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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Dump-and-Cook Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 28, 2025, updated September 17, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    These 23 dump-and-cook dinners are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle. Just throw everything in one pot, pan or slow cooker, and let the magic happen while you relax or take care of other things. Simplify your dinner routine with these easy and satisfying recipes.

    Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with Jar Sauce

    Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with Jar Sauce.
    Photo Credit: Dizzy Busy & Hungry.

    Slow Cooker Butter Chicken with Jar Sauce is a super easy meal that delivers great flavor. It requires minimal effort and can cook all day, making it perfect for a stress-free dinner. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.

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    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Swirls of Flavor.,

    This recipe creates a flavorful sauce all on its own while it cooks in the slow cooker. It's simple and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days. Just toss everything in, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.

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    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    Chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This casserole brings the delicious flavors of chicken fajitas right to your dinner table with minimal effort. It combines protein-rich black beans and quinoa, and you don't even have to cook anything beforehand. Just mix everything together in the baking dish and pop it in the oven. It's a simple and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

    Chicken broccoli bake on a white dish.
    Photo Credit: From Valerie's Kitchen.

    This chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole is super simple to prepare and everything cooks together in one dish. It's perfect for days when you're short on time but still want a hearty meal. Just mix the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and you have a delicious dinner ready to go.

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    Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

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

    This simple sheet pan dinner brings together a tasty mix of ingredients inspired by fresh Mediterranean flavors. It's a quick and easy meal that anyone can whip up without much effort. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it a satisfying choice for dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

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

    Slow cooker whole chicken brings the comforting taste 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 warm and satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

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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 BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Thirty Something Supermom.

    This recipe is a simple way to prepare chicken thighs that everyone in the family will enjoy. It requires minimal effort and is perfect for busy evenings when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious dinner ready to serve.

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    Slow Cooker Peachy Barbecue Ribs

    Peachy barbecue ribs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Crockpot Peachy Barbecue Ribs are all about tender pork that just falls off the bone, covered in a delicious peach barbecue sauce that's both sweet and tangy. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you're hosting friends. It's simple to prepare and delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

    Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    Boneless chicken thighs are cooked slowly in a delicious sweet and sour sauce until they are tender and easy to pull apart. The dish is brightened up with colorful bell peppers and juicy chunks of pineapple, making it a tasty alternative to takeout. This meal is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

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    Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Chicken tortillas soup.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    This crock-pot chicken tortilla soup is a hit with the whole family. It's packed with flavor and is a healthy option that you can easily freeze for later. Perfect for busy nights, this dish comes together with minimal effort.

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    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu

    Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features tender chicken, flavorful ham, and gooey Swiss cheese simmered together in a creamy sauce. Topped with buttery stuffing, it creates a cozy and filling meal that's perfect for any night of the week. It's simple to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy evenings.

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    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Baked ravioli casserole is a quick and simple dish that you can whip up in about 20 minutes, with only 5 minutes of prep work. Using store-bought cheese ravioli means you skip the boiling step, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This meal can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, so it's ready whenever you need it.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup.
    Photo Credit: That Skinny Chick Can Bake.

    Chicken Enchilada Soup is a cozy and tasty dish that you can easily whip up in a crockpot. It's perfect for chilly winter days when you want something warm and satisfying. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this soup is a great choice for a comforting meal.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie

    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie {with Biscuits}.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    A hearty meal that feels like a warm hug is now simpler to prepare with this crock pot chicken pot pie recipe. Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are combined with two kinds of creamy soup, all topped with fluffy, homemade biscuits. This dish is perfect for cozy nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is simple 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 in bread bowls, topped with your favorite taco fixings.

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    Vegan Pasta Bake

    Vegan Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Nourished by Nic.

    This dish is warm, cheesy, and entirely plant-based. It's perfect for anyone looking for a simple meal that doesn't require much effort. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup

    Slow Cooker Potato Soup.
    Photo Credit: Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen.

    Cheesy Slow Cooker Potato Soup with ham is a comforting dish that the whole family will love. It's perfect for chilly days and goes great with some crusty bread on the side. This meal is simple to prepare and will warm you up from the inside out.

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    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

    3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    This 3-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken is a family favorite that's super easy to make and really tasty. There's no need for chopping or prepping ingredients, so it's perfect for busy nights. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    A tater tot casserole with chicken and bacon is a simple and satisfying dish that you can prepare in a slow cooker. With just a few ingredients, this meal comes together easily and is ready in about five hours. It's a great option for a cozy dinner that everyone will enjoy.

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    Crockpot Mexican Casserole

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit" Haute & Healthy Living.

    A simple dinner option for busy weeknights is this crockpot Mexican casserole. It's packed with all the delicious flavors you love from Mexican cuisine, and it's a healthier and more affordable choice than takeout. With minimal prep work, you can enjoy a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

    Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
    Photo Credit: Eating In An Instant.

    Chicken parmesan pasta in the Instant Pot is a simple dinner option that combines pasta and chicken breast into a quick, one-pot meal. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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    Sheet Pan Quesadilla

    Sheet Pan Quesadilla.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    Sheet Pan Quesadilla simplifies quesadilla night by keeping everything on one pan. With seasoned ground beef, lots of cheese, and some easy veggies, it's a dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. This meal is quick to prepare and perfect for busy evenings.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      25 Easy Meal Prep Dinners to Keep You on Track This Week
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      23 Easy Dinners That Are Perfect for Weeknights
    • Chicken gnocchi soup.
      21 Slow Cooker Dishes That Will Make You Wish for Sweater Weather
    • Picking up a quesadilla.
      Snack Like a Champion: 23 Game Day Appetizers You Can't Resist

    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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