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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Easy Dump-and-Go Meals Straight from Grandma’s Recipe Box

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 15, 2025, updated July 1, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can be simple and satisfying, especially with easy dump-and-go meals that remind us of Grandma's kitchen. These recipes require minimal prep and let you enjoy hearty, comforting dishes without the fuss. From casseroles to fajitas, these meals are perfect for busy days when you want something warm and filling.

    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish combines tender chicken with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all cooked together with a tasty seasoning. It's a straightforward meal that's perfect for busy nights. Simply throw everything into the crockpot and let it cook while you take care of other things.

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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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    Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole

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

    This recipe is all about simplicity, combining canned soups and ready-made rice mixes for a quick meal. It's ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want a comforting dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy the ease of preparing a hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug from Grandma.

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    Slow Cooker Ratatouille

    Slow Cooker Ratatouille.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Slow cookers are a fantastic way to whip up meals with fresh veggies and little effort. This dish adds a touch of French flair to your dinner, turning ordinary weeknights into something special. With just a handful of ingredients and some seasoning, you can prepare 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 satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity and great flavors that come from using a slow cooker.

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    Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This soup is packed with fresh veggies, ground beef, and pasta. It's a filling and cozy dish that serves as a full meal on its own.

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    Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup

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

    Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty dish filled with white beans, tender shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and a mix of vegetables. It's a comforting soup that everyone will appreciate. The best part is how simple it is to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy meal.

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    Slow Cooker Green Chicken Enchilada Soup

    Slow Cooker Green Chicken Enchilada Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Slow Cooker Green Chicken Enchilada Soup brings together the delicious flavors of green enchilada sauce and tender chicken, along with a few other simple ingredients. It's an easy way to turn basic items into a fun, festive meal for your family. 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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    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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    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
    Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    Flank steak is combined with garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and soy sauce, creating a dish that brings the flavors of a Chinese restaurant right to your table. This simple recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

    Sheet pan with chicken and veggies.
    Photo credit: Budget Delicious.

    This simple sheet pan chicken dinner with vegetables is ideal for busy families looking to enjoy a healthy, warm meal. Just toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and serve. It’s really that straightforward!

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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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    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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    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

    A creamy pesto pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This creamy pesto pasta bake is extra creamy and cheesy, made in one baking pan, and doesn't require a lot of kitchen skills! It is done in under an hour and tastes like restaurant pasta.

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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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    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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    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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    Slow Cooker Curried Chicken Noodle Soup

    Slow Cooker Curried Chicken Noodle Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Curried Chicken Noodle Soup puts a fun spin on the traditional recipe. With the addition of curry powder and turmeric, it offers a warm and rich flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying. This dish is great for those chilly days when you want something hearty.

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    Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Meatballs

    Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Homemade chicken meatballs simmer in a zesty chipotle sauce, bringing a burst of flavor to the table. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner. Everyone will want seconds after enjoying this hearty meal.

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    White Chicken Chili

    White Chicken Chili .
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Crockpot white chicken chili is a cozy and hearty meal that everyone enjoys. It combines a handful of easy ingredients to create a flavorful and creamy dish that’s sure to please. This is a good dinner option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time cooking.

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    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken

    Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    An easy dinner option for busy nights is here with this Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken recipe. This dish puts a fun spin on regular chicken, making it a hit with the whole family. It's simple to prepare and perfect for those evenings when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Hamburger hash in the crockpot combines soft potatoes, ground beef, and corn in a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with melted cheese right before serving, this dish is hearty and satisfying. It's a comforting meal that you'll find yourself wanting to prepare again and again.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Gyros

    Slow Cooker Beef Gyros.
    Photo Credit: Like Mother, Like Daughter.

    Slow cooker beef gyros feature tender beef that cooks to perfection in the slow cooker. The beef is served in warm pita bread and topped with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a satisfying meal.

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      22 Pies, Cobblers, Crisps & Crumbles That Will Steal the Show This Summer

    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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