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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Stress-Free Suppers: 21 Set It and Forget It Recipes for When You're All Worn Out

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 24, 2025, updated June 25, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. These 21 easy recipes are perfect for those nights when you just want to set everything up and let it cook while you relax. From hearty stews to simple casseroles, these meals will keep you satisfied without the stress.

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is an easy way to enjoy a classic Japanese dish without any stress. With just a few ingredients like chicken breasts, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, you can create a tasty dinner. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

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

    This cheesy tater tot casserole combines seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a creamy sauce that everyone enjoys. It's a comforting dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Just throw everything together, and let the oven do the work.

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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.

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    Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Chicken

    Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This dish features tender chicken and fresh broccoli smothered in cheese, all cooked together in the slow cooker. It's a simple and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with rice, making it a great option for busy nights when you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken is a great choice for a weeknight dinner. It features tender chicken and colorful vegetables in a delicious, sticky sauce. This dish is especially good when served over rice, making it a filling and enjoyable 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. 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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    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 and Gravy

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

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a delicious gravy. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, bread, rice, or noodles. This meal is simple to prepare and offers the warmth of a home-cooked dinner with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Dizzy Cook.

    BBQ chicken thighs are super simple to prepare. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker, and you can either serve the chicken thighs whole or shred them for delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches. This is a great option for weeknight dinners when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado features tender beef cooked in a flavorful red chile sauce, paired with warm tortillas for a simple and satisfying meal. It's perfect for those evenings when you just want something delicious without putting in a lot of effort. This dish brings together hearty ingredients that create a comforting dinner with minimal fuss.

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    Crockpot Chuck Roast

    Crockpot Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    A big pot roast with hearty vegetables is always a comforting meal. This recipe features a chuck roast that you can prep in just five minutes. It cooks slowly, resulting in tender meat that falls apart easily, all while needing very little effort on your part.

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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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    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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    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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    Roasted Gnocchi with Veggies

    Roasted gnocchi with veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    If you're a a gnocchi fan, you have to try this recipe! Gnocchi is roasted in the oven after a good toss in olive oil. It gets a bit of a nice crust, but remains tender in the middle.

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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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    Slow Cooker Gumbo

    Slow Cooker Gumbo.
    Photo Credit: The Cagle Diaries.

    Slow Cooker Gumbo is a great choice for a warm and filling meal that brings the taste of New Orleans right to your table. This dish is packed with rich flavors and is easy to prepare, making it ideal for days when you just want something comforting without putting in too much effort. It's a hearty option that everyone will enjoy, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

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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 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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    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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    Lemon Butter Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

    Lemon Butter Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Razzle Dazzle Life.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs simmer in a rich garlic butter sauce, resulting in juicy and tender meat that's full of flavor. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it requires minimal effort and lets the slow cooker do all the work.

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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.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Greek chicken.
      22 Set It and Forget It Chicken Dinners That Will Have Everyone Asking for Seconds
    • Minestrone soup.
      17 Dump-and-Go Vegetable Dishes You Can Prep in Minutes
    • Nacho soup.
      22 Easy Slow Cooker Dinners That Will Save You Time and Stress
    • White chicken chili.
      Make Summer Nights Simple with These 21 Easy Crockpot Dishes

    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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