Heading out on vacation means embracing a more relaxed pace, and that extends to your meals! Forget the stress of complicated cooking or hunting for specialty ingredients.
This collection is all about simple, delicious dishes that minimize kitchen time and maximize your enjoyment, whether you're on a road trip, camping, or just seeking easier meals at home.
We've rounded up some fuss-free favorites that are big on flavor and low on effort, perfect for those times when you'd rather be exploring than slaving away..
Table of Contents
Crock Pot Spaghetti
Whip up a comforting batch of spaghetti with minimal effort thanks to your slow cooker.
This recipe simmers a rich meat sauce all day, leaving you with a hearty and flavorful base to toss with perfectly cooked pasta.
It's the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days, delivering classic Italian taste with almost no hands-on time..
Pro Tip: You can easily turn this into a freezer meal by prepping the sauce ahead and freezing it. Then, just thaw and cook the pasta when you're ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spaghetti
Chicken Taco Pizza
Can't decide between tacos and pizza? Have both with this fantastic chicken taco pizza! It's a delightful fusion that tops a crispy pizza crust with seasoned chicken, refried beans, and your favorite taco fixings.
This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering all the vibrant flavors of tacos in an easy-to-eat pizza format..
Pro Tip: Make a flavor-packed topping by mixing leftover shredded chicken with taco seasoning and taco sauce before adding it to your pizza.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Taco Pizza
Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
Elevate the humble hot dog into a craveable meal with these baked chili cheese dogs.
Nestled in soft buns, topped with savory chili and melted cheese, and then baked to perfection, they offer a warm, comforting bite.
This is a fantastic option for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss, letting everyone customize their own with a fun topping bar..
Pro Tip: To keep the buns from getting soggy, spoon the chili directly onto the hot dog itself, trying to avoid too much contact with the bun.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
Ultimate Baked Potato Bar
Transform dinner into an interactive experience with a fully loaded baked potato bar.
Start with perfectly baked potatoes, then let guests load them up with a generous array of delicious toppings from classic cheese and sour cream to savory chili and crispy bacon.
It's a fun, customizable, and incredibly satisfying meal that caters to everyone's taste..
Pro Tip: Keep your baked potatoes warm for a party by storing them in a slow cooker on the 'keep warm' setting.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Baked Potato Bar
Eggs Benedict Casserole
Enjoy all the luxurious flavors of Eggs Benedict without the fuss of individual poaching! This casserole version layers tender Canadian bacon, perfectly cooked eggs, and rich hollandaise sauce over English muffins for a dreamy brunch or breakfast bake.
Best of all, it can be prepared the night before, making mornings wonderfully stress-free..
Pro Tip: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Eggs Benedict Casserole
Mediterranean Beef Kebabs
These vibrant beef kebabs are bursting with the fresh, aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean.
Tender cubes of marinated beef are threaded onto skewers with colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions, then grilled to juicy perfection.
They're a fantastic option for a quick, flavorful meal that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to prepare..
Pro Tip: Soaking bamboo skewers in water for at least an hour before threading prevents them from burning on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Beef Kebabs
Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Get ready for incredibly tender and flavorful pulled pork made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
The magic happens as the pork shoulder cooks low and slow in Dr.
Pepper, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat that's perfect for piling onto buns, topping baked potatoes, or serving in tacos.
It's a simple recipe that yields sensational results for any meal..
Pro Tip: For a crowd, keep the cooked pulled pork warm in the slow cooker on the 'low' setting until serving time.
Get the Recipe: Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Easy Pepperoni Rolls
These delightful pepperoni rolls are like pizza in a convenient, handheld package.
Crafted from simple pizza dough, they're filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni, then brushed with a garlic-herb butter before baking to golden perfection.
They're a fun, tasty snack or appetizer that kids and adults alike will adore..
Pro Tip: For the best melty texture, shred your mozzarella cheese yourself from a block rather than using pre-shredded options.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pepperoni Rolls
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this 'million dollar' spaghetti casserole.
Layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich meat sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta and cream cheese create a decadent pasta bake.
Topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks..
Pro Tip: This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare it completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
Satisfy your pizza cravings with this incredibly easy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole.
It uses simple refrigerated biscuit dough that bakes up into fluffy, pizza-filled pockets, all swimming in marinara sauce and cheese with plenty of pepperoni.
This is a weeknight win that's cheesy, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family..
Pro Tip: To ensure the best melt, shred your mozzarella cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
Get the Recipe: Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells
Bring the fun flavors of tacos to your pasta with these delightful stuffed shells.
Large pasta shells are filled with a savory taco-seasoned meat mixture and baked in a zesty sauce until tender and cheesy.
