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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    Grandma's Best Kept Secrets: 21 Simple Recipes for Busy Nights

    Published: Aug 14, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    When life gets busy, it can be tough to put a good meal on the table. Luckily, Grandma's best kept secrets offer simple recipes that are perfect for those hectic nights. These dishes are not only easy to prepare but also bring a sense of comfort and warmth to any dinner.

    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 in a rich, velvety broth. A touch of spice adds just the right amount of warmth, making it perfect for chilly evenings. It's a comforting meal that comes together easily, ideal for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Whole Chicken

    Crockpot Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This chicken turns out super tender and flavorful, just like what you'd get from a rotisserie. It's incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can get everything ready ahead of time, so dinner is a breeze.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches bring together the classic flavors of a Caesar salad in a fun, easy-to-eat slider form. You'll enjoy tender, juicy chicken topped with fresh lettuce, parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing, all served on soft brioche buns. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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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    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder

    Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Corn Chowder brings the flavors of summer right to your table, whether you choose fresh or frozen corn. This creamy soup is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal. Adding bacon, green onions, and cheddar cheese on top gives it an extra touch that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

    BBQ Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker.
    Photo Credit: Savory with Soul.

    BBQ pulled pork in the slow cooker results in tender, flavorful meat that falls apart easily. It's perfect for making sandwiches or serving on a plate with your favorite sides. This dish is simple to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it ideal 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 offers a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking it. The lamb chops roast in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that is full of flavor. It's a great option for busy nights when you want a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

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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 and full of flavor, requiring only 5 minutes of prep 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.

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    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken

    Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish combines Italian dressing, brown sugar, and chicken breasts in the crockpot for a simple dinner that everyone will love. It's an easy way to prepare a meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a complete and flavorful dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

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

    Slow cooker pineapple chicken combines tender chicken with bell peppers, onion, and garlic in a delicious pineapple sauce. This dish brings a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a great choice for a tropical-inspired meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and satisfying.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, making it a hearty meal that will fill you up. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken cacciatore is simple to prepare with a slow cooker. The rich sauce combines diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bell peppers, onions, and Italian spices. This dish is perfect for summer days when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work for you. Enjoy a comforting dinner that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table.

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    Sheet Pan Roast Chicken with Potatoes

    Sheet Pan Roast Chicken with Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Sheet Pan Roast Chicken with Potatoes is full of fresh flavors that everyone will love. You can prepare it a day or two ahead of time, making it easy to just pop it in the oven when it's time to eat. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    The Best Vegetarian Chili

    Vegetarian chili and a wooden spoon.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This vegetarian chili is packed with flavor and is super easy to make. You can whip it up in a Crock Pot or on the stovetop, depending on what you prefer. Even without meat, it's hearty and satisfying, making it a great option for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chuck Roast

    Crockpot Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    A big pot roast with hearty vegetables is a classic comfort food. This simple Crockpot Chuck Roast recipe only takes about 5 minutes to prepare. Once it's slow-cooked, the meat becomes so tender that it practically falls apart and is incredibly satisfying.

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    Southwest Chicken Casserole

    .Chicken Casserole
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Southwest Chicken Casserole is a hearty meal that brings together tender chicken, flavorful spices, and melted cheese in a single dish. With simple preparation and a tasty mix of salsa Verde, black beans, and southwest seasoning, this is a solid choice for busy weeknights that the whole family will love.

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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 need something simple and delicious. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let everything cook together in one pan. It features chicken, fresh veggies, and a flavorful sauce that brings it all together.

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    Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Fantabulosity.

    This chicken and rice dish is a beloved family classic that's easy to make in the oven. It features juicy chicken thighs paired with canned soups, creating a warm and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew is super simple to prepare. Just spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready, then let the pot do the work while you relax. In under 45 minutes, you'll have a hearty meal filled with veggies and great flavors.

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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 just a few simple ingredients from your pantry. Perfect for busy nights, this dish lets you enjoy a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With only four basic ingredients and some convenient store-bought items, you can have it ready in just five minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for those busy nights when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

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    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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