• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Air Fryer Mom
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    Grandma's Best Kept Secrets: 20 Dump-and-Go Dinners for Busy Nights

    Published: Jul 29, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

    • Facebook
    • Email

    When life gets busy, finding time to cook can be a challenge. These 20 easy dump-and-go dinners are perfect for those hectic nights when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy comforting dishes that are ready in no time.

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious mix of sweet and spicy flavors that comes together effortlessly. With just four ingredients, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's an easy option that won't take much time or effort, making it a great choice for busy evenings.

    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

    Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

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

    Ravioli is a simple way to create a delicious lasagna, as it replaces the traditional noodles and adds a creamy ricotta layer. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna has become a favorite in my family. It's an easy meal that comes together with minimal effort, perfect for busy nights.

    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

    Papa's Gone All Day Stew

    Beef stew.
    Photo Credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    This stew is a classic comfort food that serves 12, making it ideal for family gatherings on Sundays. It's also simple enough to whip up on a busy weekday. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, it's sure to please everyone at the table.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is incredibly tender and requires very little effort. This simple dish is perfect for weeknight meals, whether served on a plate or in a bun. Just grab your CrockPot and a few ingredients, and in about three hours, dinner will be ready.

    Get the Recipe

    No Boil Baked Ziti

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

    Baked ziti is a comforting dish that's easy to prepare. With this method, you can skip boiling the noodles and browning the meat. Just layer everything together and pop it in the oven for a delicious meal with minimal effort.

    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

    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Ground beef and crispy bacon come together in this chili, creating a hearty and comforting dish. With a variety of tasty toppings, it's perfect for a cozy meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Creamy Crockpot Tortellini

    A bowl filled with Creamy Crockpot Tortellini.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    Creamy Crock Pot Tortellini is a simple and delicious dish that comes together quickly. Using frozen tortellini and a rich, smooth sauce, this pasta meal is sure to please everyone at the table. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

    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

    Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

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

    This casserole checks all the boxes with creamy chicken, mixed veggies, and crispy tater tots on top! Make it ahead and freeze for later, or bake it now and enjoy this favorite casserole that even picky eaters will love.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew is a classic comfort food that brings the flavors of the South right to your table. This dish combines tender meat with a variety of tasty vegetables, all simmered together to create a warm and satisfying meal. It's a simple option that your family will love, perfect for those busy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

    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

    Minnesota Chicken Wild Rice Soup

    Minnesota Chicken Wild Rice Soup.
    Photo Credit: Bake with Jamie.

    Chicken wild rice soup is a beloved dish from Minnesota that's super simple to prepare. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it cook on its own. It features familiar flavors like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Enjoy it with a nice loaf of crusty bread for a cozy meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

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

    This slow cooker chicken alfredo is a creamy dish that your family will really enjoy. It's simple to prepare, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a quick meal. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish is simple and only needs five ingredients. It has a rich flavor from the beef, brown gravy, and onions. With easy preparation and quick cooking, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal 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 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

    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

    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

    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
    • Facebook
    • Email

    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.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Readers Love These Recipes

    • Cranberry chicken with rice.
      17 Best Chicken Breast Slow Cooker Recipes Ever
    • 26 Kid-Approved Ground Beef Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
    • 20 Easy Weeknight Casseroles That Come Together Fast
    • Slow cooker tater tot casserole.
      22 Ground Beef Crockpot Dinners Guaranteed to Please Your Family

    Latest Articles

    • Baked lamb chops with veggies.
      15 Hands-Off Oven Dinners That Feed the Whole Crew
    • Grilled pineapple upside down cake.
      28 Light and Fruity Desserts That Were Made For Summer
    • Baked chicken breast.
      22 Simple Chicken Breast Dishes Worth Adding to Your Weekly Rotation
    • American goulash.
      30 Ground Beef Dinners You'll Want to Make Every Week

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosure
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • [email protected]
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden

    Copyright © 2026 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB