7 Dump Dinners for Every Night of the Week
In our fast-paced lives, the last thing we want to worry about is what to cook for dinner. That’s where "dump dinners" come in—a simple and convenient way to prepare satisfying meals without the fuss. Whether you’re coming home from a long day at work or hosting a cozy gathering, these one-pot meals require minimal prep time and cleanup, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—providing delicious food enjoyed with loved ones.
The beauty of these recipes lies in their versatility. You can mix and match ingredients based on your preference and what you have in your pantry, ensuring that you’ll find something for every palate. From hearty casseroles to savory stews, these 7 dump dinners are not just time-savers but also crowd-pleasers. Readers will love how seamlessly they fit into busy schedules while delivering flavor-packed plates that everyone will dig into!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1 lb of protein (chicken, beef, or tofu)
- 2 cups of fresh vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef)
- 1 cup of rice or pasta
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional cheese or herbs for topping
This shows a colorful array of ingredients ready for preparation.
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping your vegetables and choosing your protein. If using chicken or beef, cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Combine in a Slow Cooker or Baking Dish: In a slow cooker or oven-safe dish, layer your protein, vegetables, diced tomatoes, broth, and rice or pasta.
- Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Give it a gentle stir until all items are well distributed.
- Cook:
- For a slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- For the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes until the protein is cooked and the rice/pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle cheese or fresh herbs over the top for added flavor. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the protein for any other type of meat or plant-based option. Likewise, use whatever vegetables are in season or to your liking.
- Optional Variations: Add spices like cumin or paprika for a different flavor profile; consider incorporating beans for an added protein boost.
- Storage or Reheating Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes (or longer, depending on method)
- Total time: 55 minutes to 8 hours (slow cooker)
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty level: Easy
Versatile Dump Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb of protein (chicken, beef, or tofu) Choose your preferred protein option.
- 2 cups of fresh vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli) Any mix of vegetables can be used.
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef) Select broth based on your protein choice.
- 1 cup of rice or pasta Opt for your favorite base.
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Optional cheese or herbs for topping Add for extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by chopping your vegetables and choosing your protein. If using chicken or beef, cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cooking
- In a slow cooker or oven-safe dish, layer your protein, vegetables, diced tomatoes, broth, and rice or pasta.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Give it a gentle stir until all items are well distributed.
- For a slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- For the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes until the protein is cooked and the rice/pasta is tender.
Finishing
- If desired, sprinkle cheese or fresh herbs over the top for added flavor. Let cool slightly before serving.