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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Set It and Forget It: 21 Easy Dinners That Cook Themselves

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 17, 2025, updated June 16, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can be a hassle, especially after a long day. With these 21 easy dinners that practically cook themselves, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set it up and let the magic happen while you relax or take care of other things.

    Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder

    Crockpot Chicken Corn Chowder.
    Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

    This creamy chicken corn chowder is perfect for a cozy meal. With tender chicken, potatoes, and a mix of vegetables, it’s a satisfying dish that you can prepare with minimal effort. Just toss everything into the Crockpot and let it do the work for you.

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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 you'll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.

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    Vegan Pasta Bake

    Vegan Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Nourished by Nic.

    This dish is warm, cheesy, and entirely plant-based. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let it cook while you take care of other things. Enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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    Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Chicken tortillas soup.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    This crock-pot chicken tortilla soup is sure to be a hit with your family. It's packed with flavor and is a healthy option that you can easily prepare ahead of time. Plus, it freezes well, making it a convenient choice for busy nights.

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    Cheesy Chicken

    Cheesy Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Fantabulosity.

    Cheesy chicken is a simple and popular casserole that everyone in the family will enjoy. This dish is great for weeknight meals, allowing you to prepare it and let it bake while you focus on other things. With its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, it’s sure to become a staple at your dinner table.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a simple and convenient dish that anyone can whip up. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it to cook and go about your day. In under 45 minutes, you'll have a hearty meal filled with vegetables and rich flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner.

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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. Plus, it requires just a few easy ingredients, making it a breeze to put together.

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    Slow Cooker Roast Pork With Crackling

    Slow Cooker Roast Pork With Crackling.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Slow Cooker Roast Pork With Crackling is a fantastic choice for a Sunday dinner that everyone will enjoy. This dish features tender, juicy pork paired with crispy crackling, making it a real favorite. It cooks slowly, allowing you to set it up and let it do its thing, needing very little effort from you.

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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 simple to prepare and only take about 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, making this a great option for busy nights.

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    Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole

    Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Retro Recipe Box.

    Enjoying enchiladas can be simple and stress-free with this easy recipe that skips the rolling step. You can use either ground beef or ground turkey, making it versatile for your taste. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Sheet Pan Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken

    Sheet pan prosciutto wrapped chicken.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    Prosciutto-wrapped chicken is a simple dinner option that you can prepare quickly and with little effort. Just throw everything on a sheet pan, and it cooks while you take care of other things. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Potato Soup

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Slow cooker potato soup is a fantastic dish that lets the slow cooker do all the work. It’s creamy and satisfying, perfect for days when life gets busy. Just set it up and let it simmer while you focus on other things.

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    Southwest Chicken Casserole

    .Chicken Casserole
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Southwest Chicken Casserole is a filling dish that combines tender chicken with bold spices and gooey melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare in just one pan, making it perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With ingredients like salsa Verde, black beans, and southwest seasoning, this casserole offers a comforting and slightly smoky flavor that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Crockpot White Chicken Chili

    Crockpot White Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features tender chicken and creamy cannellini and great northern beans, all simmered together in a rich, velvety broth. A touch of spice adds just the right amount of warmth, making it a comforting meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time 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. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let it cook on its own while you take care of other things. It combines chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Baked Ranch Chicken

    Baked ranch chicken on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This recipe is simple and creates a creamy sauce while it bakes. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, covered in a tasty gravy and finished with crunchy panko breadcrumbs. It's a great option for a satisfying dinner without needing much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Vegetable Soup

    Chicken Vegetable Soup.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    Chicken vegetable soup is a straightforward and filling dish that you can prepare in a slow cooker. With chicken breasts, a mix of vegetables, and a tasty broth, it offers a warm and comforting meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is any cheese and pasta lover's dream. With two types of cheese, a nice tang from Gorgonzola, and perfect crunch from walnuts. All done in under 40 minutes, this is as easy as it gets!

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    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes is a flavorful meal that comes together quickly in the instant pot, taking less than 45 minutes. The dish features a tasty tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano. It's a simple dinner option that works well for busy nights.

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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’s full of flavor. It's a great option for a relaxed dinner, allowing you to focus on other things while it bakes.

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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 prepped in about five minutes and on the table in under forty. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Tomato pie.
      Beat the Heat with These 19 Must-Try Southern Summer Recipes
    • Chicken corn chowder.
      22 Crockpot Chicken Dinners We Crave Every Week
    • Tater tot casserole.
      22 Cheap Slow Cooker Recipes to Make With Ground Beef
    • Cauliflower potato bake,
      22 Vegetarian Casseroles That Are Perfect 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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