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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    32 Dump-and-Cook Recipes Perfect for Family Gatherings

    Published: May 10, 2026 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Gathering with family is always a special time, and having easy recipes on hand can make it even better. These 31 simple dump-and-cook recipes are perfect for feeding a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen. Just toss the ingredients together, let them cook, and enjoy more time with your loved ones.

    Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

    Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

    Homemade slow cooker turkey meatballs are full of flavor and super easy to make. Just let the crockpot handle everything, and you'll end up with tender, juicy meatballs in a delicious tomato sauce.

    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 to begin, you end up with a delicious mix of chicken, veggies, and sauce all cooked together in one pan.

    Get the recipe

    Melt in Your Mouth Chicken

    Melt in Your Mouth Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Melt in your Mouth Chicken is a simple dish that uses just 6 ingredients. Boneless chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce and baked to juicy perfection, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

    Chicken tikka masala served over white rice.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This slow cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is great for busy weekdays when you want a simple and tasty Indian-inspired meal without the need for takeout. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and enjoy a comforting dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana

    Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    This dish combines the hearty flavors of bacon, Italian sausage, creamy potatoes, and kale into a simple slow cooker meal. It's a warm and filling option that's perfect for any evening.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Gnocchi with Frozen Vegetables

    Baked gnocchi with vegetables on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This is an easy one-pan dinner that requires no chopping. With frozen mixed vegetables and a creamy cheese sauce, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can put together this comforting meal for the family.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken

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

    This Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken is a simple dinner option for busy nights. It puts a fun spin on regular chicken that everyone in the family will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Beef and Barley Stew

    Beef and Barley Stew.
    Photo Credit Chew Out Loud.

    This stew is cooked in a slow cooker, resulting in a tender and tasty meal that's super easy to prepare. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without putting in a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

    Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

    Crockpot chicken salsa topped with avocados.
    Photo Credit Chew Out Loud.

    This dish features healthy and tasty chicken that cooks perfectly in the Crock Pot. It's great for busy nights, gatherings, or when you want to prepare meals in advance.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

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

    This simple meal uses just 8 ingredients and is perfect for a tasty dinner any night. Featuring soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it's a dish that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is simple, cheesy, and really tasty, perfect for a cozy meal. It's the kind of comfort food that everyone loves.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

    Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe is a great option for a filling meal. With tender Russet potatoes, ground beef, and straightforward flavors, it's sure to be a hit with your family.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Chicken & Potatoes

    Baked Chicken & Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Baked Chicken & Potatoes is an easy meal that mixes ranch seasoning with baby gold potatoes, making it a hit with everyone. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family get-together, and you won't have to spend much time on prep or cleanup.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew is super simple to prepare. Just spend 10 minutes getting it ready, then let the pot do the work, and you'll have a delicious, veggie-filled meal in less than 45 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo.
    Photo Credit: Fit As a Mama Bear.

    This creamy chicken dish is perfect for a family dinner. It's simple to prepare in the slow cooker, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This soup combines all the classic flavors of stuffed bell peppers and is cooked slowly in your Crock Pot. It's a filling and simple meal that's perfect for a weeknight.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chile Colorado features tender beef cooked in a flavorful red chile sauce, paired with warm tortillas for a simple and satisfying meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without much work.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker V8 Chili

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

    This chili is packed with vegetables thanks to the V8 juice in the sauce. It's a large batch, perfect for freezing or sharing with friends.

    Get the Recipe

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

    One-Pan Maple Dijon Chicken
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    Maple Dijon Chicken is a simple and tasty dinner option. It features tender chicken baked alongside butternut squash, purple potatoes, and broccoli all on one pan.

    Get the recipe

    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 delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Garden in the Kitchen.

    Tender chicken breasts are simmered for hours in a rich onion broth and then covered with Gruyere cheese. This is comfort food at its best!

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes is a tasty meal that you can whip up in under 45 minutes. With a rich tomato sauce made from fresh ingredients, this is a simple dinner option for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    Ravioli casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four ingredients and some ready-made items, you can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata

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

    Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata features zesty lemon, savory chicken broth, capers, and dijon mustard for a delicious family meal. With just a bit of prep and a few hours in the slow cooker, this dish will be ready to enjoy at dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

    Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus
    Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

    This Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus is a super simple spring dinner that cooks in under 10 minutes. It's gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and full of flavor with a tasty honey Dijon mix.

    Get the recipe

    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is super simple to prepare. In just 10 minutes of prep and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious one-pan dish loaded with Cheddar and Gruyere cheese.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs

    Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

    Baked Harissa Chicken Thighs are packed with flavor and require minimal effort. This simple sheet pan dinner features spicy harissa paste, zesty lemon, and sweet honey paired with tender chicken, onions, and sweet potatoes for a delicious meal that cooks itself.

    Get the Recipe

    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

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

    This cheesy mac and cheese is made in one dish with no need to pre-cook anything. Just mix everything together, bake it, and enjoy a comforting meal that's packed with mozzarella and gorgonzola.

    Get the recipe

    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

    This simple meatball casserole combines uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and marinara sauce for a tasty one-pan meal. Just layer the ingredients in a dish and let the oven handle the cooking.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables

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

    Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables is a simple and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. A big sheet pan loaded with your favorite veggies and sausages is perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the Recipe

    Crockpot Ham and Beans Soup

    Crockpot Ham and Beans Soup.
    Photo Credit: Savory with Soul.

    Crockpot ham and beans soup is a simple way to use leftover ham. It's hearty and delicious, making it a great option for chilly winter evenings that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. With a mix of two cheeses, a bit of tang from Gorgonzola, and a nice crunch from walnuts, it's a simple dish that comes together in under 40 minutes.

    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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