too much. For those moments, you need a “lazy girl dinner”—a meal so easy it practically makes itself. These ten ideas require minimal effort, minimal cleanup, and are ready in under ten minutes.

The Philosophy of a Lazy Girl Dinner

A true lazy girl dinner abides by these sacred rules:

Minimal Chopping: If you have to chop more than one thing, it's too complicated.
Few Dishes: Ideally, everything happens in one pan, one bowl, or straight out of the container.
No Complicated Steps: If it requires a technique you saw on a cooking show, it's not a lazy girl dinner.

10 Genius Dinners for Your Laziest Nights

Elevated Ramen: Cook instant ramen. Drain most of the water. Stir in the flavor packet, a slice of American cheese, a splash of milk, and a fried egg. It’s creamy, savory, and feels gourmet-ish.
"Deconstructed" Pizza: Toast a piece of flatbread or a large tortilla. Spread with tomato sauce, top with shredded mozzarella, and microwave or toast until melty. Pepperoni is optional but encouraged.
The Snack Plate: No cooking required. Just assemble cheese slices, crackers, a handful of nuts, some olives, and maybe a piece of fruit. It’s a personal charcuterie board.
Yogurt Bowl: A bowl of Greek yogurt topped with granola, berries, and a drizzle of honey. It’s breakfast for dinner, and it’s perfect.
Loaded Microwave Potato: Pierce a potato, microwave for 5-7 minutes. Split it open and load it with whatever you have: butter, sour cream, cheese, leftover chili, or just salt and pepper.
Quesadilla: The fastest food known to man. Tortilla, cheese, fold, pan-fry for two minutes per side. Done.
"Everything but the Kitchen Sink" Scramble: Whisk two eggs. Toss in any leftover veggies, cheese, or cooked meat you have. Scramble in a pan. Takes 5 minutes.
Pesto Pasta: Boil pasta. Drain. Stir in a spoonful of jarred pesto and a sprinkle of parmesan. You’re a chef.
Hummus and Veggie Platter: Spoon a generous amount of hummus onto a plate. Surround it with baby carrots, cucumber slices, and pita bread. Dipping is a valid form of eating.
Cacio e Pepe-ish: Cook spaghetti. In a bowl, mix a lot of black pepper with grated parmesan. Add hot pasta water to the bowl to make a paste, then toss in the pasta. It sounds fancy, but it’s the easiest “impressive” meal ever.

Final Thoughts

A lazy girl dinner isn't about giving up; it's about being smart. It’s about honoring your low energy levels with a meal that’s still satisfying and delicious. Keep these ideas in your back pocket for those nights when you just can't be bothered.

10 Lazy Girl Dinners You Can Make in Under 10 Minutes

The Philosophy of a Lazy Girl Dinner

A true lazy girl dinner abides by these sacred rules:

Minimal Chopping: If you have to chop more than one thing, it's too complicated.
Few Dishes: Ideally, everything happens in one pan, one bowl, or straight out of the container.
No Complicated Steps: If it requires a technique you saw on a cooking show, it's not a lazy girl dinner.

10 Genius Dinners for Your Laziest Nights

Elevated Ramen: Cook instant ramen. Drain most of the water. Stir in the flavor packet, a slice of American cheese, a splash of milk, and a fried egg. It’s creamy, savory, and feels gourmet-ish.
"Deconstructed" Pizza: Toast a piece of flatbread or a large tortilla. Spread with tomato sauce, top with shredded mozzarella, and microwave or toast until melty. Pepperoni is optional but encouraged.
The Snack Plate: No cooking required. Just assemble cheese slices, crackers, a handful of nuts, some olives, and maybe a piece of fruit. It’s a personal charcuterie board.
Yogurt Bowl: A bowl of Greek yogurt topped with granola, berries, and a drizzle of honey. It’s breakfast for dinner, and it’s perfect.
Loaded Microwave Potato: Pierce a potato, microwave for 5-7 minutes. Split it open and load it with whatever you have: butter, sour cream, cheese, leftover chili, or just salt and pepper.
Quesadilla: The fastest food known to man. Tortilla, cheese, fold, pan-fry for two minutes per side. Done.
"Everything but the Kitchen Sink" Scramble: Whisk two eggs. Toss in any leftover veggies, cheese, or cooked meat you have. Scramble in a pan. Takes 5 minutes.
Pesto Pasta: Boil pasta. Drain. Stir in a spoonful of jarred pesto and a sprinkle of parmesan. You’re a chef.
Hummus and Veggie Platter: Spoon a generous amount of hummus onto a plate. Surround it with baby carrots, cucumber slices, and pita bread. Dipping is a valid form of eating.
Cacio e Pepe-ish: Cook spaghetti. In a bowl, mix a lot of black pepper with grated parmesan. Add hot pasta water to the bowl to make a paste, then toss in the pasta. It sounds fancy, but it’s the easiest “impressive” meal ever.