If you’re looking for delicious, no-stress meals that won’t blow your vacation budget, you’re in the right place. This collection is packed with easy, comforting dishes perfect for laid-back days and hungry crowds—think creamy ground beef stroganoff, cheesy hamburger soup, spicy taco mac and cheese, and slow cooker favorites like lemon garlic chicken and Cajun chicken with gravy. From hearty casseroles and sandwiches to easy chicken tacos and cozy soups, these meals are made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients and minimal prep. If you want to spend more time relaxing and less time in the kitchen, these recipes are the way to go!

Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

A white oval dish filled with creamy beef stroganoff pasta. The dish contains wide noodles, sliced mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. A striped napkin is partially visible on the side.
Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This beef stroganoff with ground beef is a creamy, budget-friendly comfort meal that comes together in just 35 minutes. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s perfect for feeding a family or serving a crowd without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff

Masters-Style Pimento Cheese Sandwich

masters pimento cheese
Masters-Style Pimento Cheese Sandwich. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This tangy and creamy pimento cheese sandwich brings Southern charm to your table. It’s a nostalgic and affordable lunch or light dinner to enjoy during laid-back vacation days.
Get the Recipe: Masters-Style Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Crockpot Chicken Tocino Made Simple

Sweet and sour chicken with rice and fried egg
Crockpot Chicken Tocino Made Simple. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Sweet, tangy, and effortless, this chicken tocino simmers in the slow cooker with a quick homemade marinade. A tasty, budget-friendly meal idea for easygoing vacation nights.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Tocino Made Simple

The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Crock Pot)

A bowl of creamy white pasta topped with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes. The dish is served on a blue ceramic plate, with a sprig of fresh parsley and a grater with cheese nearby on a checkered cloth.
The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Crock Pot). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Tender chicken in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with herbs makes this dish a flavorful hit. It’s an affordable, no-fuss dinner that’s perfect to whip up on vacation.
Get the Recipe: The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Crock Pot)

Cheesy Hamburger Soup in the Slow Cooker

A round white dish filled with a creamy stew featuring chunks of potatoes, ground meat, carrots, peas, and green beans, topped with herbs. It rests on a red and white striped cloth.
Cheesy Hamburger Soup in the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Packed with hearty ground beef, veggies, and melty cheese, this hamburger soup is comfort in a bowl. A filling and budget-friendly vacation dinner made easy in the crockpot.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hamburger Soup in the Slow Cooker

Creamy Mississippi Chicken (Slow Cooker)

Mississippi chicken
Creamy Mississippi Chicken (Slow Cooker). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Tender chicken, spicy banana peppers, and a rich cream sauce come together in minutes. It’s a flavorful, fuss-free supper idea that’s easy on your wallet and great for vacation meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mississippi Chicken (Slow Cooker)

Cheesy Ground Beef Nacho Casserole

nacho casserole on a plate
Cheesy Ground Beef Nacho Casserole. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Nacho Casserole has layers of classic nacho ingredients layered between tortilla chips or Doritos smothered in a creamy beef and cheese sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Nacho Casserole

Creamy Masters Egg Salad Sandwiches

egg salad masters recipe
Creamy Masters Egg Salad Sandwiches. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

Simple, creamy, and nostalgic, this egg salad is perfect for sandwiches or sliders. It’s an affordable and easy meal to prep during vacation downtime.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Masters Egg Salad Sandwiches

Crockpot Cajun Chicken and Gravy

cajun chicken
Crockpot Cajun Chicken and Gravy). Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This Cajun-style chicken is simmered in a rich gravy and loaded with flavor. It’s a wallet-friendly meal with minimal prep, perfect for unwinding on vacation.
Get The Full Recipe: Crockpot Cajun Chicken and Gravy

Quick Chicken Salad with Mayo

extra creamy chicken salad on rye bread
Quick Chicken Salad with Mayo. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This delicious chicken salad recipe is quick and easy to make, with creamy mayonnaise dressing, crunchy celery, and tender chicken perfectly seasoned for a quick lunch or picnic spread! Ready in 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Quick Chicken Salad with Mayo

Easy Ground Beef Taco Meat

A skillet with cooked ground beef mixed with diced tomatoes, stirred with a wooden spoon. Nearby are bowls of shredded cheese, salsa, and jalapeños on a wooden board. A striped cloth napkin is partially visible.
Easy Ground Beef Taco Meat. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Taco night just got tastier! These Ground Beef Tacos are bold, flavorful, and way better than takeout—thanks to a homemade seasoning blend that leaves the packet behind.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Taco Meat

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing Made Easy

Four ingredient baked chicken with stuffing
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing Made Easy. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This comforting crockpot classic is rich, creamy, and packed with homemade flavor—yet only needs four ingredients. Perfect for busy nights or laid-back weekends.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Dressing Made Easy

