Busy weeks can make cooking feel like a chore, but with these 21 dump-and-go recipes, you can whip up delicious meals with minimal effort. Just toss the ingredients into a pot or slow cooker, and let them do the work for you. These simple recipes are perfect for anyone looking to save time in the kitchen while still enjoying hearty and satisfying dishes.
Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for quick weeknight meals. With just a little chopping at the beginning, it’s mostly hands-off. Everything cooks together, blending the flavors of chicken, veggies, and a delicious sauce. It’s a simple way to get a tasty meal on the table without much effort. Enjoy a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
This dish combines the comfort of tater tot casserole with the classic flavors of shepherd’s pie, creating a fun and satisfying one-pot meal. It includes frozen vegetables for added nutrition and heartiness, making it a great choice for busy nights. Topped with melted shredded cheddar, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table. It's simple to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy a hearty dinner that brings everyone together.
Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is incredibly easy to make, using just one dish and no need for any pre-cooking. Simply combine everything, pop it in the oven, and you’ll have a warm and comforting meal ready to enjoy. The combination of mozzarella and gorgonzola gives it a rich, cheesy flavor that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This dish is sure to bring a smile to your face and make you appreciate cooking again.
Slow Cooker Maple Balsamic Chicken
This dish features tender and juicy chicken breasts that require only 5 minutes of prep time. It's a simple option for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick and satisfying. With minimal effort, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe takes the stress out of cooking. Enjoy a tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili
This chili is packed with flavorful tomatoes and spices. It combines ground beef and crispy bacon for a hearty meal. Topping it off with your favorite extras adds a fun twist. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in. It's a simple and satisfying option that everyone will enjoy.
Sheet Pan Cajun Sausage and Vegetables
Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes is an easy and tasty meal that fits right into a busy weeknight. With juicy sausage, soft potatoes, and fresh veggies, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The mix of flavors and seasonings brings everything together nicely. It’s a straightforward option that doesn’t require much effort. This is a dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Instant Pot Chicken Stew is super simple to prepare. You can have it ready in just 10 minutes, and then let the pot do all the work for you. In less than 45 minutes, you'll have a hearty meal filled with vegetables and great flavors. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting stew with minimal effort.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms
This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, making it perfect for any night of the week. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a great mix of flavors and textures. It's an easy dish that doesn't require much effort, so you can enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for busy evenings. Enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies
This simple sheet pan chicken dinner with vegetables is great for busy families who want a healthy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and it's ready to serve. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy a hot dinner. You can have a nutritious meal on the table with minimal effort. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want something easy and satisfying.
Air Fryer Roast Beef
This Air Fryer Roast Beef is a simple and delicious dinner option that takes only 50 minutes to prepare. The outside has a flavorful herby crust, while the inside remains juicy and tender. With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal. It's perfect for family dinners when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dish that everyone will appreciate.
Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies
This sheet pan meal offers a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking. The lamb chops roast alongside fresh vegetables, soaking up all the delicious flavors. The result is tender lamb that pairs perfectly with the veggies. It's a straightforward dish that brings everything together in one pan. This is a great option for a satisfying dinner.
Irish Beef Stew
This dish features tender beef paired with hearty root vegetables. It's simple to prepare and offers a satisfying meal that warms you up. Perfect for when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of flavors makes it a favorite for family dinners. Enjoy a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug.
No-Boil Ravioli Casserole
This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. You only need four basic ingredients and some ready-made items to help you out. In just five minutes, you can have everything ready to go. You’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in less than 40 minutes. It's perfect for those busy days when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Chicken
This dish brings together Italian dressing, brown sugar, and chicken breasts in the slow cooker for an easy meal that everyone will enjoy. It's a straightforward way to prepare dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it while the flavors blend together. Pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty with minimal effort.
Salsa Chicken
Salsa Chicken is a simple and healthy dish that's full of flavor. It's an effortless dinner option that comes together with hardly any prep time, making it a favorite for everyone.
Asian Sesame Instant Pot Chicken
This chicken cooks quickly in the pressure cooker, taking only 5 minutes. It's a great option for a fast weeknight meal. You can have a tasty dinner on the table in no time. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a satisfying dish. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you need something easy and delicious.
One Pan Falafel Bake
This one pan dinner is easy to prepare and really delicious. With premade falafel, beans, tomatoes, kale, and a cheesy topping, it creates a cozy vegetarian casserole. It's the kind of dish that you'll want to make over and over. Perfect for busy nights, it requires minimal effort. Enjoy a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
This homemade soup is really simple to prepare using a crockpot. It's packed with fresh vegetables, beans, warm spices, and lots of chicken. The result is a healthy and creamy soup that’s great for chilly days. You can just throw everything in and let it cook, making it a breeze to enjoy a comforting meal. This is a perfect choice for when you want something warm and satisfying.
Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese is super simple to prepare. In just 10 minutes, you can have everything ready to go into the oven, and then it only takes 45 minutes to bake. This recipe uses just one pan, so there's no need to boil pasta or make a sauce from scratch. With a mix of Cheddar and Gruyere cheese, it’s rich and full of flavor. This is a great dish for a cozy dinner at home.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Slow cooker white chicken chili is easy to make and really filling. You only need a few ingredients, and there's no need to cook anything beforehand. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You can find tips in the recipe for thickening the chili, whether you want to use dairy or not. Plus, there are plenty of topping ideas to customize it just the way you like.
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Slow cooker chicken curry is a warm and satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor. It features tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, and a wonderful blend of spices. This simple crockpot meal is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your home.
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