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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    Simple Yet Delicious: Grandma's 20 Go-To Dump Dinners

    Published: Aug 4, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Dump dinners are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, combining simplicity and comfort in one pot. These meals require minimal prep and cleanup, making them perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Here are 20 simple yet delicious recipes that your grandma would surely approve of, bringing warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.

    Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

    Easy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup Recipe
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This slow cooker minestrone soup is a filling vegetarian meal packed with pasta, beans, and zucchini. It's a simple and tasty option for a weeknight dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Meaty Cabbage Soup

    Meaty Cabbage Soup.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    This dish is perfect for when you want something warm and comforting. With just a few basic ingredients, like meat and cabbage, it comes together easily. It's a great option for busy nights when you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

    A spoonful of Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This casserole has everything you need with creamy chicken, mixed vegetables, and a crunchy layer of tater tots on top. It's perfect for a quick meal that you can prepare in advance and freeze for later, or you can bake it right away and enjoy a comforting dish that everyone will appreciate, even the picky eaters.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker American Goulash

    Slow Cooker Goulash.
    Photo Credit: Cincy Shopper.

    Slow Cooker American Goulash is a hearty dish packed with beef and vegetables. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This meal is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

    15-Minute Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken served over pasta.
    Photo Credit: Cuisine & Travel.

    Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a quick and easy option for a busy weekday dinner. In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy juicy and tender chicken that's packed with flavor. This dish is simple to prepare and will satisfy everyone at the table.

    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 easy ingredients. Boneless chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce and baked to perfection, resulting in juicy and tender meat. This is a great dinner choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

    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 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.

    Get the recipe

    Crock Pot Baked Ziti

    Crock Pot Baked Ziti.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This simple Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a great option for busy nights. It combines tender pasta, tasty sauce, and gooey cheese, all cooked together with very little effort. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini

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

    Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.

    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 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.

    Get the recipe

    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. You don't need to do any pre-cooking; just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on low throughout the day. When you come home, you'll find a warm and satisfying meal waiting for you.

    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 gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home, and it requires very little work to prepare.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    No Boil Baked Ziti

    No boil baked ziti.
    Photo Credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    Enjoy all of the goodness of baked ziti with a fraction of the prep work! You don't have to boil the noodles or brown the meat, just layer it up and bake it to perfection.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

    Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup.
    Photo Credit: Vibrantly G-Free.

    This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish packed with shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and brown rice, all simmered in a tasty broth with hints of thyme. It's a simple meal that you can set and forget, allowing you to focus on other things while it cooks. This soup is naturally gluten-free and also comes with slow cooker instructions if you prefer that method.

    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 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.

    Get the recipe

    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.

    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 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

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      28 Dump-and-Cook Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love
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      22 Hearty Toss-and-Bake Meals You Can Make Real Quick
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      18 Family-Favorite Dump-and-Bake Recipes Everyone Loves
    • no boil pasta bake.
      16 Simple Beef Dinners You Just Dump and Bake
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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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