Classic Tater Tot Hotdish with Ground Beef

A casserole dish filled with a tater tot hotdish. The top layer consists of crispy, golden tater tots arranged in neat rows, drizzled with ketchup. Some are removed to reveal a filling of mixed vegetables and ground beef. A plaid cloth is nearby.
Classic Tater Tot Hotdish with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This authentic original tater tot hotdish recipe stays true to its Midwestern roots, combining simple, hearty ingredients in a way that has stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tater Tot Hotdish with Ground Beef

Slow Cooker Pollo Verde with Homemade Salsa

chicken verde over rice
Quick & Easy Slow Cooker Pollo Verde Recipe. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

Quick prep Slow Cooker Pollo Verde Recipe spotlights a roasted salsa verde sauce. A step-by-step guide will show you how to make this mouth-watering Pollo Verde dish with a simple and quick tangy salsa verde recipe.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Pollo Verde with Homemade Salsa

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Sauce

A white scalloped plate with creamy pasta topped with a seasoned chicken breast, garnished with lemon slices and parsley. The dish is placed on a light background with a yellow and white checkered cloth beside it.
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Indulge in this Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe smothered in a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Only 15 minutes of prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken in Creamy Sauce

Creamy Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

chicken and soft dumplings with peas and carrots
Creamy Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Old fashioned crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe creates soft chewy dumplings, tender chicken and veggies smothered in a creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Delicious & Spicy Taco Mac And Cheese

A white ceramic dish filled with pasta shells mixed with ground beef and diced tomatoes, all coated in a yellow-orange sauce. The dish is placed on a brown cloth.
Delicious & Spicy Taco Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

It’s taco night meets mac and cheese! This easy one-dish wonder is spicy, cheesy, and topped with fresh taco fixings for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Delicious & Spicy Taco Mac And Cheese

Creamy Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

A plate of creamy chicken alfredo pasta garnished with shredded cheese and green onions. A fork is lifting a portion of the dish. The plate rests on a blue and white striped cloth.
Creamy Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken With Ranch Recipe is a simple to make, yummy recipe that combines cream cheese, zesty ranch seasoning with tender, juicy chicken for a meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This budget-friendly classic features tender ground beef in a tangy sauce—perfect for parties, potlucks, or any busy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Recipe

Tasty Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe

Four triangular slices of wheat bread sandwiches filled with chicken salad, grapes, and green leafy vegetables on a white plate. The plate rests on a yellow and white striped cloth.
Tasty Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality

A light and fruity option perfect on croissants or crackers. This chicken salad with grapes is a perfect blend of sweet and savory! Tender chicken pairs with juicy grapes, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing for a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Chicken Salad With Grapes Recipe

Tender Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker

pulling cooked chicken
Tender Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker. Photo Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This easy Slow Cooker Chicken Shredded Recipe always makes tender and juicy chicken that is easy to shred. It only takes 5 minutes to prep, and then your slow cooker does the rest of the work for you.
Get the Recipe: Tender Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti in the Crock Pot

A bowl of creamy chicken spaghetti with shredded cheddar cheese on top. Spaghetti noodles are mixed with a cheesy sauce and diced tomatoes. A fork is lifting a portion of the dish. A red napkin and small bowls are in the background.
Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti in the Crock Pot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Rotel Chicken Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful comfort food the whole family will love! This easy slow cooker recipe uses tender chicken, Rotel tomatoes, spaghetti noodles, and a creamy sauce made with canned soup and cream cheese. With just 10 minutes of prep, the crockpot does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti in the Crock Pot

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Slow Cooker Version)

Two bowls of creamy chicken gnocchi soup with carrots, celery, spinach, and herbs are placed on a red and beige cloth. One bowl has a spoon. The soup is thick and hearty, showcasing chunks of vegetables and gnocchi.
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Slow Cooker Version). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is easy to make in a crock pot and loaded with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and fluffy gnocchi.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Slow Cooker Version)

Creamy Flavorful Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken

A bowl of rotini pasta with sliced chicken, spinach, tomatoes, creamy sauce, and grated cheese, served on a red plate. A fork holds a piece of chicken above the dish.
Creamy Flavorful Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare with minimal effort. Made with tender chicken, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan, it’s perfect for casual family dinners or hosting guests with ease. Enjoy it over pasta or potatoes for a flavorful, crowd pleasing meal that brings people together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Flavorful Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken

Easy Ham and Cheese Croissants

A plate of golden-brown croissant sandwiches filled with ham and melted cheese. The croissants are sprinkled with poppy seeds. A blue and white striped cloth is partially visible on the side.
Easy Ham and Cheese Croissants. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

