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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    24 Delicious Dump-and-Go Meals That Will Save You Time and Energy

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 25, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Preparing meals can be a hassle, especially on busy days. These 24 dump-and-go meals are perfect for anyone looking to save time and energy in the kitchen. Just throw the ingredients together, let them cook, and enjoy a satisfying meal without the stress.

    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 can stand alone as a meal. Perfect for chilly days, it warms you up from the inside out. With its simple ingredients, it comes together easily without much effort. Enjoy a bowl of this satisfying soup any time you need a quick and tasty dinner.

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    Farmer's Breakfast Casserole

    Farmer’s Breakfast Casserole.
    Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This casserole can be prepared the night before, which makes your morning a breeze. It's filling and delicious, making it a great choice for brunch. With just a few simple steps, you can have a satisfying meal ready to go. This dish is perfect for those busy mornings when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love.

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    Chili Cheese Dog Skillet Bake

    Chili Cheese Dog Skillet Bake.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Chili Cheese Dog Skillet Bake is a simple and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. It combines the classic flavors of chili and hot dogs in a convenient skillet meal. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a hearty dinner that the whole family will love. It's a great way to bring comfort food to your table with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: Easy and Delish.

    Chicken thighs can be ready in just 10 minutes and then cooked slowly until they're nice and tender. They're covered in a thick honey garlic sauce that adds a lot of flavor. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy to prepare. It’s a simple way to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. You’ll love how satisfying this dinner is.

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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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    Mississippi Chicken

    Mississippi Chicken
    Photo Credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    Mississippi Chicken is a super simple dish to prepare in a slow cooker. With just five basic ingredients, it packs a lot of flavor and is sure to please everyone. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. It goes really well with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, making it a versatile choice for dinner. You'll love how easy it is to throw everything together and let the slow cooker do the work.

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    Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    A serving of Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This chicken enchilada casserole combines all the delicious flavors of enchiladas in a simple layered dish. It features corn tortillas, lots of cheese, and rich red enchilada sauce. The layers come together easily, making it a great option for a satisfying meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting dinner that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew

    Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This stew is a simple and filling dish that uses ground beef as its main ingredient. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a hearty meal without spending too much time or money. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip this up easily. It’s a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying. Enjoy a comforting bowl of stew that everyone will love.

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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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    Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

    Oven Baked One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    One pan chicken drumsticks and potatoes offer a simple solution for weeknight dinners when time is tight. The chicken is seasoned with lemon, giving it a bright flavor, while the potatoes roast to a nice golden brown. This dish is comforting and satisfying without being overly filling. While everything cooks in the oven, you can quickly whip up a fresh green salad. In no time, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to enjoy, even faster than waiting for takeout.

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    Beef Stew

    Beef Stew Recipe.
    Photo Credit: Sugar Spun Run.

    This beef stew is packed with great flavors and is super easy to make. You can prepare it in the oven or use a slow cooker, depending on what you prefer. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal ready without spending too much time in the kitchen. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or when you want something comforting. Enjoy a delicious bowl of stew that warms you up and satisfies your hunger.

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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, making it perfect for busy evenings. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. This dish is not only tasty but also satisfying, bringing everyone together at the dinner table. It's a great option for those who want to enjoy home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    No Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole

    No Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Piper Cooks.

    This casserole is super easy to make and doesn't require any boiling. It combines bell peppers, navy beans, and long-grain white rice all baked together in a tasty tomato sauce with Italian spices. Perfect for busy nights, this dish comes together quickly and with minimal effort. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You'll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is.

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    Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

    15-Minute Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken served over pasta.
    Photo Credit: Cuisine & Travel.

    This chicken dish is great for a simple weeknight meal. Each piece is juicy and tender, packed with flavor. It’s a straightforward option that doesn’t require much effort. You can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is sure to bring some joy back to cooking.

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    Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms

    Crockpot Steak Bites with Mushrooms
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Crockpot Steak Bites with mushrooms are packed with flavor and are super easy to prepare. This dish combines beef broth, butter, onion, garlic, beef, and mushrooms for a hearty meal. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting dinner with minimal effort.

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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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    Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes

    Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This Sheet Pan Roast Pork Tenderloin with potatoes recipe is a game-changer and will give you an incredibly tender, juicy, and healthy meal. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that works for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

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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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    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Cowboy baked beans are a tasty and simple dish to prepare. With just a large can of baked beans, some lean ground beef, a sweet yellow onion, and a handful of common seasonings, you can create a flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. It combines hearty ingredients that everyone will enjoy. You'll find that making this is quick and requires minimal effort.

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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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    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. You only need four basic ingredients and some ready-made items to help you out. In just five minutes, you can have everything ready to go. You’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in less than 40 minutes. It's perfect for those busy days when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

    Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit; The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole is a dish that everyone in the family will love. This comforting meal combines some favorite ingredients into one easy pot. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. With plenty to go around, it’s sure to fill everyone up. This is a great option for a cozy dinner at home.

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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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    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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    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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