Crock pot dump dinners are a great solution for busy people who want tasty meals without much effort. You simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, turn it on, and come back hours later to a delicious meal.
These recipes take away the stress of cooking and give you more time to enjoy other activities.
These 30 dump dinners for the crock pot offer a variety of flavors and options to suit different tastes. You’ll find soups, stews, chicken dishes, beef meals, and more.
With so many choices, you can try a new recipe every day of the month. These meals are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
1. Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a perfect dump dinner for your crockpot. You’ll love how easy it is to make this classic comfort food.
Start by adding beef strips, onions, and mushrooms to your slow cooker. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavor.
Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Let it cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in some cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce. Add sour cream and cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Serve your beef stroganoff over egg noodles or rice for a satisfying meal.
2. Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make in your slow cooker. Put chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, and butter in the crockpot.
Add cream cheese and seasonings like garlic powder and Italian herbs.
Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender when done.
Take out the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add uncooked pasta and parmesan cheese. Cook for another 20-30 minutes until the pasta is soft. Stir well before serving.
This creamy, flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights. You can serve it on its own or with a side salad.
3. Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is a crock pot favorite. You can make this tasty dish with minimal effort.
Simply place a pork shoulder in your slow cooker. Add your choice of seasonings and a bit of liquid.
Set your crock pot to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours. The result is tender, juicy meat that falls apart easily.
Use two forks to shred the pork when it’s done.
Serve your pulled pork on buns for classic sandwiches. You can also use it in tacos, salads, or on its own. It’s versatile and perfect for feeding a crowd.
4. Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a perfect dump dinner for your crockpot. You can toss in a variety of fresh or frozen veggies, broth, and seasonings.
Try adding carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, and green beans. Pour in some vegetable or chicken broth, and sprinkle in your favorite herbs.
Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
The result is a warm, comforting soup packed with nutrients.
You can customize this soup by adding different vegetables or legumes. Experiment with adding corn, peas, or even some canned tomatoes for extra flavor.
5. Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is a perfect dump dinner for your crock pot. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Brown ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic. Add this mixture to your slow cooker.
Pour in canned tomatoes, beans, and broth. Mix in chili powder, cumin, and oregano for classic chili flavor.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors blend.
Add diced bell peppers about 30 minutes before serving for extra color and crunch. Enjoy your chili with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
6. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a perfect dish for your slow cooker. Cut chicken breasts into cubes and marinate them in yogurt, spices, and lemon juice.
Place the marinated chicken in your crockpot. Add diced onions and a sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and ginger.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Before serving, stir in some garam masala and cream or coconut milk for extra richness.
Serve your Chicken Tikka Masala over rice for a tasty, hands-off meal. This dump dinner is sure to become a family favorite.
7. Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon garlic chicken is a tasty and easy dump dinner for your crock pot. You’ll love the bright, zesty flavors of this dish.
To make it, put chicken in a large resealable bag. Add lemon juice, garlic, and other seasonings. Seal the bag and freeze until you’re ready to cook.
When it’s time to eat, thaw the chicken and put it in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3 hours.
The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for many meals. Try it over rice, in salads, or in wraps for a quick and yummy dinner.
8. Beef Bourguignon
Beef bourguignon is a classic French dish you can easily make in your crock pot. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
To start, coat beef stew meat with salt, pepper, and flour. Brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to your slow cooker.
Add bacon, carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes to the pot. Pour in red wine and beef broth for a rich sauce.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours. The long cooking time helps create tender beef and deep flavors.
When done, you’ll have a hearty meal with fall-apart beef and flavorful vegetables. Serve it over noodles or with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.
9. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a perfect dump dinner for your crockpot. You can easily toss in diced tomatoes, beans, and your favorite vegetables.
Add some pasta and broth to the mix. Let it simmer all day for a hearty meal.
You can customize this soup with different veggies or beans. Try adding zucchini, spinach, or kidney beans for variety.
For extra flavor, stir in some tomato paste or sun-dried tomato pesto. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top makes it even tastier.
This soup is great for chilly nights and reheats well. You can even freeze leftovers for quick meals later.
