19 Set-It-and-Forget-It Meals for Busy Weeknights

When life gets hectic, a slow cooker or Instant Pot can save the day. These easy meals simmer away while you work, so dinner is ready right when you walk in the door — warm, flavorful, and completely stress-free.

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This velvety tomato soup combines cheese-filled tortellini with a luscious cream base, all prepared in minutes using your Instant Pot. Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish to this quick weeknight comfort meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Sticky-Tender Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Sticky-Tender Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Sticky-Tender Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These fall-off-the-bone slow cooker ribs transform any weeknight into something special. They’re incredibly tender and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, yet require minimal effort. Set it, forget it, and prepare for a comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours at the grill.
Get the Recipe: Sticky-Tender Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili

Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili
Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Savor the iconic flavors of Wendy’s chili at home with this quick Instant Pot recipe. The rich tomato base perfectly complements tender ground beef and hearty beans, while the signature spice blend delivers that familiar warmth you crave—all ready in just 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Creamy, Cozy and Crowd-Pleasing

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Creamy, Cozy and Crowd-Pleasing
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Creamy, Cozy and Crowd-Pleasing. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This soul-warming slow cooker chicken pot pie soup brings all the comfort of the classic dish in spoonable form. It practically cooks itself while you’re away, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. Creamy, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Creamy, Cozy and Crowd-Pleasing

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans
Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Experience the magic of tender white beans bathed in rich tomato sauce, ready in minutes thanks to your Instant Pot. This hearty, rustic dish shines when spooned over crispy sourdough, creating the perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Creamy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Stuffing

Creamy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Stuffing
Creamy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Stuffing. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Tender pork chops nestled in creamy sauce and hearty stuffing create the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. This slow cooker wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor while you go about your day. The perfect solution for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Stuffing

Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot Bolognese
Instant Pot Bolognese. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Discover how your pressure cooker creates rich, authentic Bolognese in a fraction of the time. This hearty Italian meat sauce develops deep flavors quickly and pairs perfectly with pasta and plenty of Parmesan. A weeknight-friendly version of the beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

Carolina Southern Pulled Pork Loin In A Slow Cooker

Carolina Southern Pulled Pork Loin In A Slow Cooker
Carolina Southern Pulled Pork Loin In A Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Experience melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork loin with Carolina-style flair. This slow cooker recipe combines lean pork with a tangy mustard-honey BBQ sauce for a Southern crowd-pleaser perfect for easy dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Carolina Southern Pulled Pork Loin In A Slow Cooker

Instant Pot Picadillo

Instant Pot Picadillo
Instant Pot Picadillo. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Discover our plant-based spin on the Cuban classic! Tempeh, lentils and potatoes form the hearty base, while Spanish olives, capers, and raisins add bursts of flavor. Aromatic spices simmer in a rich tomato sauce, creating a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and completely meatless.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Discover a comforting cabbage soup that comes together in minutes using your Instant Pot. This nutritious one-pot wonder combines tender cabbage with flavorful vegetables for a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and hearty—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Slow Cooker Beef Shanks
Slow Cooker Beef Shanks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Transform humble beef shank into a luxurious, tender delicacy with this overnight recipe. While you sleep, this affordable cut slowly develops deep, rich flavors that rival high-end restaurant dishes. Top chefs have kept this secret—now it’s your turn to master this melt-in-your-mouth meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Shanks

Thick and Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe (Slow Cooker)

Thick and Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe (Slow Cooker)
Thick and Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe (Slow Cooker). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Savor the rich flavors of this hearty no-bean chili, where tender meat meets aromatic garlic, onions, and a perfect blend of spices. It’s all effortlessly slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot for a comforting meal that satisfies without the beans.
Get the Recipe: Thick and Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe (Slow Cooker)

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
Instant Pot Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Stetted.

This hearty Instant Pot vegetable soup combines tender, flavorful veggies in a savory broth for a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal. Perfect for cozy evenings when you need wholesome comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Homemade Mushroom Gravy

Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Homemade Mushroom Gravy
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Homemade Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This slow-simmered pot roast transforms into fork-tender perfection as it cooks with earthy mushrooms and aromatic seasonings. The resulting rich gravy will have everyone asking for seconds. Minimal effort for maximum flavor – comfort food at its finest!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Homemade Mushroom Gravy

Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup
Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This hearty lentil soup bursts with fresh mushrooms, tender green beans and nutrient-rich spinach. Effortlessly prepared in your Instant Pot, it delivers deep, satisfying flavor in minutes. A perfect vegetarian comfort meal for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

How To Cook Navy Beans: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

How To Cook Navy Beans: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
How To Cook Navy Beans: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This hearty soup combines tender navy beans with savory ham, slowly simmered to perfection. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, comforting meal that’s both budget-friendly and absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: How To Cook Navy Beans: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This quick Instant Pot Salsa Chicken transforms minimal effort into maximum flavor. Juicy and tender chicken infused with zesty salsa makes weeknight meals effortless. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s your versatile solution for tacos, burrito bowls, and meal prep magic.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Mexican Pork Carnitas for the Slow Cooker

Mexican Pork Carnitas for the Slow Cooker
Mexican Pork Carnitas for the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Food Fun and Faraway Places.

Succulent pork slow-cooked to perfection, wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh garnishes. These authentic carnitas street tacos bring restaurant-quality Mexican flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Pork Carnitas for the Slow Cooker

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Sausage

Instant Pot Spaghetti and Sausage
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Sausage. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This savory one-pot spaghetti combines rich Italian sausage with pasta in a flavorful sauce, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen or facing a sink full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Sausage

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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