Best Kitchen Tools and Betty Recipes in 2024

When it comes to the best kitchen tools of the last year, it’s not one size fits all. We think it depends on what kind of Betty you are! Do you love cooking up casseroles for the family, or are crowd-pleasing dessert bars more your thing? When it comes to weeknight dinners, maybe you gravitate toward one-pot meals over sheet pan dinners. Or maybe you love it all—there are so many options! That’s why we’ve reviewed our own website to find the top searched recipes by category in 2024 and suggested the best kitchen tools for each one. See what Betty was cooking up in 2024, save the recipes and stock your kitchen with the year's top tools—all right here!

Best Slow-Cooker Recipes

Whether it's a hearty stroganoff, savory pork tenderloin or comforting lasagna, slow cookers have made creating home-cooked and heart-warming meals a breeze for years, especially during the busiest months and holiday seasons. 2024 was no different! Check out the top four recipes searched by busy Bettys everywhere.

Best Kitchen Tool: When it comes to creating a top-notch slow-cooked recipe, a lot depends on size We suggest looking for one that is 8 quarts or larger to feed about 10 people, Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or for a weekend gathering, it will have all the room you need. A removable lid t is also a must-have for quick cleaning, as is a digital timer to keep your cook time on track.

Best One-Pot Recipes

It’s no wonder that one-pot recipes won the hearts of Bettys in 2024. They are miracle makers for anyone seeking a delicious, no-fuss meal with minimal cleanup. Not only are they simple to make, but they are full of flavor. Plus, they are so versatile—with just one pot you can create so many different meals and spend less time in the kitchen, which gives you more time to enjoy the flavors with your family.

Best Kitchen Tool

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Chef's Oven

Not only is the color of this cast iron Dutch oven swoon-worthy, it’s reliability and functionality is next to none. The cast iron keeps the heat in while the lid is designed to circulate steam and return moisture to your food. This is one of those classic products that will land at the top of “best of” lists for years to come.

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Best Casserole Recipes

Casserole recipes have been a must-have for generations, and for good reason. They are comforting, all-in-one dishes that offer plenty of flavor and texture and tons of room to play with ingredients, plus they make amazing leftovers. All of this made them a go-to choice for family gatherings and busy weeknights in 2024. Here are the top four recipes:

Best Kitchen Tool: Casseroles and ceramic bakeware go hand-in-hand—they’re durable, low maintenance and easy to clean, all key qualities when you’re looking for a low-hassle meal. Look for a set that gives you plenty of size options and is dishwasher, freezer, microwave and oven safe and all your bases are covered!

Best One-Bowl Dessert Recipes

One-bowl dessert recipes were a sweet tooth’s dream come true in 2024. Their simplicity means that any level of cook can whip up a decadent dessert to savor and share. And we all know that less fuss in the kitchen leads to more sweetness on the plate! Here’s what Bettys searched for this year:

Best Kitchen Tool: To make one-bowl dessert recipes a breeze, bakers will always turn to their favorite mixing bowl set. A practical set of plastic, easy-to-clean bowls are always a great choice. We also love having a ceramic fluted cake pan on hand too. Opt for non-stick, heat-tolerant durability for ease of baking and cleaning.

Best Dump Cake Recipes

Dump cake recipes provided the ultimate shortcut to dessert bliss in 2024. You literally “dump” a few key ingredients in a pan and let the magic happen in the oven. The result is a warm, gooey and totally comforting dessert that satisfies cravings like no other. This year’s top four recipes are great for busy days, impromptu gatherings or whenever you just need a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Best Kitchen Tool: A 9x13-inch glass baking dish is the way to go. Ideally, you want it to be deeper than a traditional casserole dish so that you can fit more layers if necessary. Handles and a tight-fitting lid are also excellent features when it comes to taking your cake on the go. The most important thing is that your baking dish is made of high-quality tempered glass so that it’s dishwasher, freezer, microwave and oven safe as well as easy to clean. After all, convenience is the name of the dump cake game!

Best Sheet-Pan Dinner Recipes

Sheet pan dinners were a huge trend in 2024 and Betty was here for it! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these one-pan wonders definitely satisfied our appetites for quick and easy weeknight deliciousness. From nutritious roasted veggies to chicken and beef, these four top-searched recipes go to show that there’s something for everyone.

Best Kitchen Tool: It’s obviously all about the sheet pan! When searching for a new set, look for pure aluminum for quality heat distribution, which will bring the most consistent results. Durability is also a factor—no one likes a rusty pan. If you have three different sizes on hand, you’ll be ready to make a sheet-pan dinner for one or a family-sized meal.

Best Skillet Dinner Recipes

Skillet dinners fit the “quick and delicious” bill with a dash of rustic charm, which made them a go-to in 2024. From taco night recipes to lighter options like French onion soup, the skillet can tackle it all and cater to busy lifestyles. With just one pan, any Betty can create any of these for a top culinary masterpiece with minimal hassle.

Best Kitchen Tool: The skillet’s ability to conduct heat evenly and create a delightful crust make it an essential tool for any home cook. A non-stick aluminum pan is always a great choice because they are built for everyday cooking and easy to care for. Also, look for a tempered glass lid to trap in heat, which helps draw out the flavors of your ingredients and makes you look like a pro!

Best Dessert Bar Recipes

What makes dessert bars so great in 2024? We’d say it's their versatility and shareability. They are easy to make and perfect for occasions from potlucks and picnics to anytime weekday treats. These top four recipes allow for creativity and simplicity, all in one, making it easy to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

Best Kitchen Tool: To help you make the best bars of 2024 with ease, you’ll want a non-porous, fridge, freezer and dishwasher-safe glass baking dish. Not only will it make prep, serving and cleanup a breeze, but it is less likely to absorb odors and show stains.