40 Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners That Are Delicious!

If you’re using a slow cooker, here are a few tips that I learned by using my slow cooker for about 100 days straight! And here are some more slow cooker hacks.

No pre-cooking. Just dump the ingredients and go about your day. For a busy mom like myself, that’s my kind of recipe!

One of my favorite dump recipes is my homemade spaghetti sauce. You can either make it as directed or just throw all the ingredients in a pot and cook it.

I’ve tried many dump and go slow cooker recipes… and some are ok, some are flat-out awful, but if you do it right, some are pretty amazing.

So, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite slow cooker dump recipes. Trust me – these all fall to the side of “pretty amazing.”

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Key Takeaways

• Slow cookers are ideal for busy individuals, allowing you to prepare meals with minimal effort by just dumping ingredients in and letting the cooker do its magic.
• Not all dump recipes are created equal; while some might disappoint, others can surprisingly elevate your mealtime with their simplicity and flavor.
• My carefully curated list of favorite dump recipes ensures you experience the best outcomes, creating slow cooker meals that are hearty, flavorful, and a testament to the convenience of slow cooking.
• Exploring these slow cooker recipes can significantly diversify your home menu, bringing both ease and enjoyment to your cooking routine, even on the busiest of days.
• Remember, the beauty of slow cooking is not just in the delicious meals but also in the freedom it grants you, turning meal prep into a hassle-free task that doesn’t compromise on taste

40 Dump And Go Crockpot Dinners

I split these up by the type of meat so you can easily find what you’re looking for, depending on what ingredients you have. Without further ado – Here we go!

These recipes are perfect for busy parents because you can make them before work and then come home and have a hearty, healthy dinner already prepared.

Oh – and these are AMAZING. Not your average slow cooker dump recipes!

Beef Dump Recipes

Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast – this is the absolute best slow cooker pot roast you will ever have. And this isn’t just me saying that, I’ve gotten literally hundreds of emails using that exact phrase! It’s so good.

Slow Cooker Korean Beef Tacos – This might be the ultimate sweet, savory, a little spicy, and overall delicious meal. My neighbor just made it for the first time a couple of weeks ago. He came up to me and said, “Those Korean Beef Tacos. Holy Cow. They’ve changed my life.” And I’m pretty sure that he meant it in a good way.

Slow Cooker Shredded Black Bean Chili – Looking for a chili that’s a bit different from your standard hamburger-based chili with kidney beans? This slow cooker recipe is outstanding. In fact… now that I’m writing this, I think I have all the ingredients for this dump recipe in my kitchen… I guess I just figured out dinner for tonight! YUM!

Ropa Vieja – Don’t be scared off by the name! This Cuban dish is absolutely PACKED with flavor. Shredded beef in a tomato base with cumin, peppers, onions, and peas… serve it over rice, and watch your family devour this!

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef – Inspired by my favorite dish at PF Changs, this version uses a chuck roast, and is SUPER EASY and tastes amazing. When this is in my crockpot, I am literally salivating all day. It’s one of my favorite dump recipes!

Slow Cooker Balsamic & Honey Pot Roast – I LOVE pot roast, and this slow cooker recipe is such an awesome take on it. It’s so different from the Texas Roadhouse Pot Roast above, but it’s just as flavorful. Sweet, savory, and everything you need from a good pot roast. I usually serve this with mashed potatoes and corn, but I like to change it up with sweet potatoes and carrots once in a while.

Cuban Beef Sandwiches, Food Truck Style – Have you ever gotten a sandwich at a food truck that was just so perfectly packed with flavor? And you couldn’t even put your finger on what made it taste so good? You will feel that way with this recipe. Serve with mayo and avocado and that’s all she wrote! No one will ever believe that it was one of your simple and easy dump recipes!

Slow Cooker Beef Ragu – I absolutely LOVE the chuck roast. And I also love red sauce over pasta. And when you combine the two, amazing things happen. This beef ragu sauce is fantastic.

Spicy BBQ Sirloin Steak – This one is awesome because you can either throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker like a dump recipe, or you can separate them and grill the steak (there are instructions for both). To be honest, I’ve tried this both ways, and I kinda like it in the slow cooker better. Serve it over mashed potatoes and the sauce becomes an amazing gravy!

Hamburger Dump Recipes

Hamburger can work GREAT in the slow cooker. You can use it loose ground beef or prepare it as slow cooker meatballs or meatloaf. I’ve got great examples of these below.

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs – Oh man. This dump recipe… is creamy, perfectly seasoned, and filling. This is my kind of meal when the weather is cold. You can also swap the sour cream for cream cheese if you like a thicker sauce, another great idea for a winter dinner.

