• 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

    21 Easy Dump-And-Go Recipes for When You’re Too Tired to Think

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 15, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When you're feeling worn out and just can't muster the energy to cook, these 21 easy dump-and-go recipes are here to save the day. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can whip up satisfying meals without the hassle. Perfect for busy nights, these recipes let you enjoy a hearty dinner with little effort.

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas Recipe
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With my 3 Sons.

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas are a great option for a tasty Tex-Mex meal any night. The steak cooks slowly with peppers and onions in a delicious fajita sauce, making it super tender and flavorful. Wrapping everything in a warm tortilla makes it even better. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner. Enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    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

    Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

    Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
    Photo Credit: Eating In An Instant.

    Chicken parmesan pasta in the Instant Pot is a simple dinner option that combines pasta and chicken breast into a quick, one-pot meal. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. The pressure cooker makes it easy to prepare, so you can have dinner ready in no time. It's a great way to bring some excitement back to cooking.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Hot Chicken

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

    This dish is all about simple cooking with great flavor. It features chicken and just a handful of seasonings, plus Frank’s hot sauce for that extra kick. It’s a great option when you want something spicy and satisfying. You won’t need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to whip this up. This is a perfect choice for a quick and tasty meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Crock Pot Chicken Divan

    Chicken Divan Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: Savory with Soul.

    Chicken divan in the slow cooker is a classic dish that many people enjoy. It’s a comforting meal that brings back memories for a lot of us. Using a slow cooker makes it really easy to prepare, so you can set it and forget it. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili.
    Photo Credit: I heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili is a simple and tasty dish that you can throw together with minimal effort. It uses healthy ingredients and is perfect for a cozy meal. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This dish is great for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting bowl of chili that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Sausage And Veggies

    Sheet Pan Sausage And Veggies.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Sheet pan dinners are a great solution for busy days. This Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies recipe is full of flavor, texture, and good nutrition. Everything cooks together on one pan, which means less cleanup. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals. It's a simple and satisfying option for dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Carrot Ginger Soup with Red Lentils

    Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup with Red Lentils
    Photo Credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This dish is packed with protein from red lentils and is sure to fill you up. It features warming spices that add a nice flavor to the mix. Preparing this healthy soup is easy, whether you use an Instant Pot, a Crockpot, or just cook it on the stove. It's a great option for a comforting meal any day of the week. Enjoy a bowl of this nutritious soup that brings warmth and satisfaction.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    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 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.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

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

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Homemade BBQ chicken wings are easy to prepare in the slow cooker with just a few simple ingredients. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a casual night in. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend beautifully, resulting in tender and tasty wings. You can enjoy them as a snack or serve them as a main dish. This is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

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

    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.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: FoodnService.

    This pasta dish is simple and comforting, needing just 10 minutes of prep time while the slow cooker takes care of everything else. It’s full of rich flavors and features tender penne pasta. This is a great option for a filling family dinner during the week. You can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    Dump And Start Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

    Dump And Start Instant Pot Minestrone Soup.
    Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

    Instant Pot Minestrone is super simple to prepare. This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy families who want to save time and money. It’s a homemade version of the popular Olive Garden soup, and it’s even better than what you’d get at the restaurant. You can enjoy a hearty meal without spending a lot of time or money. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Pizza Baked Butter Beans

    Baked butter beans in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Life as a Strawberry.

    These simple, pizza baked beans are perfect for busy weeknights! Mix some canned, drained beans with a bit of pizza sauce, add your favorite toppings, and bake for a quick, cozy dinner that's perfect with a loaf of crusty bread. All done in 30 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu

    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features tender chicken, flavorful ham, and gooey Swiss cheese all simmered together in a rich sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night. Topping it off with buttery stuffing adds a delicious crunch and extra warmth. It’s a simple yet satisfying option that everyone will enjoy. This is a great choice for a cozy dinner at home.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup.
    Photo Credit: That Skinny Chick Can Bake.

    Chicken Enchilada Soup is a cozy dish that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your table. It's simple to prepare and cooks in a crockpot, making it perfect for busy days. On chilly winter nights, this soup offers a warm and satisfying meal. With its rich spices and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Tortellini soup in crockpot.
      27 Slow Cooker Summer Dinners That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals
    • Baked ham pasta.
      24 Hearty Summer Casseroles That Will Satisfy Everyone
    • Chicken mushroom stroganoff.
      27 Easy Meal Prep Ideas That Will Save You Time and Money
    • Mongolian beef.
      20 Stupid Simple Crockpot Dinners We Love Right Now

    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.

    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

    • Pizza baked butter beans.
      21 Easy Dump-And-Go Recipes for When You’re Too Tired to Think
    • Chili.
      19 Wholesome Ground Beef Dinners We’re Making Every Week
    • Chicken piccata.
      15 Delicious Dump-and-Go Slow Cooker Recipes That Make Dinner a Breeze
    • Creamy tuna pasta bake.
      24 Easy Dump-and-Bake Dinners Casseroles for the Whole Family

    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