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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Hands-Off Recipes That Let You Relax

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated April 27, 2026 · Published May 5, 2026 · Leave a Comment

    Cooking can be a great way to unwind, especially when you can set things up and let them cook while you relax. These 18 simple recipes are perfect for those days when you want to enjoy a delicious meal without spending all your time in the kitchen. Just prepare the ingredients, let them cook, and take a moment for yourself!

    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This is the perfect roast beef for a simple and satisfying family dinner. With a flavorful herb crust and tender meat, it's sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Bacon Potato Casserole

    Bacon Potato Casserole.
    Photo credit: Cleverly Simple.

    This dish combines bacon, potatoes, and cheese for a delicious side dish treat. It's simple to prepare and sure to impress anyone you serve it to!

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features chicken and broccoli, creating a filling dinner that will leave you satisfied and provide some leftovers for later. It's a simple and tasty choice for anyone who wants an easy meal without a lot of fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients and can simmer all day long. It's creamy and smooth without any cream, making it a great option for vegetarians and those who are gluten-free, especially when served in bread bowls with your favorite taco toppings.

    Get the recipe

    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Firecracker Salmon is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. With a spicy and tangy sauce, this salmon is sure to be a hit at dinner time.

    Get the recipe

    Brie Mac and Cheese

    Brie mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This is probably the creamiest and most flavorful Mac and Cheese ever! With two types of cheese this is a more elgant version of the classic, all done in one pan with no preboiling and no roux - just dump, bake, and enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chili

    Chili With Ground Meat And Beans.
    Photo credit: Melanie Cooks.

    Chili can be made quickly in just 30 minutes by using an Instant Pot. Just toss in all the ingredients and let it do the work for you.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta bake combines spicy buffalo sauce, fresh spinach, and plenty of cheese for a satisfying meal. With just a few minutes of prep and under an hour in the oven, it's a great choice for a hectic weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Ricotta Spinach Tortellini Bake

    Ricotta spinach casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Make this delicious tortellini bake in under 30 minutes, with a few simple steps. It's loaded with two types of cheese and lots of spinach for an indulgent dinner that's still full of nutrients. Perfect for weeknight dinners, or any time you need a quick meal!

    Get the recipe

    Lentil Tortilla Soup

    A lentil tortilla soup.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    This is a simple and tasty dish that you can prepare using an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stove. It's great for hectic days and sure to please everyone at the table!

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pesto Salmon is a quick dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. With a blend of Greek yogurt and pesto, this easy recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings and delivers great flavor with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Steak Bites

    Mexican Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    These flavorful steak bites are seasoned with taco spices and paired with a creamy queso sauce, making for a fun and satisfying dish. It's a great way to enjoy a classic favorite with a little extra flair.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Tilapia

    Baked tilapia.
    Photo credit: Organically Addison.

    Baked tilapia is a fast and simple dish that you can whip up in no time. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a delicious and juicy meal on your plate.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is an easy meal that you can whip up in less than 45 minutes. The combination of fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano gives it a delicious flavor, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Vegan "Sausage" Pasta Bake

    Vegan Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Cozy Peach Kitchen.

    This is a simple pasta dish that cooks in the oven and is topped with a delicious cashew sauce that mimics Parmesan. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without much fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is easy to make and uses just three basic ingredients. It's a great option for a laid-back meal that cooks itself while you relax.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Taco Casserole

    Taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This taco casseorle is loaded with all the good stuff: well-seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, sour cream and melted cheese on top. It's a great dinner any night of the week, and it comes together in under 30 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Carbonara

    Carbonara.
    Photo credit: Num's the Word.

    This pasta dish is great for anyone who loves a quick and easy meal. It's simple to make and leaves you with very little mess to clean up afterward.

    Get the recipe

    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Stuff salmon with garlic butter and wrap it in bacon for a delicious family meal. This simple recipe allows you to enjoy the cooking process while the flavors come together.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This cheesy chicken and pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach is a comforting meal that's easy to prepare. It's perfect for a relaxing evening, letting you enjoy the cooking process without any stress.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Salmon

    Air Fryer Salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 20 minutes, you can have flavorful skin-on salmon cooked in your air fryer, making it a perfect choice for a quick dinner any night. Seasoned with lemon juice and lemon pepper, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Focaccia.
      9 Make-Ahead Breads That Work While You Sleep
    • Greek chicken.
      18 Dump-and-Forget Chicken Dinners for Effortless Cooking
    • Chicken cacciatore.
      16 Gourmet Recipes You Can Make Right Now
    • Orzo pesto salad.
      40 Seasonal Recipes That Bring Spring to Your Table

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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