Slow Cooker Meat Sauce – I love some pasta sauce. And when meat cooks in it, it just makes it taste that much better. This is one of the true dump recipes in the sense that you dump the ingredients, and literally do nothing. You might have to break up the hamburger a bit, but that’s super easy.

Slow Cooker BBQ Meatloaf – Meatloaf in a slow cooker? Yup. Ok, so maybe this one isn’t quite a “dump” recipe as much as some of the others. After you “dump” the ingredients in a bowl, it has the added step of mixing them together with your hands and making a loaf to stick in the crock pot. The flavors are outstanding in this meatloaf!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs – This is the absolute PERFECT slow cooker meatballs and sauce. This is the meal that when I ask my kids “what should have for dinner?” they answer “spaghetti and meatballs!!!!” Every time. Don’t be afraid of just tossing the meatballs in the slow cooker raw. It works. Trust me.

Slow Cooker Chili – Who doesn’t love chili? And it’s even better when it’s so easy to put together. This dump recipe version of chili is seasoned just perfect!

Chicken Breast Dump Recipes

Before I get to the recipes, as a general rule, chicken breasts seem to work best in the slow cooker when it cooks for 3-4 hours on high. You can definitely cook it longer, but it kinda shreds a bit too much.

Here are my absolute favorite chicken breast dump recipes:

White Chicken Chili – yup – I’m starting with this chicken . It’s just fantastic. My friends rave about this recipe. The texture, flavors, and seasoning are just perfect. Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, cilantro, maybe some avocado – whatever you want!

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken – I LOVE this slow cooker dump recipe. A little bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and a great texture for a juicy crok pot meal. I usually get seconds (or thirds) when I make this for dinner! And sometimes, I’ll add in some cream cheese to turn the juices into a thicker sauce- perfect for the rice.

Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Chicken – I got the inspiration for this from my amazing spinach and artichoke dip recipe. I thought, what if I added chicken, and served it over pasta? Welp… the results were even better than I had envisioned. One of my favs.

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan – Trust me, crock pot recipes can include a savory breaded chicken recipe. The key to a good slow cooker chicken parm is the chicken, a salty crunchy crust, melty cheese, and an amazing sauce. This has all of that! To get the crunch, you just gotta do a 5-minute step at the end.

Slow Cooker Zesty Orange Chicken – Just like the name says, it’s very zesty. It gets the orange flavor from some orange juice concentrate. And after adding some fresh garlic (or garlic powder), ginger, and sugar, this tastes just like something you’d get for Chinese takeout!

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie – This has all the creaminess and richness of that perfect filling of a chicken pot pie that you’d envision. And it’s super easy to make prepare because you will just use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables – which are already chopped to the perfect size! Serve it with some biscuits, and enjoy.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos – This chicken recipe couldn’t be easier. Boneless chicken breasts, spices, and just a little bit of water. Close the lid, and a few hours later, just serve them up in taco shells and top as you normally would. My kids love the taste, though Kelan will add hot sauce for a nice kick.

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Stew – This recipe blew me away the first time I made it! It was also the first time I used a roux as a thickener once the recipe was completed. SOOO good.

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken – Just as the recipe would have you believe, this one is sweet and garlic-y! What’s not to love? It’s so good over rice.

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Casserole – This chicken recipe has blown up-  it’s been pinned almost 100,000 times. I mean, I understand why, cause it’s amazing. This one takes a tip from the chicken parmesan above and uses a crunchy breadcrumb topping to get that perfect texture! One of my favorite dump recipes!

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken – The creamy and tart sauce is what makes this chicken recipe bright and interesting. I mean, the chicken is good, too, but with the creamy sauce on top? Holy cow. Serve this with either rice or pasta. Yum!

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken – It’s like comfort food that you don’t have to do any work to prepare. It is heavy on the garlic, with thick cream cheese sauce, but that’s one of the things that makes this so good! you can also change the seasoning to make a new style sauce- like add rosemary, homemade ranch seasoning, or french onion soup mix to get a new flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken – I’ve got a few Asian-inspired ones on this list, and this recipe is among the best! If you want to up the heat, add more red pepper flakes! But be careful, they tend to become more pronounced as they cook in the slow cooker… one of the spicier dump recipes on this list!

Chicken Thigh Dump Recipes

Chicken thighs are my favorite way to prepare chicken in the slow cooker… especially for dump recipes. Unlike chicken breasts, dark meat doesn’t dry out. It stays moist and tender.

But make sure to take the skin off first, or buy them skinless in the store. No one likes chicken skin in the slow cooker!

Slow Cooker Lemon Awesome Chicken – It was so hard to come up with a name for this recipe. It was creamy, lemony, and just AWESOME. So that’s what I named it. I think you’ll agree! This one is best served over rice – it soaks up all the yummy sauce.

