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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    16 Family Friendly Dinners You Can Just Dump, Cook and Enjoy

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 9, 2025, updated September 17, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    These 16 family-friendly dinners are perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and delicious. Just dump the ingredients in, let them cook, and enjoy a satisfying meal with your loved ones. From hearty stews to flavorful casseroles, these recipes make mealtime a breeze.

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup.
    Photo Credit: One Pot Only.

    This creamy slow cooker chicken and corn soup is a filling and tasty dish that everyone can enjoy. It's simple to prepare and works well any time of the year, whether you use fresh or frozen corn. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup brings comfort and flavor to your table.

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    Beefy Velveeta Cheese Soup

    Beefy Velveeta Cheese Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This comforting soup brings together the delicious flavors of Rotel dip and a classic cheeseburger. It's a simple and satisfying dish that warms you up and fills you up. Perfect for a cozy night in, this soup is easy to prepare and great for sharing with family or friends.

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    Chicken Parm Casserole

    Chicken Parm Casserole.
    Photo credit: Golden Grace Kitchen.

    This casserole brings together the flavors of a classic Italian dinner in a simple, one-dish meal. It features tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It's a great option for any night of the week when you want something hearty and satisfying.

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    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans

    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This easy meal features hearty ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, and onions. The real magic comes from the seasonings that bring everything together and give the dish its unique flavor. It's a simple way to prepare a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini

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

    Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce. It's simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal at home. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken brings together all the classic flavors of pizza in a simple meal. With pepperoni and your choice of toppings, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It's an easy way to enjoy a pizza-inspired dinner without much effort.

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    Potato Soup

    A bowl of potato soup.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This potato soup is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, with just about 10 minutes of prep time. The slow cooker handles the cooking, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a comforting Sunday dinner. It's a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Crockpot Whole Chicken

    Crockpot Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This whole cooked chicken is incredibly tender and flavorful, and it's surprisingly simple to make. You'll be amazed that this rotisserie-style chicken comes from your slow cooker. Preparing it ahead of time makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

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    Crockpot Smothered Chicken Thighs

    Crockpot Smothered Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Two Pink Penies.

    Crockpot smothered chicken thighs offer a simple and tasty way to prepare dinner. This dish brings the warmth of comfort food right to your table without requiring much effort. It's perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying with minimal fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala.
    Photo Credit: Cooked & Loved.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is a tasty dish that features tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with a mix of Indian spices. It's a simple way to bring the vibrant flavors of Indian cooking into your home without needing to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and full of flavor.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Biscuit Casserole

    Slow Cooker Chicken Biscuit Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Biscuit Casserole is a straightforward and comforting dish that comes together in one pot. It's perfect for using up leftover chicken and combines simple ingredients like biscuits, frozen vegetables, and cheese. This meal is not only easy to prepare but also satisfying, making it a great choice for any night of the week.

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    Sheet Pan Greek Veggie Feta Bowls

    Sheet Pan Greek Veggie Feta Bowls.
    Photo Credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    Sheet Pan Greek Veggie Feta Bowls are full of flavor and easy to prepare. With baked feta, roasted veggies, crispy chickpeas, and creamy tzatziki, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. The zesty pepperocini sauce adds a nice kick to the mix. This is a great meal for anyone looking for something hearty and healthy.

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    Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes

    Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with potatoes recipe is a game-changer and will give you an incredibly tender, juicy, and healthy meal. It's a simple yet impressive dish that works for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

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    Chicken & Veggie Traybake

    Chicken & Veggie Traybake.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This chicken traybake is simple to prepare, combining everything in one dish with a tasty Mediterranean dressing. It features colorful vegetables and tender chicken thighs, creating a satisfying meal. Plus, it's flexible, so you can easily change up the ingredients to suit your taste.

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    Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

    Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over,

    This dish features tender chicken along with bell peppers, onions, and zucchini all simmered in a tasty Italian sauce. It's a simple recipe that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule. With minimal effort, you can have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    This sheet pan gnocchi dish is fantastic. The gnocchi comes out perfectly roasted, with a nice crisp on the outside and a soft texture inside. It's packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs. Everyone will enjoy this meal at the dinner table.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      23 Kid-Approved Casseroles We Crave Right Now
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      12 Irresistible Apple Tarts That Will Steal Your Heart
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    • Chicken mushroom wild rice soup.
      15 Easy Soup Recipes That Will Make You Feel Like a Chef

    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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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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