When it comes to busy weeknights, cooking a delicious meal from scratch can seem like a daunting task. But what if you could make a mouthwatering dinner without breaking a sweat? Enter: dump recipes! These clever meals involve simply “dumping” a collection of ingredients into a pot or casserole dish and letting the magic happen. No chopping, sautéing, or stirring required – just toss it all together and let the flavors meld.
In this article, we’ll share 18 easy dump recipes to spice up your weeknight routine. From comforting casseroles to hearty soups and satisfying stir-fries, these effortless meals are sure to become new favorites in your household. So grab a spoon and get ready to dive into the world of dump cooking!
Chicken and Rice Dump Casserole
Chicken and Rice Dump Casserole Recipe
This hearty casserole is a simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious and comforting dish on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rice, chicken, soup, peas and carrots, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the casserole.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Cooking Time:
Approximately 35-40 minutes
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Dump Dinner
Get ready for a comforting, easy meal with this slow cooker beef stew recipe that requires minimal effort and yields maximum flavor. Simply dump all the ingredients into your crock pot and let it do the work for you.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Dump Meal
A hearty, comforting meal that’s ready in no time! This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Dump Meal combines the flavors of Italy with the ease of a dump-and-go recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken; cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes per side.
3. Transfer the chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetable and Lentil Dump Soup
This hearty soup recipe combines the comfort of lentils with a medley of sautéed vegetables, all simmered together in a rich vegetable broth. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or as a nutritious lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, garlic, and celery in a little bit of oil until tender.
2. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mexican Black Bean Dump Bake
This hearty, flavorful dish is a cinch to prepare and packed with nutrients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, Mexican Black Bean Dump Bake is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6-8 tortilla chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, onion, garlic, corn kernels, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
4. Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with tortilla chips if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Greek Lemon Garlic Dump Chicken
A classic comfort food dish with a Greek twist! This recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with tender chicken, all in one easy skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned on both sides.
4. Pour in the lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove from the oven and stir in the chicken broth.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato and Sausage Dump Skillet
A hearty, one-pot wonder that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend brunch. This dump skillet recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of sausage and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add sweet potatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Cover the skillet and bake for 45-50 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Honey Garlic Dump Pork Chops
Transform your pork chops with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of honey with the pungency of garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these dump pork chops are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops
– 1/2 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Place pork chops in a large baking dish or sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the honey-garlic mixture evenly onto both sides of the pork chops.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Taco Pasta Dump Dish
This comforting, one-pot pasta dish combines the flavors of tacos with the ease of a dump-and-go recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the meat mixture.
5. Top with shredded cheese and stir until melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot, adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mediterranean Chickpea Dump Salad
A hearty and flavorful salad that combines the comforting warmth of chickpeas with the bright, sunny flavors of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1-2 dashes hot sauce (such as sriracha)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, quinoa, red bell pepper, cucumber, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If desired, add hot sauce for an extra kick.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Dump Sliders
Transform your pulled pork game with these mouthwatering sliders that combine the tender meat with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, all on a soft bun. Perfect for casual gatherings or quick meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pulled pork
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 8 small hamburger buns (or slider buns)
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Chopped cilantro or scallions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Mix until coated.
3. Split the hamburger buns in half and toast on the grill or in a toaster.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the BBQ pork mixture onto each bun half.
5. Top with coleslaw and chopped cilantro or scallions (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Coconut Curry Dump Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this creamy and aromatic Coconut Curry Dump Chicken recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss to coat with the coconut mixture.
4. Place the onion and bell pepper in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Arrange the coated chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or scallions (optional).
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Breakfast Sausage Dump Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 oz) package of frozen hash browns, thawed
– 1 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 6 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the hash browns in an even layer. Top with the cooked sausage mixture, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the top, followed by the remaining hash browns and cheese.
7. Cook for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set and the casserole is golden brown.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Dump Pasta
A quick and flavorful one-pot pasta dish loaded with succulent shrimp, garlic butter, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, linguine)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
4. Reduce heat to medium; add chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water. Stir until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add cooked pasta, shrimp, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Chipotle Corn Dump Chowder
This hearty soup combines the comfort of traditional corn chowder with the bold flavors of chipotle peppers and spices, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, and salt; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add corn kernels, diced tomatoes, water, and chopped chipotles; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 15-20 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Asian-Inspired Teriyaki Dump Stir Fry
This quick and easy recipe combines the flavors of Asia with a dump-and-stir approach, making it perfect for busy weeknights. A sweet and savory teriyaki sauce coats a mix of colorful vegetables and protein-rich chicken in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas)
– 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or sesame oil for stir-frying
Instructions:
1. Heat 1-2 tbsp of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder.
5. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, coating all ingredients evenly.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook until heated through.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Pesto Tortellini Dump Bake
This recipe combines the flavors of pesto, cheese, and tortellini for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour. With minimal effort and no need to boil noodles or cook separately, this dump bake is perfect for a busy night.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine tortellini, olive oil, pesto sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Dump Breakfast
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
– Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine oats, milk, water, butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute until the mixture is creamy and the oats are cooked.
3. Add diced apples to the oatmeal and stir until well combined.
4. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the apples are heated through.
5. Sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg (if using) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (plus additional 30 seconds to 1 minute)
Summary
Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen on busy weeknights? Look no further! This article brings together 18 easy dump recipes that are perfect for a quick and delicious meal. From classic comfort food to international flavors, these recipes use simple ingredients and minimal effort to deliver a satisfying dinner. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade meals with this collection of dump recipes!