30+ Insanely Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Dinners
As a busy, working mom of three (plus 2 dogs, a cat and a horse!), I’m always looking for easy dinner ideas that require minimal effort but still taste amazing. That’s why I’ve fallen in love with dump and go crockpot dinners. These meals are perfect for those days when you just don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen but still want something warm and delicious. Just throw everything in, set it, and let the crockpot do the hard work. It’s honestly made my life so much easier, particularly during the week when I feel like I’m being pulled in a million different directions!
I find that if I spend 10 minutes in the kitchen in the morning prepping everything and throwing it into the slow cooker, I feel a little lighter during the day knowing that our evening meal is ready to go once we all get home after a busy day. Not only does it take away the stress of cooking after a long day, it also helps to stop me resorting to a takeout when I’m exhausted!
Most of these recipes are really flexible too. If you don’t have the exact ingredients then you can adapt with what you do have in your kitchen right now. I’m always looking at ways to save money and there’s no need to rush out to the store to buy expensive ingredients for any of these recipes. Most of the ingredients are items you’ll likely already have in your kitchen. But you can also make do with what you have to hand and you’ll still come home to a delicious meal at the end of the day.
You can also browse my full collection of easy crockpot recipes if you’re looking for more cozy, hands-off meals to add to your week.
Products that make my life easier:
You don’t need much to make easy dinners in the slow cooker but I do use a few different products that definitely make life easier. You don’t have to go out and buy any of these things (except slow cooker if you don’t already have one!), I just think these make things a little more manageable.
- Slow cooker: Make sure you choose the right size for your family. A 6-quart crockpot works well for most families but you may need something bigger if you’re regularly cooking for a larger family.
- Slow cooker liners: These aren’t essential by any means but they do make the cleanup a lot easier! If you don’t want to buy liners you can always put the pot to soak for a while before scrubbing clean.
- Meal prep containers: I have a few microwave and freezer-safe food containers. It just makes it easier to store any leftovers ready to use another day.
1. Dump and Go Crockpot Honey Garlic Soy Spareribs
I remember spareribs being such a rare treat when I was a child as they used to take hours to cook in the oven. Now, we can throw them into the slow cooker along with the marinade and just leave them to cook away. These come out really tasty, the honey and soy sauce blend creates a lovely rich glaze. I like to serve these with potato & feta salad, grilled vegetables or just fresh salad and dinner rolls.
GET THE RECIPE2. Dump and Go Crockpot Soy Honey Garlic Chicken
This is one of our favorite dump-and-go meals for busy weeknights. The sweet honey and savory soy sauce come together to create a rich glaze that coats the chicken perfectly as it slow cooks. It turns out so tender it practically falls apart. As well as serving it over rice or noodles, it also works well served in wraps too, making it a really easy dinner idea that’s ready when you get home.
GET THE RECIPE3. Dump and Go Crockpot Rump Roast with Root Vegetables
This is a great option to get a full, cooked dinner on the table even on the busiest of days. Everything gets thrown into the crockpot to cook while you get on with your day. It’s super low effort and you’ve got a healthy, delicious meal ready for dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
GET THE RECIPE4. Dump and Go Crockpot Mongolian Beef
Beef cooked in the slow cooker comes out juicy and tender every single time. This recipe only requires minimal prep before you just throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. You can cook this on high for just a couple of hours if you prepare it later on in the day, or leave it to cook low and slow for extra tenderness. Cook up some rice and chop up some scallions just before serving.
GET THE RECIPE5. Dump and Go Crockpot Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
There is a little prep involved with this recipe, but it’s so worth it. Once you’ve chopped your veg, everything goes into the slow cooker to cook leaving you free to go about your day. A quick blitz with an immersion blender and the soup is ready to serve alongside some crusty bread. This recipe is packed with flavor. It’s a recipe I like to cook during fall and winter when we all want a comforting meal.
6. Dump and Go Crockpot Taco Soup
This is one of those flexible recipes you can easily adapt based on what you already have in the kitchen. I love the combination of chicken and beef here, and the blend of spices gives it plenty of flavor without making things complicated. Both meats turn out tender and hearty after slow cooking all day. Top it with avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese for an easy dinner everyone will dig into.