10. Broccoli Cheese Soup
Broccoli cheese soup is a comforting and tasty dump dinner for your crockpot. You’ll need frozen broccoli, Velveeta cheese, onion, butter, and cream soups.
Add the broccoli, onion, and butter to your crockpot. Mix chicken broth with cornstarch and pour it in. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
When it’s almost done, stir in the cheese and cream soups. Let it melt and combine.
The result is a rich, creamy soup packed with tender broccoli.
This soup is perfect for chilly days. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
You can easily customize it by adding extra veggies or spices to suit your taste.
11. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for your crock pot. You can easily make this hearty meal with minimal effort.
Start by placing chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Add chopped onions, celery, and carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Season with garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and salt to taste.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. About an hour before serving, shred the chicken and add torn biscuit dough on top for dumplings.
This dish is filling, tasty, and sure to please your whole family.
12. Italian Sausage and Peppers
This classic dish is perfect for your slow cooker. You’ll need Italian sausage links, bell peppers, onions, and tomato sauce.
Slice the peppers and onions, then place them in the bottom of your crock pot. Add the sausage links on top.
Pour tomato sauce over everything. You can add some garlic and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The sausages will be tender and the vegetables soft.
Serve this versatile meal on hoagie rolls for sandwiches, over pasta, or with rice. It’s a tasty, fuss-free dinner your family will love.
13. BBQ Chicken
Want an easy meal with big flavor? Try BBQ chicken in your crock pot. You only need chicken, your favorite barbecue sauce, and a few seasonings.
Put the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over it. Add some garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
The chicken will be tender and full of tangy BBQ goodness. Shred it with two forks and serve on buns for tasty sandwiches.
You can also pair it with coleslaw or potato salad for a classic combo.
14. Potato Leek Soup
Potato leek soup is a perfect dump dinner for your crock pot. You can easily throw all the ingredients in and let it cook while you’re away.
Start by adding cubed potatoes, sliced leeks, and minced garlic to your slow cooker. Pour in some chicken or vegetable broth, and add dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Set your crock pot to low and let it cook for about 8 hours. When you return, the potatoes will be tender and ready to blend.
Use an immersion blender to make the soup smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
Stir in some heavy cream and butter for extra richness. Your comforting potato leek soup is now ready to serve.
15. Spaghetti Bolognese
You can make a delicious spaghetti bolognese in your slow cooker with minimal effort. Simply add ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs to the pot. No need to brown the meat first.
Cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.
Near the end of cooking, prepare your spaghetti according to package directions.
Serve the rich bolognese sauce over the pasta. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor.
This easy dump dinner is perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll come home to a hearty, comforting meal with little hands-on time required.
16. Chicken Enchiladas
You can make tasty chicken enchiladas right in your slow cooker. Start by placing chicken breasts in the pot. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic for flavor.
Sprinkle in some cumin, chili powder, and salt. Pour enchilada sauce and salsa verde over everything. Let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
When done, shred the chicken with two forks. Stir in some cheese and corn if you like.
Serve the mixture wrapped in tortillas or over rice for an easy Mexican-inspired meal.
This dump dinner saves time and delivers great taste with minimal effort.
17. Moroccan Chicken Stew
Moroccan Chicken Stew brings exotic flavors to your crock pot. This dish combines tender chicken with aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, and coriander.
Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and broth to create a hearty base. Toss in some spinach at the end for extra nutrients and color.
You can prepare this meal quickly in the morning. Just combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it simmer all day.
By dinner time, you’ll have a flavorful and comforting meal ready to serve.
Pair this stew with couscous or rice for a complete dinner. The rich spices and tender chicken will warm you up on chilly nights.
18. Lentil Stew
Lentil stew is a hearty and nutritious dump dinner for your slow cooker. You can easily prepare this dish by adding lentils, vegetables, and broth to your crock pot.
Green or brown lentils work best for this recipe. Chop carrots, onions, and garlic for added flavor and texture.
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth to cover the ingredients. Add some diced tomatoes for a tangy taste.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 7-8 hours. If you’re short on time, cook on high for 3-4 hours instead.
This lentil stew is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s filling, healthy, and requires minimal effort to prepare.
19. Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki chicken is a tasty and simple dish you can make in your slow cooker. You’ll need chicken breasts, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger as the main ingredients.
To prepare, mix the sauce ingredients in your slow cooker. Add the chicken and coat it well. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
When done, shred the chicken with two forks. The meat will be tender and full of flavor.
Serve it over rice or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
This meal is great for busy weeknights. You can even freeze the ingredients ahead of time for an easy dump dinner later.
20. French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for your crock pot.
You’ll need onions, beef broth, butter, and a few seasonings.
Start by melting butter in your slow cooker. Slice onions into rings and add them to the pot.
Stir in beef broth, a pinch of sugar, and some salt.
Cook the soup on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 6-8 hours. The long cooking time lets the onions caramelize and develop rich flavors.
Before serving, top each bowl with a slice of crusty bread and some shredded cheese. Broil briefly to melt the cheese for that signature French onion soup look.
21. Sweet and Sour Chicken
You can make delicious sweet and sour chicken in your crock pot.
Start by placing chicken pieces in the slow cooker with bell peppers and pineapple chunks.
Mix a sauce using ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar. Pour this over the chicken and vegetables.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. The result is tender chicken in a tangy, sweet sauce.
Serve your crock pot sweet and sour chicken over rice for a tasty, fuss-free meal. You can garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
22. Beef and Broccoli
Beef and broccoli is a classic combo that works great in your crock pot.
Start by placing sliced beef in the slow cooker.
Mix soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for the sauce. Pour it over the meat.
Cook on low for about 6 hours until the beef is tender. Add broccoli florets during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
When done, the beef will be juicy and the broccoli perfectly crisp-tender. Serve this savory dish over rice for a complete meal.
This easy dump dinner gives you restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. You’ll love how the rich sauce coats every bite.
23. Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a classic dump dinner for your crock pot.
You start by cutting the tops off bell peppers and removing the seeds.
Mix ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and spices in a bowl. Stuff this mixture into the peppers.
Place the stuffed peppers in your slow cooker. Pour tomato sauce over them and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
The result is tender peppers filled with a flavorful beef and rice mixture.
This meal is easy to customize with different meats or vegetarian options.
You can also add cheese on top for extra flavor. Stuffed peppers are a filling and nutritious meal that’s simple to prepare in your crock pot.
24. Thai Red Curry
Thai red curry is a flavorful and easy dish to make in your crock pot.
You’ll need chicken, vegetables, coconut milk, and red curry paste.
Start by mixing coconut milk and curry paste in the crock pot. Add chicken, bell peppers, onions, and other veggies you like.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. The chicken will be tender and the flavors will blend nicely.
For extra taste, try adding fish sauce, ginger, and garlic. You can also toss in some lime zest for a citrusy kick.
Serve your Thai red curry over rice and enjoy a tasty, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
25. Mango Chicken
Mango chicken is a sweet and savory dish perfect for your crockpot.
You’ll love how the tropical mango flavors blend with tender chicken.
To make this meal, add chicken breasts, diced mangoes, and your favorite salsa to the slow cooker. Pour in some chicken broth and sprinkle with cumin and chili powder.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be juicy and infused with fruity flavors.
Shred it and serve over rice or in tacos for an easy, delicious dinner.
26. Honey Garlic Chicken
This tasty dump dinner combines sweet honey with savory garlic for a delicious chicken meal.
Simply place chicken thighs in your slow cooker.
Mix soy sauce, honey, ketchup, minced garlic, and spices in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
Add potatoes and carrots to the crockpot if you want veggies.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
For extra flavor, baste the chicken every hour. You can toss in green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
The result is tender, flavorful chicken in a rich honey garlic sauce. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
27. Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is a comforting and easy meal for your slow cooker. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients.
Add dried split peas, diced onions, carrots, and celery to your crockpot. Toss in some minced garlic for extra flavor.
Pour in chicken broth and water. For a meaty version, include diced ham or a ham bone.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or bay leaves.
Set your slow cooker to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
The soup will thicken as it cooks. Stir occasionally if you can. When the peas are tender, your soup is ready to enjoy.
28. Chicken Marsala
Chicken Marsala is a tasty dump dinner for your crock pot.
