20 Easy Dump Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen every night, only to have your family devour everything you’ve made within minutes? Do you wish there was a way to cook delicious meals without sacrificing precious time or effort? Well, we’re here to tell you that those days are behind you. Introducing dump recipes – a game-changer for busy home cooks everywhere.
With these 20 easy and mouth-watering recipes, you’ll be able to whip up a tasty meal in no time, using minimal ingredients and fuss-free prep work. From classic comfort foods like chicken and dumplings and lasagna, to sweet treats like banana bread and peach cobbler, we’ve got your back. So go ahead, get ready to dump (and devour), and say goodbye to boring weeknights!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Warm up with this comforting, easy-to-make Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe, perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup biscuit or dumpling mix (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and butter until smooth.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth to the flour mixture, stirring until well combined.
5. Pour the dumpling mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine meatballs, marinara sauce, and chopped parsley.
3. Spread half of the meatball mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat layers, finishing with the remaining meatball mixture on top.
6. Sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
Cooking Time:
– Bake for 30-40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
– Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
One-Pot Dump Lasagna
Discover the ease of a one-pot lasagna recipe that’s ready to devour in no time! This dump-and-bake method simplifies the classic Italian dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or stress-free weekends.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 8 lasagna noodles
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef and onion in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed.
3. Add garlic, marinara sauce, and dried basil. Stir to combine.
4. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top of the meat mixture.
5. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture followed by half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers: noodles, meat mixture, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover pot with lid and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove lid and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Easy Dump Cake with Pineapple
Simplify your dessert-making routine with this effortless recipe that yields a moist and flavorful cake packed with sweet pineapple chunks.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15.25 oz) package of yellow cake mix
– 1 cup of crushed pineapple, drained
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, crushed pineapple, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Dump-and-Go Beef Stew
This hearty beef stew recipe is perfect for a busy day when you need a comforting meal with minimal effort. Simply “dump” all the ingredients into one pot, let it cook while you attend to other tasks, and come back to a delicious, tender dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, peas, onions, etc.)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup tomato paste
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. “Dump” in the mixed vegetables, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Return the beef to the pot, cover with a lid or foil, and transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow Cooker Dump Chili
A hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a busy day – simply dump all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
4. Add the remaining ingredients (canned tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper) to the slow cooker.
5. Stir well to combine.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Dump-and-Bake Sausage Pasta
This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Simply dump all the ingredients into a baking dish, toss with some olive oil, and let your oven do the rest.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound penne pasta
– 2 Italian sausage links, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, combine pasta, sausage, onion, garlic, and marinara sauce.
3. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with sauce and the sausage is evenly distributed.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Enjoy your delicious Dump-And-Bake Sausage Pasta!
Quick Dump Pancake Mix Muffins
Get ready to whip up a batch of fluffy and delicious muffins with this easy recipe! Using pancake mix as the base, you’ll be surprised at how quickly these treats come together.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pancake mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp melted butter
– Optional: blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, and egg until smooth.
3. Add melted butter and whisk until fully incorporated.
4. Fold in optional add-ins (if using).
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Dump-and-Cook Chicken Alfredo
Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in no time? This Dump-and-Cook Chicken Alfredo is the perfect solution!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 jar (14.5 oz) of alfredo sauce
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, combine chicken, alfredo sauce, peas and carrots, heavy cream, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Stir in cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your quick and delicious Dump-and-Cook Chicken Alfredo!
One-Pan Dump Enchilada Bake
One-Pan Dump Enchilada Bake Recipe
A flavorful and effortless twist on traditional enchiladas, this recipe bakes all the ingredients together in one pan for a hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can enchilada sauce (10 oz)
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the enchilada sauce and bring to a simmer.
5. Arrange 2-3 tortillas on top of the meat mixture, overlapping them slightly.
6. Sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese and a pinch of cilantro.
7. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven; sprinkle with remaining cilantro.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dump-and-Go Taco Soup
This hearty soup is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy nights. With just a few simple ingredients and no fuss, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp chili powder
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until cooked through.
2. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn kernels, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot, garnished with optional chopped cilantro, scallions, or shredded cheese.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Dump Apple Cobbler
A classic dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd pleaser! This recipe requires minimal effort, but yields a deliciously sweet and tender apple cobbler.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1/2 cup biscuit or cobbler topping (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Pour apple mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Drizzle heavy cream or half-and-half over the apples.
5. Sprinkle biscuit or cobbler topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Slow Cooker Dump BBQ Chicken
Simplify your mealtime routine with this easy, dump-and-go recipe that yields tender, flavorful chicken and a rich BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken in a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
Dump-and-Bake Cheesy Potatoes
This Dump-and-Bake recipe is a stress-free, one-pot wonder that yields perfectly cooked, cheesy potatoes with a crispy top. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large, deep-dish baking dish, create a single layer of potato slices.
3. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the potatoes.
4. Dot the top with butter.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
One-Pot Dump Jambalaya
A classic Louisiana dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this One-Pot Dump Jambalaya is a staple for any busy day. With just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, tomatoes, rice, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Dump-and-Go Lemon Garlic Shrimp
In just a few minutes, you can have succulent shrimp infused with bright lemon flavors and savory garlic aromas. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
5. If using white wine, drizzle it over the shrimp.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Quick Dump Banana Bread
In this recipe, ripe bananas are mashed and mixed with flour, sugar, eggs, and spices to create a deliciously moist banana bread that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dump-and-Bake Spinach Artichoke Pasta
This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s ridiculously easy to make. Simply combine cooked pasta, spinach artichoke dip, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish, then bake until golden brown.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 1 cup spinach artichoke dip
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, spinach artichoke dip, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Dump Peach Dump Cake
This mouthwatering dessert combines the sweetness of peaches with a moist and fluffy cake, all in one convenient and easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of peach pie filling (14.5 oz)
– 1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, peach pie filling, and heavy cream. Mix until well combined.
3. Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Slow Cooker Dump Beef Stroganoff
A classic comfort food dish made easy with a slow cooker! Tender beef, mushrooms, and a rich sauce come together for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or top round)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 1 cup cooked egg noodles
Instructions:
1. Place the beef strips in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the beef.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms on top.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve the beef and sauce over cooked egg noodles.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to simplify your weeknight meals with these easy dump recipes! From hearty stews and casseroles to sweet treats, we’ve got you covered. Our collection includes Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings, Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole, One-Pot Dump Lasagna, and many more. These convenient recipes require minimal prep time and effort, making them perfect for busy families or individuals on-the-go. With ingredients ranging from pantry staples to fresh produce, you’ll be whipping up delicious meals in no time. Say goodbye to cooking stress and hello to flavorful comfort food!
