12 Stress Free Dump & Go Recipes That Make Weeknight Cooking Easy

When you want homemade food without the hassle, these easy recipes are exactly what you need. From comforting dinners and cozy casseroles to simple desserts that come together fast, this roundup is all about keeping things stress free and delicious. Many of these recipes use shortcuts like the Instant Pot, dump-and-bake methods, or minimal prep to save you time while still delivering great flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, these recipes make cooking feel doable and rewarding again.

Bison Stew

A bowl of stewed beef with herbs and mushrooms, garnished with fresh thyme, sits on a table next to a dish of mashed potatoes. — Bison Stew. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

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This stew features slow cooked bison with vegetables. The broth thickens as it cooks. Each bite feels hearty and filling. It works well for make ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Bison Stew

Southwest Chicken Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with a cheesy rice, black bean, and vegetable mixture, topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions. A wooden spoon holds a serving. — Southwest Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Rad Kitchen.

This casserole brings together chicken, seasoning, and cheese. Baking allows everything to set together. The flavors are bold and familiar. It slices easily for serving.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Chicken Casserole

French Onion Pot Roast

Beef pot roast with sliced onions, potatoes, and carrots in a slow cooker, topped with chopped parsley. — French Onion Pot Roast. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This pot roast cooks slowly in an onion rich sauce. The meat becomes very tender. The sauce thickens naturally. It pairs well with potatoes or bread.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Pot Roast

🇮🇹 FRITTATA CAVOLO 🇮🇹 Recipe

A rectangular glass dish filled with a baked vegetable casserole topped with melted cheese, placed on a cork trivet on a wooden table. — 🇮🇹 FRITTATA CAVOLO 🇮🇹 Recipe. Photo credit: Refresh My Health.

This frittata bakes until set and lightly golden. Cabbage softens as it cooks. The texture stays fluffy. It slices cleanly for serving.
Get the Recipe: 🇮🇹 FRITTATA CAVOLO 🇮🇹 Recipe

Vegan Baked Feta Pasta

Chopped sweet potatoes, onions, tomatoes, garlic cloves, fresh basil, and crumbled cheese are arranged in a white baking dish, ready for roasting. — Vegan Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: Entirely Emmy.

This dish bakes vegetables and feta together. The sauce becomes creamy once mixed. Pasta ties everything together. Serving is quick once baked.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Baked Feta Pasta

Instant Pot Creamy Tortellini Recipe With Sausage

A white bowl filled with pasta, meatballs, and grated cheese, with a bread slice and kitchen appliances in the background. — Instant Pot Creamy Tortellini Recipe With Sausage. Photo credit: Kim Schob.

This tortellini cooks quickly in the Instant Pot. The sausage adds depth to the sauce. The pasta stays tender. Cleanup is minimal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tortellini Recipe With Sausage

Easy Instant Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice

A piece of baked chicken breast topped with tomato sauce is served on a bed of rice with a small portion of avocado on a white plate. — Easy Instant Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: The Moody Blonde.

This dish cooks chicken and rice together. Salsa flavors everything evenly. The rice absorbs the liquid as it cooks. Serving is easy straight from the pot.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Salsa Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup With Zucchini

A bowl of vegetable stew with cauliflower, mushrooms, and zucchini in a tomato-based broth, garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon is in the bowl. — Instant Pot Vegetable Soup With Zucchini. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

This soup features vegetables cooked until tender. Zucchini adds softness to the broth. Everything cooks quickly. It works well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Soup With Zucchini

Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan: The Easiest One-Pan Dinner You’ll Ever Make

A serving of baked pasta topped with breadcrumbs and herbs is presented on a white plate, placed on a dark surface next to a checkered cloth. — Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan: The Easiest One-Pan Dinner You’ll Ever Make. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

This chicken parmesan bakes without extra steps. Sauce and cheese melt together in the oven. The chicken stays tender. Cleanup is minimal.
Get the Recipe: Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan: The Easiest One-Pan Dinner You’ll Ever Make

Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowls (5 mins prep!)

A white bowl containing shredded chicken, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, and a lime wedge on a white marble surface with a fork nearby. — Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowls (5 mins prep!). Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

This dish cooks quickly with minimal prep. Chicken absorbs the seasoning well. Bowls are easy to assemble. It works well for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowls (5 mins prep!)

Super Easy Chicken in Vinegar Sauce

A piece of chicken covered in brown onion gravy served over white rice, with a small sprig of parsley on the side. — Super Easy Chicken in Vinegar Sauce. Photo credit: The Wine Lover’s Kitchen.

This chicken cooks in a tangy sauce. The vinegar mellows as it cooks. The meat stays juicy. It pairs well with simple sides.
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Chicken in Vinegar Sauce

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Bowl of shredded chicken topped with sour cream and jalapeño slices, placed on a wooden table near a teal napkin with a spoon and yellow flowers. — Photo Credit Binky’s Culinary Carnival

This casserole cooks slowly until the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred. The sauce soaks into the layers as everything simmers together. Each serving has a rich, saucy texture that holds together well. It is easy to scoop, serve, and enjoy with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole