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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Dump-And-Go Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 11, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights can make dinner time feel like a chore, but with these 22 simple dump-and-go dinners, you can have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort. Just toss the ingredients into a pot or slow cooker, and let them do the work while you focus on other things. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to simplify their evening routine without sacrificing flavor.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings

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

    Homemade BBQ chicken wings are simple to make in the slow cooker using just a handful of ingredients. This dish is perfect for gatherings and will please everyone at the table. With minimal effort, you can enjoy delicious wings that are full of flavor. They’re great for parties or a casual night in. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser.

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    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.

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    Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Chicken

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

    Korean BBQ Chicken is a fantastic dinner option that comes together quickly with ingredients you likely have on hand. It's ideal for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking. This dish brings a burst of flavor to your table with minimal effort. You can enjoy a satisfying meal that feels special without a lot of work. It's a great way to make cooking enjoyable again.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta

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

    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Pasta features juicy chicken, crispy bacon, mushrooms, and spinach mixed with pasta in a flavorful tomato sauce. It's a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is great for family dinners or when you want to impress friends. With minimal effort, you can have a delicious dinner ready to serve. It's a simple way to bring everyone together around the table.

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    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    This 3-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken is a family favorite that’s super easy to make and really tasty. There’s no need for chopping or prepping ingredients, so it’s perfect for busy days. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. It’s a great option for dinner when you want something simple yet satisfying. Enjoy a meal that everyone will love without spending hours in the kitchen.

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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. 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.

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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. 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.

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    Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy

    Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Comfort food brings a sense of warmth and satisfaction. It's all about hearty meals that fill you up and make you feel good. Each bite is packed with delicious flavors that everyone can enjoy. These recipes are simple and require minimal effort, making them perfect for any day. You'll find that cooking can be enjoyable and rewarding with these easy dishes.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    This sheet pan gnocchi dish is fantastic. The gnocchi comes out perfectly roasted, with a nice crisp on the outside and a soft texture inside. It's packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful herbs. It's a meal that everyone will enjoy at the dinner table. This is a great option for a simple yet satisfying dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Lamb Ribs

    Slow Cooker Lamb Ribs.
    Photo Credit: Sweet Caramel Sunday.

    Slow Cooker Lamb Ribs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. They’re simple to prepare, so you won’t have to spend much time in the kitchen. Just set them up in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have delicious ribs that practically fall off the bone. Everyone will enjoy digging into this hearty meal. It’s a great option for a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

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    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.

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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 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.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches bring together the classic flavors of a Caesar salad in a fun sandwich form. You’ll enjoy tender chicken, fresh lettuce, and parmesan cheese all topped with creamy Caesar dressing. Everything is served on soft brioche buns, making it a delicious and satisfying meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something easy and tasty. Perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner, these sandwiches are sure to please everyone.

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    Slow Cooker Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich

    Slow Cooker Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    Nashville Hot Chicken meets a Shredded Chicken Sandwich in this delicious dish. It's a perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors that will satisfy your cravings. This recipe is simple and requires minimal effort, making it great for busy nights. Enjoy a hearty meal that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table. It's a fun twist on classic favorites that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This braised beef short ribs recipe is simple and quick to prepare. In just 20 minutes, you can have everything ready to go into the crock pot. The result is beef that is incredibly juicy and tender, practically falling off the bone. It's a great option for a satisfying meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious with minimal effort.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

    Sheet pan chicken and vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables is an easy way to whip up a full meal that’s good for you and filling. This dish is great for busy weeknights when you need something quick and tasty. Just toss everything on a sheet pan and let the oven do the work. It’s a straightforward option that doesn’t require much effort. Enjoy a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    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.

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    Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Cheesy chicken and rice casserole dish.
    Photo Credit: Rose Bakes.

    This recipe is all about simplicity and convenience, using canned soups and ready-made rice mixes. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something easy to prepare. You can enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish brings back the warmth of classic comfort food. It's perfect for those evenings when you just want a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

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    White Chicken Chili with Salsa Verde

    White Chicken Chili with Salsa Verde.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Slow cooker White Chicken Chili with Salsa Verde is a healthy and filling dish that's perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store any extras in the freezer for a quick dinner later. This recipe is simple and requires minimal effort, making it great for busy days. It's a comforting meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Enjoy the ease of having a delicious dinner ready when you need it.

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    Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

    Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This dish features tender, shredded Italian beef mixed with pepperoncini, all piled onto warm sandwich rolls topped with melted provolone cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day, even when you’re short on time. With only a few minutes of preparation, you can have these delicious sandwiches ready to enjoy. They’re great for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This is a simple yet hearty option that everyone will love.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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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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