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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Easy Dump-and-Go Dinners for Stress-Free Cooking

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 30, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially on busy days. These 18 easy dump-and-go dinners are perfect for those times when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle. Just toss the ingredients into a pot or slow cooker, and let them do the work while you relax.

    Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

    Shrimp boil with sausage and baby corn.
    Photo Credit: Like Hot Keto.

    This sheet pan seafood boil is packed with Cajun flavor and is really simple to prepare. It features shrimp and Creole spiced andouille sausages, all cooked together in the oven. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can have a tasty meal ready to go. This dish is great for a quick and satisfying dinner, bringing a bit of Southern flair to your table. Enjoy a seafood feast without spending all day in the kitchen.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is really easy to make, using just one dish and no cooking skills required. It blends mozzarella and gorgonzola for a creamy, cheesy taste. Simply mix everything together and bake it in the oven. It's a warm and satisfying meal that you can whip up in no time. Great for a relaxing evening at home.

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    Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn

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

    Steak bites, potatoes, and corn come together in a slow cooker with a delicious garlic butter sauce for an easy and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Simply add everything to the slow cooker and let it handle the cooking. It’s a comforting choice that everyone will love. Ideal for a filling dinner with very little work.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Paprika

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

    Slow Cooker Chicken Paprika is a dish that brings together some great flavors. The sweet paprika sauce, along with garlic and onion, creates a rich and savory base that pairs wonderfully with tender chicken thighs. This meal is easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. It’s a comforting option that everyone will enjoy. You’ll love how simple it is to make this delicious dinner.

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    Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Steak Tips

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

    Honey Bourbon Steak Tips offer a simple and satisfying meal option. Using a crockpot allows you to prepare it with little effort, so you can focus on other things while it cooks. The combination of sweet and savory flavors enhances the steak beautifully. This dish is ideal for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner with ease.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs are a great choice for anyone who enjoys flavorful chicken. These thighs are cooked slowly in BBQ sauce, giving them a nice blend of sweetness and smokiness. After cooking, they get a quick broil to achieve a crispy finish and caramelized sauce. With just a few ingredients and only 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is simple to make. It's perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.

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    Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup

    Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup
    Photo Credit: Whiskful Cooking.

    This soup is really easy to prepare, using canned tomatoes, basil, and some simple seasonings. Just toss everything into the Crock Pot and let it simmer for a tasty meal. It goes well with grilled cheese sandwiches or crackers. This is a solid choice for a quick dinner when time is tight. Enjoy a cozy bowl of soup without spending all evening cooking.

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    Crockpot Cornish Game Hens

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

    Slow Cooker Cornish Hens are an easy and delicious choice for dinner. Simply put everything in the Crockpot and let it cook while you relax. This dish is ideal for busy nights when you want a filling meal without spending hours cooking. The hens turn out juicy and full of flavor, making it a fantastic option for any occasion. Enjoy a satisfying dinner with very little work.

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    Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

    Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    Enjoy a delicious mix of sweet honey and savory garlic with these Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. This simple recipe is great for a weeknight dinner and goes well with any side you like. Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work for you. The result is tender chicken that’s full of flavor. It’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare.

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    Mexican Steak Bites

    Mexican Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Taco-seasoned steak bites paired with a creamy queso sauce bring a fun twist to a classic dish. This meal is quick to prepare, making it ideal for those nights when time is short. It's a tasty option that doesn't require much effort in the kitchen. The blend of flavors is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this simple and satisfying dish any night you choose.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This meal is quick and easy, using just 8 ingredients, which is ideal for any night. With soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it brings together a nice variety of flavors and textures. It’s a straightforward dish that allows you to enjoy a filling dinner without spending too much time cooking. This is a solid choice for busy evenings when you want something delicious and fast. It’s sure to become a regular in your weekly meals.

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    Lemon Pepper Salmon

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

    This salmon dish is simple to prepare and only needs three ingredients. It’s a quick meal option that you can put together in a flash. Perfect for busy evenings, it requires very little effort. You can enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending hours cooking. This is a solid choice when you want something delicious without a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Steak Bites

    Crockpot Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Easy Family Recipes.

    Crockpot Steak Bites offer a tasty meal that won’t break the bank. With just a little bit of prep, you can enjoy tender steak pieces simmered in a flavorful sauce. They pair wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. This dish is straightforward to make and ideal for busy evenings. You can have a satisfying dinner without spending all day cooking.

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    Gorgonzola Tortellini Casserole

    Gorgonzola tortellini casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This tortellini casserole is perfect for anyone who loves cheese and pasta. It features a blend of two cheeses, with a nice kick from Gorgonzola, and a satisfying crunch from walnuts. You can whip this up in under 40 minutes, making it a quick and simple meal option. It's a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting dish that brings together great flavors with minimal effort.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken and broccoli is a filling dinner that comes together quickly and leaves you with leftovers for later. This dish is simple, combining protein and veggies in a delicious way. It's ideal for busy nights when you want something healthy without spending a lot of time cooking. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that the whole family will like. This is a solid choice for an easy and nutritious dinner.

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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. With just four main ingredients and some store-bought options, you can whip it up in about 5 minutes. It’s ideal for busy nights when you need something fast. You can have a tasty meal on the table in under 40 minutes. This is a solid option for anyone wanting an easy and filling dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

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

    Flank steak is combined with a tasty mix of garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and soy sauce. It’s simple to put together and won’t take much of your time. The flavors come together really well, making it a great choice for dinner. This dish is ideal for a weeknight meal and is sure to impress your family or guests. You can enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending all evening cooking.

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    Lentil Tortilla Soup

    A lentil tortilla soup.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    This soup is simple to prepare and can be made using an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stove. It's a hearty dish that everyone will love. It's great for busy days when you need something warm and satisfying. Just combine all the ingredients and let it simmer. You'll have a tasty meal ready quickly.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Best Pasta Salads to Make for Lunch
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      20 Easy Sunday Dinner Ideas for Busy Families
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      23 Slow Cooker Recipes Perfect for Busy Summer Days

    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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