GET THE RECIPE7. Dump and Go Crockpot Cherry Cola & Pineapple Meatballs
Image credit: retro-vixen
Meatballs always go down well in our house. It’s actually one of the only meals that all three of my children regularly ask for. I do like to switch things up a little and move away from the usual tomato based sauce. I love cooking with pineapple so cooking up meatballs with pineapple really appeals to me! Throw in the cherry cola and I’m completely sold on this!
8. Dump and Go Crockpot Chili
Chili has to be the ultimate comfort food. I usually have this recipe on my meal plan at least once every couple of weeks during the colder months. You can switch up your spices a little if you need to and you also have the option of beef, chicken or vegetable broth – any will work fine here. We usually have this over rice with a side of garlic bread, then I store the leftovers to be served over baked potatoes later in the week. I actually think this tastes better the second time around when all of those flavors have had a chance to meld.
9. Dump and Go Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers
Image credit: bakingbeauty
If you haven’t cooked stuffed bell peppers in your slow cooker this recipe is such an easy place to start. These are super easy to make with only a few, really cheap ingredients!
10. Dump and Go Crockpot Jambalaya
Image credit: thewholesomespoon
This is a great one for nights when we want something a little different from our usual meals. It feels like a proper comfort meal but with a bit more spice and flavor. The smoked sausage adds so much flavor and the shrimp makes it feel a little special without being difficult to make. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and serve it with some crusty bread or a simple side salad.
11. Dump and Go Crockpot Coconut Curry Chicken
Imagecredit: rightathome
We love a curry but let’s face it, they can be a bit of an effort to make during the week. This crockpot recipe is rich, creamy and fragrant, basically everything you need from a curry and it’s super easy to make too.
12. Dump and Go Crockpot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Image credit: recipesfromapantry
This is a really affordable meal that’s simple to throw together and tastes incredible. I love anything with sun-dried tomatoes. The combination of these and the creamy sauce makes this dish incredibly moreish.
13. Olive Garden Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli
Image credit: kitchenreadybetty
This recipe is packed full of goodness and it tastes incredible after cooking away all day long. There’s minimal prep with this one, but you do need to brown the beef so give yourself a little extra time for that.
14. Dump and Go Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
Sausages always go down well in our house but sometimes it can get a bit repetitive just serving them up as they are. This recipe makes them feel a little more interesting without creating extra work. You can add in extra herbs if you like but this tastes great just as it is. We have recently been having this served on a crusty baguette as a hot sandwich. You can’t beat the melted butter!
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
Instructions:
- Place sausage in the crockpot.
- Add peppers, onion, and tomatoes.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
15. Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken
This is one of the most popular recipes I’ve shared on my website and it’s easy to see why. It uses such simple ingredients but still gives you that takeout-style flavor without the cost. The sprinkling of sesame seeds on top isn’t essential but it does really add something special.
16. Dump and Go Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
Image credit: smalltownwoman
Can you get any cozier than chicken and dumplings? I’m really not sure you can! This is such a great recipe for the colder months when everyone is craving something hearty and comforting. Using frozen vegetables makes it super easy to throw together while still sneaking some extra goodness into the kids.
17. Dump and Go Crockpot Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs
Image credit: thedefaultcook
My daughter absolutely loves balsamic chicken when I cook it for dinner and this slow cooker version is so easy to make. Everything goes into the crockpot and that’s it, just leave it to work its magic and come home to a meal ready to go. We’ve served this with a few different sides and they’ve all worked well. You could try buttered noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal, or just a side salad in warmer months when you want something lighter.
18. Dump and Go Crockpot Cowboy Casserole
If your kids are anything like mine then tater tots always go down well. This is a really simple slow cooker meal that’s great for families on a budget. It’s filling, tastes great, and it’s easy on the wallet too.
