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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Set It and Forget It Recipes You Might Not Have Tried Yet

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 13, 2025, updated June 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can be a hassle, especially on busy days when you just want a simple meal without the fuss. These 22 set it and forget it recipes are perfect for anyone looking to make delicious dishes with minimal effort. From hearty stews to flavorful casseroles, these meals will have you covered with just a little prep time.

    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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    Crock Pot Chicken Divan

    Chicken Divan Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: Savory with Soul.

    Chicken divan in the slow cooker is a classic dish that many people enjoy. Using a crock pot makes it really easy to prepare, so you can just set it and let it cook. This dish is perfect for when you want something comforting without putting in a lot of effort.

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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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    Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole

    Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

    Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole is a simple slow cooker dish that’s perfect for when you want a hearty meal without much effort. This recipe is budget-friendly and easy to prepare, making it a hit with the whole family. It also works well as a freezer meal, so you can have it ready for those busy days.

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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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    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Rice

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Rice.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    A whole chicken and rice dish is a great option for a simple, one-pot meal that the whole family will love. With just a handful of ingredients from your pantry, plus a whole chicken and some quick-cooking rice, you can whip up a satisfying dinner without much effort. This meal is perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend 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. You only need a few basic ingredients to whip this up, making it an easy choice for a satisfying meal.

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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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    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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    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

    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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    Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

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

    Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is all about tender chicken cooked in a flavorful mushroom and wine sauce, with a splash of cream added just before serving. This dish is great served over mashed potatoes, making it a cozy choice for a weeknight dinner.

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    Pork Chops in Tomato Sauce

    Tomato sauce pork chop.
    Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

    These Instant Pot pork chops are perfect for a quick and easy meal during busy weeknights. They turn out juicy and tender, packed with flavor from the tomato sauce and added ingredients. This dish is simple to prepare and takes the stress out of dinner time.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: 4 Sons R Us.

    Slow cooker whole chicken brings the comforting taste of a Sunday roast to any night of the week. It’s simple to prepare and requires very little effort, allowing you to enjoy a warm, satisfying dinner without much work. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do its magic while you relax.

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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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    Ground Beef Chili

    Ground Beef Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    This healthy chili is made in the slow cooker with a mix of beans, corn, peppers, and masa harina. It’s packed with flavors from the Southwest, making it a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for when you want something hearty without putting in a lot of effort.

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    Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

    Chicken and Gravy Recipe (Crockpot).
    Photo Credit: Little Chef Within.

    This Chicken and Gravy recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker, it creates its own gravy with just a few simple ingredients, making dinner a breeze. You’ll have tender chicken in a rich sauce that’s great over rice, potatoes, or even in a sandwich. It’s a simple dish that everyone in the family will enjoy!

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chile Relleno Soup

    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Chile Relleno Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This soup combines the delicious flavors of chile relleno with tender chicken. It's perfect for a chilly evening when you're craving something warm and spicy. This chicken chile relleno soup is a great addition to your meal plan, especially when you want something comforting and satisfying.

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    Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

    Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a simple and satisfying dish that combines chicken thighs, vegetables, and pasta all in one pot. With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Enchilada Bake

    Enchilada bake.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    This Enchilada Bake is super-easy to prepare using pantry and freezer staples, and so tasty it's sure to become a long-time family favorite! No need to turn on your oven, this recipe uses the magic of your slow cooker.

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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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    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Stuffed peppers filled with beef and rice are simmered in a rich marinara sauce. This dish cooks effortlessly in the slow cooker, making it a cozy meal that everyone in the family will love.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Chicken a la king.
      21 Crockpot Meals That Will Make You Love Cooking Again
    • Stuffed peppers.
      19 Family-Friendly Slow Cooker Meals for Busy Nights
    • Chicken bacon pasta.
      Stress-Free Cooking: 22 Easy Dinners You Can Set and Forget
    • 25 Stupid Simple Recipes 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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