Do you ever feel exhausted just thinking about what to make for dinner? With all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding the time and energy to prepare a meal can sometimes seem almost impossible. You might crave something delicious but also need it to be quick, simple, and convenient. Well, you’re in for a treat!
Effortless dump dinners might just be your new best friend. These meals require little preparation; in fact, you basically just dump your ingredients into a pot, pan, or slow cooker and let the magic happen. They are a brilliant way to save time, effort, and even a bit of your sanity during busy weeknights. Here’s a guide to seven delightful dump dinners that you can whip up for every night of the week!
Monday: Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup
Let’s kick off the week with a comforting bowl of Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup. This delicious dish makes use of pantry staples, so you might already have everything on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 can chicken (or a cooked rotisserie chicken for added flavor)
- Chicken broth (about 2-3 cups depending on your desired consistency)
- Taco seasoning (to taste)
- Tortilla chips and avocado (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine all the cans – black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle taco seasoning.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Serve hot, garnished with tortilla chips and fresh avocado slices.
This soup is filling and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a vegetarian option, feel free to omit the chicken and throw in extra beans or vegetables!
Tuesday: Shipwreck Casserole
As the week begins to unfold, make Taco Tuesday a Shipwreck Casserole night! This dish is as easy to put together as its name suggests.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of baked beans
- 1 can of mixed vegetables
- 1 package of ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 envelope of onion soup mix
- 1 can of biscuits (for the topping)
Instructions:
- Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, and drain the excess fat.
- In a large baking dish, combine the browned meat with baked beans, mixed vegetables, and onion soup mix.
- Layer the biscuit dough over the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown.
You’ll have a warm, hearty meal that is great for busy nights, especially if you have little ones to feed. It’s called “Shipwreck” for its simple assembly, but trust me—it’s a treasure when you’re craving comfort food!
Wednesday: Chicken Taco Dump Dinner
Mid-week meals can start to feel mundane, but not when you’ve got a Chicken Taco Dump Dinner on the menu. This delightful dish brings the flavors of tacos right to your table with ease.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken breast (or thighs)
- 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup of corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 jar of salsa
- Tortillas and shredded cheese for serving
Instructions:
- In your slow cooker, place the chicken and top with black beans, corn, and salsa.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and serve it in tortillas with cheese or your favorite toppings.
This is a versatile meal—try adding jalapeños, bell peppers, or your favorite taco toppings for an extra kick!
Thursday: Garbage Soup
Don’t let the name fool you—Garbage Soup is far from garbage! In fact, it’s a fantastic way to utilize leftover ingredients lurking in your fridge and pantry while creating a delicious and hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- Any leftover vegetables (carrots, spinach, potatoes, etc.)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup of pasta or rice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the broth, diced tomatoes, and your leftover vegetables.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Add pasta or rice if desired and cook until they are tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs before serving.
This meal is a great way to reduce waste and clean out your pantry, all while enjoying a warm and inviting bowl of soup that’s full of flavor.
Friday: Awesome Slow Cooker Pot Roast
End your week on a high note with an Awesome Slow Cooker Pot Roast that’s worthy of any special occasion—yet still easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds of beef roast
- 1 packet of onion soup mix
- 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 4-5 carrots, chopped
- 4-5 potatoes, chopped
Instructions:
- Place the roast in your slow cooker. Pour the onion soup mix and cream of mushroom soup over the top. No need to mix; just let it sit.
- Add the chopped carrots and potatoes around the roast.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for about 4-6 hours until the roast is tender.
This pot roast turns out so tender and flavorful, you’ll think you’ve spent hours on it! Serve it with some crusty bread for a fulfilling meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Saturday: Easy, Meaty Sheet Pan Meal
It’s the weekend! Celebrate with a fun and easy Easy, Meaty Sheet Pan Meal that can be customized based on what you have in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef or sausage
- 1 pound of your favorite vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, etc.)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a large baking sheet, spread out the vegetables and meat.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the meat is cooked through and veggies are tender.
This dinner is a breeze to make, and clean-up is a cinch since everything is on one pan. You can switch up the ingredients each week based on your cravings or what you have on hand!
Sunday: So Simple Beef Stroganoff
End your week with something hearty and comforting like So Simple Beef Stroganoff. This meal is quick, easy, and only requires five ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef strips (or any stew meat)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 packet of onion soup mix
- Egg noodles (for serving)
Instructions:
- In a slow cooker or pot, combine beef strips, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and onion soup mix.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions and serve the beef stroganoff over the noodles.
You’ll find that this dish is irresistibly creamy and packed with flavor—a perfect way to wrap up your week!
Wrapping It Up
What could be better than hassle-free meals that bring the family together? The beauty of dump dinners lies in their simplicity and flexibility. They’re customizable based on your preferences and what’s already in your kitchen, making them perfect for any night of the week. You’ll discover that these effortless meals don’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction, proving that you can enjoy tasty, home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen.
So why not give these seven dump dinners a try? You might just find a new weeknight routine that keeps both your taste buds and your schedule happy!
