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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Dump-And-Cook Dinners You Can Prep in Minutes

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 8, 2025 · Published November 8, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 23 dump-and-cook dinners are quick and easy to prepare, making weeknight meals a breeze. With minimal prep time, you can throw everything into one pot or dish and let it cook while you relax. Perfect for busy days, these recipes will help you get dinner on the table without the fuss.

    Slow Cooker Peruvian Lamb Stew

    Slow Cooker Peruvian Lamb Stew
    Photo Credit: beyond mere sustenance.

    This lamb stew is simple to prepare and features familiar Peruvian ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can set it in the slow cooker and let it do all the work for a hearty one-pot meal.

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    Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Sliced flank steak.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Flank steak turns out tender and juicy in just 8-10 minutes. A tasty marinade does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in no time. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Green Chicken Pozole

    Green Chicken Pozole.
    Photo Credit: Binky's Culinary Carnival.

    Green chicken pozole is a filling Mexican soup that combines tender chicken and hominy in a flavorful green broth made from tomatillos, chilies, and herbs. This dish is warm and satisfying, making it a great choice for any day of the week.

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    Lemon Pepper Salmon

    Baked lemon pepper salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is super easy to make with only three ingredients. It's a quick meal that comes together in just a few minutes, perfect for busy evenings. You can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Pork and Hatch Green Chile Stew

    Pork and Hatch Green Chile Stew
    Photo Credit: Beyond Mere Sustenance.

    Tender pork cubes are cooked with spicy Hatch green chiles, resulting in a flavorful meal that pairs well with rice, polenta, or tortillas. This main dish is simple to prepare and can simmer on the stove while you take care of other things.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is easy to whip up. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you'll end up with a tasty one-pan meal packed with Cheddar and Gruyere cheese.

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    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Sweet Moments.

    This meal is easy to prepare and only requires six ingredients. It's perfect for families who need a quick and filling dinner after a busy day.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Noodles Soup.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    This soup is an easy and comforting dish that you can whip up in no time. It features tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty egg noodles all simmered in a tasty broth. It's just right for a cozy dinner at home.

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    Roasted Gnocchi with Veggies

    Roasted gnocchi with veggies.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This dish is great for anyone who loves gnocchi. The gnocchi gets a nice coating of olive oil and is roasted in the oven, resulting in a crispy exterior while remaining soft and tender on the inside.

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    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is packed with chicken and broccoli, creating a filling meal that will keep you full. It's easy to put together and you can expect to have some leftovers to enjoy later.

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    Crock Pot Vegetable Tortellini Soup

    Vegetable Tortellini Soup in Crockpot
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    Creamy Tortellini Soup is a simple and delicious meal that you can whip up in a slow cooker. It requires just a handful of ingredients and hardly any prep time, making it perfect for a busy day. This soup is filled with fresh green vegetables, adding a nice touch of flavor and nutrition.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Chili.
    Photo Credit: Primavera Kitchen.

    This chili is hearty and flavorful, and it's really easy to prepare. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It's perfect for a cozy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Tortellini

    Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

    Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Tortellini is an easy dinner option that feels a bit special. It combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks

    Chicken drumsticks with dipping sauce.
    Photo credit: Lynn's Way of Life.

    Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks are incredibly tender and full of flavor. They offer a simple way to enjoy tasty chicken without the need to heat up the grill. Perfect for a quick meal, these drumsticks are ready in no time and make a satisfying dinner option.

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    Instant Pot Chicken & Potatoes

    Chicken and tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes is a simple and delicious meal that comes together in less than 45 minutes. It has a rich tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, and oregano, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings. This dish is satisfying and easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

    Burrito bowl.
    Image credit: Katie Trant.

    Burrito bowls are a fast and delicious meal that come together easily. You can mix everything in one dish and bake it for a filling dinner. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Firecracker Salmon

    Firecracker salmon on a teal plate.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Firecracker Salmon is a quick and easy dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It features a zesty and spicy sauce that goes great with the tender salmon. This simple meal is perfect for impressing your family or guests at dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Enchilada Bake

    Enchilada bake.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    Enchilada Bake is simple to prepare with ingredients you likely have on hand, and it's sure to be a hit with your family. There's no need to turn on the oven, as this dish cooks easily in your slow cooker.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

    Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients and can simmer all day long. It's creamy without using any cream, and it's both vegetarian and gluten-free. It's great to serve in bread bowls and can be topped with your favorite taco toppings.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Roast Beef

    Sliced roast beef.
    Photo credit: alwaysusebutter.com.

    This dinner is quick and easy, taking just 50 minutes to get ready. It features a tasty herby crust and a juicy, tender center, making it a meal that the whole family will love.

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    Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup with Red Lentils

    Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup with Red Lentils
    Photo Credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    This soup is packed with protein from red lentils and has a nice blend of warming spices. It's easy to make whether you use an Instant Pot, a Crockpot, or just cook it on the stove. You can choose the method that works best for you.

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    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

    Buffalo chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is a simple dish that comes together in no time, needing just about 10 minutes of prep and cooking in under an hour. With a kick from spicy buffalo sauce, some sneaky spinach, and lots of cheese, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken

    Slow Cooker French Onion Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Garden in the Kitchen.

    Chicken breasts simmer in a tasty onion broth and are finished off with melted Gruyere cheese. This dish offers a comforting meal that's easy to prepare and doesn't require much effort.

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    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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