30 Hearty Dump Dinners for Your Crock Pot
Dump dinners for the Crock Pot simplify meal prep with minimal effort.
Just add ingredients, let them cook, and enjoy a hearty dish.
These recipes are great for busy days when you want a tasty meal without the hassle.
Check out these delicious Crock Pot dump dinners.
Dump-and-Go Crockpot Dinners for Busy Nights
Dump-and-go Crock Pot recipes make weeknight dinners stress-free. These meals are packed with flavor and require minimal preparation for busy schedules.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice
A comforting one-pot meal makes busy weeknights easier.
Begin with chicken breasts, rice, cream cheese, and broth in a slow cooker.
Flavor enhances with spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
After cooking for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, the rice absorbs all the liquid beautifully.
Shredding the chicken once it's done adds tenderness to each serving.
For an extra cheesy touch at the end, mix in shredded cheddar cheese along with some frozen peas or corn for a veggie boost.
Beef Stroganoff
Tender beef stroganoff makes a great choice for a hassle-free dinner.
Start with chunks of beef in the slow cooker, then add sliced mushrooms and diced onions for extra taste.
A mix of beef broth, condensed mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
Seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper brings everything together perfectly.
Let it cook on low heat for about 8 hours until the meat is soft and enveloped in a rich sauce.
Before serving this dish over egg noodles or rice, stirring in sour cream adds an extra layer of creaminess that elevates each bite.
Spicy Shredded Pork Tacos
Soft tortillas filled with spicy shredded pork make a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
A pork roast serves as the main ingredient, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, garlic, and chili powder for flavor.
Dr.
Pepper soda adds a surprising sweetness to the dish while keeping the meat moist during cooking.
After about 8 hours on low heat in your slow cooker, the pork becomes tender and easily falls apart when shredded with forks.
Topping these tacos with lettuce and cheese creates an even more delicious experience.
Leftovers can be frozen for future meals or busy weeknights when time is short.
Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey garlic chicken makes for a delicious and easy dinner option.
This dish features a blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and spices mixed in a bowl.
Pour this mixture over chicken thighs in the slow cooker to let the flavors infuse deeply.
Cooking on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours results in tender meat bursting with flavor.
Adding vegetables like carrots and potatoes turns it into a wholesome meal that pleases everyone at the table.
Serving it over rice enhances the experience with its sweet and savory sauce perfectly coating each piece of chicken.
Vegetarian Chili
A warm and satisfying dinner awaits after a long day, thanks to vegetarian chili in the crock pot.
Beans, tomatoes, and an array of vegetables create a robust base for this dish.
Adding corn and bell peppers introduces delightful flavors and textures that elevate each bite.
Spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic provide an exciting kick that makes every mouthful memorable.
Toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado enhance the experience further.
Ginger Peach Chicken
A slow cooker makes preparing Ginger Peach Chicken easy and enjoyable.
This dish combines sweet peaches with zesty ginger, creating a delightful flavor blend.
Start by placing chicken thighs, ripe peaches, onions, and garlic into the crockpot.
Fresh thyme enhances the taste even more.
Cooking on low for 8-9 hours or high for 5-6 hours results in tender chicken infused with deliciousness.
Serving it over rice completes this satisfying meal that fits perfectly into busy weeknights when time is limited.
Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables
A slow cooker brings convenience to mealtime with teriyaki chicken and vegetables.
Juicy chicken thighs form the base of this dish, enhancing flavor and texture.
A mixture of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger creates a delicious sauce that complements the meat perfectly.
After cooking on low for 4-6 hours until tender, colorful veggies like broccoli or bell peppers can be added in the final hour for a fresh touch.
Serving this meal over rice makes it filling and satisfying.
This recipe shines during busy evenings when little preparation is desired.
Stuffing and Turkey
A slow cooker makes preparing a delicious turkey dinner easy.
Tender turkey breast sits at the bottom of the crock pot, creating a savory base.
Mixing stuffing with chicken broth and cream of chicken soup adds rich flavor to the dish.
Spreading this mixture over the turkey ensures every bite is satisfying.
Cooking on low for 4-6 hours allows all those flavors to blend beautifully, resulting in a delightful meal ready when you are.
This recipe offers Thanksgiving taste without requiring too much effort, making it great for hectic days when comfort food is needed most.
Beef and Broccoli
A delicious meal awaits with beef and broccoli cooked in a crockpot.
Start by gathering beef strips, broccoli florets, soy sauce, beef broth, and some seasonings.
Combine soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and garlic in the pot before adding the strips of meat to coat them evenly.
Cooking on low for 5-6 hours allows flavors to meld perfectly.
