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!