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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    28 Easy Set It and Forget It Dinners That Will Save You Time and Effort

    Published: Aug 11, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Finding time to cook can be tough, especially after a long day. These 28 easy dinners are perfect for those busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set everything up, let it cook, and enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

    Tater tot casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker casserole combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheddar cheese for a simple and satisfying meal. The layers of ingredients come together beautifully, creating a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for those warm summer days when you want a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Bruschetta Chicken

    Crockpot Bruschetta Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Two Pink Penies.

    Crockpot bruschetta chicken is simple to prepare and perfect for a laid-back dinner. It pairs wonderfully with pasta or a side of garlic bread, making it a great choice for summer meals. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

    BBQ Pulled Pork in the Slow Cooker.
    Photo Credit: Savory with Soul.

    This BBQ pulled pork is perfect for summer meals, cooked slowly in a slow cooker until it's tender and flavorful. The zesty sauce adds a nice kick, making it great for sandwiches or served on its own. It's an easy dish that requires minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy delicious pulled pork without spending all day in the kitchen.

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    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 warm summer evenings when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
    Photo Credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

    This dish is perfect for busy summer evenings. Just throw some chicken thighs and a variety of vegetables onto a sheet pan, slide it into the oven, and dinner is done. The chicken turns out tender and tasty, while the veggies roast to perfection. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan meal is a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking it. The lamb chops cook in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that's full of flavor. It's a great option for a relaxed dinner, letting you enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili has a nice spicy and tangy flavor that makes it a great choice for a family meal. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor, allowing you to relax while your Crock Pot handles the cooking. Perfect for those warm summer days, this dish is both healthy and comforting.

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    Slow Cooker American Goulash

    Slow Cooker Goulash.
    Photo Credit: Cincy Shopper.

    Slow Cooker American Goulash is a hearty meal packed with beef and vegetables. It's perfect for summer evenings when you want something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up in the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.

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    Southwestern Cheesy Chicken Pasta

    Southwestern Cheesy Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish features tender chicken paired with tasty spices and a creamy sauce, making it a hit for the entire family. It's a simple dinner option that elevates your pasta experience without requiring much effort. Perfect for those warm summer evenings, this meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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    Zuppa Toscana

    Zuppa Toscana.
    Photo Credit: Easy and Delish.

    Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana is a warm and filling soup that's perfect for any day. You can easily make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot. Loaded with tasty vegetables, Parmesan cheese, bacon, and Italian sausage, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale

    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is warm and filling, featuring Italian turkey sausage for a hearty touch and fresh kale or baby spinach for some greens. It's simple to prepare, whether you choose to cook it on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker. Perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

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    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let it cook on its own. It combines chicken, vegetables, and plenty of sauce, all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Veggies

    Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Veggies.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Veggies is a tasty dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's perfect for summer, allowing you to prepare a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.

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    Chicken Posole Stew

    Slow Cooker Recipe With Chicken: Chicken Posole Stew
    Photo Credit: G Free Foodie.

    Posole can be prepared in many ways, but this Chicken Posole Stew is a favorite. The main ingredient is hominy, which is dried corn that has been soaked to remove the outer hull. This dish is perfect for summer dinners, offering a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

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

    This dish features tender chicken seasoned with a zesty Italian dressing mix and a good amount of lemon. It's a simple and flavorful option that requires minimal effort, making it perfect for summer dinners. Just set it up and let it cook while you enjoy your time outdoors.

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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 a summer evening.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Pypers Kitchen.

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines the flavors of classic French onion soup with a hearty meal. It's a simple way to enjoy a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken and rich onion flavor, this dish is perfect for summer nights when you want something easy and satisfying.

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    Instant Pot Pulled Pork

    Pulled pork on a bun.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Instant pot pulled pork is perfect for feeding a crowd or when dinner needs to be quick. It's simple to prepare, and the pressure cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful meat in just over an hour. This dish is a great option for summer gatherings or busy weeknights.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Peach Barbecue Glaze

    Chicken with sweet barbecue glaze served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Modern Honey.

    This simple slow cooker dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a sweet peach barbecue sauce. With just five ingredients, it's a breeze to prepare. Perfect for summer evenings, this meal allows you to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending much time in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Ham and Scalloped Potatoes

    Ham and Scalloped Potatoes in the Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    This dish is creamy and cheesy, filled with soft potatoes and tasty ham. It's perfect for everything from quick weeknight meals to holiday gatherings. The great thing is that your slow cooker handles all the cooking, so you can just sit back and enjoy your time.

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    Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli

    Slow Cooker Beef And Broccoli.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli is a simple and tasty dish that you'll want to keep on hand for your summer dinners. On those busy days, you can set it up in the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day. By the time you're ready to eat, you'll have tender beef and fresh broccoli in a flavorful Asian sauce, all ready to enjoy.

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    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

    Meatball casserole served on a dish.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Meatball Casserole is a filling and tasty dish that combines tender meatballs and pasta all in one pan. It's baked in a creamy blend of marinara sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, and gooey cheese. This is a great option for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken in a Hurry is a simple and tasty dish that you can prepare in a crockpot. It combines tender chicken with onion soup mix, apricot preserves, and Russian dressing, creating a sweet and tangy sauce. This meal is perfect for busy summer days when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    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 full of flavor, taking just 5 minutes to get ready. Each pack includes cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon, creating a complete meal all in one. Using frozen cod helps ensure the fish stays perfectly cooked.

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    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is any cheese and pasta lover's dream. With two types of cheese, a nice tang from Gorgonzola, and perfect crunch from walnuts. All done in under 40 minutes, this is as easy as it gets!

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    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken features tender chicken breasts simmered in a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce inspired by Asian flavors. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple yet satisfying. It's a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy, and you can set it up and let the slow cooker do the work.

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    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a cozy meal. Chicken, bacon, and ranch come together with tater tots for a fun and tasty dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's a simple way to prepare dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while still enjoying a delicious meal. It's a hearty pasta sauce that captures all the classic flavors, but you can whip it up quickly using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Perfect for busy summer nights, this dish lets you enjoy a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

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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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