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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Dump-And-Go Meal Prep Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 9, 2025, updated July 1, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights can make it tough to put a healthy meal on the table, but with these 22 easy dump-and-go meal prep dinners, you can have delicious options ready in no time. Just toss your ingredients into a slow cooker or a pan, and let the magic happen while you focus on other things. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to save time without sacrificing flavor.

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packs

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packets.
    Photo credit: Camp Grill Eat.

    Foil packets are a simple way to enjoy a meal on the grill, featuring tender boneless chicken thighs along with colorful sliced peppers and onions. Seasoned with Cajun spices, this dish is full of flavor and comes together quickly. It's a clean and easy option that can be ready in just 30 minutes.

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    Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This hamburger potato casserole is a hearty meal that brings together just five ingredients for a satisfying dish packed with beef and onion flavors. It's easy to throw together and cooks up quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something simple and filling.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli

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

    This slow cooker recipe brings the flavors of chicken and broccoli right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are cooked in a simple sweet and sour sauce made from soy sauce, barbecue sauce, honey, sesame oil, and a mix of spices. It's an easy one-pot meal that the whole family will love.

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    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

    Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This slow cooker casserole puts a fun spin on the classic tater tot dish that many people remember from their childhood. The mix of chicken, bacon, ranch, and tater tots creates a comforting meal that's perfect for chilly days. It's an easy option that brings back those warm, homey feelings without needing much effort.

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    Southern Baked Chicken Thighs

    SOUTHERN BAKED CHICKEN THIGHS.
    Photo credit: Healthy Mom Healthy Family.

    This chicken dish is simple and tasty, using just three ingredients to create a satisfying meal. It turns out crispy and flavorful, making it a great option for dinner. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from Grandma's kitchen.

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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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    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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    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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    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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    Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

    Easy Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    Dinner can be ready in just 30 minutes with this simple baked pesto mozzarella chicken. It's low in carbs, gluten-free, and uses easy-to-find ingredients. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs and Veggies.
    Photo Credit The Feathered Nester.

    This dish features tender chicken thighs and fresh vegetables all cooked together on one pan. It's a simple and healthy meal that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight schedule. With minimal effort, you can have a satisfying dinner ready for the whole family.

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    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

    Crockpot Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This is the best Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe yet! It’s extremely tender, juicy, and huge on flavor. Perfect for any busy weeknight, yet delicious enough for company.

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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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    Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos

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

    Slow cooker chicken nachos are a fun and easy meal. Simply combine chicken breasts, nacho cheese, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning in the crockpot. After it cooks, serve it on top of chips for a delicious snack or meal that's perfect for game day.

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    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

    This simple meatball casserole combines uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and marinara sauce into a tasty one-pan meal. There's no need to boil the pasta or brown the meatballs beforehand; just layer everything in a casserole dish and let the oven handle the cooking. It's a straightforward dinner option that saves time and effort.

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    Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This creamy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili is a great twist on traditional chili. It's packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice, making it a comforting dish for any occasion. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this is a delicious meal that you can easily prepare.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This slow cooker French onion chicken is a simple dish that only requires five ingredients. Chicken breasts are sliced open and layered with onions, onion soup, a dried onion soup mix, and Swiss cheese. It’s a tender and flavorful meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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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, 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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    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Easy and Delish.

    Chicken thighs can be ready in just 10 minutes and then cooked slowly until they're nice and tender. They're covered in a thick honey garlic sauce that adds a lot of flavor. This is a good dinner option for busy weekdays when you want something simple and satisfying.

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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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    Pesto Chickpea Bake

    Pesto Chickpea Bake.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This chickpea casserole is a great way to use up any vegetables you have lying around. Just throw your veggies into a baking dish, add some chickpeas and pesto, top it with cheese, and bake it. It’s a hearty vegetarian dish that goes well with bread or can be enjoyed as a side.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings

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

    Homemade BBQ chicken wings are simple to prepare in the slow cooker using just a few classic ingredients. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a casual night in. With minimal effort, you can enjoy tender, flavorful wings that everyone will love.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      14 Heavenly Cheesecakes That Are Worth Every Bite
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      21 Summer Crockpot Dinners That Are Perfect for Lazy Days
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      20 Ground Beef Recipes That Will Have Your Family Begging for Seconds
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      21 Best Ground Beef Recipes We Crave Every Week

    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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