It’s a creative and satisfying way to enjoy taco night with a comforting pasta twist..
Pro Tip: You can prep these shells ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking if cooking from frozen.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells
Host a Pasta Bar
Make entertaining a breeze with a customizable pasta bar! Offer a variety of pasta shapes, delicious sauces, and a medley of toppings, allowing guests to build their perfect plate.
It's a low-stress, high-impact way to serve a crowd, ensuring everyone finds a combination they'll love..
Pro Tip: To keep cooked pasta from sticking together before serving, toss it with a tablespoon or two of olive oil.
Get the Recipe: Host a Pasta Bar
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These buffalo chicken sliders are a flavor-packed punch in a bite-sized package! Tender chicken drenched in tangy buffalo sauce, combined with melty mozzarella and a hint of blue cheese, all tucked into soft Hawaiian rolls.
They're incredibly easy to assemble and bake, making them ideal for parties, game days, or a quick weeknight meal..
Pro Tip: Serve these sliders with crunchy celery and carrot sticks to balance the rich, spicy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Enjoy all the classic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole.
This dish features seasoned ground beef, tender onions and peppers, all topped with a fluffy biscuit layer and melted provolone cheese.
It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that brings a beloved sandwich to the dinner table with minimal fuss..
Pro Tip: Add some sliced mushrooms to the beef and veggie mixture for an extra layer of earthy flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Shrimp Fajitas
Whip up a zesty and satisfying meal in minutes with these quick shrimp fajitas.
Juicy shrimp and colorful bell peppers and onions are seasoned perfectly and then sizzled together for a vibrant dish.
Serve them up in warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings for a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly fast weeknight dinner..
Pro Tip: For a low-carb option, serve the delicious shrimp and veggie mixture over cauliflower rice instead of in tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fajitas
Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Whip up this fantastic sheet pan quesadilla for a crowd-pleasing meal that's baked to golden perfection right in your oven.
Packed with classic quesadilla flavors but made incredibly easy on a single pan, it's a weeknight dinner hero that minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste.
It’s perfect for busy families seeking a flavorful and convenient option..
Pro Tip: Set out a variety of toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole so everyone can customize their own quesadilla.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Get ready for a hug in a dish with this Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole! It brilliantly combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the crispy delight of tater tots, all baked into one hearty, family-friendly casserole.
It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any night of the week..
Pro Tip: To keep the tater tots crispy when reheating, use a toaster oven or conventional oven instead of the microwave.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Viral Grinder Sandwich
Dive into the popular TikTok trend with this amazing Grinder Sandwich! It's a flavor-packed creation featuring crusty bread loaded with a generous mix of deli meats, melty cheese, and a vibrant grinder salad.
This sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of Italian-inspired flavors that are perfect for a quick and impressive lunch or dinner..
Pro Tip: To make a healthier version, opt for whole grain bread and lean deli meats, and go easy on the mayonnaise.
Get the Recipe: Viral Grinder Sandwich
Sheet Pan Nachos
Load up a single sheet pan for an explosion of flavor with these Sheet Pan Nachos! This recipe layers crispy tortilla chips with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese, then gets piled high with all your favorite nacho fixings.
It’s the ultimate party appetizer or easy weeknight dinner that’s guaranteed to impress, all while keeping cleanup delightfully minimal..
Pro Tip: Store any leftover toppings like sour cream and guacamole separately and add them after reheating the nachos to maintain their freshness and texture.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Nachos
Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant Chicken Souvlaki recipe.
Marinated chicken pieces grilled to smoky perfection offer a burst of bright, fresh flavors that are incredibly satisfying.
This versatile dish is perfect served in a warm pita, atop a crisp Greek salad, or as part of a delicious rice bowl, making it an easy yet exotic meal option..
Pro Tip: Serve this chicken souvlaki skewers with a side of tzatziki sauce and a fresh Greek salad for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Rediscover a childhood favorite with this fuss-free Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe.
The rich, tangy, and sweet meat filling simmers to perfection in your slow cooker, creating an incredibly flavorful and hearty sandwich base.
It’s the ideal set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for a casual family dinner or a potluck..
Pro Tip: To enhance the flavor, toast your sandwich buns before adding the sloppy joe filling.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Cheeseburger Sliders
Get ready for mini burger perfection with these delightful Cheeseburger Sliders! Featuring caramelized onions and gooey, melted cheese nestled inside soft, toasted buns, these sliders are the ultimate savory bite.
They're incredibly easy to assemble and perfect for game days, parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner that will satisfy everyone..
