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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Simply Satisfying Dump-and-Go Meals That Will Make Cooking Fun Again

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 1, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but dump-and-go meals are here to change that. These 23 easy recipes let you throw everything into a pot or slow cooker without the fuss, making dinner a breeze. Enjoy simple, satisfying dishes that require minimal prep and cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal.

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole

    Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This is a simple and satisfying meal that you can prepare in under 30 minutes. It combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the flavors of chicken and broccoli in a tasty alfredo sauce. Perfect for busy nights, this dish brings comfort food to your table without much effort. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love. You'll appreciate how quickly it comes together, making it a go-to option for any weeknight.

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    Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole

    Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This casserole is a slow-cooked dish packed with all the great flavors of a classic Mexican pizza. It’s amazing how just five simple ingredients can create something so tasty. Perfect for busy nights, this meal is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. You’ll enjoy the comforting combination of ingredients that come together beautifully. It’s a great way to bring some excitement back into cooking.

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    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Chili

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

    This recipe is simple and creates a flavorful sauce while it cooks in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just toss everything in, and let the slow cooker do the work for you. The result is a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how great it tastes.

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    Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs

    Slow cooker country style ribs served with mashed potatoes.
    Photo Credit: The Cheerful Cook.

    These ribs are incredibly easy to make and turn out tender and flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. The straightforward process means you can enjoy a hearty dinner with minimal effort. It's a great option for anyone looking to enjoy good food without the fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Camp Stew

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. It features tender chicken, a variety of tasty vegetables, and a touch of smokiness that adds depth to the dish. This hearty stew is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a filling and flavorful meal. It's a great way to make cooking enjoyable again.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

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    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

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    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    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.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup.
    Photo Credit: One Pot Only.

    This creamy slow cooker chicken and corn soup is a warm and satisfying dish that everyone can enjoy. It's simple to prepare and works well any time of the year, whether you use fresh or frozen corn. The combination of chicken and corn creates a rich flavor that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. This soup is great for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a dish that brings people together and makes mealtime special.

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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 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.

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    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    Baked Ravioli Casserole.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This easy baked ravioli casserole takes about 20 minutes from start to finish and requires just 5 minutes of prep time because you don’t need to boil the ravioli first! Store-bought refrigerated cheese ravioli makes this simple weeknight dinner a reality even on the busiest of nights! It can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen.

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    Instant Pot Chicken Stew

    Chicken stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    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.

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    Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

    Slow cooker queso chicken tacos.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    This dish features tender chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a kick of flavor. It's versatile enough to be used in a variety of meals, whether you're making quesadillas or sandwiches. The combination of ingredients creates a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. You'll find that this recipe brings excitement back to cooking.

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    Instant Pot Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

    Instant Pot Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    This Instant Pot Cheesy Garlic Butter Spaghetti is the perfect comfort food. With only 8 simple ingredients you probably already have at home, it’s an easy recipe that requires minimal effort. It’s a satisfying dish that brings a lot of flavor without taking much time to prepare. This is a great option for busy nights when you need to get dinner ready quickly. Enjoy a delicious meal with very little fuss.

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    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. It uses simple ingredients and brings together the classic flavors of chili with a spicy buffalo wing twist. This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for dinner. You’ll find it’s easy to throw together and let the slow cooker do the work. It could easily become your go-to chili recipe.

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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. 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.

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    Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Breasts

    Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Breasts.
    Photo Credit: Simply Happy Foodie.

    Crock Pot Creamy Lemon Chicken Breasts is a tasty dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. This creamy and zesty chicken pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. It's a simple recipe that you can throw together in the slow cooker. This dish is bound to be a hit at the dinner table. It's an easy way to enjoy a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

    Shrimp boil with sausage and baby corn.
    Photo Credit: Like Hot Keto.

    This sheet pan seafood boil is full of Cajun flavor and is super easy to make. It combines shrimp with Creole spiced andouille sausages for a delicious meal. Everything cooks together in the oven, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty and flavorful dinner that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    This pulled pork is super simple to prepare and always turns out tender and tasty. Using a well-marbled pork shoulder and some basic seasonings, along with a bit of Dr. Pepper, makes all the difference. It cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. You can add your favorite BBQ sauce or just enjoy it plain. This dish is perfect for sandwiches, nachos, tacos, and more!

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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, 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.

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    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

    Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

    This simple meatball casserole combines uncooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and marinara sauce into a tasty one-pan meal. There's no need to boil the pasta or brown the meatballs beforehand. Just layer everything in a casserole dish and let the oven handle the cooking. It's a straightforward way to get dinner on the table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Baked Gnocchi with Frozen Veggies

    Baked gnocchi with vegetables on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This is an easy one-pan dish that requires no chopping. It features frozen mixed vegetables and a creamy cheese sauce that brings everything together. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is to whip up this cozy meal for the family. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is all about convenience and comfort.

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    Crockpot Mexican Chicken

    Crockpot Mexican Chicken.
    Photo Credit: I heart Naptime.

    Crockpot Mexican chicken is an easy dish that simmers in the slow cooker with black beans, corn, and salsa. The chicken turns out tender and can be shredded easily, making it versatile for different meals. It works well served over rice, in burrito bowls, or tucked into tacos. This is a solid choice for busy nights when you want something tasty without much effort. Everyone will appreciate this flavorful meal.

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      30 Sizzling BBQ Dishes to Fire Up Your Independence Day

    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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