• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Lazy Day Recipes: 21 Set It and Forget It Dishes That Require Minimal Effort

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 7, 2025, updated June 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Sometimes, you just want to enjoy a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These 21 lazy day recipes are perfect for those moments when you want to set it and forget it. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can whip up satisfying dishes that let you relax while they cook.

    Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs

    Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs.
    Photo Credit: Heavenly Home Cooking.

    This dish features a delicious orange sweet and sour sauce that coats tender St. Louis style ribs, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The sauce caramelizes beautifully when cooked at high heat, adding a rich, sticky glaze to the meat. It's a satisfying meal that brings together the sweetness of orange with the savory goodness of ribs.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    Cast-Iron Roast Chicken

    Cast-Iron Roast Chicken.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    This roast chicken is juicy and golden brown, with flavorful pan juices made from garlic and olive oil. Stuffed with creamy Brie, it’s a great choice for family dinners and special occasions. It’s simple to prepare and will impress everyone at the table.

    Get the Recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas Recipe
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With my 3 Sons.

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas offer a simple way to enjoy a delicious Tex-Mex meal any night. The steak cooks slowly with peppers and onions in a tasty fajita sauce, resulting in tender and juicy bites. Just wrap everything in a warm tortilla, and you have a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy

    Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Comfort food brings warmth and satisfaction, and this dish is no exception. It's hearty and packed with delicious flavors that make every bite enjoyable. Perfect for when you want something filling without putting in a lot of effort.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Garden in the Kitchen.

    Chicken breasts cook slowly in a flavorful onion broth, becoming tender and juicy. Topped with melted Gruyere cheese, this dish is all about comfort and simplicity. It's a great option for when you want something hearty without putting in a lot of effort.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Slow cooker potato soup is a fantastic dish that truly showcases the convenience of using a slow cooker. It’s creamy and satisfying, and you don’t have to put in much effort to make it. This soup is ideal for busy days when you have a lot on your plate and just want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    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

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

    Chicken piccata.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata features bright lemon flavors paired with chicken broth, capers, and dijon mustard, creating a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It requires just a little bit of prep work, and after a few hours in the slow cooker, you'll have a delicious meal ready to serve. This is a great option for busy evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that everyone in the family will appreciate. It features ground beef, carrots, peas, and some other everyday ingredients, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is simple to prepare and is sure to become a go-to favorite.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
    Photo Credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    This creamy chicken gnocchi soup comes together quickly and easily. You can use frozen chicken breasts, so there's no need to thaw anything beforehand. It's a warm and comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly day.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker casserole combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheddar cheese for a comforting meal. It's a simple dish that layers flavors and textures, making it satisfying and filling. Perfect for when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    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

    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.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy Apple Slaw

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Tangy Apple Slaw.
    Photo Credit: Killing Thyme.

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is packed with a mix of flavors that include smoky, sweet, salty, savory, and a hint of spice. It’s simple to prepare and can be served on a bun topped with crunchy, tangy apple slaw for a delicious sandwich. This dish is perfect for when you want something tasty without putting in a lot of effort.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Chicken enchilada pasta.
      21 Best Chicken Breast Slow Cooker Recipes Ever
    • Peach cobbler.
      Sweeten Your Week with These 19 Southern Dessert Favorites
    • Strawberry rhubarb crisp.
      Beyond the Pie: 12 Creative Rhubarb Dishes You Need to Try
    • Crock pot Hawaiian chicken.
      26 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes Even Picky Eaters Will Love

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • A spoonful of cheesy tortellini casserole.
      Lazy Day Recipes: 21 Set It and Forget It Dishes That Require Minimal Effort
    • Slow cooked ribs.
      20 Crockpot Summer Dinners Straight From Grandma’s Kitchen
    • Sour cream chicken enchilada casserole.
      20 Easy Set-and-Forget Dinners That Cook While You Relax
    • Orzo pesto salad.
      21 Easy Pasta Salads That Are Great for Busy Weeknights

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB