Our Best Dump Dinners for the Crock Pot

March 2, 2025

Crock Pot dump dinners are a great way to make tasty meals with little effort.

You simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker in the morning. By dinnertime, you have a hot, home-cooked meal ready to eat.

Dump dinners save you time and energy in the kitchen.

These recipes often use pantry staples and frozen ingredients. This makes meal planning and grocery shopping easier.

With over 31 options to choose from, you can find dump dinner ideas to please the whole family.

1. Chicken Alfredo Dump Dinner

This easy Crock Pot meal brings together tender chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce.

To make it, place chicken breasts in your slow cooker.

Pour a jar of Alfredo sauce over the chicken. Add some minced garlic and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and infused with the sauce.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cooked pasta. Let it warm through. Your delicious Chicken Alfredo is ready to enjoy.

2. Beef Stroganoff Stew

Beef Stroganoff Stew is a tasty and easy dump dinner for your crock pot.

You’ll need stew meat or chuck roast, cream of mushroom soup, and a few basic ingredients.

Cut the beef into cubes and place it in the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, diced onions, and a can of cream of mushroom soup.

Pour in some Worcestershire sauce and water. Stir everything together.

Set your crock pot to low and cook for 7-8 hours.

When the meat is tender, stir in sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess. Serve your beef stroganoff stew over egg noodles or rice for a filling meal.

3. Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

Crockpot cheesy hash brown casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make.

You’ll need frozen hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese.

Grease your slow cooker and add all ingredients except some cheese. Mix them well.

Cook on low for 3-5 hours or high for about 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Some recipes add kielbasa for extra flavor. You can also include diced onions and spices like garlic powder for more taste.

Pour a creamy sauce made with melted butter and milk over the top before cooking.

This casserole is perfect for brunch, potlucks, or weekend breakfasts.

It’s cheesy, comforting, and requires minimal effort to prepare.

4. Spicy Chili Mac

Spicy Chili Mac is a tasty meal that combines the best of chili and mac and cheese.

You can easily make it in your Crock Pot with minimal effort.

Start by adding ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices to your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Near the end of cooking, stir in some macaroni noodles. They’ll absorb the flavorful chili liquid and become tender.

For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Top with shredded cheese before serving for a gooey, comforting dinner.

5. Savory Meatball Stew

This hearty crock pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings.

You’ll love how easy it is to make. Just toss frozen meatballs, veggies, and broth into your slow cooker.

Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs will soak up all the flavors as they cook.

When you get home, you’ll have a delicious stew waiting. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.

It’s a filling meal that your whole family will enjoy.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights.

You can prep everything the night before and start cooking in the morning.

6. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are a crock pot favorite.

You can make tender, flavorful pork with minimal effort.

Add a pork shoulder to your slow cooker with BBQ sauce and spices. Let it cook on low for 8-10 hours.

When done, shred the meat with two forks. Mix in more sauce if desired. Serve on toasted buns for a classic sandwich.

Try adding coleslaw on top for crunch. Leftovers keep well and can be used in tacos or nachos too.

This dish is perfect for busy days or feeding a crowd. The crock pot does all the work while you’re away.

7. Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy garlic chicken is a tasty and simple dump dinner for your crock pot. You can make this dish with just a few ingredients.

Start by placing chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Add cream of chicken soup, garlic, and your choice of seasonings.

Set your crock pot to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours. The result is tender chicken in a rich, garlicky sauce.

This meal goes well with rice or pasta. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Creamy garlic chicken is perfect for busy weeknights.

It takes little effort to prepare and delivers a comforting, satisfying dinner.

8. Teriyaki Beef and Broccoli

Teriyaki beef and broccoli is a tasty dump dinner for your crock pot. You’ll need beef strips, broccoli florets, soy sauce, and a few other ingredients.

Mix soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and garlic in the crock pot. Add the beef strips and toss to coat. Cook on low for about 5-6 hours.

Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce at this time.

This meal is great for leftovers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

9. Hearty Vegetable Soup

Hearty vegetable soup is a perfect dump dinner for your crock pot. You can use a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables to make it even easier.

Start with a base of vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add chunky veggies like carrots, potatoes, and celery.

Toss in some beans for extra protein and fiber. Season with herbs like thyme and bay leaves.

Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker and let it simmer.

After a few hours, you’ll have a comforting, nutritious soup.

It’s great for chilly evenings and makes plenty of leftovers for busy weekdays.

10. Taco-Inspired Chili

Taco chili brings a tasty twist to your slow cooker meals. This dish combines classic chili ingredients with taco flavors for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

You’ll love how easy it is to make. Just dump the ingredients in your crock pot and let it simmer.

Use ground beef, beans, corn, and taco seasoning for authentic flavor.

The seasoning adds a spicy kick, while corn provides a sweet crunch. For extra richness, try melting some cheese into the chili near the end of cooking.

Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or crushed tortilla chips.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings.

11. Classic Pot Roast

Pot roast is a classic crock pot dish that’s easy to make. You just need a chuck roast, veggies, and some beef broth.

Put the meat in first, then add potatoes, carrots, and onions. Pour in the broth and let it cook on low for 8-10 hours.

The long, slow cooking makes the meat very tender. It will fall apart when you try to serve it. The veggies soak up the flavors and get soft too.

This meal is perfect for cold days. It’s filling and warms you up.

You can add other veggies like celery or bell peppers if you want. Serve it with the cooking liquid as a gravy.

12. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

You can make tasty honey garlic chicken thighs in your crock pot.

Put chicken thighs in the pot. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ketchup for the sauce. Pour it over the chicken.

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will be tender when done.

You can add more honey if you want it sweeter. For extra flavor, try adding some ginger or red pepper flakes.

This dish is great with rice or vegetables.

It’s an easy meal that cooks while you’re busy. The leftovers taste good too, so you can enjoy it again later.

13. Southwestern Chicken and Rice

You can make a tasty Southwestern chicken and rice meal in your crock pot.

Place chicken in the pot first. Mix beans, red peppers, tomatoes, onion, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken.

Cook on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.

This dish has a nice kick from the peppers and spices. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.

You can customize this recipe by adding corn or using different types of beans.

It’s an easy dump dinner that requires little prep work. The slow cooking brings out rich flavors in the chicken and vegetables.

14. Spinach Artichoke Chicken

Spinach artichoke chicken is a tasty and easy dump dinner for your crock pot. You’ll love how simple it is to make this creamy, comforting meal.

To start, place chicken breasts in your slow cooker.

Mix cream cheese, spinach, and artichoke hearts in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and infused with flavor.

Serve this dish over rice or pasta. You can also pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.

It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you want a no-fuss dinner.

15. Mushroom Barley Stew

Mushroom Barley Stew is a tasty and filling meal for your slow cooker. You can make it with both fresh and dried mushrooms for extra flavor.

Add barley, vegetables, and broth to your crock pot. Choose from onions, celery, and garlic to boost the taste. Toss in some herbs like savory or basil for more depth.

This stew works well as a freezer meal too.

Prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them until you’re ready to cook. When you want to eat, just dump everything in your slow cooker and let it simmer.

You can make this dish vegetarian by using veggie broth. For a non-vegetarian version, try chicken broth instead.

Either way, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal waiting for you at dinnertime.

16. Rustic Chicken Soup

This hearty crock pot meal is perfect for cold days.

Add chicken breasts, chopped carrots, celery, and onions to your slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken will become tender and fall apart easily. Shred it with two forks before serving.

For extra flavor, toss in some minced garlic or bay leaves at the start.

You can also add noodles or rice in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a more filling meal.

17. Corned Beef and Cabbage

You can make a tasty corned beef and cabbage dinner in your slow cooker. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a comforting meal.

Put carrots, onions, and potatoes in the bottom of your Crock-Pot. Add the corned beef brisket on top. Pour in some beer or broth for extra flavor.

Cook on low for about 8 hours. The meat will be tender and juicy. Add cabbage wedges during the last hour of cooking.

This one-pot meal is easy and delicious.

The vegetables soak up the savory beef flavors as they cook. Serve hot and enjoy your home-cooked Irish-inspired feast.

18. Louisiana Jambalaya

You can make authentic Louisiana jambalaya right in your crock pot. This one-pot meal combines rice, chicken, sausage, and shrimp with Cajun spices.

Start by adding chicken, sliced andouille sausage, bell peppers, onions, and celery to your slow cooker.

Mix in diced tomatoes, garlic, and Cajun seasoning.

Pour in chicken broth and let it cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Add uncooked rice and shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

The result is a flavorful, hearty dish that captures the essence of Louisiana cuisine. Your family will love this easy dump dinner that brings the taste of the bayou to your table.

19. Baked Ziti Casserole

Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a simple and tasty meal. You can make it with just a few ingredients.

Start by adding uncooked ziti pasta to your slow cooker.

Mix in marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and some shredded mozzarella.

Cook on high for about 2 to 2.5 hours. The pasta will become tender as it cooks in the sauce.

Before serving, sprinkle more mozzarella on top. You can add fresh basil or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

This dish is great for feeding a crowd. It’s perfect for potlucks or family dinners. You can even freeze leftovers for later.

20. Lemon Herb Chicken

Lemon herb chicken is a tasty and simple dump dinner for your Crock Pot. You can make this dish with just a few ingredients.

Start by adding chicken and lemon herb sauce to your slow cooker.

Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-5 hours. The chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork.

Take the chicken out, shred it, and put it back in the cooker. Stir to mix with the sauce.

The lemon and herb flavors make the chicken bright and tangy.

This meal is great for busy days. You can add green beans to the Crock Pot with the chicken for a complete meal.

21. Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is a tasty meal you can easily make in your slow cooker.

Start by coating pork pieces in cornstarch and adding them to the crock pot.

Mix brown sugar, chicken broth, vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Pour this sauce over the pork.

