21 Lazy Wednesday Dinner Ideas for When You’re Way Too Exhausted

21 Wednesday dinner ideas for beating the midweek slump. Try Sweet & Spicy Noodles, Taco Bowls, or Puff Pastry Pizza for your simple weeknight meals.

Two enchiladas on a plate.

Picture this: it’s Wednesday night, you’re way too exhausted, and the last thing you want is to be spending a ton of time in the kitchen for a 45-minute recipe that just isn’t worth it.

You’re craving something good, hearty meals maybe, and you just wanna kick back.

Enter these 21 Wednesday dinner ideas – they’re the tasty and fast dinners to your midweek cravings.

Because who’s got time for gourmet stress on a Wednesday, right?

So et’s keep it simple and delicious with these dinnertime heroes. You deserve it!

1. Air Fryer Bagel Bites

Hand picking up an Air Fryer Bagel Bite.
Photo Credit: Erhardts Eat

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 5 Minutes

5 minutes on your feet, 10 minutes in total, and you have cheesy savory goodness ready for your dinner.

Honestly one of the best lazy night meals for when you’re cravings something fast and tasty!

Recipe: Homemade Air Fryer Bagel Bites

2. Quick & Easy Lobster Ravioli Sauce

Quick & Easy Lobster Ravioli Sauce in a pan.
Photo Credit: Garlic and Zest

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

I don’t know about you, but I would eat this in seconds!

The sauce made with ingredients like cream and Vermouth sounds (and looks) incredible, and you’re just using pre-made lobster ravioli.

It doesn’t get more easy or tasty than this takeout alternative!

Recipe: Quick & Easy Lobster Ravioli Sauce

3. Sweet and Spicy Noodles

Chopsticks picking up Sweet and Spicy Noodles.
Photo Credit: Served from Scratch

Time: Ready in 20 Minutes

If you’re feeling noodles (because noodles are the ultimate satisfying quick meal), then this 20-minute (total) dish is for you and your lazy night in.

Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Noodles

4. 8-Minute Gochujang Noodles (One Pan)

Chopsticks picking up Gochujang Noodles.
Photo Credit: Greedy Girl Gourmet

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 1 Minute

Cook Time: 7 Minutes

I don’t think I’ve ever had a dinner that was just 1 minute of prep time, but I’m here for it!

Also, if you’re not sure what gochujong is, it’s a Korean sauce that tastes so good!

Mix it with the other ingredients in the list and you’re gonna have a super tasty dinner.

Also, it really is a great idea for mealtime planning for the entire week, or if you just really like one-pan meals.

Recipe: 8-Minute Gochujang Noodles (One Pan)

5. Puff Pastry Pizza

Puff Pastry Pizza on a baking sheet.
Photo Credit: Living Lou

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

I know I just did a pizza recipe, but can you blame me?

It’s puff pastry with cheesy yumminess. Also, you’re just spending 10 minutes on your feet, so it’s a complete win and a total crowd-pleaser.

Recipe: Puff Pastry Pizza

6. Quick and Easy Sriracha Noodles Recipe (Dragon Noodles)

Quick and Easy Sriracha Noodles in black bowls.
Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Total Time Until Eating: 10 Minutes

If you’re looking for quick fixes for dinner, then I’d try this one.

Also, I love sriracha, so I’m not so sure why I haven’t had it in noodles yet!

For this recipe, the noodles cook quickly, and you have plenty of tasty ingredients that’ll give you a dinner that might just be better than takeout.

Recipe: Quick and Easy Sriracha Noodles Recipe (Dragon Noodles)

7. Honey Chicken

Honey Chicken in a bowl with rice.
Photo Credit: Modern Honey

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

If you’re craving that Asian takeout goodness, then you’re probably going to wanna grab this recipe, make it, and enjoy it while you watch a good movie.

Recipe: Honey Chicken

8. Taco Bowls

Taco Bowls in two bowls.
Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday

With the Instant Pot doing the majority of the work for you by cooking the rice and sweet potatoes at the same time, this recipe is worth it.

Also, if you want to be more healthy, then this is a great dinner to try if you want something flavorful!

Recipe: Taco Bowls

9. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Modern Honey

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 6 Hours

Just 10 minutes on your feet and then you let the slow cooker soup fill up your home with incredible smells for 6 hours straight.

Perfect for when you don’t feel like doing much weeknight cooking!

Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

10. Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Two Ground Beef Enchiladas on a plate.
Photo Credit: Casserole Crissy

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

Is this authentic Mexican food?

No.

Is it probably quick and easy and super delicious? Yes.

Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas

11. Cacio e Pepe

Tongs picking up Cacio e Pepe.
Photo Credit: Served from Scratch

Time: Ready in 20 Minutes

I’ve made it before and when you’re essentially just adding tasty cheeses, black pepper, and olive oil, you’re gonna have one of the easiest and tastiest Italian dishes ever.

Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

12. Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry in a pan.
Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Chicken and broccoli stir fry is super satisfying, and I think you need to make it this Wednesday. I have a feeling it might just hit the spot.

Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

13. The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta)

The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta on a plate.
Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

I’m already married, but with cream, cheese, spices, and thick noodles, I’d be happy to make it.

Recipe: The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

14. Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops in a pan.
Photo Credit: Busy Day Dinners

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 40 Minutes

A recipe for when you want really good down-home cooking. Pair it with some buttery mashed potatoes, and you’re all set!

Recipe: Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

15. Southwest Skillet Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe

Southwest Skillet Ground Beef and Sweet Potato in a bowl.
Photo Credit: A Paige of Positivity

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 25 Minutes

If you want a 5-minute prep time dinner and want to smell delicious spices wafting around the house as the dinner cooks, then this is your recipe.

Recipe: Southwest Skillet Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe

16. Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs with a Cayenne Kick

Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs on a plate.
Photo Credit: Kim Schob

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes

I’m sorry, but slow cooker BBQ peach chicken just sounds too good to leave off the list. In fact, pairing it with some mac and cheese might be one of the best supper ideas ever.

Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs

17. Healthy Baked Ziti

Healthy Baked Ziti in a baking pan.
Photo Credit: A Paige of Positivity

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

If you want something that’s a bit more healthy, but you also want quick and delicious, then here’s a cheesy noodle dinner that looks like one of the best family dinners to try!

Recipe: Healthy Baked Ziti

18. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Chicken Fajitas on a sheet pan.
Photo Credit: Foxes Love Lemons

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Sheet pan dinners will always be one of my favorites when it comes to quick suppers!

Also, fajitas are so good, but they’re even better when the prep time is low.

Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe

19. 5-Ingredient No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole

5-Ingredient No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole in a baking dish.
Photo Credit: Simply Five Ingredients

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 1 Hour

Place the rice, chicken, and other tasty ingredients all in one bake dish, and you’re set for this dinner.

Recipe: 5-Ingredient No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole

20. Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Zoomed-in closeup of Pepper Steak Stir Fry with green and red peppers.
Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

This is the kind of Wednesday dinner you make when you’re craving Asian comfort food served with a bowl of steaming hot white rice.

Recipe: Pepper Steak Stir Fry

21. Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Easy Sheet Pan Dinner)

Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks in two bowls.
Photo Credit: My Chefs Apron

Prep Time (Time on Feet): 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 45 Minutes

I love sheet pan dinners, and when you pair chicken with sweet potatoes, I’m always going to be happy.

Recipe: Healthy Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Easy Sheet Pan Dinner)

Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.

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