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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Dump-And-Go Recipes for When You’d Rather Not Cook

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 22, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Sometimes, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. These 22 easy dump-and-go recipes are perfect for those busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle. Just toss the ingredients together, let them cook, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

    Crockpot Pork Chops

    Crockpot Pork Chops.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Onions feature tender boneless pork chops cooked in a flavorful sauce with sweet yellow onions. This dish brings the comforting taste of French onion to your table. It's a simple meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. With minimal effort, you can have a delicious dinner ready to serve. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: 4 Sons R Us.

    Slow cooker whole chicken brings the deliciousness of a Sunday roast to any night of the week. It’s simple to prepare, allowing you to set it up and let it cook while you go about your day. This dish offers a comforting meal with minimal effort involved. Perfect for busy nights, it fills your home with wonderful aromas as it cooks. Enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours 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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    Ground Turkey White Chili

    Ground Turkey White Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Perks of Being Us.

    This dinner dish is super easy to make in a slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, letting you do a little prep in the morning and come home to a hot meal. Just slice a lime, chop an avocado, and shred some cheese to top off the chili. Using ground turkey, this recipe is a great option for a chilly winter night. Enjoy a warm and satisfying meal 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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    No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake

    No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    Dinner can be a breeze with this simple chicken pasta bake. There's hardly any prep involved, so you can spend less time in the kitchen. This dish is both satisfying and delicious, perfect for a busy evening. Just throw everything together, and it will come out great. It's a fantastic option when you want a hearty meal without putting in a lot of 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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    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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    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken in a Hurry is a simple and tasty dish that you can make in a crockpot. It combines tender chicken with onion soup mix, apricot preserves, and Russian dressing to create a sweet and tangy sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just throw everything in the pot and let it cook while you go about your day. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Ratatouille

    Slow Cooker Ratatouille.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Preparing meals in a slow cooker is an easy way to enjoy fresh vegetables with little effort. This dish adds a touch of French flair to your dinner, making weeknight meals feel a bit more special. With just a handful of ingredients and some seasoning, you can whip up a tasty meal that cooks on its own while you carry on with your day. It's ideal for busy nights when you want something good to eat without spending hours in the kitchen. Experience the simplicity and convenience of a slow cooker while enjoying bright and delicious flavors.

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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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    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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    King Ranch Chicken Casserole

    King ranch chicken casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This dish is a classic from the South that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With gooey cheese, tender chicken, and a mix of southwest flavors, it’s packed with taste. Preparing this casserole is simple and doesn’t require much effort. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup

    Tuscan white bean soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This soup is filled with white beans, shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and some vegetables, creating a tasty dish that everyone will appreciate. The preparation is quick and straightforward, making it a breeze to whip up. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time. This is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty soup.

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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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    Hot Honey Garlic Chicken

    Hot Honey Garlic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Garlic All Day.

    Hot honey adds a sweet and spicy flavor to this Hot Honey Garlic Chicken dish. It can be prepared easily in either an air fryer or an oven.

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    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are a simple and convenient dinner option. You just throw ground beef and some veggies into the slow cooker and let them cook together. This dish is great for those hectic days when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. It’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this recipe fits right in.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

    Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. It’s filled with tender pieces of beef, fresh vegetables, and nutritious barley. Just set it up in the slow cooker, and it will do all the work for you. When you come home, you’ll find a warm and satisfying dinner waiting for you. This dish is sure to bring comfort to your table.

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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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    Ground Beef Chili

    Ground Beef Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    This healthy chili is made in the slow cooker with a mix of beans, corn, peppers, and masa harina. It’s packed with flavors that remind you of the Southwest. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of chili that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili is a warm and tasty dish that's super simple to prepare. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a great way to enjoy a satisfying dinner with minimal effort. You'll love how easy it is to whip up this delicious chili.

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    Crock Pot Cranberry Chicken

    Crock Pot Cranberry Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    This slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken breast with a mix of cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, rosemary, and spices. It's a simple dish that requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy nights. The flavors blend together beautifully as it cooks, creating a delicious meal. You can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other things while dinner prepares itself. This is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      22 Quick and Delicious Pasta Recipes for Lazy Summer Nights

    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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