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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    18 Easy Dump-And-Go Dinners Your Grandma Would Be Proud Of

    Published: Jul 23, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Cooking can be a hassle, especially on busy nights when you just want something easy and satisfying. These 18 dump-and-go dinners are perfect for those times when you need a quick meal without a lot of fuss. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, these recipes will remind you of the comforting meals your grandma used to make.

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Juicy chicken cooks slowly in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's simple to prepare and lets you enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal effort.

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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 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.

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    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.

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    Sheet Pan Drumsticks & Potatoes

    Baked drumsticks.
    Photo credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

    Sheet pan chicken drumsticks and potatoes are simple to prepare, healthy, and really tasty. The blend of spices and the zesty lemon garlic seasoning create chicken that is tender and flavorful. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles.
    Photo Credit: Gluesticks.

    This dish is all about comfort and simplicity. It's quick to prepare using everyday ingredients you likely have on hand, and it delivers great flavor. Perfect for busy nights, this meal will satisfy everyone at the table.

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    Slow Cooker Jamaican Jerk Chicken

    Slow Cooker Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe gives chicken thighs a flavorful kick with a simple homemade jerk seasoning. It's an easy way to spice up your dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for busy nights, this dish brings a taste of the Caribbean right to your table.

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    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.

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    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 perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule. With minimal effort, you can have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy.

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    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.

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    Hot Tub Beer Brats

    Hot Tub Beer Brats.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Hot Tub Beer Brats are a great way to enjoy bratwurst with a unique twist. Using just a few easy ingredients like chicken broth, butter, onions, and beer, you can whip up some tasty brats that are perfect for your next gathering. This dish is simple to prepare and adds a fun element to your cookout.

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    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. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a simple and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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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 simple ingredients from your pantry. Perfect for busy nights, this dish lets you enjoy a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Stuffed pepper soup is a delicious twist on the classic stuffed peppers. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. Topped with cheese and served with breadsticks, this soup is filling and satisfying.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Crockpot Potato Soup

    Crockpot Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Crockpot Potato Soup is a comforting and filling dish that's simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It includes all the tasty toppings you love on a baked potato, such as bacon, cheese, and green onions. This soup is perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Thirty Something Supermom.

    This recipe is a simple way to whip up a tasty dinner that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights when you don't have much time to spend in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.

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    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.

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    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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