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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    20 Dump-And-Go Recipes Straight From Grandma’s Kitchen

    Published: Aug 17, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Cooking can be simple and satisfying, especially with recipes that require minimal effort. These 20 dump-and-go recipes are inspired by the comforting meals from grandma's kitchen, making it easy to whip up delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy days, these recipes let you enjoy hearty flavors with just a few ingredients and little prep.

    Old Fashioned Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken baked on top of rice.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Chicken and Rice Casserole is a timeless favorite that never disappoints. The chicken and rice are well-seasoned, and the rice turns out just right every time. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something simple and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something simple and delicious. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let everything cook together in one pan. It features chicken, fresh veggies, and a flavorful sauce that brings it all together.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow cooker chicken and noodles is a comforting dish that packs a lot of flavor. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and easy.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With only four basic ingredients and some convenient store-bought items, you can have it ready in just five minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for those busy nights when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Meatball Casserole

    Meatball Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Savory Experiments.

    Cheesy meatball casserole combines the classic flavors of pasta and meatballs in an easy-to-make dish. Using frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, and pasta, this meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It's a comforting option that the whole family will love.

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    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes is a flavorful meal that comes together quickly in the instant pot, taking less than 45 minutes. The dish features a tasty tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano. It's a simple dinner option that works well for busy nights.

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    Southwest Chicken Casserole

    .Chicken Casserole
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Southwest Chicken Casserole is a filling dish that combines juicy chicken, zesty spices, and gooey melted cheese. It's easy to whip up on a busy weeknight since it only requires one pan and little prep time. With the mix of salsa Verde, black beans, and southwest seasoning, this casserole offers a cozy, slightly smoky flavor that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables

    Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables is a simple and tasty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. A big sheet pan filled with your favorite vegetables and sausages is hard to beat. This dish is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup

    Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This hearty soup is sure to please everyone in the family. Packed with pizza flavors and bow-tie pasta, it's a comforting dish that's easy to prepare. Plus, it freezes well, making it a great option for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet Peach Barbecue Glaze

    Chicken with sweet barbecue glaze served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Modern Honey.

    This simple slow cooker dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a sweet peach barbecue sauce. With just five ingredients, it's a breeze to prepare. This is a good dinner option for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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    Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

    Slow cooker queso chicken tacos.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow cooker queso chicken is a creamy and flavorful chicken dish that works well in a variety of meals, from quesadillas to sandwiches. It's easy to prepare and is great for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish combines the goodness of chicken with a cheesy, zesty sauce that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner

    Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This Crock Pot Hobo Dinner is a simple way to prepare a full meal in one go. It combines a flavorful meatloaf with sliced potatoes, all cooked together until everything is just right. Perfect for busy nights, this dish takes minimal effort while delivering a satisfying dinner.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew is super simple to prepare. Just spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready, then let the pot do the work while you relax. In under 45 minutes, you'll have a hearty meal filled with veggies and great flavors.

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    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

    Slow cooker black bean soup.
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is simple to make with just a few ingredients and can cook all day long. It's creamy without using any cream, and it's both vegetarian and gluten-free. Enjoy this light yet filling soup in bread bowls, topped with your favorite taco fixings.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This pizza pasta bake is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and easy. You can throw everything together right in the pan, and there's no need to cook the pasta beforehand. With its cheesy goodness and delicious pizza flavors, it's a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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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 shredded cheddar, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, making it a hearty meal that will fill you up. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

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    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are simple and full of flavor, requiring only 5 minutes of prep time. They combine cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon for a complete meal all in one package. Using frozen cod helps ensure the fish stays perfectly cooked.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan meal offers a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking it. The lamb chops roast in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that is full of flavor. It's a great option for busy nights when you want a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while still enjoying a delicious meal. It's a hearty pasta sauce that captures all the classic flavors, but you can whip it up quickly using just a few simple ingredients from your pantry. Perfect for busy nights, this dish lets you enjoy a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    More Dump and Go Meals

    • Chicken broccoli rice casserole.
      31 Dump-and-Cook Dinners That Save You Serious Time
    • Chicken thighs.
      24 Dump-and-Cook Dinners You Can Toss Together in Minutes
    • Ground beef chili.
      24 Dump-And-Go Dinners That Will Save You Time
    • Land your man baked beans.
      24 Easy Dump-and-Cook Dinners for Busy Nights
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    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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