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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    22 Delicious Dump-and-Go Recipes That Save You Time and Effort

    Published: Jul 16, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Cooking can be a hassle, especially on busy days. These 22 dump-and-go recipes make meal prep a breeze, allowing you to throw everything into a pot or slow cooker with minimal effort. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese

    Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: The Cagle Diaries.

    This dish puts a creamy and spicy spin on a Southern favorite. It features soft pasta, melty cheddar cheese, and a bold kick from Cajun seasoning and Andouille sausage. It's the perfect comfort food with a taste of Louisiana.

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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 definitely provide some leftovers. It's simple to prepare, so you can enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for busy evenings, this meal is both filling and easy to throw together.

    Get the recipe

    Olive Garden Vegan Gnocchi Soup

    Olive Garden Vegan Gnocchi Soup
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Olive Garden Vegan Gnocchi Soup is a cozy and satisfying dish that's perfect for any day. Packed with a variety of vegetables and soft gnocchi, it comes together in a creamy broth that's full of flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this easy meal using ingredients you probably already have on hand.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This dish combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the hearty flavors of broccoli and chicken alfredo. It's a simple comfort food that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, this meal is satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for dinner.

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    Korean Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken

    Korean Slow Cooker Gochujang Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    This Korean-inspired slow cooker gochujang chicken is packed with flavor and requires just 10 simple ingredients. It's perfect served over rice, on tostadas, or in tacos. Enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

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    Crockpot Salsa Chicken with Cream Cheese

    Crockpot Salsa Chicken with Cream Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Salsa Chicken with Cream Cheese is a super simple and satisfying dinner option. The cream cheese mixes with the salsa to create a rich and creamy sauce that ties all the flavors together. This dish is also really flexible, so you can enjoy it in different ways.

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    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken

    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    An easy dinner option for busy nights is here with this Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken recipe. This dish puts a fun spin on regular chicken, making it a hit with the whole family. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

    Oven Baked One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This one pan chicken and potato dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The lemony chicken legs paired with roasted potatoes create a comforting meal that isn't too filling. While everything bakes in the oven, you can throw together a simple green salad, giving you a wholesome dinner in no time.

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    Baked Chicken Thighs

    Baked Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Baked Chicken Thighs are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. They turn out crispy on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside. With a delicious mix of garlic and herbs, this dish is perfect for a satisfying meal.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is quick to prepare, taking less than 10 minutes, and it cooks in under an hour. Packed with spicy buffalo sauce and sneaky spinach, this dish is both cheesy and satisfying. It's a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chop Pizzaiola

    Pork Chop Pizzaiola.
    Photo Credit: Like Hot Keto.

    Pork Chop Pizzaiola is a simple and tasty dinner option that you can have ready in less than 30 minutes using just five ingredients. This dish combines juicy pork chops with a flavorful sauce, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. It's easy to prepare and perfect for when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole

    Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Fantabulosity.

    This chicken and rice dish is a beloved family staple that's easy to make in the oven. It features juicy chicken thighs paired with canned soups, creating a warm and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu

    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features tender chicken, flavorful ham, and gooey Swiss cheese simmered together in a rich sauce. Topped with buttery stuffing, it creates a cozy and filling meal that's perfect for any night. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it prepped in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40 minutes. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

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

    This super cheesy mac and cheese is all done in one dish with no pre-cooking whatsoever - just dump, bake, and enjoy a deliciously comforting dish. With mozzarella & gorgonzola it doesn't get much cheesier than this - or easier!

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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 basic 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

    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    Air Fryer Roast Beef is a quick and easy dinner option that everyone will love. In just 50 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table. The outside is coated with a tasty herb crust, while the inside stays juicy and tender, using only a handful of simple ingredients.

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    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This filling soup is packed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and barley, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on low throughout the day. When you return home, you'll find a warm and satisfying meal waiting for you.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, making it perfect for any night of the week. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a great mix of flavors and textures. It's an easy dish that you'll likely want to make again and again!

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a little chopping at the beginning, you can let everything cook together and enjoy a delicious meal. It features chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce, all in one pan for easy cleanup.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

    A bowl of ham and potato soup.
    Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday,

    This soup is simple to prepare in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, making it a great choice for a cozy meal. You can keep it easy with just a sprinkle of sliced green onions, or go all out and top it like a baked potato with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. It's a warm and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta combined with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. It's simple to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a comforting plate that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    More Dump and Go Meals

    • Southwest chicken casserole.
      26 Simple Dump-and-Go Dinners Anyone Can Pull Together Fast
    • Carne guisada.
      24 Dump-and-Cook Beef Dinners With Almost No Cleanup
    • Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
      23 Dump-and-Bake Dinners That Take the Work Out of Weeknights
    • Lazy lasagna.
      22 Dump and Bake Dinners That Practically Make Themselves
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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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