20 Dump-And-Go Dinners That Make Weeknights So Much Easier
After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s where dump-and-go meals come to the rescue!
These fuss-free recipes require minimal prep. You just have to toss ingredients together and let your cooking device do the rest.
From slow cooker wonders to sheet pan magic, these 20 recipes will revolutionize your weeknight dinner game.
1. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot easier! Toss chicken breasts, your favorite salsa, taco seasoning, and a can of corn into your slow cooker.
Walk away for 6-8 hours and return to perfectly shreddable chicken. I once made this for unexpected guests and they thought I’d been cooking all day!
Serve with tortillas or over rice with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, and sour cream.
2. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Slice Italian sausages, bell peppers of various colors, red onions, and zucchini. Toss everything on a sheet pan with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Roast at 425°F for about 25 minutes, giving the pan a shake halfway through. The sausages release their savory juices, flavoring all the veggies as they roast.
Dinner’s ready when everything’s caramelized and your kitchen smells amazing!
3. Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and ready in 20 minutes flat! Dump chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of vinegar into your Instant Pot.
Press a button and go change into your comfy clothes. My family fights over the sauce—it’s that good! We always keep a bottle of sriracha nearby for those who want a kick.
Serve over rice with steamed broccoli for a balanced meal that tastes like you ordered takeout.
4. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Comfort food doesn’t get easier than this! Chuck beef, mushrooms, onions, beef broth, and cream of mushroom soup create magic in your slow cooker.
The meat becomes fork-tender after 6-8 hours on low. Add sour cream during the last 30 minutes for that signature creamy tang.
Pour this velvety mixture over egg noodles and watch dinner disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
5. Dump-and-Bake Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Uncooked pasta, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasonings go straight into a baking dish. Pour chicken broth and cream over everything.
Cover with foil and bake at 425°F for 30 minutes. The pasta absorbs the liquid while cooking, creating a luscious sauce without any stirring.
Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and prepare for your family to crown you dinner royalty!
6. Mediterranean Chicken Dump Dinner
Transport your taste buds to Greece with this no-fuss meal! Chicken thighs, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese create a flavor explosion.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano before baking at 375°F for 35-40 minutes. Last summer, I made this three weeks in a row—it’s that addictive!
The tomatoes burst, creating a natural sauce that’s perfect for sopping up with crusty bread.
7. Pineapple Teriyaki Meatballs
Party-worthy flavor with zero effort! Frozen meatballs, teriyaki sauce, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers transform into a sweet-savory miracle in your slow cooker.
Set it on low for 4 hours and the sauce thickens beautifully. My kids call these “candy meatballs” because they’re so irresistibly sweet-savory.
Serve over rice or with toothpicks as an appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
8. Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Red lentils, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, curry powder, and vegetable broth create a protein-packed soup that’s ready when you are.
Six hours on low in your slow cooker transforms these humble ingredients into a silky, fragrant soup. The first time I made this, my spice-averse husband had three bowls!
Garnish with cilantro and serve with naan bread for dipping into that gorgeous golden broth.
9. Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Creamy, dreamy, and embarrassingly simple! Uncooked pasta, chicken, jarred Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, and garlic go straight into a baking dish—no boiling required!
Cover and bake at 425°F for 30 minutes. Uncover, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Add frozen peas during the last 5 minutes for a pop of color and nutrition in this crowd-pleasing comfort food classic.
10. Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Chuck roast, beef broth, onion soup mix, and a splash of soy sauce create melt-in-your-mouth meat after 8 hours on low.
The cooking liquid transforms into the perfect dipping au jus. Shred the beef, pile onto toasted hoagie rolls, and top with provolone cheese.
My father-in-law—a notorious food snob—requested these three times during his last visit!
11. Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup
Comfort in a bowl in under 30 minutes! Dump diced potatoes, bacon bits, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, and garlic into your Instant Pot.
Pressure cook for 10 minutes, then stir in cream cheese until melted. Yesterday I brought this to a potluck and came home with an empty pot and recipe requests!
Top with shredded cheese, green onions, and extra bacon for a loaded baked potato in soup form.
12. Pesto Salmon Foil Packets
Place salmon fillets on foil squares, spread with pesto, and surround with cherry tomatoes and asparagus.
Fold into packets and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. The salmon steams in its own juices while the pesto infuses everything with basil-garlic goodness.
These individual packets make everyone feel special, and they’re perfect for customizing—my spice-loving daughter gets red pepper flakes on hers!
13. Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole
Layered Mexican goodness that practically makes itself! Alternate tortillas, enchilada sauce, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and cheese in your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours until bubbly and the tortillas have softened into the sauce. The first time I made this, my teenager actually put his phone down to eat—a true miracle!
Serve with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro for a fiesta with minimal effort.
14. Hawaiian Chicken Dump Dinner
Chicken thighs, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and a sauce of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic create island vibes in your baking dish.
Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is golden and the sauce is sticky-sweet. The pineapple caramelizes slightly, balancing the savory chicken perfectly.
Serve over rice and pretend you’re dining beachside—sunscreen and tiny umbrellas optional!
15. Mississippi Pot Roast
Place chuck roast in your slow cooker, sprinkle with ranch seasoning and au jus mix, top with pepperoncini peppers and butter.
Eight hours later, you’ll have fork-tender meat that shreds with a glance. The tangy-savory flavor profile is absolutely addictive—my brother-in-law requested this for his birthday dinner instead of going out!
Serve with mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that magical gravy.
16. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus
Restaurant-worthy seafood in 15 minutes flat! Arrange shrimp and asparagus on a sheet pan, drizzle with melted butter mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Roast at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until shrimp are pink and asparagus is tender-crisp. The butter creates a silky sauce that’s perfect for crusty bread dipping.
This elegant meal makes random Tuesday nights feel special, especially with a glass of white wine alongside!
17. Five-Ingredient Ravioli Bake
Pasta night with zero boiling required! Layer frozen ravioli, marinara sauce, spinach, and plenty of mozzarella in a baking dish.
Cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then uncover for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden. The ravioli cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all that tomato goodness.
This saved me during my first week as a new mom—I could assemble it one-handed while holding the baby!
18. Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Loin
Pork loin, apple cider, sliced apples, onions, and a blend of cinnamon, rosemary, and thyme create autumn magic in your slow cooker.
After 6-7 hours on low, the pork is juicy and infused with sweet-savory flavor. The apples break down into a natural sauce that’s absolutely divine.
My house smells so good when I make this that neighbors have actually texted asking what’s cooking!
19. Greek Chicken and Potatoes
Mediterranean sunshine on a dreary day! Chicken thighs, baby potatoes, lemon, olives, and Greek seasonings transform into a taverna-worthy meal with minimal effort.
Toss everything with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes. The potatoes soak up the lemony chicken juices, becoming irresistibly flavorful.
Crumble feta cheese over everything right before serving for a creamy, tangy finish.
20. Three-Ingredient Salsa Verde Chicken
Chicken breasts, jarred salsa verde, and a can of black beans create the most versatile protein base imaginable.
Six hours on low in your slow cooker yields tender, shreddable chicken perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, or salads. Last month, I turned one batch into four completely different meals!
Add fresh lime juice and cilantro before serving to brighten all the flavors and make it taste freshly made.