1. Pot Roast

Truly one of the cornerstones of the working man's diet, the humble pot roast is a meal that's easy to prepare and is cooked throughout the day in a crock-pot or other slow cooker. This method frees up your day to make room for other obligations and results in a hot meal waiting when you return.

Step 1: Generously season your roast (preferably chuck) with salt and pepper before transferring to a hot skillet for searing.

Step 2: Sear the roast evenly and on all sides for about 4 minutes, or until browned.

Step 3: Prepare your vegetables by chopping whole carrots, onion, and celery. Peel and cube one whole potato for the roast.

Step 4: Transfer the roast to your slow cooker before adding about 1 cup of water (chicken stock works great too!) along with chopped carrots, onion, celery, and potato.

For more step-by-step instructions, visit: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pot_roast/

2. Spaghetti Bolognese

The most iconic dish in Italian cuisine, this spaghetti is quick to prepare and even easier to assemble.

Step 1: Cook approximately 1 pound of fresh-ground beef in a skillet, occasionally chopping and stirring to cook evenly.

Step 2: Drain the beef on a paper towel while preparing your noodles of choice.

Step 3: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil before cooking your pasta for around 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Microwave about a half-cup of preferred pasta sauce, before adding it to your beef. Stir well for an even coating.

For more step-by-step instructions, visit: https://www.recipetineats.com/spaghetti-bolognese/

3. Hot Dogs

A classic all-American food. These dogs are super simple to cook, and impossible to mess up

Step 1: Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a rolling boil over the stove.

Step 2: Add your sausages, taking care to only add a few at a time, preferably 3-5.

Step 3: Cook for about 5 minutes before transferring the sausages to a skillet for searing.

For more step-by-step instructions, visit: https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/chicago-style-hot-dogs-25972

4. Tacos

These tacos are super versatile and take only a few minutes to prepare.

Step 1: Cook approximately 1 pound of fresh-ground beef in a skillet, occasionally chopping and stirring to cook evenly.

Step 2: Add 1 packet of taco seasoning, mixing to evenly distribute.

Step 3: Drain on a paper towel while preparing tortillas.

For more step-by-step instructions, visit: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-watermelon-tacos-3364575

5. Slow Cooked Meatballs

These have quickly become a favorite slow cooker recipe of mine, and for good reason. Extremely simple to prepare and delicious!

Step 1: Create your meatballs, or purchase pre-formed ones at the store. For homemade meatballs, combine equal parts raw ground beef and pork with basil, onion, and seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the meatballs in a skillet, turning evenly until browned.

Step 3: Transfer the meatballs to your slow cooker and add a few crushed tomatoes. Simmer on low for several hours.

For more step-by-step instructions, visit: https://chefsavvy.com/slow-cooker-italian-meatballs/

 6. Grilled Cheese With Ham and Apples

This is a tasty twist on the classic grilled cheese, with only a few extra steps.

Step 1: Butter one side of 2 bread slices

Step 2: Place one slice butter-side down in a pan, topping with cheese, ham, and sliced apple.

Step 3: Place remaining slice on top, butter-side up, then flip and grill before serving.

For more step-by-step instructions, visit: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/grilled-cheese-ham-apples-210132.aspx

 7. Simple Caesar Chicken Salad

A lighter option for the healthy diet, this chicken caesar salad is fresh and quick to prepare.

Step 1: Prepare your base by tearing roughly 6 cups of romaine lettuce.

Step 2: Add 1 pound cooked boneless skinless chicken breast. This can be bought pre-cooked from the store ahead of time.

Step 3: Add 2 cups seasoned salad croutons.

Step 4: Add 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Add preferred amount of caesar dressing before tossing and serving.

For more step-by-step instructions, visit: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/quick-chicken-caesar-salad/

8. Quick N' Easy Fried Chicken

This easy fried chicken is the perfect dish for when you're feeling a bit more adventurous with your cooking, but don't want to go too crazy.

Step 1: Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 2 eggs and set aside. In another large bowl, add 1 cup of flour.

Step 3: Coat the chicken in egg and dredge in flour, shaking off any excess. Set coated pieces aside and repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 4: Heat 1 inch of oil to 375° in a large frying pan or Dutch oven.

Step 5: Working in small batches, gently place the chicken in the hot oil and fry on both sides until crispy and cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes on each side.

For more step-by-step instructions, visit: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/easy-fried-chicken

9. Twice-Baked Potatoes

We all love a good mashed potato, don't we? These twice-baked potatoes put a twist on the concept by including that irresistible potato shell, and make a perfect addition to any main course.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Farenheit.

Step 2: Bake potatoes for 1 hour after rubbing with a bit of canola oil.

Step 3: Slice butter into pats and combine with bacon bits and sour cream.

Step 4: Cut potatoes in half lengthwise, scooping out the inside but leaving the shell for support.

Step 5: Mash potato into butter mixture, add cheese, milk, seasoned salt, green onions and black pepper to taste and mix together well.

Step 6: Fill potato shell with filling and bake for 15-20 minutes.

For more step-by-step instructions, visit: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/twice-baked-potatoes-recipe-1925596

10. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

These bars make a perfect dessert for any occasion. The advantage of refrigeration over baking is that these bars can be prepared in about 10 minutes and be ready within the evening.

Step 1: Line a 8x8 or 9x9 square baking pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, and 1 cup powdered sugar together until combined. Stir in 3/4 cup of peanut butter. Spread into prepared baking pan.

Step 3: In a small bowl, microwave 2 Tablespoons of peanut butter with the chocolate chips until melted. Stir until smooth. Spread over peanut butter layer.

Step 4: Chill until completely firm, at least 3 hours. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting.

Step 5: Bars stay fresh for 5-7 days stored in the refrigerator. Serve chilled. (Setting them out for a few hours at room temperature for serving is OK.) Bars can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

For more step-by-step instructions, visit: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/07/02/no-bake-reeses-peanut-butter-bars/#jumptorecipe