Dump and Go Slow Cooker Recipes
Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you use a link provided.
Not sure what to make for dinner tonight? These dump-and-go slow cooker recipes make it easy to get a comforting homemade meal on the table with almost no prep.
These easy dump and go crockpot meals and slow cooker dump meals require minimal effort. Just add the ingredients to the slow cooker, set the timer, and let it cook while you go about your day.
In this collection of simple slow cooker recipes, you’ll find everything from cozy comfort foods to hearty family dinners, including chicken, beef, and pasta dishes that are perfect for busy weeknights.
How These Dump Meals Were Chosen
For this roundup, I only included recipes that follow the true dump-and-set method:
- No browning meat first
- No precooking ingredients
- Almost no prep required
The only acceptable step is a quick stir once everything is added. Anything more, and it didn’t make the list!
Slow Cooker Dump Meal Tips
- Use the right size slow cooker. A 6-quart slow cooker works best for most crock pot dump meals. It gives the ingredients enough room to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Layer ingredients. Adding meat and hearty veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, and potatoes on the bottom, where most of the heat is, helps protect the lighter ingredients on top.
- Wait until the end to add fresh herbs. Same with things like sour cream, cream cheese, or quick-cooking vegetables.
- Go easy on the liquid. Slow cookers trap moisture, so liquids don’t evaporate much during cooking. If you add too much, your dish can turn out watery. You can always add extra broth later if needed to reach the proper sauce texture.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid.. Unless the recipe calls for occasional stirring, leave it alone.
- Trim excess fat from meat. Since we’re not rendering fat by browning it in the beginning, you’ll want to trim any excess fat to prevent extra grease entering any sauces.
- Use a liner for easy cleanup. Slow cooker liners aren’t required, but they can make cleanup much faster after cooking.
Dump-and-Go Crockpot Meal FAQ
Yes. Most crockpot dump recipes use raw meat that cooks slowly with the other ingredients.
Yes. Many people prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in a freezer bagging in the refrigerator or freezer until they’re ready to cook.
It’s best to thaw meat first so it cooks evenly and reaches a safe temperature more quickly.
Slow cookers don’t allow much evaporation, so sauces can stay thin. Removing the lid near the end or adding a cornstarch slurry can help thicken them.