You’ll need chicken breasts, mushrooms, and Marsala wine for this dish.
Start by adding the chicken to your slow cooker. Pour in the Marsala wine and add sliced mushrooms on top.
Set your crock pot to low and cook for 4-6 hours. The chicken will become tender and absorb the flavors of the wine and mushrooms.
Before serving, you can thicken the sauce if needed. Serve your Chicken Marsala over pasta or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
29. Red Beans and Rice
Red beans and rice is a classic Southern comfort food that’s perfect for your crock pot.
Toss dried red beans, chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers into your slow cooker.
Add some diced andouille sausage for extra flavor.
Pour in water or chicken broth, then season with Creole spices and garlic.
Let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours. The beans will become tender and creamy. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
Serve over fluffy white rice for a hearty, filling meal. You can garnish with green onions or hot sauce if you like.
30. Gumbo
Gumbo is a perfect dump dinner for your slow cooker.
You’ll need chicken, sausage, shrimp, and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and celery.
Add these ingredients to your crock pot along with diced tomatoes, broth, and Cajun seasoning.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
For best results, add the shrimp during the last hour of cooking. This prevents it from becoming tough or rubbery.
Serve your gumbo over rice for a filling meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
Benefits of Crock Pot Dump Dinners
Crock pot dump dinners offer many advantages for busy cooks. They save time, require minimal effort, and produce flavorful meals.
Time-Saving Convenience
Dump dinners in a crock pot can be a real timesaver.
You can prep ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just dump everything into the crock pot and turn it on.
Your meal will cook while you’re at work or running errands. When you get home, dinner is ready to serve. This frees up your evenings for other activities.
Many dump dinners can cook for 8-10 hours on low. This flexibility fits various schedules. You don’t need to watch the pot or stir frequently.
Effortless Meal Preparation
Crock pot dump dinners are very simple to make. You don’t need special cooking skills. Just add ingredients to the pot and let it do the work.
There’s no need to brown meats or sauté veggies first. Everything goes in raw. This cuts down on prep time and dirty dishes.
Most recipes use pantry staples and frozen foods. You likely have many ingredients on hand already. Shopping is quick and easy.
Clean-up is a breeze too. The crock pot liner can often go right in the dishwasher.
Enhanced Flavor Development
Slow cooking allows flavors to blend and develop. Meats become tender and absorb spices. Vegetables release their natural sweetness.
Tough, inexpensive cuts of meat work well in a crock pot. The long cook time breaks down connective tissues. This results in fork-tender meat.
Liquid ingredients reduce and concentrate during cooking. This creates rich, flavorful sauces without extra steps.
Herbs and spices have time to infuse the entire dish. Each bite is full of taste. The low, steady heat brings out complex flavor profiles.
Tips for Successful Dump Dinners
Making great dump dinners takes some know-how. These tips will help you create tasty, well-cooked meals with minimal effort.
Ingredient Selection
Pick ingredients that hold up well during long cook times.
Tough cuts of meat like chuck roast or pork shoulder work great. They become tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking.
Choose veggies wisely too. Hearty options like carrots, potatoes, and onions keep their texture. Avoid delicate veggies like peas or spinach – add those near the end.
Canned and frozen items are perfect for dump dinners. They’re pre-prepped and ready to go. Canned tomatoes, beans, and corn are pantry staples for easy meals.
Don’t forget seasonings! Dried herbs and spices infuse flavor throughout cooking. Use them generously, as flavors mellow over time.
Layering Techniques
How you layer ingredients impacts the final dish.
Start with a liquid base like broth or sauce. This prevents burning and helps flavors meld.
Put tougher items like meat and root veggies on the bottom. They need the most cook time and benefit from direct heat.
Layer softer veggies and quick-cooking items on top. This keeps them from turning mushy.
Dairy products can curdle in slow cookers. Add milk, cream, or cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Optimal Cooking Times
Most dump dinners cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. But times vary based on your recipe and crock pot.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F, while beef and pork are safe at 145°F.
Don’t lift the lid too often. Each peek lets heat escape and adds 15-20 minutes to cook time.
For best results, fill your crock pot 1/2 to 3/4 full. This ensures even cooking and proper heat distribution.