Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but with these 22 simple dump-and-go recipes, you can bring the joy back into your kitchen. These dishes require minimal prep and let you throw everything together in one pot or pan, making mealtime a breeze. Whether you're short on time or just looking for easy ideas, these recipes will help you enjoy cooking again.
Southwest Chicken Casserole

Southwest Chicken Casserole is a filling dish that combines juicy chicken, zesty spices, and gooey melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare in just one pan, making it perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. The mix of salsa Verde, black beans, and southwest seasoning gives it a warm, smoky flavor that everyone will enjoy. This dish is not only satisfying but also brings a bit of excitement to your dinner table. It’s a great way to bring the family together over a delicious meal.
No-Boil Ravioli Casserole
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.
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers dish is a great choice for summer meals. It combines Italian sausage, bell peppers, marinara sauce, sweet onions, and some seasonings for a flavorful experience. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy days. You can set it up in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole
Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole is a simple slow cooker dish that you can enjoy at the end of a busy day. This meal is budget-friendly and straightforward to prepare, making it a hit with families. It combines everything you need into one pot, so cleanup is a breeze. This dish also freezes well, which is perfect for planning ahead. It's a great option for those nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a cozy dish that you can easily prepare in your crock pot or on the stove. It's great for cold winter days or anytime you need a warm and satisfying meal. The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it a favorite for family dinners. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of soup that everyone will love. This is a comforting option that brings warmth and flavor to your table.
Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
This soup is easy to make with just a few ingredients and can cook all day long. It's creamy without using any cream, and it's both vegetarian and gluten-free. Enjoy this light yet filling soup served in bread bowls, topped with your favorite taco fixings. It's a great option for a cozy meal that doesn't require much effort. Perfect for when you want something comforting and delicious.
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This chicken tortilla soup is super simple to make in a crockpot and requires hardly any prep time. It's a dish that my family and friends have loved for years, and they keep asking for it again and again. Just throw everything in the pot and let it do its thing. Perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and filling. This is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies
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.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms
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.
Enchilada Bake
The Enchilada Bake is simple to put together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and freezer. It's packed with flavor and is bound to be a hit with your family. You won't even need to use your oven for this one, as it cooks perfectly in a slow cooker. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It's a great way to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Chicken Thigh Tray Bake
This Chicken Thigh Tray Bake is a simple meal packed with flavor. Juicy chicken thighs and vibrant vegetables come together on one sheet pan, making it easy to prepare and clean up afterward. The combination of seasonings adds a nice touch to the dish. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal effort!
Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies
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.
Chicken Cacciatore
This is a straightforward and tasty dinner option that works well for a weeknight meal or a relaxed Sunday dinner. This classic Italian dish is cooked slowly to bring out all the flavors. It pairs nicely with pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes. You can enjoy it with family or friends without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a comforting meal that everyone will appreciate.
Southwest Chicken Casserole

Southwest Chicken Casserole is a hearty meal that brings together tender chicken, flavorful spices, and melted cheese in a single dish. It features a simple mix of salsa Verde, black beans, and southwest seasoning, making it easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious. Everyone in the family will appreciate the comforting flavors. It's a great choice for a quick and enjoyable dinner.
Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese
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.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew
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.
Air Fryer Roast Beef
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.
Slow Cooker V8 Chili
This chili is packed with vegetables, thanks to the V8 juice in the sauce. It's a hearty dish that you can easily prepare without much effort. You’ll end up with a large batch, perfect for freezing or sharing with friends and family. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something filling and nutritious. Enjoy a comforting bowl of chili that everyone will love.
Slow Cooker Vietnamese Pulled Pork Banh Mi
Pulled pork banh mi is a delicious sandwich that combines a Vietnamese baguette with juicy pulled pork, crunchy pickled veggies, and a zesty sriracha mayo. Using a slow cooker for the pulled pork makes this dish simple to prepare. The flavors come together beautifully, creating a satisfying meal. This is a great option for lunch or dinner, especially when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this easy and flavorful twist on a classic sandwich.
Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese
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.
Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms
Steak bites are packed with flavor and are super easy to make. With just beef broth, butter, onion, garlic, beef, and mushrooms, you can create a hearty meal. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort.
Maple Mustard Salmon
Maple mustard salmon is a super easy dinner option that you can whip up in just 40 minutes, with most of that time spent letting everything roast in the oven. The dish features a tasty maple Dijon sauce that brings together cubed sweet potatoes, crunchy Brussels sprouts, and fresh salmon fillets. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Everyone in the family will enjoy this flavorful combination. This recipe is all about simplicity and great taste.
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