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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    17 Dump-and-Cook Dinners That Will Win Your Partner's Heart

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 19, 2025 · Published November 19, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 21 dump-and-cook dinners are perfect for busy nights when you want to impress your partner without spending hours in the kitchen. Just toss the ingredients together, let them cook, and enjoy a delicious meal that shows you care. Simple, quick, and satisfying, these recipes will make weeknight dinners a breeze.

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features cheesy chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, creating a hearty meal. It's an easy recipe that will keep you full and happy.

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    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is super easy to make with just three simple ingredients. It's a tasty choice that your partner is sure to enjoy.

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    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is easy to prepare and doesn't take much time, whether you grab some teriyaki sauce from the store or make your own. It's a great option to impress your partner without putting in a lot of work.

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    Bacon Wrapped Salmon with Garlic Butter

    Bacon wrapped salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Bacon-wrapped salmon filets are a tasty and easy dish that everyone enjoys. The rich flavor of garlic butter adds a special touch, making this a great meal to impress your partner.

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    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup

    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: Add Salt and Serve.

    Cube steak is a quick and tasty option for dinner. Just mix it with cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and some seasonings for a meal that's easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner without much work.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Skillet Lasagna

    Cheesy Tortellini Skillet Lasagna
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    Skillet lasagna is a simple and fast way to enjoy a beloved classic. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy evening. This dish is hearty and satisfying, bringing all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the extra work.

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    Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo

    A bowl of fettuccini alfredo.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This pasta dish is creamy and rich, making it a great choice for a quick and easy one-pot meal. It cooks with minimal effort, so you can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is super simple to make, requiring only four main ingredients along with a few handy store-bought items. You can whip it up in about 5 minutes and have it served in under 40 minutes. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and satisfying.

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    Roasted Gnocchi with Veggies

    Roasted gnocchi with veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Gnocchi is tossed in olive oil and roasted until it's just right. The outside gets nice and crispy while the inside stays soft and fluffy. This dish is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.

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    Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

    Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and fluffy buttermilk biscuit dumplings all cooked together in a creamy broth. It's a comforting meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner. Everyone will enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish.

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    Maple Mustard Salmon

    Maple Mustard Salmon - Sheet Pan Dinner
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A simple weeknight dinner includes salmon covered in a delicious maple mustard sauce, served alongside sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Everything cooks together in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect option for a satisfying meal that your partner will appreciate.

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    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This dish is packed with tropical flavors and is really simple to prepare. Just mix everything together, and it's ready to go!

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This simple lamb dish is prepared on a sheet pan, which makes cleaning up afterward easy. The lamb chops soak up the flavors from the veggies, creating a tender and delicious meal.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in less than an hour with very little prep. It features a zesty buffalo sauce, fresh spinach, and gooey melted cheese, making it a filling option for dinner. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in and is sure to please anyone at the table.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Bolognese is a simple way to get dinner on the table fast. Using just a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich pasta sauce that feels like it simmered for hours. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms

    Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Steak bites come together easily with beef broth, butter, onion, garlic, beef, and mushrooms. Everything goes into the slow cooker, making it a straightforward and filling dinner option.

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    Slow Cooker Rosemary Ranch Chicken and Noodles

    Slow Cooker Rosemary Ranch Chicken and Noodles.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    This one-pot dish combines tender chicken with a flavorful rosemary ranch sauce and fresh pasta. It's an easy and filling dinner option that works well for a busy weeknight. With minimal cleanup and preparation, it's a great choice when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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