Dump-and-go meals for when you want dinner with zero effort

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Sometimes you just need dinner to cook itself while you get on with life. That’s where these dump-and-go recipes come in, making you feel like a kitchen genius with practically zero effort. Whether it’s throwing everything in a slow cooker or letting the oven do the heavy lifting, these meals are perfect for those nights when you’d rather be anywhere but the kitchen.

Summer beef stew topped with red onion and grated cheese.
Summer Beef Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa Chicken

A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Salsa chicken is the easy weeknight meal you didn’t know you needed. With tender chicken breasts baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese, it’s ready in under 30 minutes with zero effort.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skip the takeout and make honey garlic chicken at home with this slow cooker recipe. The sticky, sweet sauce and chunks of pineapple make this an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Peach Pulled Chicken

BBQ peach pulled chicken over rice with pita bread in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Peach Pulled Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This BBQ peach pulled chicken comes together in the slow cooker, offering a simple and sweet way to serve up dinner without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Peach Pulled Chicken

Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew

Summer beef stew topped with red onion and grated cheese.
Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Keep the kitchen cool with this summer beef stew, made right in the slow cooker. It’s a classic dish given a summer twist, perfect for zero-effort meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Summer Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Summer Frittata

Slow cooker frittata with arugula and sun-dried tomatoes.
Slow Cooker Summer Frittata. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grated zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and prosciutto make this slow cooker frittata a great option for a summer breakfast or dinner. Toss together and let the slow cooker do the rest.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Summer Frittata

Slow Cooker Tri Tip

Slow cooker shredded tri tip in a white bowl over mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Tri Tip. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, this slow cooker tri-tip roast feeds the whole family without much effort. The perfect recipe for when you want a hearty meal with zero hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tri Tip

Kabocha Squash Chili

A bowl of kabocha squash chili in a bowl on a blue plate.
Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This kabocha squash chili is a vegetarian option made in the slow cooker that’s filling and flavorful. The Japanese squash adds a nutty touch, making it perfect for no-effort meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Slow cooker balsamic pulled pork over polenta with avocado crema in a white bowl.
Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Balsamic pulled pork is sweet, juicy, and made even easier in the slow cooker. Serve it over cheesy polenta and top with cilantro avocado crema for a low-maintenance comfort food option.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Slow cooker short rib ragu in a bowl over mashed sweet potatoes with a fork.
Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whether over mashed sweet potatoes or pasta, this slow cooker short rib ragu is a cozy, no-effort dish that’s ready to go as soon as you get home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Mexican shredded beef bowls with plantains, rice and beans and peppers.
Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These shredded Mexican beef bowls are slow-cooked to perfection, making them great for meal prep. With rice, beans, plantains, and peppers, they’re an effortless choice for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Creamy Millet Porridge

Creamy millet porridge in a small bowl with banana slices.
Creamy Millet Porridge. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Whether you’re craving breakfast for dinner or need a no-fuss overnight breakfast, this creamy millet porridge has you covered. Let it cook in the slow cooker while you sleep, and wake up to a hearty meal ready to top with fruit, nuts, or seeds for a perfect start to your day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Millet Porridge

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