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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Simple Set It and Forget It Recipes for Exhausted Home Chefs

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 17, 2025, updated June 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can be exhausting, especially after a long day. These 23 simple recipes are perfect for those who want to prepare meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set them up and let them do their thing, so you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

    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 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 Chicken Chow Mein

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Enjoy a comforting homemade meal with this easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein. Packed with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish features a flavorful chow mein sauce that you can make right at home. It’s a great alternative to takeout, perfect for when you want something delicious without putting in a lot of effort.

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    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    This 3-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken is a family favorite that’s super easy to make and really tasty. There’s no need for chopping or prepping ingredients, so you can just throw everything in and let it cook. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without putting in a lot of effort.

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    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that cooks gently in a mix of balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh diced tomatoes. It’s a great option to serve over pasta or rice, creating a satisfying meal that balances tangy and sweet flavors. This is a good dinner choice for busy weeknights or when you just want something comforting at home.

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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 French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken is a simple dinner option that requires very little effort. This dish is perfect for family meals and is sure to please everyone at the table. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Chili

    A bowl with chili topped with lime and cheese.
    Photo Credit: Fresh off The Grid.

    Instant Pot Chili is a great option for a filling meal that requires minimal effort. It's perfect for busy weekdays or when you want to prepare something in advance. Just make it ahead of time, and you can easily warm it up whenever you're ready to enjoy it.

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    Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner

    Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Dinner.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a simple and satisfying dinner option that includes fresh chicken breasts, green beans, and red potatoes, all seasoned to perfection. This dish is easy to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table. The aroma while it cooks is fantastic, making it a great choice for a cozy family meal.

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    Old Fashioned Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken baked on top of rice.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Chicken and Rice Casserole is a timeless dish that never disappoints. The chicken and rice are well-seasoned, and the rice turns out just right every time. This is a simple and convenient dinner option that requires minimal effort.

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

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    Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

    Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Crock Pot Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish filled with tender shredded chicken, rice, and a bright mix of lemon, celery, and carrots, along with some classic herbs and spices. This soup is not only tasty but also easy to prepare, making it a great option for dinner. It's perfect for those evenings when you want something warm and satisfying without putting in a lot of 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.

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    Potato Soup

    A bowl of potato soup.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This potato soup is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work. It only takes about 10 minutes to get everything ready, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner. Everyone in the family will enjoy this comforting dish.

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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.

    Get the recipe

    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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    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken features a delicious sweet and tangy sauce, paired with onion and green bell pepper. It’s perfect served over brown rice and alongside some steamed green veggies. This dish is simple to prepare and is ideal for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without much effort.

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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 Beef and Barley Soup

    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This filling soup is packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and barley, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on low throughout the day. When you come home, you'll find a warm and satisfying meal waiting for you.

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    Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    Everyone loves a good cajun flavor combination, and I love the ease of this casserole. It's a game changer that you can make without boiling the pasta, and you'll love the creamy sauce that forms as it bakes.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken and Cabbage

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Cabbage.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Cabbage brings together tender chicken and hearty cabbage for a comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy. With just a few common seasonings, this dish is packed with flavor and is easy to prepare. It’s a great option for busy nights and can be served alongside other vegetables for a complete dinner.

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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.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      20 Crockpot Meals That Are Perfect for Lazy Weeknights
    • Sloppy joe tater tot casserole.
      23 Easy Recipes for Ground Beef Casseroles
    • Baked chicken parmesan meatballs.
      25 Grandma Approved Casseroles for Busy Weeknights

    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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