• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Easy Set It and Forget It Dinners We Crave Right Now

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 27, 2025, updated June 16, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook can be tough, but there are plenty of easy dinners that require minimal effort and can be left to cook while you go about your day. From slow-cooked stews to simple sheet pan meals, these 20 recipes are perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle. Just set them up and let them do their thing, so you can enjoy a delicious dinner with little fuss.

    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

    Million dollar casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This casserole combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cream of chicken soup, all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker layer. It's a simple dish that you can prepare and then let it bake while you take care of other things. Perfect for busy nights, this meal is satisfying and easy to put together.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a simple and convenient dish that anyone can whip up. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it to cook and go about your day. In under 45 minutes, you'll have a hearty meal filled with vegetables and rich flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are simple to prepare and only take about 5 minutes of your time. They combine cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon for a complete meal all in one package. Using frozen cod helps ensure the fish stays perfectly cooked, making this a great option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs with Cabbage & Brussels Sprouts.
    Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs are full of flavor and packed with vegetables, making this a delicious and healthy dinner option for the whole family. It's an easy meal that you can prepare and let cook while you take care of other things. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a satisfying dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it prepped in about five minutes and on the table in under forty. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Sheet pan chicken fajitas are packed with flavor and are super easy to prepare. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can pop them in the oven and have a satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are simple to make and packed with flavor. The chicken gets shredded and mixed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, creating a tasty filling. Topping it off with cool and tangy pickles adds a nice crunch. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner that you can set and forget.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan meal is a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking it. The lamb chops cook in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that’s full of flavor. It's a great option for a relaxed dinner, allowing you to focus on other things while it bakes.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    A chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This chicken fajita casserole is an easy one-pan meal that brings together all the flavors of comfort food. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Air Fryer Roast Beef is a simple and delicious dinner option that takes only 50 minutes to prepare. With a flavorful herby crust on the outside and a juicy, tender center, it's sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it requires just a few easy ingredients, making it a breeze to put together.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Slow Cooker).
    Photo Credit: My Life Cookbook.

    This keto chicken bacon ranch casserole is a simple and tasty dinner option that you can prepare in a slow cooker. With just six ingredients, you can enjoy a creamy chicken dish packed with the flavors of ranch, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Each serving has only 4.3g of net carbs, making it a great choice for those watching their carb intake.

    Get the Recipe

    One Pan Falafel Bake

    Falafel bake on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This one pan dinner is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With premade falafel, beans, tomatoes, kale, and a cheesy topping, it creates a cozy vegetarian casserole that you'll want to make time and time again. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, making it perfect for any night of the week. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a great mix of flavors and textures. It's an easy dish that you'll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.

    Get the recipe

    Salsa Chicken

    Salsa chicken.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Salsa Chicken is a quick and healthy meal that's packed with flavor. It requires very little prep time, making it a go-to choice for busy evenings. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for anyone looking for a simple dinner option.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Corn chowder brings the flavors of summer right to your table, whether you choose fresh or frozen corn. This creamy dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal. Topping it with bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese adds extra flavor and texture.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup

    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup.
    Photo Credit: Add Salt & Serve.

    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup is a simple and tasty dish that cooks itself while you go about your day. With just a few ingredients like cube steak, cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and some seasoning, you can have a hearty meal ready with minimal effort. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Queso Chicken and Rice

    Queso Chicken and Rice.
    Photo Credit: Foodie and Wine.

    Queso Chicken and Rice is a simple and satisfying one-pan meal. It features tender chicken cooked in a creamy queso sauce, paired with fluffy rice for a comforting dinner. This dish is full of flavor and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let it cook on its own while you take care of other things. It combines chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes is a flavorful meal that comes together quickly in the instant pot, taking less than 45 minutes. The dish features a tasty tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano. It's a simple dinner option that works well for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy Apple Slaw

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy Apple Slaw.
    Photo Credit: Killing Thyme.

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is packed with a mix of flavors that include smoky, sweet, salty, savory, and a hint of spice. It’s simple to prepare and can be served on a bun topped with crunchy, tangy apple slaw for a delicious sandwich. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Cheesy potatoes.
      33 Easy Casseroles to Make Your Fourth of July Dinner a Hit
    • Falafel bake.
      17 Dump-And-Go Vegetarian Dinners That Make Meal Prep a Breeze
    • Beef and noodles.
      18 Easy Ground Beef Dinners That Won't Bust Your Budget
    • Chicken cacciatore.
      21 Comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Dishes to Warm Your Heart

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
      20 Easy Set It and Forget It Dinners We Crave Right Now
    • Whole chicken.
      21 Simple Crockpot Recipes You’ll Be Making All Summer Long
    • Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
      20 Hearty Dump-and-Go Casseroles for the Whole Family
    • Caprese pasta salad.
      20 Quick and Tasty Pasta Salads for All Your Summer Picnics

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB