10 Dump Meals

Dump meals are exactly what they sound like – easy dinner recipes made by dumping simple ingredients together and cooking them. They may not have the most glamorous name, but don’t let that put you off.

By the way, while these are dump meals, that doesn’t mean zero prep. Some of these recipes require a tiny bit of prep, like chopping ingredients or giving ingredients a quick whisk. It’s still very minimal prep, though.

Plus, once you dump all the ingredients, that’s it; there is no going back to check on your dish or stir. Set the timer and come back to a delicious dinner.

Chicken Orzo Bake

For an even faster dinner, this recipe uses quick-cooking orzo and bite-sized pieces of chicken. They’re baked with chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Greek yogurt for a creamy, Mediterranean flavor without the fuss.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Orzo Bake

Crockpot Salsa Chicken Tacos

This recipe proves that dump meals aren’t always soups or casseroles. Just let the chicken slow cook with cream cheese and salsa, then shred and serve in taco shells, over rice, or whatever floats your boat.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Salsa Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot Cacio e Pepe Pasta

Cacio e Pepe is a super simple Italian favorite made by tossing freshly cooked pasta with butter and parmesan.

This version comes together in the Instant Pot with just five minutes of high pressure, so it’s a lightning-fast, one-pot wonder the entire family will ask for again and again.

Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cacio e Pepe Pasta

Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi with Veggies

If you’re craving pasta but trying to eat more veggies, this sheet pan shrimp scampi is for you.

The shrimp are roasted with cherry tomatoes and zucchini noodles in a buttery herb sauce, which adds so much flavor to every bite.

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi with Veggies

Pizza Pasta Bake

The thing we love about this recipe is that the pasta cooks in the oven – no need to boil water or strain anything at all.

Plus, it uses only five ingredients, so it’s easy to throw together even when the pantry looks a little bare.

Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Bake

Crockpot Cajun Sausage and Potatoes

Not all slow cooker meals have to be brothy or creamy. This simple recipe combines chunks of Cajun sausage with red potatoes, fresh green beans, butter, and lots of Cajun seasoning, which allows each ingredient to soak up all those spices.

Serve with a dinner roll and enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cajun Sausage and Potatoes

Crockpot Chicken in a Hurry

Infused with a sweet and savory tomato sauce, this slow cooker chicken dish packs major flavor into every bite. Plus, one batch makes enough for eight drumsticks, so you’ll have plenty for the whole crew (or maybe even some leftovers).

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken in a Hurry

Crockpot Chicken Barley Stew

This slow cooker stew combines simple ingredients, like chicken, green beans, carrots, and potatoes, with a few pantry staples and seasonings.

Let everything cook until tender (about six hours on high), then serve with parmesan cheese and maybe a hunk of bread. It’s the perfect recipe to come home to after a long day.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Barley Stew

Dumpling Rice

If you have a rice cooker, rice, frozen dumplings, and a few simple ingredients, you can make this ultra-simple dumpling rice recipe.

It’s savory, aromatic, and packed with flavors, yet it is easy enough to throw together even on nights when you’re about to order takeout. Save this one for later!

Get the Recipe: Dumpling Rice

Zucchini Casserole

To serve more veggies to your family, it helps to slice them thinly, coat them in a creamy cheese mixture, then bake until tender and bursting with flavor. This just may be the very best way to use up that leftover summer zucchini.

Get the Recipe: Zucchini Casserole