35 Back to School Dump and Go Crockpot Dinners
Back-to-school season always feels like a bit of a whirlwind. One minute you’re enjoying the slower pace of summer, and the next you’re juggling school runs, homework, after-school clubs, and trying to get dinner on the table before everyone gets too hungry.
That’s why I rely on dump-and-go crockpot dinners so much at this time of year. Being able to throw everything into the slow cooker earlier in the day means one less thing to think about when the evening gets busy. It makes weeknight dinners feel a whole lot less stressful.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite back-to-school dump-and-go crockpot dinners to help make family mealtimes easier. From comforting chicken dishes and hearty beef recipes to easy pork dinners, cozy pasta meals, and family favorites everyone will happily tuck into, there’s something here for even the busiest weeknights.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
- They make school nights feel easier: These are the kind of dinners you can get started earlier in the day, then come back to when everyone’s tired, hungry, and asking what’s for tea.
- There’s loads of variety: From creamy chicken pasta to pork chops, fajitas, meatballs, and cozy casseroles, there’s a good mix so you’re not serving the same thing every night.
- Most of the work is done for you: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, which is exactly what you need when homework, clubs, sports, and after-school chaos all kick in.
- They’re proper family dinners: These aren’t fancy, fussy meals. They’re comforting, filling, kid-friendly dinners that actually make sense for busy weekdays.
- They’re great for leftovers: A lot of these recipes reheat really well, so you can use extras for lunches, quick dinners, or those nights when nobody has the energy to cook again.
1. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
These are perfect for those evenings when everyone wants to eat at different times because everyone can build their own with their favorite toppings. Just add some warm tortillas, shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream for an easy family dinner with hardly any effort.
GET THE RECIPE2. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
If your family loves those sweet and savory takeout flavors, this one is well worth adding to your meal plan. Serve it over fluffy rice with some steamed broccoli or vegetables for a simple weeknight dinner that always goes down well.
GET THE RECIPE3. Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken
This one has a delicious sticky sauce that’s packed with flavor but couldn’t be easier to make. Pair it with rice or noodles for a fuss-free dinner that’s ideal after a busy day.
GET THE RECIPE4. Crockpot Sprite Sweet Chili Chicken
The combination of sweet chili sauce and lemon-lime soda creates a really delicious glaze that’s full of flavor with hardly any effort. I like to serve this one with rice or mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
GET THE RECIPE5. Crockpot Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken
The sweet pineapple and rich brown sugar sauce makes this a great choice when you’re after something a little different for dinner. It goes brilliantly with rice, and any leftovers are just as good for lunch the next day.
GET THE RECIPE6. Crockpot Chicken Marsala
If you’re looking for something that feels a little more special without creating extra work, this is a great choice. The rich mushroom sauce is delicious served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, making it perfect for an easy family dinner.
GET THE RECIPE7. Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
This is one of those comforting dinners that’s packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce. Serve it over pasta or with some crusty bread for an easy meal the whole family can enjoy.
GET THE RECIPE8. Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala
If your family enjoys a homemade curry, this is an easy one to add to your weekly meal plan. Serve it with fluffy rice and warm naan for a comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor without spending ages in the kitchen.
GET THE RECIPE9. Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Fresh lemon and herbs give this dinner a light, comforting flavor that’s perfect when you fancy something a little different. With the chicken and rice cooked together, there’s hardly anything to do except dish it up when everyone’s ready to eat. That’s my kind of meal!
GET THE RECIPE10. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
You really can’t go wrong with a rich, comforting gravy after a busy day. Spoon it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even biscuits for a simple dinner that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly.
GET THE RECIPE11. Crockpot Chicken Casserole
This is the kind of meal that’s perfect when everyone needs something warm and filling at the end of a busy day. Add a side of vegetables or some crusty bread, and you’ve got an easy family dinner with very little effort.
GET THE RECIPE12. Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken and Noodles
This is pure comfort food. The creamy garlic sauce and tender noodles make it a cozy dinner that’s perfect for those busy evenings when everyone wants something hearty.
GET THE RECIPE13. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Ravioli
This is one of those dinners that feels like a real treat without taking much effort at all. The creamy sauce and cheesy ravioli make it a family favorite that’s perfect for busy school nights.
GET THE RECIPE14. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Ravioli
If your family loves creamy pasta dishes, this one is definitely going to be popular. It’s rich, comforting, and easy enough for a busy weeknight while still feeling a little bit special.
GET THE RECIPE15. Crockpot Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Tortellini
This is one of those hearty dinners that’s packed with bold flavors and plenty of cheesy goodness. Just add a simple side salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got an easy meal that’s perfect for even the busiest school night.
16. Crockpot Queso Chicken Pasta
If your family enjoys a little Tex-Mex flavor, this creamy pasta is going to go down really well. It’s rich, cheesy, and comes together with hardly any hands-on time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
GET THE RECIPE17. Crockpot Cherry Cola Pulled Chicken
The sweet, tangy sauce gives this shredded chicken loads of flavor while the slow cooker does all the hard work. Pile it onto buns with coleslaw or serve it with fries for an easy dinner everyone will be looking forward to.
GET THE RECIPE18. Crockpot Pot Roast
Some dinners never go out of style, and this is definitely one of them. With tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and a rich gravy, it’s a nostalgic meal that’s well worth coming home to.
GET THE RECIPE19. Crockpot Italian Meatloaf
This is a fun twist on a family favorite that’s full of rich Italian-inspired flavors. Serve it with mashed potatoes or pasta for a tasty dinner that’s perfect after a busy day.
GET THE RECIPE20. Crockpot Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
This homemade version is every bit as comforting as the boxed classic, but even more satisfying. It’s cheesy, hearty, and exactly what you need for hectic school nights.
GET THE RECIPE21. Crockpot Creamy Ranch Beef and Noodles
This is pure comfort food and always goes down well with my family. The creamy ranch sauce and tender beef make it an easy dinner that’s perfect for those extra busy school nights.
GET THE RECIPE22. Crockpot Mississippi Beef and Noodles
This is one of those dinners that always feels like a good idea after a long day. Serve it with a spoon and let everyone dig in because there probably won’t be much left by the end of the meal.
GET THE RECIPE23. Crockpot Steak Bites and Tortellini
This is a brilliant choice when you want something a little different from the usual weeknight dinners. The tender steak and cheesy tortellini make it feel like a real treat, even though it’s so easy to throw together.
GET THE RECIPE24. Crockpot Sloppy Joe Pasta
If your kids love Sloppy Joes, I definitely recommend giving this a try. It’s hearty, cheesy, and exactly the sort of no-fuss dinner that’s perfect when everyone’s hungry after school.
GET THE RECIPE25. Crockpot Dill Pickle Sloppy Joes
If you’ve got pickle lovers in the family, this one is guaranteed to get their attention. Pile it onto burger buns with your favorite toppings for a quick, fun dinner that’s a little different from the usual.
GET THE RECIPE26. Crockpot Mississippi Meatballs
These are packed with rich, buttery flavor and couldn’t be much easier to make. Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a tasty dinner that’s ideal for busy school nights.
GET THE RECIPE27. Crockpot Enchilada Meatballs
These are a fun way to change up your usual weeknight dinner routine without adding any extra work. Serve them over rice or tuck them into tortillas with your favorite toppings for an easy meal everyone will enjoy.
GET THE RECIPE28. Crockpot Apple Pork Chops
The combination of tender pork and sweet apples makes this a cozy dinner that’s perfect as the weather starts to cool down. Just add mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for an easy family meal.
GET THE RECIPE29. Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
If you’re stuck in a dinner rut, this is a great one to try. The rich, creamy sauce is perfect spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, and the slow cooker does almost all the work.
GET THE RECIPE30. Crockpot Honey Garlic Pork Chops
The sweet and garlicky sauce is one of those combinations that always goes down well in our house. Serve it with rice or mashed potatoes for an easy dinner that doesn’t need much effort at all.
GET THE RECIPE31. Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
This is one of those recipes you’ll be glad to have on standby when you need dinner to be simple. Add some mashed potatoes and green beans on the side, and you’ve got an easy meal with hardly any fuss.
GET THE RECIPE32. Crockpot Dr. Pepper Pork Chops
Don’t let the soda put you off because it cooks down into a rich, slightly sweet sauce that’s packed with flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes or rice for an easy dinner that’s a little different from the usual.
GET THE RECIPE33. Crockpot Brown Gravy Smothered Pork Chops
This is the sort of dinner that feels super comforting after a long day. The rich gravy is made for spooning over mashed potatoes, so don’t forget to make plenty.
GET THE RECIPE34. Crockpot Turkey Pot Pie
This is always popular in our house, no matter what time of year. With a creamy filling tucked under a golden topping, it tastes like you’ve spent far longer in the kitchen than you actually have!
GET THE RECIPE35. Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
This is a really handy one for using up leftover ham and turning it into a proper family dinner. It’s creamy, filling, and perfect for those nights when you want something simple but still satisfying.
I hope you’ve found a few new dinners to add to your meal plan. Having a handful of dump-and-go crockpot recipes you can rely on makes those hectic school nights so much easier, and they’re the kind of meals you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Let me know which is your favorite!