In the last half hour of cooking time, introduce the broccoli florets; they will soften without losing their crunchiness.
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition while serving this hearty dish over rice adds a satisfying touch.
Lemon Herb Chicken
Bright and fresh flavors define lemon herb chicken, making it a delightful choice for busy days.
Start with a 6-quart crockpot by adding the chicken and lemon herb sauce.
After covering, cooking on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-5 hours works best.
Once finished, shredding the chicken with a fork is easy; just return it to the pot and mix well with the sauce.
Serving this dish over rice or alongside favorite sides completes your meal perfectly.
Simple preparation ensures that everyone will appreciate this flavorful dinner option.
Coconut Curry Chicken
This coconut curry chicken dish makes dinner a breeze.
A slow cooker does the heavy lifting, infusing chicken with delicious flavors as it cooks.
Start by combining coconut milk, curry paste, garlic, and spices in the pot.
Adding chicken pieces allows them to soak up all that rich taste.
For added heartiness, include bell peppers or potatoes and thicken the sauce with cornstarch mixed in water towards the end of cooking.
Serve over rice to enjoy every drop of that tasty sauce while savoring a meal that's easy yet satisfying.
Ham and Bean Soup
A warm bowl of ham and bean soup shines on chilly days.
Using leftover ham or a bone adds rich flavor to the dish.
For convenience, canned beans save time while delivering great taste.
Carrots, celery, and onion contribute extra nutrition to this comforting meal.
After combining all ingredients in your crockpot, water or chicken broth should cover them completely; adding a pinch of baking soda softens the beans nicely.
Cooking on high for 6-8 hours ensures tender beans; after that, shred any meat from the bone and mix it back into the soup for added heartiness.
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
A flavorful, creamy dish awaits after cooking.
Perfectly tender chicken pairs beautifully with rich tomato basil sauce.
Adding fresh basil at the end enhances the taste even more.
To prepare, gather chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasonings along with minced garlic, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
For a creamier texture, blend heavy cream with cornstarch before pouring it in.
Slow cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3 hours until the meat reaches a safe temperature of 165°F.
Enjoy this delightful meal over pasta or rice!
Turkey Tetrazzini
A slow cooker makes preparing Turkey Tetrazzini simple and stress-free.
This creamy pasta dish highlights leftover turkey, transforming it into a hearty meal.
Begin by placing uncooked spaghetti noodles in the crockpot, then combine them with turkey, mushrooms, and frozen peas.
Pour chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup over the mix for added flavor; a splash of evaporated milk or heavy cream enhances its richness.
Season everything with salt and pepper before cooking on low for 4-5 hours until the pasta becomes tender.
Stir in Parmesan cheese just before serving to complete this satisfying dinner that your family will love after a long day.
Barbecue Pulled Pork
Making barbecue pulled pork in a crock pot is straightforward and rewarding.
Begin with a pork shoulder, seasoning it generously with spices like chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
After placing the seasoned meat in the slow cooker, add some liquid such as chicken broth or apple juice.
Allow it to cook on low for 8-10 hours until the meat becomes tender enough to shred easily with forks.
Mix your favorite barbecue sauce into the shredded pork for extra flavor before serving it on buns or using it in tacos, salads, or nachos.
Any leftovers can be frozen for later enjoyment; this dish remains delicious even after being stored away!
Creamy Italian Chicken
A delicious creamy Italian chicken dish can be prepared easily in a slow cooker.
Chicken breasts form the base of this meal, resting at the bottom of the crock pot.
Combining chicken broth, Italian dressing, and cream of chicken soup creates a flavorful mixture to pour over the meat.
Cooking on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours allows all flavors to meld perfectly.
After cooking, shredding the chicken with two forks is essential before adding cream cheese for that rich texture.
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying dinner experience.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
A flavorful dish that many enjoy is Cajun chicken pasta.
This meal combines spicy and rich flavors, making it a family favorite.
Start by adding chicken, cream, broth, and butter to the crock pot.
For extra taste, sprinkle in garlic powder and Cajun seasoning.
After cooking for 4-6 hours on low until the chicken is tender, shredding it enhances its texture in the dish.
Cooking pasta separately and mixing it into the pot at the end creates a creamy finish when cheese melts through everything beautifully; onions and bell peppers can be added for an even heartier flavor profile.
Sausage and Bean Soup
A hearty meal awaits after a long day, thanks to this simple crock pot recipe.
Tossing in sausage, beans, carrots, celery, and onions gets the dish started.
Chicken broth along with oregano and bay leaves adds rich flavor to the mix.
Cooking on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully; tender sausage blends with savory beans perfectly.
