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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    27 Dump-And-Go Recipes for Busy Weeknights

    Published: Sep 30, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    These 27 dump-and-go recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal without the fuss. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker or Instant Pot, and let them do the work while you focus on other things. Enjoy simple, hearty dishes that require minimal prep and cleanup.

    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

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

    This sheet pan meal is a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking it. The lamb chops cook in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that's really delicious. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: The Kitchen Girl.

    Slow cooker pulled pork is a simple and tasty dish that everyone will enjoy. Using a well-seasoned pork shoulder, it cooks slowly to become tender and flavorful. This dish is perfect for feeding a group without putting in a lot of work.

    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 meal that's simple to prepare. It's perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is a delight for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. It combines two kinds of cheese, adds a bit of tang from Gorgonzola, and gets a nice crunch from walnuts. Ready in under 40 minutes, it's a simple and satisfying meal for any weeknight.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying waiting for you after a long day. Just set it up in the morning, and by dinner time, you'll have a delicious soup ready to enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Shrimp & Veggie Stir Fry

    Shrimp & Veggie Stir Fry.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This shrimp and vegetable stir fry is a great option for busy weeknights. It's loaded with protein and fresh veggies, making it a healthy choice that doesn't skimp on flavor. You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you want something quick and satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry

    Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Sheet Pan Chicken Stir Fry is a simple and delicious option for busy weeknights. Just toss everything onto a sheet pan, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a stress-free dinner with family or friends. It's a great way to get a wholesome meal on the table without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    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 a simple option for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a filling dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    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 ready-made options, you can have it prepped in just five minutes and on the table in under 40 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: 4 Sons R Us.

    Enjoying the flavors of a Sunday roast chicken any night is simple with this easy recipe. Just throw everything together and let it cook while you relax. It's a cozy dinner option that requires very little effort.

    Get the Recipe

    Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce

    Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce.
    Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes.

    This slow cooker spaghetti sauce is a simple way to enjoy a classic family dinner. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and let the slow cooker do the rest. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Chicken

    Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This dish combines chicken and broccoli with a generous amount of cheese, all cooked together in the slow cooker. It's a simple and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with rice, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata features a tasty mix of lemon, chicken broth, capers, and dijon mustard, creating a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It requires just a little bit of prep work, and after a few hours in the slow cooker, you'll have a delicious meal ready to serve. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken

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

    Finding a simple dinner for busy nights is a breeze with this Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken. This dish puts a fun spin on regular chicken, making it a hit with everyone at the table. It's perfect for those evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit" Haute & Healthy Living.

    This crockpot Mexican casserole is packed with all the delicious flavors you love from Mexican cuisine, and it's a great option for busy weeknights. It's simple to prepare and saves you money compared to takeout. Plus, it's a healthier choice that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup.
    Photo Credit: That Skinny Chick Can Bake.

    This dish brings the warmth and flavor of Mexican comfort food right to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for chilly winter nights, it's all prepared in a crockpot, allowing the spices to blend beautifully while you go about your day. Enjoy a hearty meal that's both satisfying and simple to make.

    Get the Recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a quick and satisfying dish that comes together in no time. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour. This pasta is packed with spicy buffalo sauce, hidden spinach, and plenty of cheese, making it a delicious choice for a busy weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    White Chicken Chili

    White Chicken Chili .
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This crockpot white chicken chili is a warm and filling dish that's perfect for a cozy meal. With just a few simple ingredients, it packs a lot of flavor and is super easy to prepare. It's creamy and satisfying, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    Save time in the kitchen with this Instant Pot bolognese! A rich and hearty pasta sauce, this instant pot recipe brings all the flavors of the classic dish simmered for hours into a quick meal with basic pantry ingredients.

    Get the recipe

    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 weeknight dinners when you're short on time. The lemony chicken legs paired with roasted potatoes create a comforting meal that's satisfying but not too filling. While everything bakes together, you can quickly whip up a simple green salad, giving you a wholesome dinner in no time.

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    Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

    Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Dinner tonight can be super simple with this three-ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. This tasty dish is perfect for the crockpot and can be used in many different meals that everyone in the family will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Cod in Foil

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

    These baked cod packs are super easy to prepare, taking only about 5 minutes of your time. They combine cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon for a complete meal all wrapped up in foil. Using frozen cod helps ensure the fish stays perfectly cooked, making this a simple and satisfying dinner option for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Chicken

    Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Chicken is a tasty dish that's great for busy weeknights or weekends. With this simple recipe, you can spend very little time getting everything ready, and it will cook while you take care of other things. By the time dinner rolls around, you'll have a hearty meal waiting for you.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore

    Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over.

    This dish features tender chicken along with bell peppers, onions, and zucchini all simmered in a tasty Italian sauce. It's a simple recipe that fits well into a busy weeknight schedule. With minimal effort, you can have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy

    Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. It's hearty and warm, packed with rich flavors that make every bite satisfying. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, bringing a sense of home and warmth to your table.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes

    Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe is a real lifesaver for weeknight dinners. It offers a filling and tasty meal that works well for busy families looking for something satisfying without too much effort. With simple steps and minimal prep, it's a great option when time is tight.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. With just a little chopping at the beginning, it's mostly hands-off and comes together easily. You'll have chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce all cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

    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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