13 “Dump and Done” Dinners Perfect For Procrastinators

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when time is running out and energy is low. “Dump and done” dinners take away the stress by letting all the ingredients go straight into one pot, pan, or slow cooker, with zero fuss and minimal cleanup. They’re fast, filling, and perfect for procrastinators who still want a real meal on the table without the headache of extra steps.

Taco Soup

Taco soup is the no-fuss dinner that makes procrastination look like a meal plan. Everything, meat, beans, veggies, and spices goes straight in the pot and simmers into a hearty bowl that’s filling without the work. It’s cozy, flavorful, and one of those dump-and-done meals the whole family can dig into with no complaints.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs in the slow cooker make it ridiculously easy to enjoy fall-off-the-bone goodness without hovering over the grill. A quick spice rub and a sweet glaze transform into sticky, finger-licking perfection while the oven and crockpot do all the work. It’s five minutes of prep followed by hours of brag-worthy flavor, which is about as procrastinator-friendly as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs

Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Salsa chicken in the slow cooker is the ultimate procrastinator’s hack, because two ingredients turn into a whole week of meals. Just toss in chicken breasts and a jar of salsa, and hours later, you’ve got tender, juicy meat with zero effort. It’s versatile enough to pile on rice, tuck into tortillas, or shred over salads without ever feeling repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Chipotle Barbacoa

Chipotle barbacoa is the dump-and-done dinner that turns a chuck roast into a smoky, spicy, fall-apart feast. All the seasonings and broth go in one pot, and hours later, you’ve got a flavor-packed filling for tacos, bowls, or nachos. It’s hands-off cooking at its best, delivering restaurant-style results with barely any effort.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Barbacoa

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash is a dump-and-done dinner that tastes like way more effort than it is. The slow simmer of paprika, onions, and tender chicken creates a sauce that clings beautifully to noodles or rice. It’s rich, comforting, and exactly the kind of “last-minute but still feels special” meal procrastinators need in their back pocket.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Slow cooker Italian beef is what happens when procrastination meets brilliance in the kitchen. A chuck roast, jarred peppers, and a few pantry spices transform into sandwich-shop quality beef without lifting a finger. By the time it’s ready, the meat is so tender it shreds itself, making procrastinators look like total pros.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Rump Roast

Rump roast is the dump-and-done dinner that feels fancy enough for date night but requires almost no effort. The beef slow cooks until melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up herbs and spices that make the whole kitchen smell amazing. Serve it with roasted veggies and you’ve got a hearty, comforting plate that tastes far more complicated than it really is.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow cooker beef stew is proof that comfort food doesn’t need a complicated recipe. Dump in chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and broth, and then forget about it until the house smells amazing. The result is a hearty, soul-warming dinner that practically cooks itself while you procrastinate on everything else.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Pot roast in the slow cooker is the definition of dump, done, and forget about it. You drop in beef, potatoes, and carrots with a splash of broth, and by dinnertime, everything is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s a meal that makes procrastinators look organized, because no one will guess how little effort it took.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli in the slow cooker saves takeout night when you can’t be bothered to cook but still want something delicious. A handful of simple ingredients turn into tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a garlicky sauce that rivals any restaurant. It’s the easiest way to fix a craving and feel like you didn’t procrastinate at all.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Shepherd’s pie in the crockpot is the ultimate weeknight rescue, layering beef, veggies, and a creamy cauliflower mash topping with no stress. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep when you’ve procrastinated on planning lunches or dinners. Every bite is hearty, flavorful, and comforting, all while saving time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Slow cooker beef stroganoff takes a comfort food classic and makes it procrastinator-friendly. Beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce come together in one pot, simmering low and slow while you get on with anything but cooking. By dinnertime, you’ve got a rich, savory meal that feels like you worked all day when really you didn’t.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Slow cooker cheesy ranch chicken is every procrastinator’s dream, because it’s creamy, cheesy, and completely hands-off. Chicken cooks until tender in a ranch-seasoned sauce, then gets topped with gooey melted cheese. The result is a dish so good and low-effort it becomes a family favorite after just one try.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker

Beef shank in the slow cooker is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dinner for when you’re not in the mood to fuss. Hours of gentle cooking transform the meat into fall-off-the-bone tenderness, all flavored deeply with aromatic herbs. Pair it with cauliflower mash and suddenly procrastination tastes like comfort with a gourmet edge.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker

Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew

Grandma’s hearty offal stew is a vintage dump-and-done recipe that turns overlooked cuts into a rich, nourishing meal. Toss heart, kidney, and simple veggies into a pot, let it simmer, and watch it transform into a stew bursting with old-fashioned flavor. It’s a smart way to reduce waste, stretch the budget, and still enjoy a bowl that warms you through.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew