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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    28 Dump-and-Cook Wonders Made for Cold Weather

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on January 26, 2025, updated January 22, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    When the temperatures drop, there's nothing better than a warm, hearty meal that requires minimal effort. These 28 dump-and-cook recipes are perfect for chilly days, allowing you to throw everything into a pot, oan or slow cooker and let it cook while you relax. From comforting soups to filling casseroles, these dishes will keep you cozy and satisfied all season long.

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal uses just 8 ingredients and is perfect for a cozy dinner any night. With tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it’s a dish that everyone will love.

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    Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken And Rice Casserole.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This chicken and rice casserole is a cozy dish that's simple to prepare. It's a great option for chilly days when you want something warm and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Lemon Salmon on Veggies

    Baked Lemon Salmon on Veggies.
    Photo credit: Oh Sweet Culture Shock.

    This salmon dish is healthy and really simple to make. With fresh lemon slices and herbs, it’s baked to perfection for a delicious dinner any night.

    Get the recipe

    Great Northern Bean Soup

    Great Northern Bean Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This great northern bean soup is a warm and satisfying meal for a cold winter evening or any time you want something healthy and filling. It’s easy to prepare in your crock pot or slow cooker, making it a simple option for dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Chicken Drumsticks & Veggies

    Drumsticks and veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple. With just a little chopping to begin, everything cooks together with chicken, veggies, and plenty of sauce for a delicious meal.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

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

    Chicken Enchilada Soup is a simple and tasty dish that you can make in a crockpot. Cold winter days are perfect for enjoying warm and spicy meals.

    Get the Recipe

    Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole

    Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Practically Homemade.

    This casserole brings together delicious cajun flavors in a simple way. You can prepare it without boiling the pasta, and it creates a creamy sauce while baking.

    Get the recipe

    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 ingredients and some ready-made items, you can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Cod in Foil

    A foil pack with cod and potatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These baked cod packs are easy to prepare and full of flavor, taking just 5 minutes to get ready. With cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and lemon all cooked together, this is a simple and satisfying dinner option.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

    Chicken pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features plenty of chicken and broccoli, making it a hearty meal that will fill you up. It's perfect for cold weather and you'll likely have some leftovers to enjoy later.

    Get the recipe

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packs

    Cajun Chicken Foil Packets.
    Photo credit: Camp Grill Eat.

    Foil packets with chicken thighs and sliced peppers and onions are a simple meal that’s full of Cajun flavor. This is a quick and easy option that you can have ready in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    One Pan Falafel Bake

    Falafel bake on a baking dish.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This easy one-pan dinner is both simple and delicious. With premade falafel, beans, tomatoes, kale, and a cheesy topping, this vegetarian casserole is a comforting dish you'll want to make often.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup

    Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This filling soup is packed with tender beef, veggies, and barley in a tasty broth. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it simmer all day, and enjoy a warm meal when you get home.

    Get the recipe

    Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese

    Gorgonzola mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This cheesy mac and cheese is made in just one dish, so there's no need to pre-cook anything. With mozzarella and gorgonzola, it’s a simple and comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake

    sun-dried tomato pasta bake.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features cheesy chicken and pasta packed with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, perfect for a cozy meal. It's a simple and satisfying option for chilly days.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta

    Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta.
    Photo Credit: FoodnService.

    This pasta dish is simple and comforting, needing just 10 minutes of prep time while the slow cooker takes care of the rest. With its rich flavors and tender penne pasta, it's a great choice for a filling family dinner during cold weather.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken features a sweet and tangy sauce with onion and green bell pepper. This dish is perfect served over brown rice and alongside steamed green vegetables.

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    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies.
    Photo credit: This DIY Life.

    This is a simple one-pot meal that combines chicken, potatoes, and vegetables all cooked together. It's perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and comforting without much effort.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

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

    This chicken is seasoned with Italian dressing and lots of lemon. It's a simple dish that's perfect for chilly days.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs.
    Photo Credit: My Chef's Apron.

    Ribs are seasoned with a great mix of spices and slow-cooked until they're super tender. This is a tasty family dinner that goes well with any vegetable side.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn

    Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow cooker.

    Steak bites, potatoes, and corn all cook together in the slow cooker with a tasty garlic butter sauce. This is a great meal for chilly days.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes

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

    One pan chicken drumsticks and potatoes are a simple and satisfying dinner option for cold nights. With zesty chicken and nicely roasted potatoes, this meal is warm and comforting, and you can easily whip up a salad while it bakes.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This Slow Cooker Three Bean Taco Soup is quick to prepare and perfect for chilly days. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer, then enjoy it with your favorite taco toppings like cheese and sour cream.

    Get the recipe

    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 is delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

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

    This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake is quick to prepare and ready in under an hour. It's packed with spicy buffalo sauce, hidden spinach, and plenty of cheese, making it a tasty option for a weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

    Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow cooker pineapple chicken combines tender chicken with bell peppers, onion, and garlic in a tasty pineapple sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup

    Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    This comforting gnocchi soup is inspired by the popular Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana. It's a simple slow cooker recipe that requires little work, making it perfect for busy days.

    Get the Recipe

    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 of prep and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious one-pan dish loaded with Cheddar and Gruyere cheese.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      20 Stupid Simple Crockpot Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine
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      26 Cheap & Easy Casseroles That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals
    • Chicken tikka masala.
      19 Slow Cooker Dinners That Will Make Your Kids Cheer

    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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