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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Easy Set-and-Forget Dinner Recipes for the Whole Family

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 23, 2025, updated June 16, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook a family dinner can be a challenge, especially on busy weeknights. These 21 easy set-and-forget dinner recipes are perfect for those who want a delicious meal without the hassle. Just prepare the ingredients, set your slow cooker or oven, and let the magic happen while you focus on other things.

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup With Ham

    Potato soup with ham.
    Photo Credit: Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen.

    Cheesy slow cooker potato soup with ham is a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's a warm and filling meal that pairs perfectly with some crusty bread. This soup is simple to prepare and can be left to cook on its own, making it a great option for busy evenings.

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    Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin

    Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and flavorful herbs for a simple yet satisfying take on a classic French recipe. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let it cook while you take care of other things.

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    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.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili.
    Photo Credit: I heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili is a simple dish that you can throw together with minimal effort. It uses healthy ingredients and cooks in a crock pot, so you can set it and forget it. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Thai Beef Stew

    Thai Beef Stew.
    Photo Credit: Garlic All Day.

    This Thai Beef Stew is perfect for a simple dinner that you can set and forget. Just toss all the ingredients into a pot, and let it simmer for 4 to 8 hours. Whether you use a slow cooker or the stove, it’s an easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Korean Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken

    Korean Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    This Korean-inspired slow cooker gochujang chicken is packed with flavor and requires just 10 simple ingredients. It's perfect for serving over rice, on tostadas, or in tacos. With minimal effort, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

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    Papa’s Gone All Day Stew

    Papa’s Gone All Day Stew
    Photo Credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    This stew is a classic comfort food that serves a crowd, making it great for family dinners on Sundays. It's simple enough to whip up during the week too, so you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

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    Ham and Scalloped Potatoes in the Crock Pot

    Ham and Scalloped Potatoes in the Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    This dish is creamy and cheesy, filled with soft potatoes and tasty ham. It's perfect for everything from quick weeknight meals to holiday gatherings. The great thing is that your slow cooker handles all the cooking, so you can just sit back and enjoy your time.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

    Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Crock pot chicken pot pie is a warm and satisfying meal featuring juicy chicken and fresh vegetables in a creamy sauce. It cooks slowly in the crock pot, allowing all the flavors to blend together beautifully. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken

    Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken features tender, juicy chicken packed with rich, smoky flavors. Cooked slowly in a well-seasoned tomato sauce, this dish results in chicken that falls apart easily and is full of taste. It's a versatile meal that can be used in various dishes, making it a great choice for any night.

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    Lemon Butter Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

    Lemon Butter Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Razzle Dazzle Life.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are cooked slowly in a rich garlic butter sauce, resulting in juicy and tender meat that's full of flavor. This simple dinner option requires minimal effort, allowing you to set it and forget it while it cooks. It's a great choice for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken

    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe features chicken breasts cooked in a mix of Italian dressing and brown sugar, all done in the crockpot. It's a simple way to prepare a meal that everyone will love. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a delicious dinner that's full of flavor.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken

    Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Make this delicious cranberry chicken meal with just 4 ingredients – chicken breasts, French onion soup mix, French onion dressing, and cranberry sauce.

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    Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup

    Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    This gnocchi soup is a cozy dish inspired by the well-loved Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden. It’s an easy recipe that you can throw together in a slow cooker, so it’s perfect for days when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. Just set it up and let it cook while you go about your day.

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    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

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Baked lamb chops with veggies.
      17 Veggie-Loaded Dinner Ideas That Make Meal Prep a Breeze
    • Ham fried rice.
      20 Family Friendly Recipes We’re Making All Summer Long
    • Cajun mac and cheese.
      18 Hearty Southern Slow Cooker Recipes That Will Make You Feel Right at Home
    • Red wine pork chops.
      24 Lazy Dinners Straight From Grandma’s Kitchen

    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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