• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    27 Delicious Dump-And-Cook Recipes That Will Save Your Evenings

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 5, 2024, updated November 4, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. These 27 easy dump-and-cook recipes are perfect for busy evenings, allowing you to throw everything onto a pan or into a slow cooker and let it do the work for you. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle!

    One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

    Oven Baked One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    This easy weeknight dinner features lemony chicken legs paired with roasted potatoes, making for a warm and satisfying meal. While everything bakes in the oven, you can quickly whip up a simple green salad for a complete and healthy dinner in no time.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    Crock-Pot Honey Bourbon Steak Tips

    Honey Bourbon Steak Tips (Crock-Pot)
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    These Honey Bourbon Steak Tips are cooked in the crockpot for a simple and satisfying meal. They come out tender and juicy, covered in a tasty sweet and savory sauce.

    Get the recipe

    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 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!

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Air Fryer Roast Beef is a simple and quick dinner option that takes only 50 minutes to prepare. With a flavorful herby crust and a juicy, tender center, it's a meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Mac and Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This Crock Pot Mac and Cheese combines cheddar and American cheeses for a creamy dish that's simple to prepare. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on low, with no need to boil the pasta first!

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

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

    This salmon dish is incredibly simple, using only three ingredients. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty meal without much fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Whole Chicken

    Crockpot Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This slow cooker chicken is incredibly tender and super simple to make. You’ll be amazed that this rotisserie-style dish comes right from your own kitchen, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

    Get the Recipe

    Pork and Hatch Green Chile Stew

    Pork and Hatch Green Chile Stew
    Photo Credit: Beyond Mere Sustenance.

    This hearty stew combines tender pork cubes with spicy Hatch green chiles, creating a comforting dish that's easy to prepare. It's perfect for serving over rice, polenta, or in tortillas, making it a great option for busy evenings.

    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 keep you satisfied. It's perfect for busy evenings, and you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings, as it's vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be stored in the freezer. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer, then enjoy it with your favorite taco toppings like cheese and sour cream.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Stuffing Casserole

    Chicken Stuffing Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This chicken stuffing casserole makes weeknight dinners a breeze. With tasty Stove Top stuffing, shredded chicken, and a creamy mushroom sauce, it's a dish that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Air Fryer Flank Steak comes out tender and juicy in just 8-10 minutes. A flavorful marinade does all the work, making dinner quick and easy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
    Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    Flank steak is combined with garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and soy sauce for a dish that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your table. This easy recipe makes for a satisfying meal without the fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Baked BBQ Chicken

    Baked BBQ Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    This chicken dish makes for a simple and satisfying weeknight meal. Juicy chicken thighs are covered in a tasty glaze that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pesto Salmon comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a great choice for hectic evenings. Topped with a mix of Greek yogurt and pesto, this baked salmon is simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This meal combines the classic flavors of mac and cheese with the creamy goodness of broccoli chicken alfredo, making it a comforting dish. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn

    Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn
    Photo Credit: The Magical SlCw cooker.

    Steak bites, potatoes, and corn come together in the slow cooker with a tasty garlic butter sauce. This simple dish makes for an easy and satisfying meal any night of the week.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

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

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta mixed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a simple recipe that makes dinner a breeze.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Cornish Game Hens

    Cornish Game Hens Crockpot Recipe
    Photo Credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Slow Cooker Cornish Hens are simple to prepare and packed with flavor. The hens cook alongside fresh veggies in the Crockpot, making it a convenient all-in-one meal.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a quick and tasty meal that you can make in less than 45 minutes. It features a flavorful tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano, making it a great option for hectic evenings.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Steak Bites

    Crockpot Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes.

    Crockpot Steak Bites are a simple and affordable way to enjoy tasty beef without breaking the bank. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have tender, juicy bites and a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for dipping bread.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken, Broccoli and Potato Casserole

    Chicken, Broccoli, and Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This dish features tender chicken, quartered potatoes, and broccoli all smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese. It's a cozy meal that's great for hectic weeknights, potlucks, or family get-togethers.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Veggies.
    Photo Credit The Feathered Nester.

    This dish features tender chicken thighs and fresh vegetables all cooked together on one pan. It's a quick and healthy option that makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

    Get the Recipe

    Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

    Burrito bowl.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Burrito bowls are a quick and tasty meal option that you can whip up with minimal effort. This simple recipe lets you throw everything together and bake it for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew

    Beef and Barley Stew.
    Photo Credit Chew Out Loud.

    Beef and Barley Stew is a simple and hearty meal that cooks in the slow cooker, making dinner a breeze. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy evening.

    Get the Recipe

    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is super simple to make. In just 10 minutes of prep and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a cheesy dish made with Cheddar and Gruyere, all in one pan without any fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Goulash

    Slow Cooker Goulash.
    Photo Credit: Somebody Feed Seb.

    This is a simple and filling meal featuring tender beef in a flavorful tomato sauce. It's ideal for hectic weeknights, requiring little prep while delivering great taste without much effort.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Lasagna.
      22 Dump-and-Bake Dinners That Will Revolutionize Your Weeknight Meals
    • A veggie casserole.
      21 Vegetarian Casseroles That Will Change Your Dinner Game
    • Instant Pot French Onion Soup.
      18 Elegant Lunch Ideas to Impress Mom This Mother’s Day
    • Cheesburger sliders.
      18 Cheap Ground Beef Recipes That Are Perfect for Spring

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    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!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Tortilla soup.
      21 Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinners for Busy Nights
    • Thai coconut skewers.
      22 Easy Recipes to Satisfy Your Takeout Cravings at Home
    • Irish beef stew.
      Set It and Forget It: 26 Easy Beef Dinners for Any Night
    • Walking taco casserole.
      23 Easy Dinner Casseroles That Are Perfect for Any Night

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

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

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB