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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    24 Lazy Dinners Straight From Grandma’s Kitchen

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 23, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When it comes to easy dinners, nothing beats the comfort of Grandma's kitchen. These 24 simple recipes are filled with love and nostalgia, making weeknight meals a breeze. From hearty casseroles to quick one-pot dishes, these meals are perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is all about comfort and simplicity. It's cheesy, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy meal at home. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a meal that brings back fond memories and makes cooking feel enjoyable again.

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    Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

    Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This cheeseburger tater tot casserole brings together crispy potatoes and the classic flavors of a Big Mac in one easy dish. It's a fun and satisfying meal that kids will love. Perfect for busy nights, this casserole is simple to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. With its hearty ingredients, it’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish is a hit for family dinners and gatherings.

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    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Juicy chicken cooks slowly in a rich parmesan sauce with sundried tomatoes and spinach, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy family meal. The creamy sauce brings everything together, making it a satisfying choice for dinner. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending all day in the kitchen. You'll love how easy it is to whip up this tasty dinner.

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    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole

    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This casserole is packed with tater tots, a southwestern twist, and plenty of cheese. It's a comforting dish that brings together familiar flavors in a fun way. Perfect for busy nights, it’s easy to throw together and satisfying to eat. Everyone will enjoy the cheesy goodness and crispy texture. This is a meal that can remind you why cooking can be enjoyable.

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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 is delicious. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everything cooks together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is sure to bring some joy back to your cooking routine.

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    Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

    Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Chicken pot pie casserole is a warm and satisfying dish filled with chicken and vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s topped with a fluffy biscuit layer that adds a nice touch. This meal is perfect for cozy family dinners and is sure to please everyone at the table. It combines familiar flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals. Enjoy this hearty casserole any night of the week.

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    Creamy Chicken Pasta with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Red wine chicken pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Creamy Chicken Pasta is ready in just 30 minutes and is always a hit. With rich flavors from red wine, mushrooms, and thyme, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a quick dinner and also makes a great lunch the next day. This dish is bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta that everyone will love.

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    Baked Spaghetti Casserole

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This dish is warm and cheesy, offering all the comfort of lasagna but with a simpler preparation. It's perfect for cozy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The layers of flavor come together beautifully, making it a family favorite. Everyone will enjoy this hearty meal, and it’s sure to bring smiles around the table. It’s a great way to rekindle your love for cooking.

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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 the whole family will enjoy. With a flavorful herby crust on the outside and a juicy, tender center, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. It comes together quickly, taking only 50 minutes from start to finish. You only need a few basic ingredients to create this satisfying meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    A serving of Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken enchilada casserole brings together all the classic flavors you love in enchiladas, but it's put together in a simple layered style like lasagna. It features corn tortillas, lots of cheese, and a rich red enchilada sauce that ties everything together. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Everyone will appreciate the deliciousness of this casserole.

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    Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

    A scoop of Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: Flavorful Eats.

    This dish features soft, homemade Italian chicken meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It's a simple one-pan meal that hits the spot when you're craving comfort food. These cheesy meatballs are great served over pasta or stuffed into rolls for delicious meatball subs. It's a satisfying option that brings a taste of Italy to your table. Enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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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 cooking. It’s a rich and hearty pasta sauce that captures all the classic flavors you love. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using simple ingredients you probably already have, it’s perfect for busy nights. This dish is sure to bring some joy back to your cooking routine.

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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 only four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in just five minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying. You’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in under 40 minutes. This is a great way to bring some joy back into cooking.

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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 doesn't require much effort, so you can enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This is a dinner that everyone will love and is sure to become a go-to recipe. You'll find yourself reaching for this one again and again.

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    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These Cast Iron Pork Chops are quick to prepare, taking only 25 minutes for a tasty dinner. They are packed with flavor from garlic, mushrooms, and thyme. After searing, the chops are simmered in red wine, which adds a rich taste. This dish is sure to impress anyone at the table. Enjoy a satisfying meal that brings back the joy of cooking.

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    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This pizza pasta bake is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying. You can throw everything together in the same pan, and there's no need to cook the pasta beforehand. It's loaded with cheesy goodness and all the flavors you love about pizza. Everyone in the family will enjoy this dish, making it a hit at the dinner table. It's a simple meal that brings comfort and smiles.

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    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    This cheesy tater tot casserole is packed with seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a creamy sauce. It's a comforting dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table. Perfect for busy nights, it requires minimal effort to prepare. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a family favorite. You'll find that this meal is not only satisfying but also a great way to enjoy cooking again.

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    Chicken Rice Casserole

    Chicken Rice Casserole
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Chicken Rice Casserole is simple and quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes to get ready. After that, you can let the oven do its job while you relax. In less than an hour, you’ll have a delicious cheesy chicken and rice dinner ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish is sure to bring back the joy of cooking.

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    Pesto Chicken

    Pesto Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Baked Pesto Chicken is a simple dish that combines tender chicken breasts with basil pesto, whether you make it yourself or buy it from the store. It’s a great option for a weeknight meal, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. This dinner is not only quick but also healthy, making it perfect for busy evenings. Pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal. Enjoy a flavorful dinner that will remind you how enjoyable cooking can be.

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    Easy Layered Enchilada Casserole

    Easy Layered Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: What a Girl Eats.

    Layered enchilada casserole is a simple and fast meal that eliminates the need to roll tortillas. It features layers of ground meat, cheese, and mild green enchilada sauce, creating a dish that everyone in the family enjoys. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a comforting option that brings everyone together at the dinner table. You'll find that this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a hit with both kids and adults.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is a warm and tasty dish that anyone can whip up with ease. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort. You'll love how simple it is to prepare and how satisfying it is to eat.

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    Chicken Taco Casserole

    Chicken taco casserole.
    Photo Credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    Chicken Taco Casserole is a simple dish that comes together quickly with just 7 ingredients and 7 easy steps. It features shredded chicken, tomatoes, taco seasoning, crunchy tortilla chips, and plenty of cheese. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. In just 30 minutes, you can have a hearty dinner that everyone will enjoy. It's a great way to bring some fun flavors to your table.

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    Cheesy Potato Chicken Sausage Casserole

    Cheesy Potato Chicken Sausage Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    This Chicken Sausage Casserole combines chicken sausage, potatoes, and cheese for a satisfying meal. It's simple to prepare and everything cooks in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it's gluten free, so it's a great option for those with dietary restrictions. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting dinner that brings back the joy of cooking.

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    Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole

    Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    This chicken broccoli stuffing casserole combines chicken breast, frozen broccoli, and stuffing mix for a simple dinner. It's a quick and easy dish that brings a comforting feel to the table. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love.

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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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