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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Easy Dump-and-Go Dinners That Will Have Everyone Asking for Seconds

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 30, 2025, updated July 1, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Busy weeknights can make dinner time a challenge, but these 23 easy dump-and-go dinners are here to save the day. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, these meals are perfect for getting everyone around the table without the stress. From hearty casseroles to flavorful slow cooker dishes, you'll find something for everyone that will have them coming back for more.

    Chicken Thigh Tray Bake

    Chicken thigh tray bake.
    Photo credit: Living Lou.

    This chicken thigh tray bake is simple and ideal for a quick family dinner, taking less than 45 minutes to prepare. Just toss chicken thighs, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and carrots together with a tasty marinade and roast them all at once. It's an easy way to get a delicious meal on the table without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe is all about simple, tasty meals that remind you of home cooking. With just a few ingredients, you can let your slow cooker handle everything while it turns chicken thighs into a delicious and juicy dish. The bright flavors of lemon and pepper come together to create a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare.

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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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    Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

    Slow Cooker Pepper Steak.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Tender beef strips and bell peppers simmered in a flavorful sauce create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night. This simple recipe features Asian-inspired flavors and pairs wonderfully with rice, making it a complete meal. It's a great option when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Chicken Divan

    Chicken Divan Crock Pot.
    Photo Credit: Savory with Soul.

    Chicken divan is a classic dish that many people have enjoyed over the years. Using a slow cooker to prepare it makes the process really easy. This recipe is all about comfort food, bringing together familiar flavors without requiring much effort.

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    Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    Slow Cooker Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a simple dish that combines chicken breasts, green enchilada sauce, salsa verde, fire roasted green chiles, and a few other easy ingredients. It's a great option for busy weekends, potlucks, or game days. Everyone in the family will love this tasty Tex-Mex meal.

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    Chicken Parm Casserole

    Chicken Parm Casserole.
    Photo credit: Golden Grace Kitchen.

    This casserole brings a classic Italian dinner right to your table in a simple way. It features tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It's a satisfying meal that's perfect for any day of the week.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie {with Biscuits}

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

    This chicken pot pie recipe is all about comfort and simplicity. Tender chicken and fresh veggies are combined with creamy soups, all topped with fluffy biscuits. It’s a warm and filling dish that’s perfect for chilly days.

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    Juicy Slow Cooker Corned Beef

    Juicy Slow Cooker Corned Beef.
    Photo Credit: The Kitchen Girl.

    This recipe offers a simple way to prepare a classic corned beef and cabbage dinner. Cooking it slowly allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful, making it a comforting meal. It's perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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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    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This braised beef short ribs recipe is simple and quick, needing just 20 minutes of prep before they go into the crock pot. Once cooked, the ribs turn out incredibly juicy and tender, practically falling off the bone. It's a comforting dish that brings a taste of home cooking to your table.

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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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    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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    Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

    A casserole dish full of spinach artichoke casserole.
    Photo credit: Nibble and Dine.

    This creamy casserole is made with rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies, making prep a breeze! You can make it in under 1 hour, from start to finish.

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    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

    Buffalo Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker)
    Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen.

    This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili is a breeze to prepare and is great for busy weekdays or game days. Using just a handful of simple ingredients, it blends the classic flavors of chili with the spicy kick of buffalo wings. It’s sure to become a go-to recipe for chili lovers.

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    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen With Chicken

    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen With Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Ramen with Chicken is a simple and tasty one-pot meal. This dish combines creamy coconut milk, flavorful curry spices, and tender chicken for a satisfying dinner. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

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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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    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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    Ground Beef Chili

    Ground Beef Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    This chili is made in the slow cooker with beans, corn, peppers, and masa harina, bringing a taste of the Southwest to your table. It's a simple and healthy meal that you can set and forget. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is hearty and satisfying.

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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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    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

    Sheet pan chicken and vegetables.
    Photo Credit: Living Chirpy.

    Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables is an easy way to whip up a healthy and filling meal. This dish is great for busy weeknights when you need something quick and tasty. Just toss everything on a sheet pan, and you’ll have a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

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    Crockpot Whole Chicken

    Crockpot Whole Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This whole cooked chicken is incredibly tender and flavorful, and it’s super simple to make. You’ll be amazed that this rotisserie-style chicken came from your slow cooker. Prepare it ahead of time for quick and easy dinners during the week.

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    Chicken Fajita Casserole

    A chicken fajita casserole.
    Photo credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This chicken fajita casserole is an easy one-pan meal that brings the warmth of homemade comfort food to your table. It's a satisfying dish that combines chicken, rice, and flavorful spices all in one bake. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for leftovers.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Steak pasta casserole.
      17 Grandma Approved Dinner Casseroles You’ll Want to Make All the Time
    • Chicken cacciatore.
      Set It and Forget It: 24 Easy Crockpot Meals for Lazy Days
    • Avocado smoothie.
      18 Fun New Ways to Enjoy Avocados
    • Chicken corn chowder.
      23 Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners

    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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