19 effortless recipes that’ll have your family begging for more

Photo of author

| Published:

We’ve rounded up 19 effortless recipes that are sure to become household favorites. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken is a comforting dish that’s easy to put together, making it perfect any night of the week. Come home to a rich and flavorful meal that’s ready to serve, easily pleasing the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Air Fryer Italian Sausages

Sausage with peppers and onions in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Italian Sausages. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These air fryer Italian sausages with vegetables are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Simply toss everything into the air fryer for a family dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Italian Sausages

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Taco Rice Skillet is a one-pan meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Combining all the classic taco flavors in a quick and convenient dinner solution, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These slow cooker chicken thighs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a great choice for busy weeknights. Simply combine simple ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies

Air fryer frozen chicken pot pie.
Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Discover how to cook frozen pot pies in the air fryer for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a perfectly crispy crust and a creamy, hot filling, this classic comfort food is ready in a fraction of the usual time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Pot Pies

Chicken Tamale Pie

A plate of chicken tamale pie casserole topped with a dollop of sour cream, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Chicken Tamale Pie. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Chicken Tamale Pie is a weeknight hero, perfect for busy evenings. It combines a fluffy cornbread crust with leftover chicken, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese for a satisfying and easy dinner that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamale Pie

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Crock Pot Ramen is a one-pot wonder that brings convenience to a whole new level, perfect for busy weeknights. Simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Chicken salad sandwich on a white plate.
Rotisserie Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This rotisserie chicken salad is a fuss-free way to enjoy a wholesome meal on busy weeknights. Packed with crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a tangy dressing, it’s a nutritious option that comes together quickly and easily.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Three bacon wrapped hot dogs in buns topped with cheese and onions.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Wrapping hot dogs in bacon is a straightforward meal that promises a twist on the classic. It’s a simple pleasure that’s easy to prepare and sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These country-style ribs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Simply set them in the slow cooker and let them cook to tender perfection, creating a delicious family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Air Fryer Brats

Two brats on a plate in buns topped with sauerkraut.
Air Fryer Brats. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These air fryer brats deliver the taste of grilled sausages with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy weeknights. With a quick 15-minute cook time, you can easily achieve a crispy and flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brats

Sheet Pan Caribbean Fish

Sheet pan fish cooked with corn and veggies and topped with green onions.
Sheet Pan Caribbean Fish. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Caribbean fish recipe is a hassle-free sheet pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With fish and veggies baking together, it’s a quick and easy all-in-one meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Caribbean Fish

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow cooker Italian beef on a crusty roll with provolone cheese and peppers.
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are perfect for busy weeknights, featuring rich, savory seasonings and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Topped with gooey melted provolone, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Chicken drumsticks and thighs coated with BBQ sauce on a wooden cutting board with herbs.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This air fryer BBQ chicken is a simple way to enjoy a summer favorite any time of year, even on busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can have a meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are a weeknight dinner winner, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The chicken drumsticks cook low and slow in the crockpot, becoming tender and juicy while coated in a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This chicken and waffle casserole is simple to assemble, using just 5 ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy the comforting combination of sweet and savory flavors in this easy-to-make meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Air Fryer Cod

Air fryer cod fillets without breading topped with lemon and herbs.
Air Fryer Cod. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This air fryer cod recipe is a simple and quick way to cook flaky and tender fish, making it ideal for busy weeknights. In just 15 minutes, you can have a healthy and easy meal ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cod

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These slow cooker pork chops are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Simply set your slow cooker in the morning and come home to tender pork chops smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. .
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This air fryer pork tenderloin is a quick and easy dinner solution for hectic weeknights. With minimal effort, you can achieve an impressive meal that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Leave a Comment

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