Fresh spinach stirred in just before serving enhances both nutrition and color.
This filling soup also tastes even better when enjoyed the next day.
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip stands out as a delicious favorite for gatherings.
The recipe combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and spicy hot sauce in a slow cooker.
After mixing these ingredients well, cooking on low heat for around two hours brings everything to the right temperature and texture.
When ready, this creamy dip pairs wonderfully with chips or crunchy veggie sticks for dipping.
Adjusting the amount of hot sauce allows everyone to enjoy their preferred level of spice.
This dish makes any party or game day even more enjoyable with its rich flavors and easy preparation.
Beef and Barley Stew
Tender beef and perfectly cooked barley create a delicious broth.
This dish offers warmth and satisfaction, ideal for chilly evenings.
You can brown chunks of beef in a pan to enhance the flavor before adding them to your slow cooker.
Potato Corn Chowder
A hearty chowder works wonders on chilly days, filling bellies with comfort.
Toss together potatoes, corn, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
Pour in chicken broth along with seasonings such as thyme and oregano for rich flavor.
After cooking on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, ensure the potatoes become tender.
Stirring in butter and heavy cream before serving adds a creamy touch that elevates this meal further.
For those craving extra protein, adding cooked bacon or shredded chicken enhances both taste and satisfaction without much effort involved.
Cranberry Apple Pork Loin
Tender pork loin offers a wonderful blend of sweet and savory tastes.
A slow cooker works perfectly for this dish.
Start by covering the meat with minced garlic, then create a flavorful sauce using cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and apple juice mixed with chopped apples.
Pour this mixture over the pork before covering it to cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
Once finished, taste the sauce; adding salt and pepper enhances its flavor if necessary.
Slicing the pork reveals juicy meat paired beautifully with rich cranberry apple sauce from cooking.
Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef makes a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker.
Flank steak or other cuts of beef work well for this dish.
Start with cornstarch on the beef, which thickens the sauce nicely during cooking.
Combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in the slow cooker before adding the coated meat and giving it a good stir.
Cooking on low takes about 4-5 hours while high heat requires only 2-3 hours for tender results.
Serve over rice and top with sliced green onions for added flavor and color.
French Dip Sandwiches
A delicious dinner awaits after a long day, thanks to the ease of French dip sandwiches made in a slow cooker.
This meal requires only a few simple ingredients.
Start with a beef roast placed in the slow cooker, then add beef broth, soy sauce, and spices such as garlic powder and onion flakes.
Cooking time varies from 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high until the meat becomes tender enough to shred easily.
Serve it on toasted rolls with cheese if desired, and don’t forget to use the leftover broth for dipping!
Perfect for busy days when you crave something hearty yet effortless.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs make for a delicious meal that’s easy to prepare in a crock pot.
Start by mixing brown sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce in a bowl to create the flavorful sauce.
Frozen meatballs go into the crock pot first, followed by the sauce mixture poured on top.
Pineapple chunks and diced bell peppers add extra taste and crunch to this dish.
Cooking on low for six hours or high for three to four hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully while thickening the sauce; stirring once or twice ensures everything is well-coated.
Serving these delightful meatballs over rice makes them even more satisfying or enjoy them alone as an appetizer with added veggies like onions or carrots if desired.
Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Tasty garlic Parmesan potatoes make a wonderful side dish, easily prepared in a slow cooker.
Begin with potato chunks placed inside your Crock-Pot.
Olive oil, butter, minced garlic, and herbs such as oregano and basil enhance the flavor when added to the mix.
Toss these ingredients gently for even coating on the potatoes.
Cooking on low takes 4-5 hours or 2-3 hours on high ensures tenderness infused with rich garlic taste.
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving gives these potatoes a delightful cheesy touch that everyone will appreciate.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful meal can come from stuffed bell peppers cooked in a slow cooker.
Start by cutting off the tops of the peppers and removing their seeds.
In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and your favorite spices.
The next step involves filling each pepper with this tasty mixture before placing them in the slow cooker along with some water at the bottom of the pot.
Cooking time varies; low heat requires 6 hours while high heat takes about 4 hours until they become tender.
For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle more cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking for added richness that everyone will enjoy!
White Chicken Chili
A hearty chili warms the soul on chilly days and suits busy weeknights perfectly.
For this dish, gather chicken, white beans, corn, and green chiles.
Broth along with spices like cumin and oregano adds depth to the flavors.
All ingredients go into your slow cooker; set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Tender chicken shreds easily after cooking; stirring in cream cheese before serving enhances the richness of each bowl.
Top with cheese, sour cream, or cilantro based on personal taste preferences.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
A hot bowl of Mexican-inspired soup warms the soul and fills the belly.