This ham and cheese croissants recipe is perfect for a party or big family gathering. Start by whipping up a quick homemade honey mustard in just 2 minutes. Then, assemble the croissants on a large sheet pan, toast them in the oven, and enjoy warm, melty sandwiches topped with a honey-poppy seed glaze.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ham and Cheese Croissants

Crockpot Skyline Chili with Ground Beef

A plate of spaghetti topped with chili, kidney beans, chopped onions, and shredded cheese. A fork is lifting some noodles. In the background, bowls of shredded cheese, chopped onions, and beans are visible.
Crockpot Skyline Chili with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Easy Crockpot Skyline Chili recipe brings authentic flavor with a sweet, savory sauce spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Skyline Chili with Ground Beef

Mexican Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos (5-Minute Prep!)

Crock pot chicken for taco meat
Mexican Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos (5-Minute Prep!). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Spice up your taco dinner with this authentic Mexican crockpot chicken tacos recipe. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these tacos are not only delicious but also easy to prep in under 5 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos (5-Minute Prep!)

No-Bake Shepherd’s Pie in 30 Minutes

single serving shepards pie with mashed potatoes and cheese on top in a small cast iron skillet
No-Bake Shepherd’s Pie in 30 Minutes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This quick, no-bake shepherd’s pie takes just 30 minutes and features budget-friendly ingredients, making it one of those filling ground beef meals everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: No-Bake Shepherd’s Pie in 30 Minutes

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Made Simple

A plate of spaghetti topped with homemade chicken parmesan, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh basil leaves. The dish is served on a red and white plate, with a grater and a striped cloth napkin in the background.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Made Simple. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality

Enjoy this Italian favorite without the fuss or cost—this easy crockpot version is a budget-friendly dinner for your vacation menu.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Made Simple

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Dip

Layered taco dip over nachos
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Dip. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Loaded with seasoned beef and melty cheese, this hot dip is affordable, easy to prep, and perfect for snacking during a budget vacation.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Dip

Chinese Salt & Pepper Wings (Crockpot Style)

chinese wings
ChiChinese Salt & Pepper Wings (Crockpot Style). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These peppery, savory wings come together easily in the slow cooker—perfect for a flavorful, budget-conscious vacation snack or meal.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Salt & Pepper Wings (Crockpot Style)

Slow Cooker Bourbon BBQ Pulled Chicken

A platter of shredded barbecue pork with metal tongs rests beside two fluffy slider buns on a wooden surface.
Slow Cooker Bourbon BBQ Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage

Slow Cooker Bourbon Pulled Chicken isn’t just for Game Night, it’s great for any time you’re feeding a crowd. Bourbon and a molasses barbecue sauce are perfect with chicken. An EASY and healthy dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bourbon BBQ Pulled Chicken

Hamburger Potato Casserole (Without Canned Soup)

A baked casserole with melted cheese, ground meat, and chopped herbs on top, in a white ceramic dish. The dish is placed on a rustic surface with a small leafy plant and a navy cloth in the background.
Hamburger Potato Casserole (Without Canned Soup). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This hamburger potato casserole is a hearty, homemade comfort food made with creamy potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich sour cream and cheese sauce—no canned soup needed! Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy, family-friendly meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Potato Casserole (Without Canned Soup)

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Close-up of a dish featuring shredded chicken topped with vibrant orange chunks of vegetables and red peppers, garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro, set on a bed of quinoa.
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken is an easy and delicious make ahead dinner, perfect for any weeknight. Filled with red onion, peppers, pineapple and chicken, cooked low and slow in teriyaki sauce to perfection. Set it, forget it and enjoy over butter rice or quinoa.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Slow Cooker Lasagna

A close-up of a serving of lasagna on a white plate. The lasagna is layered with pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, and is garnished with fresh chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Lasagna. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest

This Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe features a meaty sauce, three cheeses and lasagna pasta sheets that are cooked low and slow.
Get the Full Recipe: Slow Cooker Lasagna

29 Easy Spring Desserts That Taste Like Pure Joy

A close-up of a cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries and strawberry sauce, with the sauce dripping down the side, displayed on a white cake stand.
29 Easy Spring Desserts That Taste Like Pure Joy. Image credit: Lauren’s Latest

Ready to taste pure joy? These easy spring desserts are bursting with fruity flavor, creamy layers, and no-fuss recipes that’ll make your sweet tooth sing. From nostalgic strawberry shortcake to zesty lemon poke cake and no-bake pies that practically make themselves, every treat is a little bite of happiness. These desserts are perfect for Easter, picnics, or just treating yourself to something light and fun. They’re quick to whip up, big on flavor, and guaranteed to brighten your table—so don’t miss a single crave-worthy recipe! >>Get All The Recipes: 29 Easy Spring Desserts That Taste Like Pure Joy