Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Dump Dinners - My Favorite Way to Cook

I do like to cook, but I also like things that are yummy AND easy to make!  I can take my time with dishes, but just prefer quick and easy.  Most people are leading very busy lives today, and anything that makes it a little less hectic is always good.
If you work or go to school, or have busy family/farm lives - dump dinners are for you!  So easy, so yummy, and very economical.  Generally easy clean-up as well.

EASY POTATO SOUP
1 - 30 oz. bag of frozen hash browns (you could substitute fresh if desired)
1 - 32 oz. container chicken broth (or homemade)
1 - 10 oz. can cream of chicken
1 - 8 oz. cream cheese
1 - cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 oz. bacon bits (crispy bacon)

Place hash browns in crock pot - add in broth and cream of chicken soup and half of bacon.  Cook on low for 7-8 hours OR high for about 4 hours.  One hour before serving stir in cubes of the cream cheese.  Stir to incorporate throughout the soup.  Once it is all melted - you are done.
Top bowls of soup with cheddar cheese and remaining bacon.
I am making this come the weekend!!!! Mmmmmmm



NOODLE TACO SKILLET
1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
1 onion, diced
1 packet of Taco seasoning (or equivalent of homemade)
1 small can green chilies (if desired)
1 jar (16 oz.) salsa
1/2 pound rotini (or any) uncooked pasta
2 cups water
Shredded cheese to top

Brown meat and onion in large skillet.  Drain fat.  Add seasoning, chilies, salsa and 2 cups of water.  Stir to combine.  Add pasta and stir.  Reduce heat and cook (covered) until pasta is cooked (15 min. or so)
Serve with a topping of cheese.
Doesn't get much easier!  Tasty too.
I make this often - sometimes I add a can of chili beans as well!



BASIC CHICKEN AND RICE
3 cans (10 oz.) cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
2 C  uncooked instant rice
1 C water
1 pound boneless skinless chicken
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 C diced celery (I like to use frozen peas)

Combine soup, rice and water in slow cooker.  Add chicken and seasonings.  Add celery or peas.
Cover and cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
I also make this on top of the stove in less than an hour.  It depends if you are gone all day or home - how you cook it.

Busy people can still have hot, yummy and comforting food.  Dump dishes have always been my favorite things.  I figure most of my life has been spent cooking this way, and now it has a name!!!  If you think about it, ALL soups, stews, and casseroles are basically 'dump dinners'.  Dump in those ingredients - turn on the heat and soon you have a great tasty meal.
So easy!  

ONE POT dishes have always been my go to.  Not only easy - but easy to clean up.  Add a side salad or veggie or bread and you have a fantastic meal.

Hope these help someone on a busy day.  Good old comfort food at it's best.
ENJOY!

16 comments:

  1. I have always been a fan of these meals but DD doesn't like her food mixed up together. She likes all the different foods separate on the plate but she doesn't live here now so its back to dump food.

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    Replies
    1. I know people like that as well. I never have understood it. Yes mam, you go back to what works for you. Nice and easy!

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  2. Thanks,your recipes look good! I plan to try all of these.
    -Kathryn

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    Replies
    1. Hello Kathryn. I hope you enjoy them. I like them all.
      Thanks for stopping by!
      ENJOY

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  3. Yum. Perfect comfort food. I am adding the ingredients for your potato soup to my shopping list, right now. :)

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  4. Hi Cheryl, I copied your taco soup recipe one. It is a little different than the taco soup recipe I have. I loved the potato soup one but I can't have the hash browns that I used as they are not gluten free. What a bummer! Nancy

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    Replies
    1. Glad you found something you can use. The taco one is more of a skillet donner than soup - but yummy just the same.
      ENJOY

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  5. I am all about eady clean-up. The chicken recipe is tempting to try. Since Roger's stroke, he does not est the same.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rose!!! Medical conditions can play a big factor on how people eat. I know several people, that had stroke or heart problems, and now eat differently. Tastes change.
      Hope he might like that. It is a mellow dish.

      ENJOY

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  6. All three of these look good. I like dump recipes with raw chicken as I don't like to handle it, so dumping works for me. I need to make that potato soup recipe soon too as it sounds great. Thank you for sharing, Cheryl.

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    Replies
    1. You are welcome. Potato soup is on my menu this weekend for sure.
      Easy is best in my opinion. Hope you enjoy!

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  7. Sounds good! The weather is getting cooler, and I am wanting comfort foods. Thanks for the recipes.

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    Replies
    1. Same here - that is why I decided it was time! Cool weather equals comfort in food!
      ENJOY

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  8. Thank you for the recipes. I also love one pot meals and I find that they create the best leftovers. Cook once, eat twice! Love it!

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    Replies
    1. You got that right. Some things are just better the second time around!
      You are welcome. Hope you can use them.

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