23 Dump-and-Done Dinners That Simmer While You Zoom
Busy weeknights and hot summer days call for easy, no-fuss meals. These dump-and-done dinners let you toss everything in a slow cooker, pot, or pan and walk away until it’s time to eat. Perfect for patio parties or casual family meals, they keep things simple while still feeding a crowd.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This hands-off slow cooker meal brings together chicken thighs, garlic, honey, and soy sauce for a hearty weeknight option. It cooks low and slow while you handle work or kid duties, and the tender results pair well with rice or noodles. Serve it out on the patio—it holds up well in warm weather and doesn’t need last-minute fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Turkey Pot Pie with Cream of Chicken Soup
Put leftover turkey to good use with this creamy pot pie shortcut that uses store-bought crust and pantry staples. You can prep it in minutes and bake while you wrap up Zoom calls. It’s easy to slice, serve, and enjoy on the deck without worrying about melting sides or soggy dishes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie with Cream of Chicken Soup
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Dump everything—chicken, uncooked rice, broth, and cheese—into one dish, and let the oven do the rest. This no-fuss meal feeds a crowd and holds heat well, making it perfect for backyard suppers or easy buffet-style patio meals. It’s a dependable recipe when you don’t want to be stuck at the stove.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Three Bean Chili
This hearty chili cooks low and slow with pantry staples like beans, tomatoes, and spices. It feeds a group and reheats easily, making it a solid choice for casual summer hangouts outside. Just set it in a slow cooker and forget it until dinnertime.
Get the Recipe: Three Bean Chili
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken
With only a few ingredients, this creamy chicken dish simmers all day and comes out fork-tender. It’s low effort and works great with buns or over rice. Serve it straight from the pot on the patio—easy cleanup, no kitchen heat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken
Vegan Corn Casserole
This dump-and-bake corn casserole mixes up fast and bakes while you focus on everything else. It’s a crowd-pleaser for cookouts or backyard gatherings, especially when paired with grilled mains. No fuss and easy to slice and serve outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Corn Casserole
Minestrone Soup
Packed with veggies and pasta, this slow cooker soup simmers gently and tastes even better by dinnertime. Great for cool summer evenings when you want something filling without turning on the stove. It holds well in a soup pot for second helpings on the patio.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Sweet and tangy cranberry sauce blends with onion soup mix for a dump-and-go dish that’s ready after a workday. It’s a low-effort crowd option for casual weekend dinners on the deck. Just add rice or salad and you’re done.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Quick to assemble with pantry basics, this cheesy casserole bakes while you catch up on your day. It serves easily on plates or in bowls, making it a good choice when feeding friends outside. No stovetop needed, no fancy sides required.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
Just a few ingredients go into this set-it-and-leave-it recipe—chicken, ranch seasoning, and broth. It’s flexible enough to use in sandwiches, wraps, or bowls for a summer patio meal. Prep in minutes and let it simmer to full flavor.
Get the Recipe: Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing
Dump the ingredients in your slow cooker and walk away—this no-hassle dinner does all the work. It’s a practical option for family dinners out on the porch or patio. No oven required, and it’s easy to dish up with a spoon.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
These drumsticks cook to tender perfection in barbecue sauce and don’t need flipping or fussing. Bring them to your next backyard gathering—they’re easy to hold, even easier to clean up. Just add napkins and let people dig in.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Let pork chops simmer all afternoon with broth and seasoning, and they’ll be ready when you are. These stay moist and warm, so they’re a smart pick for leisurely patio dinners that stretch into the evening. Pair with sides and serve straight from the pot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Toss beef strips and broccoli into the slow cooker with sauce and let it do the work while you handle meetings or errands. It’s a reliable dinner that holds up well when eaten outside with rice or noodles. No reheating needed.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Buffalo Chicken Ravioli Casserole
Buffalo sauce meets cheese-stuffed ravioli in this bold, baked dish that comes together fast. You can prep it in minutes and serve it hot off the deck table for summer nights with friends. It’s a fun twist when you’re tired of grilling.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Ravioli Casserole
Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
Drumsticks simmer in broth and seasoning until the meat pulls away with ease. These are great to make ahead and bring out for casual backyard meals where hands-on eating is just fine. One pot, minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
Slow Cooker Country-Style Ribs
Let these boneless ribs cook in barbecue sauce until they’re falling apart and ready to pile on plates. They’re perfect for long, slow evenings outside with a cold drink and a few easy sides. No grill required.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country-Style Ribs
Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
This version uses a rich soy-based sauce that soaks into the beef while it simmers. It’s a budget-friendly option for family dinners on the deck, especially if you want something other than burgers. Quick prep, big payoff.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Stovetop Red Beans and Rice
A one-pot classic, this meal simmers gently with sausage, beans, and spices. It’s filling and affordable, and you can keep it warm until it’s time to head outside and eat. Good for serving a crew with minimal planning.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Red Beans and Rice
Hearty Venison Stew
Venison, potatoes, and carrots simmer on the stovetop in this rustic, filling dish. It’s ideal for cooler summer nights at the cabin or backyard, especially when you want a break from BBQ. Make it ahead and reheat over a campfire or stove.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Venison Stew
Leftover Taco Meat Pasta
Taco-seasoned beef meets pasta in this dump-and-bake meal that’s easy to prep and ready in one pan. It works well for last-minute summer get-togethers when you’re short on time but still want something hearty to bring outside.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Taco Meat Pasta
Homemade Vegetable Soup
Toss in your leftover veggies and broth, simmer gently, and enjoy a flexible, healthy dinner. This one’s handy when you want to stretch groceries without heating up the house. Serve it on the patio with bread or crackers.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegetable Soup
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Ground beef, pasta, and cheese bake up fast in this comforting casserole that feels like summer sleepover food. It feeds a bunch, travels well, and makes a reliable choice for casual outdoor meals with neighbors or friends.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