Begin by adding chicken, spices, beans, onion, corn, and tomatoes into a slow cooker.
Pour broth over these ingredients and let them simmer together for a while.
Crispy tortilla strips make an excellent topping to enhance every serving.
Once the chicken is tender enough to shred easily, return it to the pot along with a splash of lime juice for that extra zing.
Serve this hearty dish with tortilla strips and any toppings you prefer; it's bound to be loved by everyone at your table!
Chicken and Dumplings
A warm bowl of chicken and dumplings brings comfort on chilly days.
This dish uses a slow cooker, making preparation straightforward.
Start with chicken, vegetables, and broth in the pot, letting it cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat becomes tender.
In the final hour of cooking, add dumplings made from biscuit dough or a mix of flour, milk, and butter to enhance texture.
These dumplings absorb flavors from the broth while becoming soft and fluffy.
Feel free to include your favorite herbs or veggies for an extra touch that personalizes this hearty meal.
Crock Pot Offers Perks
A crock pot makes cooking easy and convenient. Slow cooking enhances flavors and keeps meals tender.
Time-Saving Cooking Tips
Crock pots simplify meal preparation, allowing users to add ingredients in the morning and return home to a fully cooked dish.
Many recipes require minimal effort; simply combine everything and turn on the heat without needing constant attention.
This method is perfect for batch cooking, enabling large portions that can be enjoyed during the week or stored in the freezer for later use.
Cleaning up after using a crock pot is straightforward too, as most models feature removable inserts that are easy to wash.
Some even fit comfortably in dishwashers, making life easier at mealtime.
Busy days become less stressful with this handy kitchen appliance at your side.
Developing Better Flavors
Moist and flavorful dishes result from the moisture trapped during cooking in crock pots.
Tender meat absorbs spices well, enhancing its taste.
Natural sweetness from vegetables shines through as they cook slowly.
Complex flavors develop when ingredients have time to blend together, making this method perfect for stews, soups, and sauces.
Tough cuts of meat become juicy due to the long cooking process that breaks down connective tissues, turning budget-friendly options into delicious meals.
Rich flavors emerge as slow cooking brings out the best in every ingredient used.
Select Top Cooking Ingredients
Selecting quality ingredients improves the taste and nutrition of meals. Fresh, whole foods make every dish better.
Selecting Quality Meat & Poultry
Fresh, well-marbled cuts of meat make for the best meals.
Look for pieces that have bright colors and no strong odors.
Chuck roast or brisket are excellent beef choices, as they turn tender with slow cooking methods.
Chicken thighs are perfect in crock pots since they retain moisture and flavor; however, boneless, skinless breasts may dry out easily if not handled properly.
Always check expiration dates on packages before buying and choose trusted sources whenever possible.
Trimming visible fat helps prevent greasiness in your dish while patting the meat dry ensures better browning during searing.
Best Veggies for Crockpot Meals
Using firm vegetables ensures a tasty dish after long cooking times.
Carrots, potatoes, and onions are excellent options for this purpose.
Soft vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes should wait until the final hour of cooking to avoid becoming mushy.
Frozen veggies serve as a practical alternative; they often come at a lower cost while maintaining good nutrition.
Cutting all veggies into large, even pieces promotes even cooking and helps them stay intact during the process.
Generous amounts of onions and garlic enhance flavor effortlessly in crock pot meals, adding depth without requiring much effort in preparation.
Crock Pot Cooking Advice
Crock pot cooking requires simple preparation for flavorful results. A few key techniques help bring out the best flavors.
Proper Ingredient Layering
Layering ingredients correctly in a crock pot ensures even cooking.
Start by placing tougher vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, at the bottom since they require more heat.
Meat belongs in the middle layer for proper flavor infusion and tenderness.
Softer items like beans or peas should go on top to avoid mushiness.
Filling the pot between half and two-thirds full is crucial; too much food can result in undercooked dishes.
Cutting all ingredients into uniform sizes promotes consistent cooking throughout the meal.
Maintaining Cooking Temperature
Keeping the lid on during cooking helps maintain heat, preventing significant time loss.
Lifting the lid allows heat to escape and can add an extra 15-20 minutes to your meal prep.
Using thawed meat ensures it reaches a safe temperature quickly, while frozen options may delay cooking times.
Proper settings play a crucial role; low settings are best for all-day meals, while high is suitable for quicker preparations of 4-6 hours.
Checking the seal on your crock pot is essential too; a tight fit retains both heat and moisture effectively.
Testing its temperature involves filling it two-thirds with water and letting it cook on low for eight hours until reaching about 185°F.