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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Set It and Forget It Recipes for When You’re Too Tired to Think

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 4, 2025, updated June 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When you're feeling worn out and just can't muster the energy to cook, these 22 easy recipes are here to save the day. Each dish is simple to prepare and requires minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal without the stress. From slow-cooked favorites to quick one-pan wonders, these recipes are perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious without the hassle.

    Buffalo Chicken Chili

    Buffalo Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker)
    Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen.

    This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili is a breeze to prepare and is ideal for busy weekdays or game days. Using straightforward ingredients, it blends the classic tastes of chili with the kick of buffalo wings. It’s sure to become a go-to dish for your family.

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    One Pan Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

    This one pan chicken and potatoes dinner features juicy roasted chicken thighs and drumsticks, along with tender potatoes, whole cloves of roasted garlic, and button mushrooms, all cooked together on a single sheet pan. It’s a simple meal that cuts down on cleanup, and you only need 15 minutes to prep before it goes into the oven. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while still enjoying a delicious meal. It’s a hearty pasta sauce that captures all the classic flavors, but you can whip it up quickly using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Perfect for those nights when you just want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

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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 when you want something simple and delicious. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let everything cook together in one pan. It features chicken, veggies, and a flavorful sauce that all blend nicely, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Southwestern Cheesy Chicken Pasta

    Southwestern Cheesy Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Southwestern Cheesy Chicken Pasta features juicy chicken, a mix of tasty spices, and a rich creamy sauce, making it a hit with everyone at the table. It's a simple dinner option that elevates your pasta experience without requiring much effort. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish brings together comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker No Peek Chicken

    Slow Cooker No Peek Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow cooker no-peek chicken is a classic dish that features tender chicken, flavorful onions, and rice all cooked together. This is a good dinner option that comes together in one pot, making cleanup easy. It's perfect for those evenings when you just want a simple meal without a lot of work.

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    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This Chicken Thigh Tray Bake is an easy and tasty meal. Juicy chicken thighs roast alongside colorful vegetables on a single sheet pan, which means you won’t have to deal with a lot of cleanup afterward. It's perfect for when you want something delicious without putting in too much effort.

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    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta, packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It's a hearty meal that comes together quickly and easily, perfect for when you want something comforting without putting in a lot of effort. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that hits the spot.

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    Slow Cooker One Pot Chicken Burritos

    Slow Cooker One Pot Chicken Burrito Filling.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This chicken burrito filling is a simple mix of fresh veggies, salsa, Tex-Mex spices, and quick-cooking rice. It's an easy and tasty option that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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 super easy to prepare, taking only 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, so you don’t have to worry about it getting overdone.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, creating a hearty meal that will definitely fill you up. It's perfect for when you're too tired to think about what to make for dinner. Plus, you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

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    Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes

    Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with potatoes is an easy way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. This dish is not only simple to prepare, but it also turns out tender and juicy every time. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It's the kind of comfort food that hits the spot when you just want something warm and filling. Perfect for days when you don't feel like putting in a lot of effort, this recipe delivers great flavor with minimal work.

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    Bacon Potato Casserole

    Bacon Potato Casserole.
    Photo credit: Cleverly Simple.

    This side dish is full of flavor, featuring layers of bacon, potatoes, and cheese. It's an easy recipe that can be whipped up for a special occasion or just to enjoy with a meal. Perfect for when you want something tasty without putting in a lot of effort.

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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. You only need a few basic ingredients to whip this up, making it an easy choice for a satisfying meal.

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    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. It combines two delicious cheeses, including a zesty Gorgonzola, and adds a nice crunch with walnuts. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a simple and satisfying meal that doesn’t require much effort.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

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

    This sheet pan meal offers a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking. The lamb chops roast in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that’s full of flavor. It’s a great option for when you want a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Peachy Barbecue Ribs

    Peachy barbecue ribs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Crockpot Peachy Barbecue Ribs are all about tender pork that easily falls off the bone, covered in a delicious peach barbecue sauce that's both sweet and tangy. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress friends without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Crockpot Corn Chowder is a creamy soup that brings the comfort of a restaurant dish right to your kitchen. It's easy to whip up, making it perfect for a cozy night in. This dish is satisfying and warm, ideal for when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

    This easy dump and bake meatball casserole turns uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and marinara sauce into a delicious one-pan dinner! No pre-boiling of pasta or browning meatballs is needed - just layer everything in a casserole dish and let your oven do the work!

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    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

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

    Balsamic chicken is a simple way to transform regular chicken breasts into something special with just a few ingredients. The combination of Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar brings a rich flavor that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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 ready in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for those days when you don't want to spend a lot of time cooking.

    Get the recipe

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    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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