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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    Set It and Forget It: 23 Dinners That Almost Cook Themselves

    Published: Aug 30, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Cooking can be a hassle, especially on busy weeknights. Luckily, there are plenty of dinners that require minimal effort and can practically cook themselves. Here are 10 easy dinner ideas that let you set it and forget it, making mealtime a breeze.

    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

    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta brings all the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie into a simple dish. It features tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and a mix of vegetables, all combined with penne pasta. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying 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 busy nights when you want something satisfying 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

    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

    Slow Cooker Chicken ala King

    Slow Cooker Chicken ala King.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish combines tender chicken with a mix of fresh vegetables and a variety of seasonings, creating a comforting meal that's full of flavor. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let it cook while you take care of other things.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Chicken Enchilada Casserole combines chicken breasts, green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, and fire roasted green chiles, along with some simple ingredients. It's perfect for busy weekends, potlucks, or game days, and it's a dish that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Bean Soup

    Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Bean Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Bean Soup is a flavorful and filling meal that's sure to please everyone. It combines tender chicken with beans and Italian spices, creating a comforting dish that warms you up. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken

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

    This dish is a twist on the well-known Mississippi Pot Roast, featuring ranch seasoning, gravy mix, pepperoncini peppers, and butter. The chicken has a tangy flavor that isn't spicy, making it a perfect match for plain white rice. It's a simple and satisfying meal that fits well into a busy schedule.

    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

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini is a simple and tasty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights when you don't have much time to cook. Even the pickiest eaters will love this dish, so it's a great choice for dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos

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

    Slow cooker chicken nachos are a fun and easy meal. Simply combine chicken breasts, nacho cheese, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning in the crockpot. After it cooks, serve it on top of chips for a delicious snack or meal that's perfect for game day.

    Get the Recipe

    One Pot Carbonara

    Carbonara.
    Photo credit: Num's the Word.

    This dish is perfect for pasta lovers and is super easy to clean up afterward. It's a simple meal that you can prepare without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let it cook while you take care of other things. Enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables

    A bowl of Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Dancing Through the Rain.

    This dinner is quick and easy, perfect for busy nights. Packed with mushrooms, leeks, kale, and other tasty ingredients, it's a complete meal that you can prepare in just one pan. You'll have a delicious dish ready in no time, making it a great option for those evenings when you need something simple.

    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

    Slow Cooker Artichoke Mushroom Chicken

    Slow Cooker Artichoke Mushroom Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Creamy Artichoke and Mushroom Chicken is a great dish to prepare in the slow cooker. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. This meal pairs nicely with rice or noodles, making it a satisfying option for dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu

    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese all cooked together in a creamy sauce. With a topping of buttery stuffing, it turns into a warm and filling meal that's great for any evening. It's easy to put together and offers a comforting flavor that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Cheesy chicken and rice casserole dish.
    Photo Credit: Rose Bakes.

    A semi-homemade recipe using canned soups and premade rice mixes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you crave the ease of good, old-fashioned comfort food.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

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

    This Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken is a simple way to enjoy the rich flavors of Tuscany at home. With tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, sliced onions, and fresh basil, this dish is packed with flavor. It's an easy dinner option that the whole family will enjoy, perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
    Photo Credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a great option when you're short on time and need to get dinner on the table. They're simple to prepare and will be ready to eat quickly, making them ideal for busy evenings.

    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

    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

    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

    More Dump and Go Meals

    • Chicken broccoli rice casserole.
      31 Dump-and-Cook Dinners That Save You Serious Time
    • Chicken thighs.
      24 Dump-and-Cook Dinners You Can Toss Together in Minutes
    • Ground beef chili.
      24 Dump-And-Go Dinners That Will Save You Time
    • Land your man baked beans.
      24 Easy Dump-and-Cook Dinners for Busy Nights
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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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