20 Tasty Slow Cooker Dump Meals to Make Busy Days Easier

2017-09-27
20 Tasty Slow Cooker Dump Meals to Make Busy Days Easier

Pour, plug in, and turn on—that's all these slow cooker dump meals require! With little prep time and few (if any) ingredients to add later, these recipes can be tossed together in the morning without throwing off your routine. Come suppertime, you'll have a delicious meal waiting for you.

01 of 20

Slow-Cooked Beef and Veggies

When you're craving a comforting bowl of pot roast but don't want to turn on the oven, look no further than this slow cooker dump meal. You can easily prepare the beef and veggies up to three days in advance, so the only thing to do is dump the ingredients into the slow cooker before work and let the flavors meld all day.

02 of 20

Slow-Cooked Pork Carnitas

Calling all who follow a low-carb eating plan: While many slow cooker suppers center around starches, such as potatoes, rice, or pasta, this dump dinner recipe relies on tender pork roast and vitamin-rich veggies as the base. Scoop the shredded meat into lettuce wraps; each serving will only add 8 grams of carbohydrates to your daily tally.

03 of 20

Spicy Spring Picnic Pork

These spicy pulled pork sandwiches can make any day feel like a spring picnic—but we give you permission to serve the slow cooker dump meal any season. Serve in toasted hamburger buns, rolled into a tortilla for a wrap, or piled on a bed of polenta for a supremely cozy bowl recipe.

04 of 20

Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese

The next time you want cheesy pasta, bypass the box and try this slow cooker dump meal. A spoonful of Cajun seasoning, a dash of hot sauce, and some andouille sausage help transport your taste buds to Louisiana. Drop everything in the slow cooker, cook for the afternoon, then finish with enough cheese and milk to reach your desired consistency.

05 of 20

New World Chili

If your favorite comfort food is a hearty bowl of chili, this is the dump dinner recipe for you. Instead of beef and beans, we use turkey with butternut squash, corn, cranberries, and jalapeño peppers for a flavor combination that is going to pleasantly surprise your tastebuds. Sprinkle with cheese and you'll be diving into one delicious bowl.

06 of 20

Maple-Mustard Turkey Thighs

You'll have plenty of time to make a side salad while this meat-and-potatoes dump dinner slow-cooks. Prep for this dish is faster than nearly any other recipe on this list. Why? You need to layer only five ingredients—just like in these healthy five-ingredient-or-less dinners! If you can't find or don't love turkey thighs, try the same ratios with chicken thighs instead.

07 of 20

Mexican Meatball Stew

You may not think Mexican flavors and meatballs go together, but one taste of this rich stew will convince you otherwise. To toss this slow cooker dump meal together in almost no prep time, start with frozen meatballs and corn. For a crunchy topper, sprinkle on fresh oregano and crushed tortilla chips just before serving.

08 of 20

Seafood Cioppino

Say hello to your new favorite seafood dinner. This slow cooker dump meal—which can also cook fast in your pressure cooker—simmers a rich tomato-veggie mixture all day. When you get home from work, drop in your favorite white fish, crab meat, shrimp, and white wine for the last 30 minutes of cook time. Serve with toasty bread for dipping.

09 of 20

Beer Brisket

Pitmasters tend their flames overnight, but you don't have to touch a thing after you get this slow cooker dump meal started. Tender, juicy brisket is a prime candidate for cooking low and slow all day for dinnertime. You can serve slices of meat on rolls for easy sandwiches, but we won't judge if you savor this brisket all on its own.

10 of 20

Cajun-Seasoned Vegetarian Gumbo

Zesty Cajun seasoning turns a blend of okra, bell peppers, tomatoes, and black beans into a spicy gumbo-style slow cooker dump meal. To make this vegetarian dinner even heartier, serve over hot cooked rice with a piece of buttery corn bread to soak up every last drop.

11 of 20

Cabbage Roll Soup

DIY an Asian-style slow cooker dump meal with ground beef, cabbage, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of spices and seasonings. The cabbage stew takes only a few minutes of prep before it simmers for the day. This is one of the easiest Asian cuisine options to toss together in the morning on your way out the door.

12 of 20

Mango Chicken Tinga

Mango might not seem like your first choice when pairing with chicken, but we promise this is a dump recipe worth trying. The tropical fruit provides the perfect amount of sweetness to contrast with the warm, smoky flavors of fire-roasted tomatoes and chipotle chile pepper. Serve the juicy chicken thighs over a bed of hot cooked rice for an unforgettable meal.

13 of 20

French Chicken Stew

This French-theme dump dinner recipe has a long ingredient list, but there's no time-consuming prep when you add everything to your slow cooker. The combination of chicken, veggies, and spices develops rich flavors in this stew while simmering throughout the day.

14 of 20

Mississippi Chicken

You'll need just eight ingredients to make this slow cooker chicken dinner. Once it's done, pile the shredded meat onto rolls for sandwiches or use it to top salads, pastas, or rice. As one BHG home cook shared, "This was one of the easiest easy dump-and-go crockpot dinners I ever made!"

15 of 20

Saucy Ravioli with Meatballs

Slow-cooker dump meals don't get easier than this. Stack spaghetti sauce, ravioli, meatballs, and mozzarella cheese, then let your handy small appliance take over. Like magic, this hearty Italian dinner is ready to serve in just a few hours.

16 of 20

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Lentil Stew

What makes this chicken stew so spicy? Chipotle peppers and a few pinches of chili powder add its namesake heat. Don't fret if you're not so much into spice: A few slices of avocado on top cool down the finished dump chicken slow cooker recipe.

