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    Home » Dump and Go Meals

    26 Dump-And-Go Dinners for All the Busy Weeknights This Fall

    Published: Sep 15, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    These 26 dump-and-go dinners are perfect for busy weeknights this fall. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time. Enjoy the convenience of these easy recipes that let you spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen.

    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 a weeknight favorite, whether served on a plate or in a bun. Just grab your CrockPot, toss in a few ingredients, and in about three hours, dinner is ready.

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    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.

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    Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp Fajita

    Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp Fajita.
    Photo Credit: Mommy Evolution.

    Sheet pan Cajun shrimp fajitas bring a fun and tasty twist to taco night. Juicy shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spices and roasted alongside colorful bell peppers and red onion. This dish combines a nice kick with a hint of sweetness, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken cacciatore is an easy dish to make in a slow cooker. It features a flavorful sauce made with diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bell peppers, onions, and Italian spices. This meal is great for summer evenings when you want something filling but don't want to spend a lot of time cooking. Just prepare the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do its thing. You'll end up with a comforting dinner that brings a taste of Italy to your home.

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    Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken

    Slow Cooker Mongolian Chicken,.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Mongolian Chicken is a dish that's likely to become a staple in your home. It's simple to prepare, and the flavors are so good that you might think twice about ordering takeout. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Sheet Pan Caprese Gnocchi

    Caprese gnocchi on a sheet pan.
    Photo Credit: The Savory Cipolla.

    This sheet pan dinner is a great option for summer evenings. It's an easy and tasty way to serve a large family without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can elevate your weeknight meals.

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    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Swirls of Flavor.

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili is a simple dish that creates a delicious sauce while it cooks in the slow cooker. This meal combines tender chicken with the sweetness of pineapple and a mix of spices, resulting in a flavorful chili. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Chili

    Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Happy Simple Living.

    Southwest Chicken Chili is a go-to dish for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken with a zesty broth, packed with corn, tomatoes, chipotle chiles, and two types of beans. This hearty meal is simple to prepare and perfect for the whole family.

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    Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

    Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken brings together chicken, sundried tomatoes, chicken broth, and a few basic seasonings for a tasty meal. It requires very little prep time and cooks in about 3 hours, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

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    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.

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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 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.

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    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.

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    Chicken Broccoli Casserole

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This dish combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the hearty flavors of broccoli and chicken alfredo. It's a simple and satisfying meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings together familiar ingredients for a comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Cool Ranch Tacos

    Slow Cooker Cool Ranch Tacos.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Tacos can be a fun and tasty meal, and this simple recipe adds a nice twist to the usual flavors. With just four ingredients, you can quickly put this together. You might want to make extra because they're sure to be a hit!

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Tater tot casserole with chicken and bacon is a simple and satisfying meal that you can prepare in the slow cooker. Just let it cook for about 5 hours, and you'll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

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

    Crock pot cashew chicken combines tender chicken breasts with classic Asian flavors and some veggies, creating a dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy, even the kids. This simple meal requires minimal prep time and can be ready in about three hours, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

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    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.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie {with Biscuits}.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This crock pot chicken pot pie is a simple way to enjoy a warm and filling meal. Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are combined with creamy soups, all topped with fluffy biscuits. It's perfect for chilly evenings when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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 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.

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    Copycat Wendy's Chili

    Copycat Wendy’s Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Wendy's chili is a favorite for many, and now you can enjoy it right at home with this easy recipe. It includes all the classic ingredients like beans, vegetables, and spices, so you can whip up a delicious pot of chili without any fuss. This recipe captures the flavors you love, making it a great option for a cozy dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Huli Huli Chicken

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

    This Hawaiian-inspired slow-cooked Huli Huli Chicken is full of vibrant flavors that bring a taste of the islands to your table. It's a simple dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for those evenings when you just want something delicious without putting in a lot of effort.

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    Baked Ranch Chicken

    Baked ranch chicken on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Baked Ranch Chicken is a simple dish that creates a creamy sauce while it cooks. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, covered in a tasty gravy and finished with a crunchy layer of panko breadcrumbs. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

    Slow cooker queso chicken tacos.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow cooker queso chicken is a creamy and flavorful chicken dish that works well in a variety of meals, from quesadillas to sandwiches. It's easy to prepare and is great for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish combines cheese and spices to create a delicious filling that everyone will enjoy.

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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 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.

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    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.

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    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

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

    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that cooks in a mix of balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian herbs, and juicy diced tomatoes. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Serve it over pasta or rice for a satisfying meal that has a nice balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

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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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