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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    17 Dump-and-Cook Dinners That Will Have You Out of the Kitchen Fast

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 17, 2024, updated November 20, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    If you're looking for quick and easy dinner ideas, dump-and-cook meals are the way to go. These recipes require minimal prep and let you throw everything into a pot or slow cooker, making dinner a breeze. Perfect for busy nights, these meals will have you enjoying a home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

    Easy Wonton Soup

    Wonton soup.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Wonton Soup is super easy to prepare with frozen wontons and pre-chopped vegetables, making it ideal for busy weeknights. It's a simple meal that comes together quickly, so you can spend less time in the kitchen.

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    Mediterranean Salmon

    Mediterranean Salmon.
    Photo credit: Hungry Healthy Happy.

    Salmon fillets get a tasty Mediterranean twist for a quick meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Flake the salmon to add to salads, sandwiches, or serve it alongside roasted garlic potatoes.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

    Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This Butternut Squash Soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy. With the addition of apples and a touch of garam masala, it’s a warm and comforting meal that you can freeze and is suitable for everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs & Sweet Potatoes

    Sheet pan with chicken and sweet potatoes.
    Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    Sheet Pan Baked Chicken Thighs and Sweet Potatoes is a quick and delicious meal that's ideal for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have it ready in only 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Pesto Salmon

    Pesto salmon on a serving platter.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Pesto Salmon is ready in just 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal. With a blend of Greek yogurt and pesto, it's a flavorful choice for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Carrot Ginger Soup

    A bowl of carrot soup.
    Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry.

    This soup is a quick and easy dinner option that you can whip up in no time. Simply combine the ingredients, cook, and blend for a tasty meal that's ready in a flash.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies

    Sheet pan sausage and veggies.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This easy sheet pan dinner comes together in under 30 minutes. With garlic and herbs for flavor, everything cooks on one pan for a simple and satisfying meal.

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    Pizza Baked Butter Beans

    Baked butter beans in a bowl.
    Photo credit: Life as a Strawberry.

    These quick pizza baked beans are perfect for busy weeknights. Simply combine canned beans with pizza sauce, add your favorite toppings, and bake for a simple and satisfying meal alongside some crusty bread.

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    Baked Ravioli Casserole

    20 Minute Baked Ravioli Casserole
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This ravioli casserole comes together in just 20 minutes and only takes 5 minutes to prepare. It's a great option for busy weeknights since you don't have to boil the ravioli first, and you can even prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge or freezer.

    Get the recipe

    Lemon Pepper Salmon

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

    This salmon dish is quick and easy, using just three simple ingredients. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki

    Instant Pot Chicken Teriyaki.
    Photo credit: Frugal Family Times.

    This teriyaki chicken is perfect for busy weeknights. You can throw frozen chicken breasts in the pot and have a tasty meal ready in just 30 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Teriyaki Salmon

    Teriyaki salmon.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon dish is super easy to prepare using either store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce. It's great for busy weeknights when you want a quick and tasty meal.

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    Sheet Pan Halloumi Tacos with Cauliflower and Black Beans

    Sheet Pan Halloumi tacos with Cauliflower and Black Beans
    Photo Credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    These tacos are easy to make on just one sheet pan, making them a great choice for a busy weeknight. They’re sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

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    Baked Salmon with Black Rice

    A bowl with salmon and black rice.
    Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

    This salmon and black rice dish is a delicious option for busy weeknights. It's quick to prepare and perfect for when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy 5-Ingredient Pizza Pasta Bake

    Easy, Cheesy 5-Ingredient Pizza Pasta Bake
    Photo Credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This pizza pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast. Just combine everything in one pan, bake it, and enjoy a delicious meal with your family.

    Get the recipe

    Green Pesto Salmon

    Green Pesto Salmon.
    Photo credit: Cooking with Mama C.

    This Baked Pesto Salmon is quick to prepare and ready in just 25 minutes. It's easy enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough to impress your guests.

    Get the recipe

    No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake

    No Boil Chicken Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Cooking With Carlee.

    This no-boil chicken pasta bake is a simple way to get dinner ready without much effort. It requires very little prep and delivers a satisfying and hearty meal.

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    More Recipe Roundups

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      20 No-Fuss Crockpot Recipes That Will Save You Time and Energy
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      24 Lazy Freezer Casseroles That Always Hit the Spot

    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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