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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    25 Simple Dinner Solutions: Just Dump and Go!

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on October 12, 2025, updated September 17, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    These 25 dinner ideas are perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and delicious. Just dump the ingredients into your slow cooker or pot, set it, and let it do the work for you. Enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Supergolden Bakes.

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken features tender chicken thighs simmered with garlic, sun-dried tomato paste, and orzo, all brought together with sour cream and spinach. This dish is simple to prepare and offers a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Vegetable Soup

    Chicken Vegetable Soup.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    Chicken vegetable soup is a straightforward and filling dish that you can whip up in the slow cooker. With chicken breasts, a mix of vegetables, and a tasty broth, it's the kind of meal that warms you up and feels like home. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is all about comfort and ease.

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    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

    Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    This creamy dish combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all infused with delicious Tuscan flavors. It's a simple meal that feels fancy, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Your family will enjoy every bite, and you'll appreciate how easy it is to prepare.

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    Slow Cooker Salsa Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Salsa Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Salsa Meatloaf gives a fun twist to the classic dish. By swapping out ketchup for salsa, you add a zesty flavor that really stands out. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without putting in a lot of effort.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken with Lime and Couscous

    Slow Cooker Chicken with Lime and Couscous.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    Slow Cooker Chicken with lime and couscous is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. This dish is hearty and filled with healthy vegetables, making it a great choice for dinner. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    Enchilada bake.
    Photo credit: Confessions of a Fit Foodie.

    This one-pot Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole brings all the delicious flavors of enchiladas without the fuss of rolling tortillas or baking. It's made with layers of tortillas, tender chicken, and plenty of cheese, making it a hit with the whole family. Perfect for a simple dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

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    Cajun Chicken Foil Packs

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packets.
    Photo credit: Camp Grill Eat.

    Foil packets are a simple way to enjoy a meal on the grill, featuring tender boneless chicken thighs along with colorful sliced peppers and onions. Seasoned with Cajun spices, this dish is flavorful and satisfying. Plus, it's a clean and quick option that cooks up in just 30 minutes.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala

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

    Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala is all about tender chicken cooked in a flavorful mushroom and wine sauce, with a splash of cream added just before serving. This dish is great served over mashed potatoes, making it a cozy choice for a weeknight dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken

    Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken.
    Photo Credit: I heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken is a simple and delicious meal that you can prepare in your crock pot. The chicken simmers in a sweet and savory sauce, making it a great match for rice and vegetables. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Queso Chicken and Rice

    Queso Chicken and Rice.
    Photo Credit: Foodie and Wine.

    Queso Chicken and Rice is a simple and satisfying one-pan meal. It features tender chicken cooked in a creamy queso sauce, paired with fluffy rice. This dish is full of flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner without much effort.

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    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    A chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This chicken fajita casserole is an easy one-pan meal that brings the flavors of comfort food right to your table. It's a satisfying dish that combines chicken, rice, and spices for a hearty dinner. Plus, it tastes great the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

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    Shepherd's Pie Tater Tot Casserole

    Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish combines the comfort of tater tot casserole with the classic flavors of shepherd's pie, creating a simple one-pot meal. With frozen vegetables mixed in, it's filling and satisfying. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is an easy meal that combines the delicious flavors of Tuscan chicken with minimal effort. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and aside from boiling the pasta, there's not much else to do. This dish features tender chicken, mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and your choice of pasta all simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. It's a satisfying dinner that comes together effortlessly.

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    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen With Chicken

    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen With Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen with Chicken is a simple and tasty one-pot meal. This dish combines creamy coconut milk, flavorful curry spices, and tender chicken for a satisfying dinner. It's perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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    Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Food Blog.

    Slow cooker cream cheese chicken chili is an easy dish that's full of protein, veggies, and flavorful Tex-Mex spices. The cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to the broth, making it a comforting meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup.
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Gone Rogue.

    This chicken tortilla soup is super simple to make in a crockpot and requires hardly any prep time. It's a favorite among my family and friends, and we've enjoyed it countless times over the years. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is both satisfying and easy to whip up.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    Ribs are seasoned with a great mix of spices and slow-cooked until they're super tender. This is a simple and tasty dinner option that goes well with any vegetable side dish.

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    Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken

    Korean Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    This Korean-inspired slow cooker gochujang chicken is simple to prepare with just 10 ingredients. It's perfect served over rice, on tostadas, or in tacos. Enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot White Chicken Chili

    Crockpot White Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features tender chicken and creamy cannellini and great northern beans, all simmered in a rich, velvety broth. A touch of spice adds just the right amount of warmth, making it a comforting meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

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    Crock Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

    Crock Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Hawaiian Pineapple chicken is a delicious dish that practically cooks itself. With just a little bit of prep time, you can let your slow cooker or instant pot handle the rest. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

    Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This dish features tender, shredded Italian beef mixed with pepperoncini, all piled onto warm sandwich rolls topped with melted provolone cheese. It's a comforting meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days. With just a little bit of prep time, you can enjoy these delicious sandwiches without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

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

    This easy-to-follow recipe promises a burst of zesty flavors, perfectly seasoned with the classic combination of lemon and pepper. Let your slow cooker do all the work as it transforms regular chicken thighs into a flavorful and juicy meal.

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    Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken

    Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Swirls of Flavor.

    Chicken becomes tender while simmering in a flavorful enchilada sauce in the slow cooker. Layer in some corn tortillas, cheese, and olives to create a delicious enchilada chicken casserole. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.

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    Crockpot Bruschetta Chicken

    Crockpot Bruschetta Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Two Pink Penies.

    Crockpot bruschetta chicken is super simple to prepare. It pairs wonderfully with pasta or a side of garlic bread, making it a great choice for dinner. This dish is all about convenience, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is a fantastic dish that's both tender and full of flavor. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. This meal is also impressive enough to serve to guests, making it a great choice for any occasion.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      39 Make-Ahead Potluck Recipes That Travel Well
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      21 Easy Dump-and-Cook Pasta Recipes for Stress-Free Dinners
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      20 Soups That Are Perfect to Meal Prep for Easy Fall Dinners

    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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