Pro Tip: You can make these sliders ahead of time by preparing them up to the final bake, then refrigerating. Allow them to sit at room temperature for a bit before baking as directed.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders
Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna
Say hello to 'lazy lasagna' with this incredibly easy Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna! It captures all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna but uses ravioli for a simplified, hands-off approach.
This comforting, cheesy, and saucy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or taking to a potluck, delivering pure comfort food with minimal effort..
Pro Tip: To ensure the best texture, avoid overcooking the ravioli; check for tenderness around the 1.5-hour mark when cooking on high.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Experience the ultimate creamy comfort with this Crockpot Mac and Cheese! Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, resulting in perfectly tender pasta enveloped in a luxuriously cheesy sauce.
It’s the easiest way to achieve rich, satisfying mac and cheese without the fuss, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in..
Pro Tip: For the creamiest results, always shred your cheese from blocks rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Best Chicken Enchiladas
Indulge in these absolutely delicious Chicken Enchiladas, a family favorite that’s wonderfully easy to make! Tender shredded chicken, beans, corn, and a hint of spice are rolled into soft tortillas, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with melty cheese.
They’re perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that fills your home with incredible aromas..
Pro Tip: To keep your enchiladas from getting soggy, briefly dip tortillas in sauce and let excess drip off, and consider leaving the edges exposed to the heat during baking.
Get the Recipe: Best Chicken Enchiladas
Easy Stovetop Chili
Warm up with this hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy Stovetop Chili! Packed with tender ground beef, robust spices, and satisfying beans, this one-pot wonder cooks up quickly on the stove.
It’s the perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening or a casual get-together, easily customized with your favorite toppings..
Pro Tip: Premix your spices or chop your vegetables ahead of time to make the cooking process even faster on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Stovetop Chili
Classic Meatball Subs
Savor the ultimate comfort food with these classic Meatball Subs! Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce are nestled into toasted garlic buns and topped with a generous layer of bubbly, melted cheese.
They’re perfect for a hearty lunch, satisfying dinner, or an easy crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion..
Pro Tip: For ultimate convenience, make a batch of meatballs ahead of time and freeze them, ready to be cooked and added to subs whenever a craving strikes.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatball Subs
Mini Meatloaves
Give the classic meatloaf a charming makeover with these adorable Mini Meatloaves! Each portion is perfectly sized and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze, making them as delightful to look at as they are delicious to eat.
This recipe is a fantastic way to serve a familiar favorite in a convenient and appealing way, perfect for busy weeknights..
Pro Tip: Using a slightly leaner ground beef will help prevent excess grease and ensure a tender, flavorful meatloaf.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaves
Taco Pasta Salad
Enjoy all the vibrant flavors of tacos in a cool, refreshing pasta salad with this Easy Taco Pasta Salad recipe.
It's loaded with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and fresh veggies all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.
This versatile dish is fantastic for potlucks, BBQs, or as a satisfying main course or side dish that’s even better the next day..
Pro Tip: Rinse the cooked pasta thoroughly with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent the salad from becoming mushy, which also helps ingredients adhere better.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad
Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Kebabs
These Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Kebabs are a vibrant explosion of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring tender chicken marinated in a classic huli huli sauce with colorful peppers, onions, and juicy pineapple.
Grilled to perfection, they're an effortless and delicious way to bring a taste of the tropics to your meal.
They’re ideal for a quick dinner or a flavorful addition to any gathering..
Pro Tip: You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 24 hours before cooking; just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Kebabs
Creamy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Whip up an incredibly delicious and comforting meal with this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken.
It’s a delightful blend of shredded chicken infused with the creamy richness of cream cheese, savory Ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon.
This versatile dish is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over rice, making it a foolproof favorite for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers..
Pro Tip: For an extra flavor kick, try using jalapeño bacon, or double the recipe for easy meal prep and freezing.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Easy Fiestada Pizza
Bring a fun, Mexican twist to pizza night with this easy Fiestada Pizza.
Imagine a crispy crust topped with a zesty, taco-seasoned sauce, savory ground beef, and a generous layer of melty cheese.
It’s a customizable crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a playful meal, especially when you let everyone add their favorite taco toppings..
Pro Tip: You can make mini pizzas by dividing the dough into quarters, or freeze individual pizzas for a super quick future meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Fiestada Pizza
Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Get ready for a flavor-packed mashup that combines two comfort food titans: tacos and grilled cheese! This sandwich is loaded with seasoned taco meat, gooey cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomato, all grilled between buttered bread until golden and delicious.
It's a satisfying and simple meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner..
Pro Tip: For the best melty cheese, always shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
Get the Recipe: Taco Grilled Cheese Sandwich