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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    26 Top Rated Dump-and-Cook Dinners You Can Make in a Snap

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 19, 2024, updated October 8, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    If you're looking for quick and easy dinner ideas, dump-and-cook recipes are a lifesaver. These meals require minimal prep and can be thrown together in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights. From hearty casseroles to flavorful sheet pan meals, you'll find plenty of options that are satisfying and simple to prepare!

    Chicken & Veggie Traybake

    Chicken & Veggie Traybake.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This simple chicken traybake combines everything in one pan with a tasty Mediterranean dressing. It features colorful vegetables and tender chicken thighs, and you can easily customize it to your liking.

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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 make and really tasty. With a mix of spices and a hint of lemon and garlic, this dish offers tender chicken that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Burrito Bowl

    One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe
    Photo Credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    These simple and tasty Mexican burrito bowls come together in one pot in just 30 minutes, making them a quick option for dinner. They’re great for those hectic evenings when you want something satisfying without the hassle of a lot of cleanup.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Vegan Pasta

    Vegan pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Plant Based Folk.

    This creamy vegan pasta bake is super simple to prepare and loaded with veggies. It's delicious whether you serve it hot or cold!

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    Vegetarian Gnocchi Bake

    Baked gnocchi.
    Photo credit: Katie Trant.

    Just toss everything together, and you'll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This mac and cheese is incredibly easy to make, as everything goes into one dish without any pre-cooking. Loaded with mozzarella and gorgonzola, it’s a cheesy and comforting meal that you can enjoy with minimal effort.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore with pasta.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This dinner is quick to prepare and full of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed Sunday meal. This traditional Italian dish is simmered gently and goes well with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.

    Get the recipe

    Gruyere 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 delicious one-pan dish loaded with Cheddar and Gruyere cheese.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

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

    This salmon dish is incredibly simple, made with just three ingredients. It's a quick and easy meal that anyone can whip up in no time.

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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 quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce without spending hours in the kitchen. Using simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up a rich and satisfying meal in no time.

    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 definitely provide some leftovers. It's a simple and satisfying option for dinner that comes together quickly.

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    French Fry Casserole

    Leftover french fries casserole topped with sour cream.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Leftover french fries can be transformed into a tasty casserole that's cheesy and a bit spicy. It's a simple dish that pairs well with chicken, beef, or any protein.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

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

    This sheet pan meal makes it simple to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking. The lamb chops cook in the flavorful juices from the veggies, resulting in tender meat that's delicious.

    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 and quick option for those busy nights when you want something comforting.

    Get the recipe

    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 to begin, you’ll have a tasty meal featuring chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce, all cooked together in one pan.

    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 weeknights. Topped with a mix of Greek yogurt and pesto, this baked salmon is simple yet packed with flavor.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew is super simple to make. Just spend 10 minutes getting it ready, then let the pot do the work for a delicious, veggie-filled meal in less than 45 minutes.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is quick to prepare, taking just under 10 minutes, and it cooks in less than an hour. Packed with spicy buffalo sauce, hidden spinach, and plenty of cheese, it's a tasty and simple dinner option for busy weeknights.

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    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Using either store-bought teriyaki sauce or a homemade version, this simple salmon dish is sure to please. It's a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

    Chicken thighs and pineapple sauce in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    This is a simple dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors. With just four ingredients, this quick and affordable recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Air Fryer Roast Beef is a quick and easy dinner 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

    Spicy Baked Salmon

    Spicy Baked Salmon.
    Photo credit: Sims Home Kitchen.

    This baked salmon is bright and flavorful, making it a great choice for dinner. With a simple spicy marinade and dry rub, it comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs well with potatoes, veggies, or a salad.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Fettucine Alfredo

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

    This pasta dish is creamy and full of flavor. It's a simple one-pot meal that practically cooks on its own.

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    Baked Salmon with Black Rice

    Salmon with black rice.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    Salmon and black rice make a great pair that you'll want to enjoy again and again. This simple dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Drumsticks

    Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Oven baked chicken drumsticks make for a tasty dinner option, and using a sheet pan means less cleanup afterward. This recipe features the great flavors of garlic, parmesan, red pepper, and parsley.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This pizza pasta bake is perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something fast. You can throw everything together in one pan without even cooking the pasta first, and it’s loaded with cheesy, delicious pizza flavors that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

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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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