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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Dump-And-Go Dinners That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 8, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights can make it tough to put a good meal on the table, but these 22 dump-and-go dinners are here to help. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can whip up satisfying meals that everyone will enjoy. Say hello to stress-free cooking and delicious dinners that fit right into your routine.

    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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    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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    Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken thighs and broccoli are cooked together in a tasty sauce that includes soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger paste, along with some other common seasonings. This dish is simple to prepare and comes together in just one pot, making cleanup easy. It's a great option for a quick dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor. The combination of the tender chicken and fresh broccoli creates a satisfying meal. Enjoy this easy recipe that brings a bit of excitement back to cooking.

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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 Tikka Masala

    tikka masala in a bowl with rice.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    This is a classic British takeaway dish that you can easily make in a slow cooker. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala is all about tossing in the ingredients and letting the cooker do the work. Enjoying a homemade curry night is now simpler than ever. With minimal effort, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve. It's perfect for those evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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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    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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    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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    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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    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 Sesame Chicken

    Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken.
    Photo Credit: I heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken is a simple and tasty dish that you can prepare in your crock pot. This chicken cooks in a delicious sweet and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with rice and vegetables. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it, and you'll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy. This dish is sure to bring some joy back into your cooking routine.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs & Sweet Potatoes

    Sheet pan chicken thighs.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This recipe is all about comfort and simplicity. It’s filling and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for any meal. With just a few basic ingredients from your pantry, you can whip it up in no time. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying dish ready to enjoy. It’s perfect for those days when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    Chili is a warm and tasty dish that's super simple to prepare. Just toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. This is a great meal for when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It's perfect for cozy nights in or when you have a busy schedule. Enjoy a bowl of this easy chili that everyone will love.

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    Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna

    Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This crock pot lasagna is a great meal you can prepare ahead of time. It takes only a few minutes to put together using basic ingredients, including uncooked lasagna noodles. Once you have everything in the pot, it cooks on its own, so you can focus on other things. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup

    Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.
    Photo Credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

    Creamy chicken and rice soup is easy to prepare and comforting. It includes carrots, celery, onions, mushrooms, chicken, rice, and a mix of spices, all brought together with cream. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly night. Serve it alongside grilled cheese or some crusty bread for a satisfying meal. It's a great way to enjoy a warm bowl of soup without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

    Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
    Photo Credit: Busy Day Dinners.

    This easy sheet pan dinner showcases a delicious blend of ingredients, drawing inspiration from fresh Mediterranean flavors. Your tastebuds are going to do a little happy dance with every bite!

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    Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ravioli can turn into a super simple lasagna, making it a breeze to prepare. With the ravioli serving as the noodles and layers of ricotta, this dish comes together quickly. It's a great option for family dinners when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna is sure to please everyone at the table. It's a meal that brings comfort and smiles all around.

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    Mexican Steak Bites

    Mexican Steak Bites
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Steak adds a rich flavor to any meal, and these steak bites take it up a notch. Seasoned with taco spices, they bring a fun twist to your dinner. Paired with a creamy queso sauce, they are sure to please everyone at the table. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy these flavorful bites as a satisfying meal or a great appetizer.

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    Sheet Pan Jerk Shrimp with Coconut Rice

    Sheet Pan Jerk Shrimp with Coconut Rice
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Sheet Pan Jerk Shrimp is a quick and colorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. It's simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for any night. Pair it with coconut rice to bring a taste of the tropics to your dinner table. This meal is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a vibrant and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Rendang

    Slow Cooker Beef Rendang.
    Photo Credit: Garlic All Day.

    This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. Just toss everything into the Crock-Pot and let it do the work for you. In about five hours, you'll have a hearty and aromatic beef stew waiting for you. It's perfect for those busy days when you want a warm meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting dish that brings everyone together.

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    Crock Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

    Crock Pot Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Hawaiian Pineapple chicken is a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. It requires only a few minutes of prep, and then your slow cooker or pressure cooker takes care of the rest. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a meal that's both satisfying and easy to make. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. You'll love how simple it is to put together.

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    Baked Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi

    Baked Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Baked sheet pan shrimp scampi is a quick and simple dish that can be ready in just 20 minutes. The combination of garlic, lemon, tomatoes, and zucchini brings everything together nicely. This Italian shrimp recipe is ideal for busy workdays when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Perfect for those evenings when you need a satisfying dinner fast.

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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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