The Easiest Ever Dump Dinners

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time to cook a wholesome, homemade meal can be a challenge. Enter dump dinners—a lifesaver for busy individuals and families. Dump dinners are recipes that require minimal preparation and effort. You simply “dump” the ingredients into a pot, slow cooker, or baking dish, and let the magic happen. These meals are perfect for those who want to enjoy delicious, home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of dump dinners and share a collection of easy, mouthwatering recipes, complete with both U.S. and metric measurements.

What Are Dump Dinners?

Dump dinners are a category of recipes designed to be incredibly simple to prepare. The name “dump dinner” comes from the idea that you can just dump all the ingredients into one cooking vessel, be it a slow cooker, a baking dish, or a pot on the stove, and let it cook. These meals often require little to no pre-cooking or sautéing, making them perfect for those who are short on time or culinary skills.

Benefits of Dump Dinners

1. Convenience: With minimal preparation, dump dinners are perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Versatility: You can create a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and one-pot meals.
3. Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot or dish, there’s less to clean up afterward.
4. Economical: Dump dinners often use simple, affordable ingredients.
5. Nutritious: By incorporating fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can create healthy, balanced meals.

Tips for Successful Dump Dinners

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, good-quality meats, and flavorful herbs and spices will elevate your dump dinners.
2. Layering: For even cooking, place harder vegetables (like potatoes and carrots) at the bottom of the pot, and more delicate ingredients (like greens) on top.
3. Seasoning: Don’t skimp on herbs and spices. They add depth and flavor to your dishes.
4. Liquid: Ensure there’s enough liquid (broth, sauce, etc.) to prevent burning and to create a flavorful base.
5. Timing: Follow cooking times closely, especially with slow cookers, to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

Now, let’s dive into some easy dump dinner recipes that will make your life simpler and your meals tastier.

Easy Dump Dinner Recipes

1. Classic Chicken and Rice

This comforting, hearty meal combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and vegetables in a savory broth.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 g)
• 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas and carrots
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large baking dish, mix the rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, onion, garlic, peas, and carrots.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme, and place them on top of the rice mixture.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
5. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

2. Beef and Vegetable Stew

This hearty stew is perfect for a cozy dinner, packed with tender beef and a variety of vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients.
2. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
3. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

3. Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake

A family favorite, this pasta bake is loaded with cheese, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) penne pasta
• 2 cups (475 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
3. In a large baking dish, combine the pasta, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, half of the mozzarella, cheddar cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Top with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving.

4. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This tender, flavorful pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or on its own.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kg) pork shoulder
• 1 cup (250 ml) barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pork.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
4. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix with the sauce.
5. Serve on buns, in tacos, or with your favorite sides.

5. One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon

A light and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 680 g)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound (450 g) asparagus, trimmed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, place the salmon fillets and asparagus.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salmon and asparagus.
4. Top with lemon slices.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve hot.

6. Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo

This creamy, comforting dish requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups (475 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large baking dish, combine the chicken, uncooked pasta, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
4. Stir well, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

7. Vegetarian Chili

A hearty and healthy vegetarian option that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz or 425 g each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) corn, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz or 230 g) tomato sauce
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or slow cooker, combine all the ingredients.
2. Cook on medium heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

8. Easy Chicken Enchiladas

These cheesy, saucy enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser and so simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (400 g) cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups (475 ml) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 1 can (4 oz or 115 g) diced green chilies
• 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, 1 cup of enchilada sauce, green chilies, and sour cream.
3. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

9. Sausage and Potato Bake

A simple, rustic dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) baby potatoes, halved
• 1 pound (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, combine the potatoes, sausage, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and the sausage is browned.
5. Serve hot.

10. Dump and Bake Ravioli Casserole

This cheesy, comforting casserole is a hit with both kids and adults, and it couldn’t be easier to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (25 oz or 700 g) frozen cheese ravioli
• 1 jar (24 oz or 680 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
3. Arrange half of the ravioli on top of the sauce.
4. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, and oregano.
5. Repeat with another layer of sauce, ravioli, and cheese.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.

11. Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

This sweet and savory dish is packed with flavor and can be made in a single pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 680 g)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 1 cup (150 g) broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
3. In a large baking dish, arrange the chicken thighs and vegetables.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the teriyaki mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

12. Dump and Bake Taco Casserole

All the flavors of tacos in a simple, baked casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen corn
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) salsa
• 4 cups (about 100 g) tortilla chips, crushed
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips.
5. Pour the beef mixture over the chips and top with salsa and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

13. Dump and Bake BBQ Chicken

This tangy, sweet BBQ chicken is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680 g)
• 1 cup (250 ml) barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, arrange the chicken breasts.
3. In a small bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

14. One-Pot Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

A creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s easy to make in a single pot.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 pound (450 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and garlic, and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring to a boil.
5. Add the pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

15. Dump and Bake Shepherd’s Pie

A classic comfort dish made easy with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (300 g) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups (1 kg) mashed potatoes (prepared or instant)
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the frozen vegetables, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to a large baking dish.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat mixture.
7. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving.

16. Easy Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

A flavorful, spicy dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (475 ml) chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) long-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
5. Stir in the shrimp and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

17. Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole

A cheesy, hearty casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (24 oz or 680 g) frozen meatballs
• 1 jar (24 oz or 680 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, arrange the frozen meatballs.
3. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, dried basil, and oregano.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.

18. Easy Beef Stroganoff

A creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
• 1 pound (450 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Egg noodles or rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the beef over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the beef broth, sour cream, flour, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Return the beef to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot over egg noodles or rice.

19. Dump and Bake Stuffed Peppers

A healthy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and full of nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey
• 1 cup (200 g) cooked rice
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the bell peppers with the turkey mixture and place them in a baking dish.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.
5. Serve hot.

20. One-Pan Baked Ziti

A classic Italian dish made easy with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
• 1 jar (24 oz or 680 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (475 ml) water
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, combine the ziti pasta, marinara sauce, water, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.

Conclusion

Dump dinners are the perfect solution for busy families and individuals who want to enjoy delicious, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. With these easy recipes, you can whip up a variety of flavorful dishes that are sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting casserole, a hearty stew, or a light and fresh seafood dish, there’s a dump dinner recipe for every occasion. So go ahead, give these recipes a try, and discover the joy of stress-free cooking!