Slow Cooker Asian BBQ Fusion Chicken – Of all the dump recipes on this post, this is in my top 5. The ingredients are all over the place – ginger, BBQ sauce, garlic, soy sauce, tomato sauce… it’s kinda nuts but, oh man do these flavors work well together! Trust me. Just make it.

Slow Cooker Verde Chicken – This is a kind of green chicken recipe- not quite that verde, but it counts. It’s from the tomatillo salsa, which makes the recipe tasty and flavorful fast. Chicken, salsa, cilantro, and a few spices. That’s it. So much flavor in this one.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup – So I just made this 2 nights ago. I got the inspiration for this recipe from a chicken tortilla soup that they serve at Ruby Tuesday that I love. This version is actually better!

Caribbean Citrus Chicken – I absolutely love the flavors in this dump recipe! It calls for just drumsticks, but you can use skinless thighs as well. Citrus from orange and lime juice, plus garlic and onions, make this recipe super tasty!

Slow Cooker Paprika BBQ Chicken – when I was creating this recipe, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. Loads of paprika, plus a bit of BBQ sauce to add some sweetness. After you add the sour cream in at the end, this dish just is just out of this world good! One of my favorites.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup – No need to make a stock from scratch to get an amazing homemade Chicken noodle soup. The chicken thighs do all the work for you as they cook in the slow cooker. It’s crazy that a dump recipe can produce such an awesome chicken noodle soup, but it does!

Pork Dump Recipes

Pork works GREAT in dump recipes. The list below has recipes that use both pork loin, and pork shoulder. Both work great in the slow cooker… and also have their pros and cons.

Overall, I like recipes using the pork shoulder better. Because of the fat content in the pork, the meat is much more tender and juicy.

But the drawback is that you have to take out the meat after it’s done cooking to remove the excess pieces of fat. A step that’s worth it in my opinion.

Pork loin works great too! It’s not as juicy as a shoulder when it cooks in the slow cooker, but it’s WAY easier. Once it’s done cooking, either shred it or slice it. Either way, these recipes are delicious.

Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Basil Cream Sauce – I haven’t really mixed the flavors of basil with pork and cream before. I usually use basil in just red sauces… but it shines here. Big time. The sauce in this dump recipe is so good.

Apple Cinnamon Pork Loin – If it’s fall weather outside, then you need to make this right now. This is just one of those perfect sweet and savory dishes that work so well over mashed potatoes or with a baked sweet potato on the side.

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas – Right here, this recipe is one of the top 5 on this list. Orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic – c’mon there’s some BOLD flavors in here!

Crockpot Pulled Pork – This recipe has been pinned over a MILLION times- so clearly, this should be your next crock pot meal! While I do prefer a smoked pulled pork, this slow cooker version comes pretty close with lots of flavor. And since it’s a dump recipe, it’s WAY easier!

Slow Cooker Ribs – The flavor profile of these ribs are pretty similar to the pulled pork above. Just a great BBQ flavor. In my opinion, ribs just work perfectly when they are cooked on high for 4 hours. This way, they are tender, but not to the point where they just fall completely off the bone when you pick them up.

Chili Lime Pork Loin – Similar to the BBQ sirloin steak, this one can be grilled or cooked in a slow cooker. The cumin, chili, and lime juice are so perfect in this. Slice it up and serve it with any kind of potato!

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs in these recipes?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be a bit leaner, so just keep an eye on the cooking time as it might vary slightly.

Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving in slow-cooker recipes due to their higher fat content, but both will be delicious.

Are these recipes freezer-friendly?

Yes, most of these dump recipes are perfect for freezer meal prep. Just combine all the ingredients in a freezer bag, label it, and freeze.

When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can I make these recipes in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Definitely! While these recipes were designed for slow cookers, they can be adapted for the Instant Pot.

Generally, you’ll want to use the “Manual” setting and reduce the cooking time since pressure cooking is much faster. Please refer to your Instant Pot’s manual for specific cooking times.

How can I thicken the sauces if they’re too thin after cooking?

If you find the sauce too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by setting the slow cooker to high and stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and water (about 1 TBS of cornstarch to 2 TBS of water for every cup of liquid).

Allow it to cook and thicken for an additional 15-20 minutes before serving.

Any ideas for meal planning besides healthy recipes in the slow cooker?

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking the comfort of a classic Chicken Noodle Soup or looking to impress with a decadent new recipe, these slow cooker recipes offer a breadth of flavors.

And dump recipes are designed to simplify your cooking process while delivering delectable results!

With options suitable for every season and occasion and the versatility to switch between meats or cooking appliances, there’s something here for every palate.

Remember to check out our meal plans and guides for more inspiration to bring ease and flavor into your daily meals. Happy cooking!