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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Dump-and-Go Dinners for When You Want to Do Anything But Cook

    Published: Feb 10, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Busy weeknights can make cooking feel like a chore, but with these 20 simple dump and go dinners, you can have a delicious meal with minimal effort. Just toss the ingredients into a pot or slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work for you. These recipes are perfect for those days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Mac & Cheese

    A spoonful of cheesy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Mac and Cheese is a simple one-pan meal that you can whip up in no time. After just 10 minutes of prep and 45 minutes in the oven, you'll enjoy a creamy dish loaded with Cheddar and Gruyere.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines cheesy chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for busy weeknights. It's a filling meal that families will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Apricot Chicken Thighs

    Baked Apricot Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Beyond the Chicken Coop.

    Apricot Chicken combines sweet and savory flavors in a delicious way. Juicy chicken thighs are smothered in a tasty sauce made from apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce, creating a dish that's quick and easy to prepare.

    Get the Recipe

    Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

    Spinach chicken artichoke casserole.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    Spinach artichoke chicken casserole is an easy dish that uses rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies. It's ready to serve in less than an hour.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Wonton Soup

    Wonton soup.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Wonton Soup is simple to make using frozen wontons and pre-chopped veggies, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. This comforting meal comes together fast, ideal for families with a packed schedule.

    Get the recipe

    Pizza Baked Butter Beans

    Baked butter beans in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Life as a Strawberry.

    Pizza baked beans offer a quick and delicious meal for busy evenings. Just mix canned beans with pizza sauce, add your favorite toppings, and bake for a satisfying dish that pairs well with crusty bread.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Baked Spaghetti

    Cheesy Baked Spaghetti.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Baked spaghetti combines the classic flavors of spaghetti and meatballs with a cheesy lasagna twist. With layers of noodles, hearty meat sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish is sure to please the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ravioli is a great shortcut for making lasagna, as it takes the place of traditional noodles and pairs well with ricotta. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna is a favorite in my family.

    Get the Recipe

    Turkish Chicken and Potatoes

    Turkish Chicken and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Give Recipe.

    Baked Turkish chicken and potatoes is a simple and tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table in no time.

    Get the Recipe

    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzla mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This mac and cheese is super cheesy and comforting, all made in one dish with minimal effort. Just mix everything together, bake it, and enjoy the delicious blend of mozzarella and gorgonzola.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish combines chicken and broccoli for a hearty meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a great choice for families who want to save time while still having a fulfilling dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Stuffed pepper soup offers a tasty take on the traditional stuffed peppers. It's great with cheese sprinkled on top and pairs well with breadsticks for a satisfying meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Copycat Wendy's Chili

    Copycat Wendy’s Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe brings the tasty flavor of Wendy's chili right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Packed with beans, veggies, and spices, it's a great choice for a comforting dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Potato Soup

    A bowl of potato soup.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This potato soup is super easy to make in a slow cooker, with just 10 minutes of prep time. It's packed with flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs

    Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Courtney's Sweets.

    Sweet baked boneless chicken thighs are ready in under 30 minutes. This dish is packed with flavors like sweetness, saltiness, and garlic, making it a delicious option for dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner

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

    This all-in-one dinner is a simple way to prepare a full meal. It features a tasty meatloaf paired with sliced potatoes, all cooked together for an easy dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Nacho Soup

    Slow Cooker Nacho Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Nacho Soup combines the delicious flavors of nachos into a cozy bowl. With ground beef, Rotel, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning cooked together in a slow cooker, this is a simple meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy pasta sauce that captures all the classic flavors you enjoy. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

    Slow cooker country style ribs served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Cheerful Cook.

    These easy, tender ribs are a great choice for a quick dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious meal ready without spending much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots

    Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots.
    Photo Credit: Zona Cooks.

    Baked Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Carrots are simple to prepare and really tasty. The chicken is juicy with a nice crispy skin, and roasting the veggies enhances their natural sweetness.

    Get the Recipe

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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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