GET THE RECIPE19. Dump and Go Crockpot Ratatouille
Ratatouille is such a forgiving recipe. I often make this with whatever I’ve got left in the fridge at the end of the week and it always tastes amazing. Everything cooks slowly together to create a rich Mediterranean-style sauce. We sometimes have this as a main meal with some crusty bread or a side salad, or you can add grilled chicken or salmon if you want something a little more filling.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
20. Dump and Go Crockpot Tuscan Meatballs with Gnocchi
Image credit: shesnotcookin
I mentioned earlier that I love anything with sun-dried tomato so this recipe really caught my eye. It’s really simple to make and uses frozen meatballs so you can throw them straight into the crockpot and get on with your day.
21. Dump and Go Crockpot Apple Pork Chops
We love this recipe, particularly during fall when apple flavors are so popular. But, it’s perfect for any time of year really. The sweetness of the apples with the juicy pork chops works really well. We like to have this with mashed potatoes with the leftover sauce poured on top.
GET THE RECIPE22. Dump and Go Crockpot Sprite Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs
Image credit: cozyfamilykitchen
This is such a fun recipe and involves only the smallest amount of prep. Just brown the chicken thighs for a few minutes then throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker.
23. Dump and Go Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon and garlic go so well together. I think it’s one of my favorite food combinations. The beauty of this recipe is that you cook the rice in with the chicken, so it’s all ready to eat when you’re ready to sit down with the family.
GET THE RECIPE24. Dump and Go Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a real classic recipe. This slow cooker version makes it really easy to throw together even on the busiest days. The beef cooks up beautifully tender and full of flavor. Cook some noodles separately when you’re ready to eat and you’ve got a warm, comforting meal ready to go.
GET THE RECIPE25. Dump and Go Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are one of our favorite meals as a family. I love that everyone can help themselves and add whatever toppings they want. If you’ve got people coming home at different times then you can leave this in the slow cooker on the “warming” setting and they can just load up tortillas when they’re ready to eat.
26. Dump and Go Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
These ranch pork chops are super easy to throw together. Throw the pork chops and just 3 other ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its thing!
GET THE RECIPE27. Dump and Go Crockpot Pulled Chicken with Cherry Cola
This cherry cola pulled chicken is really easy to throw together making it perfect for busy days. We love to serve this on soft buttered rolls alongside some salad.
GET THE RECIPE28. Dump and Go Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
We are huge fans of Italian food in our house. This feels a bit more special than a typical weeknight dinner but it’s still really easy to make. You can make your own marinara if you like, but store-bought works just as well. Everything cooks away slowly in the crockpot, just add the cheese about 30 minutes before you want to eat.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken in the crockpot and cover with marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and cook for an additional 30 minutes until cheese is melted.
29. Dump and Go Crockpot Dr. Pepper Pork Chops
We eat some version of pork chops most weeks because they always go down well in our house. This Dr. Pepper version is really easy to throw into the slow cooker and it soaks up all of that sweet flavor without needing to stand over the stove.
GET THE RECIPE30. Dump and Go Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
Image credit: livingchirpy
When the weather starts to turn a little colder, you really can’t beat beef and gravy. Cooked in the slow cooker, the beef becomes really soft and tender and soaks up all the flavors of the onions and broth.
31. Dump and Go Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
I absolutely love pulled pork. It’s perfect for serving on a bun with a dollop of coleslaw. It works really well for a midweek family meal or even as a super easy recipe when you’ve got people coming over.
32. Dump and Go Crockpot Chicken Casserole
I love any recipe where everything cooks in one pot, it just makes life so much easier. This chicken casserole recipe comes out deliciously creamy and full of flavor. Serve it with a chunk of buttered bread, rice or mashed potatoees to soak up any leftover sauce.
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Optional: Sear chicken in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side, then set aside.
- Lightly grease a slow cooker.
- Add carrots and onions to the bottom of the slow cooker, then place chicken on top.
- Mix cream of chicken soup, broth, and garlic. Pour over chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to the slow cooker.
- Stir in peas and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm with additional cheese and garnish with parsley if desired.
Dump and go crockpot meals can be a real lifesaver on busy days. As well as keeping everyone fed, they help you to keep your budget in check too. If you plan out your meals at the beginning of the week and only buy what you need then you will likely cut back on your grocery bill. They also take away that temptation to order a takeout when you get home late and everyone’s hungry.
I always love to hear from people who try out my recipes so drop me a comment and let me know if you enjoyed any of these dump and go recipes!
