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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    23 Delicious Dinners That Require Zero Attention

    Published: Sep 12, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. These 23 easy dinner ideas are perfect for those nights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. Just set them up and let them cook while you relax or take care of other things.

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

    Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Busy Day Dinners.

    This dish combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a satisfying dinner. It's easy to put together and full of flavor, making it perfect for any night of the week. You can enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Busy Family Recipes.

    This is a simple and delicious crockpot meal that works great for a busy weeknight dinner. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and let the crockpot do the rest. It's a nice mix of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Dizzy Cook.

    BBQ chicken thighs are simple to prepare. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker, and you'll have tender chicken ready to enjoy. You can serve them as whole pieces or shred them for delicious BBQ chicken sandwiches. This is a great option for weeknight dinners when you're short on time.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

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

    Get the recipe

    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are simple to prepare and only take about 5 minutes to get ready. 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, making this a great option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. It combines two delicious cheeses, including a zesty Gorgonzola, and adds a nice crunch with walnuts. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's a simple and satisfying meal for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Pulled Pork Burgers

    Pulled Pork Burgers.
    Photo Credit: In the Kitch.

    Pulled pork burgers topped with a special sauce add a Southern BBQ twist to your dinner. They have a unique flavor that stands out from regular burgers. With minimal prep time, the slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a tasty meal without much effort.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Mayo

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Mayo.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker mayo chicken is packed with flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table, including the kids. With just a handful of ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker, you can have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, perfect for a tasty dinner any night. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a great mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Ohio Chicken Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Ohio Chicken Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Ohio chicken sandwiches feature shredded chicken breasts mixed with cream of chicken, seasonings, and stuffing. This combination creates a comforting meal that brings the flavors of Thanksgiving right to your plate. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi

    Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi.
    Photo Credit: Delightful Plate.

    Pulled pork banh mi is a delicious sandwich that combines a Vietnamese baguette with tender pulled pork, crunchy pickled veggies, and a zesty sriracha mayo. Using a slow cooker to prepare the pulled pork makes this meal simple and convenient. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: FoodnService.

    This pasta dish is simple and comforting, needing just 10 minutes of prep time while the slow cooker handles everything else. With its bold Cajun flavors and tender penne pasta, it's a satisfying meal that's great for busy weeknights. It's a hearty option that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken features a delicious sweet and tangy sauce, paired with onion and green bell pepper. It's perfect served over brown rice and alongside some steamed green veggies. This dish is simple to prepare and ideal for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Sweet Moments.

    This creamy soup is a great option for a cozy meal. With just six simple ingredients, it comes together quickly and easily. It's perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta

    Hearty Italian White Bean Soup with Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This Italian white bean soup is perfect for a cozy night in. Made in the crockpot, it features a creamy base of coconut milk and sun-dried tomatoes. With pasta, white cannellini beans, and fresh spinach, this dish is both healthy and filling, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

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    Slow Cooker American Goulash

    Slow Cooker Goulash.
    Photo Credit: Cincy Shopper.

    This Slow Cooker American Goulash is a rich, meaty dish loaded with beef and veggies.

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    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Roast Beef is a quick and easy dinner option that everyone will love. In just 50 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal featuring a tasty herb crust on the outside and juicy, tender meat on the inside. With only a few simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    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 ready-made options, you can have it prepped in just five minutes and on the table in under 40 minutes. It's perfect for those nights when you're short on time but still want a satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Pork Chops and Gravy

    Crock Pot Pork Chops and Gravy.
    Photo Credit: One Hot Oven.

    Crock Pot Pork Chops and Gravy is a simple dish that turns out tender and flavorful in a creamy mushroom and onion sauce. This is a good dinner option for busy nights when you want something comforting and satisfying. It's a meal that the whole family can enjoy, making it a great choice for any weeknight.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and really satisfying. It's the kind of comfort food that everyone loves. Perfect for busy nights, it requires minimal effort while still delivering great flavor. Enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

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

    Slow Cooker Chicken Breast is a simple way to prepare juicy chicken that works well in a variety of easy weeknight meals. This method takes the stress out of dinner, allowing you to focus on other things while the chicken cooks. It's a great option for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta, packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It's a hearty meal that comes together quickly and easily, perfect for those nights when you're short on time. Enjoy a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    More Dump and Go Meals

    • Spinach artichoke casserole.
      24 Simple Dump-and-Bake Dinners Worth Prepping Ahead
    • Chicken broccoli rice casserole.
      23 Dump-and-Go Casseroles We Make on Repeat
    • Vegan gnocchi soup.
      28 Dump-and-Cook Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love
    • Fajita casserole.
      22 Hearty Toss-and-Bake Meals You Can Make Real Quick
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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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