17 of 20

Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Stew

Serve this slow cooker dump meal over rice and you'll have a comforting dinner everyone will love. Season chicken thighs with garlic, curry powder, ginger, and cayenne pepper before adding them to the slow cooker along with garbanzo beans, diced tomatoes, and spinach.

18 of 20

Red Bean, Chicken, and Sweet Potato Stew

Just before serving this slow cooker stew, stir in creamy peanut butter for a silky texture and nutty flavor. Brighten up the dump dinner with snipped fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.

19 of 20

Mississippi Pot Roast

Earning rave reviews, this slow cooker dump meal is rich and perfectly seasoned. The secret is a package each of ranch salad dressing mix and au jus gravy mix. As one reviewer shared, "This was super simple and so delicious. We had company and they loved it. We will make this again and again."

20 of 20

Slow-Cooked Beef Pozole

This twist on classic pozole is made with beef flank steak, hominy, and red potatoes. Round out the broth with diced tomatoes, chili powder, and garlic. Serve the finished dump meal with crumbled cheese, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and chile peppers.

Related Article

Red Curry Tofu Skewers

Red Curry Tofu Skewers

Tofu, eggplant, and mushrooms soak up the ginger-curry marinade like mini sponges, infusing them with fresh Thai flavors.
24 of Our Favorite and Most Delicious Classic Italian Recipes

24 of Our Favorite and Most Delicious Classic Italian Recipes

Start with classic Italian pasta recipes and end with a homemade dessert like you'd get in a trattoria for the ultimate Mediterranean meal.
This Smoked Mole-Inspired Turkey Is Juicy and Flavorful

This Smoked Mole-Inspired Turkey Is Juicy and Flavorful

For this smoked turkey recipe, we concocted a rub using spices typically found in a traditional Mexican mole (a rich chocolate-chili sauce), including cocoa, cinnamon, cumin, and chili powder. If you don’t have a smoker, you can still use the warm spice combo on a roasted turkey.
Crispy Tofu "Stir-Fry"

Crispy Tofu "Stir-Fry"

This easy stir-fry recipe is healthier than most—instead of actually frying the tofu, make it in your air-fryer instead! It'll be just as crispy as frying it oil, but much healthier for mixing with veggies and rice.
Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather

Fruit Leather
Can You Eat Salmon Skin? Yes—And Here’s the No. 1 Secret to Cooking it Properly

Can You Eat Salmon Skin? Yes—And Here’s the No. 1 Secret to Cooking it Properly

Not all seafood is enjoyable skin-on, so you might be wondering, “can you eat salmon skin?” You sure can, but it’s important to employ a few simple strategies to ensure it’s golden-brown and crispy (rather than rubbery). We’ll walk you through how to cook salmon skin—both on the fish and off as a makeshift “chip.”
Blueberry Oat Chia Seed Muffins

Blueberry Oat Chia Seed Muffins

These sweet mini muffins are delicious and surprisingly healthy! Get your day started off on the right note with these blueberry muffins that come with a few health upgrades (including oats and chia seeds).
Asian-Style Sweet Potatoes

Asian-Style Sweet Potatoes

Make-ahead side dish magic: Prep and roast the sweet potatoes and broccoli up to three days ahead. Once you're ready to eat, all that's left to do is reheat, toss with dressing, and serve.
Cauliflower Steaks with Hazelnuts and Browned Butter

Cauliflower Steaks with Hazelnuts and Browned Butter

Finish this caramelized cauliflower with a rich brown butter and hazelnut pan sauce.
Spicy Tempeh Bulgogi

Spicy Tempeh Bulgogi

A sweet sesame-soy marinate makes infuses plant-based tempeh (fermented soybean cake), making a delicious Asian-inspired vegan meal.
Tombstone Taco Dip

Tombstone Taco Dip

Refried bean dirt, shredded lettuce grass, and tortilla tombstones and trees take chip dip to Halloween territory.
4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

Impress your guests with this party-ready margarita bar—complete with a variety of garnishes, rimmers, and boozy stir-ins for customized cocktails.
Healthy Sandwich Ideas That Rival Your Favorite Deli Order

Healthy Sandwich Ideas That Rival Your Favorite Deli Order

Our healthy sandwich ideas include everything for eating well, from healthy sandwich meat to fresh veggies. This portable meal can be good for you.
The Best Methods and How Long to Marinate Chicken for Tasty Meals

The Best Methods and How Long to Marinate Chicken for Tasty Meals

Learn the best ways and how long to marinate chicken using our two easy methods for the tastiest meals you'll make again and again.
Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Make roasted Brussels sprouts in your oven! Toss with apples, cherries, and pecans for an irresistible 20-minutes vegetable side.
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Buffalo chicken and gooey cheese? Count us in. Serve this scrumptious buffalo chicken recipe with carrots and celery to help make it a fresh and filling meal.
Lemon-Caper Tuna and Noodles with Alfredo

Lemon-Caper Tuna and Noodles with Alfredo

Calling for just five simple ingredients, this 20-minute pasta recipe is one of the easiest dinner recipes that has even come out of our Test Kitchen. Brighten things up just before serving by topping with a handful of chopped chives.
Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Farro-Stuffed Peppers
12 Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes That Will Be Morning Staples

12 Gluten-Free Breakfast Recipes That Will Be Morning Staples

Gluten-free breakfast recipes might seem hard to come by, but we've got options. Here you'll find recipes for gluten-free pancakes and more.
Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Eggplant "Meat" Balls with Chimichurri

Enjoy these plant-based meatballs for your next meatless dinner.