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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Set It and Forget It: Simple Recipes for Stress-Free Cooking

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 19, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can often feel overwhelming, especially with a busy schedule. With simple recipes that require minimal effort, you can prepare delicious meals without the stress. These easy-to-follow dishes allow you to set everything up and let the cooking happen while you focus on other things.

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. With just a little chopping at the beginning, it’s mostly hands-off. Everything cooks together, blending the flavors of chicken, veggies, and a delicious sauce. It’s a simple way to get a tasty meal on the table without much effort. Enjoy a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.

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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 and quick dinner option that requires very little time and effort. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flavors is sure to please, making it a great choice for any occasion. It's a straightforward way to bring something special to the table.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is incredibly easy to make, using just one dish and no need for any pre-cooking. Simply combine everything, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a warm and comforting meal ready to enjoy. The combination of mozzarella and gorgonzola gives it a rich, cheesy flavor that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This dish is sure to bring a smile to your face and make you appreciate cooking again.

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    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen With Chicken

    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen With Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen with Chicken is a tasty and easy meal that you can make all in one pot. This dish combines creamy coconut milk with flavorful curry spices and tender chicken for a satisfying dinner. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. You'll end up with a warm and delicious bowl of ramen that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    This meal is simple to prepare and cooks on its own. It features tender chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and a mix of Indian spices. The combination creates a dish that’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for various diets. This is a great option for a cozy dinner.

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    Crockpot Steak Bites

    Crockpot Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes.

    Crockpot Steak Bites are a fantastic way to enjoy affordable cuts of beef. Each piece turns out tender and juicy, with a rich, flavorful sauce that's perfect for dipping bread into. This slow cooker meal is simple to prepare, needing just a few minutes of your time. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal effort!

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    Crockpot Potato Soup

    Crockpot Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Crockpot Potato Soup is a warm and filling dish that's simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It includes all the tasty toppings you love on a baked potato, such as bacon, cheese, and green onions. This soup is perfect for chilly days when you want something comforting. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It's a great option for busy nights when you still want a satisfying meal.

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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 for dinner. Plus, you can easily freeze any leftovers for later. With minimal effort, you can have a warm and satisfying meal ready to enjoy. This is a great choice for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is super simple to prepare. In just 10 minutes, you can have everything ready to go into the oven, and then it only takes 45 minutes to bake. This recipe uses just one pan, so there's no need to boil pasta or make a sauce from scratch. With a mix of Cheddar and Gruyere cheese, it’s rich and full of flavor. This is a great dish for a cozy dinner at home.

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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 alongside fresh vegetables, soaking up all the delicious flavors. The result is tender lamb that pairs perfectly with the veggies. It's a straightforward dish that brings everything together in one pan. This is a great option for a satisfying dinner.

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    Vegan "Sausage" Pasta Bake

    Vegan Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Cozy Peach Kitchen.

    This pasta dish is baked right in the oven, making it super easy to prepare. It features a tasty cashew sauce that adds a nice twist to the flavor. With everything cooking together, you don’t have to worry about a lot of steps or mess. It’s a simple meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

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    Crock Pot 15 Bean Soup

    15 Bean Soup Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    A busy day calls for a simple meal, and 15 Bean Soup in a crock pot fits the bill perfectly. This slow cooker ham and bean soup is incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss everything in the pot and let it cook while you go about your day. It’s a comforting dish that warms you up without requiring much effort. Enjoy a hearty bowl of soup with minimal fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup

    Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This hearty soup is sure to please everyone in the family. Packed with pizza flavors and bow-tie pasta, it’s a comforting dish that warms you up. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be stored in the freezer for later. You can enjoy it on a busy night without spending too much time in the kitchen. This is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Korean Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken

    Korean Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    This Korean-inspired slow cooker gochujang chicken is packed with flavor and only requires 10 ingredients. It's perfect for serving over rice, on tostadas, or in tacos. The simplicity of this dish makes it easy to prepare without much effort. You'll appreciate how it fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma as it cooks. Enjoy a satisfying meal that brings a taste of Korea to your table.

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    Papa’s Gone All Day Stew

    Papa’s Gone All Day Stew
    Photo Credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    This stew is a classic comfort food that serves 12, making it ideal for family dinners on Sundays. It's also simple enough to whip up during the week when you need something hearty. With just a few ingredients, you can create a filling meal that everyone will enjoy. The flavors blend together beautifully, providing warmth and satisfaction. It's a great option for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

    Million dollar casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This casserole combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, and cream of chicken soup, all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker layer. It's a simple dish that comes together quickly and is perfect for busy nights. The creamy filling and crunchy topping create a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. This is a good dinner option when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's 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 recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for busy evenings. Enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Veggies.
    Photo Credit The Feathered Nester.

    This dish features tender chicken thighs paired with fresh vegetables, all cooked together on one sheet pan. It's a simple and healthy meal that comes together easily. Perfect for busy weeknights, it saves you time on both cooking and cleanup. You’ll appreciate how straightforward it is to prepare. This is a great option when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Cajun Chicken Alfredo

    Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a delicious dish that combines creamy flavors with a bit of spice. It features smoked sausage and a cheesy sauce that brings everything together nicely. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal effort.

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    No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake

    No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    Make getting dinner on the table super easy with this no boil chicken pasta bake. It takes almost no prep work and results in a tasty and filling meal.

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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. The outside has a flavorful herby crust, while the inside remains juicy and tender. With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal. It's perfect for family dinners when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dish that everyone will appreciate.

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    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

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

    This recipe brings the delicious tastes of Tuscany right to your home with minimal effort. It's perfect for anyone who wants a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Enjoy the rich flavors and aromas that fill your space as it cooks. This is a great option for busy nights when you still want something hearty and satisfying.

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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. You only need four basic ingredients and some ready-made items to help you out. In just five minutes, you can have everything ready to go. You’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in less than 40 minutes. It's perfect for those busy days when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew is super simple to prepare. You can have it ready in just 10 minutes, and then let the pot do all the work for you. In less than 45 minutes, you'll have a hearty meal filled with vegetables and great flavors. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting stew with minimal effort.

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      23 Easy Crockpot Dinners for Busy Weeknights
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      27 Best Easy Dinners to Make With Ground Beef

    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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