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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Satisfying Dinners You Can Just Dump and Cook

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 6, 2025, updated July 1, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. These 21 easy dinners are perfect for those busy nights when you just want to dump everything in one pot and let it cook. From hearty soups to flavorful casseroles, these meals are not only simple to prepare but also satisfying and delicious.

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

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

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, perfect for a tasty dinner any night. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. It's an easy option that can quickly become a go-to favorite.

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    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 and comes together easily. You’ll have chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce all cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

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

    This sheet pan meal is a simple way to enjoy lamb without the stress of overcooking it. The lamb chops cook in the flavorful juices from the vegetables, resulting in tender meat that’s full of flavor. It’s a straightforward dish that brings a taste of home cooking to your table.

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    Slow Cooker Butter Chicken

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

    Butter Chicken in the slow cooker is a fantastic dish to enjoy. The creamy sauce is packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice, making it a great choice for dinner. It pairs well with rice or naan, creating a satisfying meal. If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine and want to whip up something special, this recipe is a great option.

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    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies.
    Photo credit: This DIY Life.

    This is a simple one-pot meal that combines chicken, potatoes, and vegetables, all cooked together in a crockpot. It's seasoned just right, making it a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for busy nights, this dinner requires minimal effort while still delivering great flavor.

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    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are simple to prepare and only take about 5 minutes of your time. They combine cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon for a complete meal all in one package. Using frozen cod helps ensure the fish stays tender and doesn’t get overcooked.

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    Crockpot Pina Colada Chicken

    Crockpot Pina Colada Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Candid Cooks.

    Creamy coconut and pineapple chicken is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. This slow cooker recipe is simple to make in large quantities, making it great for family meals or gatherings. It pairs well with rice, can be used in tacos, or even tossed on a salad for a refreshing twist.

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    Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken

    Dijon sheet pan chicken.
    Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Sheet pan meals are perfect for busy nights, and this maple Dijon chicken sheet pan is a great choice. With simple preparation and delicious flavors, it requires very little cleanup. The combination of seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and roasted vegetables is satisfying and makes for a comforting dinner when you want something hearty without much effort.

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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. It combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients, all while using simple items you probably already have in your pantry. With this recipe, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time, perfect for busy nights.

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    Zucchini Casserole

    Zucchini casserole.
    Photo credit: Masala Herb.

    This Zucchini Casserole is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables as they come into season. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a comforting dish that highlights the flavors of summer. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Olive Garden Vegan Gnocchi Soup

    Olive Garden Vegan Gnocchi Soup
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This Olive Garden Vegan Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate vegan comfort food! It's loaded with tons of veggies, and pillowy soft gnocchi in a creamy, flavorful broth. It takes just 30 minutes from start to finish with simple ingredients you've likely got in the kitchen already!

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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 incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: Everyday Eileen.

    Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are simple to make and packed with flavor. The chicken gets shredded and mixed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, creating a tasty filling. Topping it off with cool and tangy pickles adds a nice crunch. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This Air Fryer Roast Beef is a simple and delicious dinner option that the whole family will enjoy. With a flavorful herby crust on the outside and a juicy, tender center, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it only takes 50 minutes to prepare, using just a handful of easy ingredients.

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    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Greek Chicken is a simple and tasty dinner option for busy weeknights. It features tender chicken and baby potatoes cooked in a light lemon sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. The addition of briny kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese adds a burst of flavor without requiring much work.

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    Slow Cooker Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker meatloaf is a simple and tasty dish that you can prepare without much effort. With just a handful of classic ingredients, you can have a hearty meal ready to enjoy. It's perfect for family dinners or special occasions, making it a great addition to your holiday meal plans.

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    Crockpot Lasagna

    Crockpot Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Crockpot lasagna combines ease with the cozy feel of home-cooked meals. This cheesy and saucy dish is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you, resulting in a delicious meal that rivals any classic baked lasagna.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta

    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan and Pasta combines tender chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and filling pasta in one pot. Topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner. It's a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Cheesy Beans on Toasted Garlic Bread

    Cheesy Beans on Toasted Garlic Bread
    Photo Credit: Style and Grace.

    Dinner can be ready in just 20 minutes with only a few ingredients. Easy Cheesy Beans are baked in a tasty marinara sauce and topped with a delicious layer of melted mozzarella. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something simple yet satisfying.

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    Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin

    Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and flavorful herbs for a simple yet satisfying meal. It's a great option when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is a nod to the comforting meals from Grandma's kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    BBQ chicken sliders are a favorite for many, and using a crockpot makes them even easier to prepare. These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders are a simple and tasty option for those hectic days when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a flavorful dish that everyone will love.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      19 Deliciously Easy Crockpot Summer Dinners You Can Prep in Minutes
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      20 Dump-and-Go Pasta Dinners That Will Save Your Evenings
    • Bolognese.
      21 Ground Beef Dinners That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals

    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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