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    Home » Summer Recipes

    20 Set It and Forget It Summer Dinners for Busy Weeknights

    Published: Aug 4, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Summer evenings can be hectic, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice a good meal. With these 20 easy dinner ideas, you can prepare delicious dishes that require minimal effort and let you enjoy the warm nights. From slow-cooked favorites to quick one-pan meals, these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Steak & Potatoes

    Sheet pan steak and potatoes.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This sheet pan version of a classic meal combines tender roasted potatoes with perfectly cooked steak, all in one go. By roasting the potatoes first and then broiling everything together, you get a nice golden brown finish. Sheet Pan Steak and Potatoes offers a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup, making it a great choice for busy evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Shake and Bake Chicken

    Shake and Bake Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Shake and Bake Chicken is a straightforward and delicious dinner option that features juicy chicken baked to perfection with a crispy homemade seasoning. This dish is easy to prepare and offers a satisfying meal without much effort. Once you give it a try, you'll likely prefer it over the store-bought alternatives.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Greek Chicken

    Crockpot Greek Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Slow cooker meals are perfect for summer, and this Crockpot Greek Chicken is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. It's packed with fresh flavors that will brighten up your dinner table. Just set it and let it do its thing while you enjoy your day.

    Get the Recipe

    Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

    Slow cooker country style ribs served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Cheerful Cook.

    These easy, fall-apart ribs are a favorite for summer dinners. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a great option for busy evenings when you still want something satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil

    Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This slow cooker shrimp boil is all about fresh summer flavors. The combination of bay seasoning with shrimp, sausage, red potatoes, corn, and red onion creates a delicious seafood dish that everyone will love. It's a simple way to enjoy a classic meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Bruschetta Chicken

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

    Italian bruschetta chicken is a simple dish you can prepare in your slow cooker. It features tender chicken breasts that are topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and a fresh tomato mixture made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and balsamic vinegar. This meal is perfect for summer, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

    Crockpot chicken salsa topped with avocados.
    Photo Credit Chew Out Loud.

    This dish features healthy and tasty chicken that turns out perfectly tender when cooked in the Crock Pot. It's perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or when you want to prepare meals ahead of time. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious dinner that everyone will love.

    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 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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    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.

    Get the recipe

    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

    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs

    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs are a simple and delicious dish featuring crispy chicken thighs cooked in a tasty garlic and white wine sauce with juicy mushrooms. This is a great weeknight dinner that everyone in the family will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Chili

    Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Happy Simple Living.

    Southwest Chicken Chili is a go-to dish for my family when we want something simple and satisfying. It combines tender chicken with a zesty broth, packed with corn, tomatoes, chipotle chiles, and two types of beans. This meal is perfect for those warm summer days when you want to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna: Crazy-Good Cheesy Meat Lasagna in a Crockpot
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    Crockpot Slow Cooker Lasagna is a delicious and easy meal that combines layers of cheese and savory meat sauce. The slow cooker takes care of everything, simmering the sauce and baking the lasagna all in one pot. This dish is perfect for summer dinners when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

    Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma.
    Photo Credit: Season and Thyme.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is a flavorful and easy dish that brings the taste of the Middle East right to your table. With just a few ingredients and the convenience of a crock pot, you can enjoy this delicious meal without much effort. It's perfect for serving over rice, in a salad, or wrapped up with your favorite veggies and sauces.

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    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    This chicken is covered in a rich, creamy sauce packed with Mediterranean flavors. It's a simple and tasty dinner that you can prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Crockpot Whole Chicken

    Crockpot Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This chicken turns out super tender and flavorful, and it's incredibly simple to make. You'll be amazed that this rotisserie-style chicken comes from your slow cooker. Prepare it ahead of time for quick and easy dinners during the week.

    Get the Recipe

    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    This 3-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken is a family favorite that's super easy to make and packed with flavor. There's no need for chopping or prepping ingredients, so you can just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. It's a great option for busy summer days when you want a tasty meal without spending a lot of 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.

    Get the recipe

    More Summer Recipes

    • Grilled chicken skewers.
      Grill Like a Pro: 18 Easy Ideas for Your Labor Day Cookout
    • Grilled steak.
      22 Easy Grilling Recipes for a Chill Labor Day
    • Cowboy beans.
      20 Southern Summer Recipes to Try Before Fall
    • Pesto tortellini.
      20 Easy Summer Pasta Recipes That Are Bursting with Flavor
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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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