Add some garlic powder and ground ginger for extra flavor.

Cook the pork on low for several hours until tender.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in pineapple chunks and bell peppers. This gives the dish a nice balance of flavors and textures.

Your homemade sweet and sour pork will rival any takeout version. It’s a simple yet delicious dump dinner that’s sure to please your family.

22. Cranberry Turkey Breast

This easy dump dinner combines tender turkey with tangy cranberry flavor. You’ll need a boneless turkey breast and a few simple ingredients.

Mix cranberry sauce, onion soup mix, and orange juice in a bowl. Place the turkey breast in your slow cooker and pour the mixture over it.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the turkey reaches 165°F. The meat will be juicy and infused with a sweet-savory taste.

This dish is perfect for a holiday meal or anytime you want a festive dinner without much effort. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

23. Pineapple BBQ Chicken

This tasty dish combines sweet pineapple with tangy BBQ sauce for a flavorful meal. You’ll need chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, and canned pineapple chunks.

Add the chicken to your Crock Pot. Pour the BBQ sauce and pineapple (with juice) over the top. No need to stir – just put the lid on and let it cook.

Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and infused with tropical flavor when done.

Serve this saucy chicken over rice or with a side of veggies for a complete meal. It’s an easy dump dinner that’s sure to please your taste buds.

24. Sausage and White Bean Soup

This crock pot meal is easy and tasty. You’ll love how the flavors blend as it cooks all day.

Start by browning some sausage in a pan. Then put it in your slow cooker with white beans, garlic, onion, and carrots.

Add some celery and herbs like thyme. Pour in broth and let it simmer.

The soup will be ready when you get home from work.

It’s filling and perfect for cold days. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal. You can swap spinach or kale for extra nutrients if you like.

25. Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

This easy dump dinner brings Italian flavors to your crock pot. You’ll need pasta, roasted red peppers, cream, and parmesan cheese.

Add the ingredients to your slow cooker in the morning. By dinnertime, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful pasta dish ready to eat.

The roasted red peppers give the sauce a sweet, smoky taste. The cream and parmesan make it rich and satisfying.

Serve this pasta with a side salad or some crusty bread. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

26. Thai Peanut Chicken

Thai Peanut Chicken is a tasty dump dinner for your crock pot. You mix chicken, veggies, and a creamy peanut sauce in the slow cooker.

The sauce blends peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and spices. As it cooks, the flavors meld together.

You can use chicken breasts or thighs. Bell peppers and onions are good veggie choices.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor.

Serve over rice or noodles. Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro for extra crunch and freshness.

This meal is easy to prep and gives you a taste of Thai cuisine at home.

27. Minestrone Minestrone

Minestrone is a hearty Italian soup that’s perfect for your crock pot. You can easily make this dish by adding diced tomatoes, beans, carrots, celery, and onions to your slow cooker.

Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Pour in some vegetable broth and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, add some small pasta and zucchini to the pot. This will ensure they don’t get mushy.

Serve your minestrone with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

28. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a tasty and filling crock pot meal. You can make them ahead of time and freeze for later use.

To prepare, wrap seasoned ground beef and rice mixture in cabbage leaves. Place the rolls in your slow cooker with tomato sauce.

Cook on low for about 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The cabbage will become tender, and the meat will be juicy.

You can customize the filling with different meats or spices. Some recipes add ketchup or honey to the sauce for extra flavor.

Serve these hearty rolls as a complete meal. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need an easy dinner option.

29. Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup is a tasty and comforting meal you can easily make in your crock pot. This hearty soup combines meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth.

To prepare, place meatballs, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in your slow cooker. Add broth and seasonings, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.

During the last hour, stir in small pasta like orzo or acini di pepe. Add some spinach or escarole for extra nutrients.

Serve your Italian Wedding Soup hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a complete meal that’s perfect for chilly days.

30. French Onion Chicken

French Onion Chicken is a tasty and simple crock pot meal. You’ll need chicken breasts, onions, onion soup mix, and beef broth.

Put the chicken in your crock pot. Add sliced onions on top. Sprinkle onion soup mix over everything. Pour in the beef broth.

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor.

For extra yumminess, add some cheese on top near the end of cooking. This dish goes great with mashed potatoes or rice.

31. Apricot-Glazed Pork Chops

You can make tasty apricot-glazed pork chops in your crock pot with just a few ingredients.

Place the pork chops in the slow cooker. Mix apricot jam, Russian dressing, and dry onion soup mix in a bowl.

Pour this mixture over the pork chops. Cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

The result is tender pork chops with a sweet and tangy glaze.

You can add mandarin oranges on top for extra flavor. Serve the pork chops over rice to soak up the delicious sauce. This easy dump dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ignoring Liquid Ratios

Pay attention to the amount of liquid you use in your dump dinners. Too much or too little can spoil your meal.

Too little liquid can cause your food to dry out or burn. Make sure there’s enough to cover the ingredients and create steam.

As a rule, add at least 1/2 cup of liquid for every pound of meat.

On the flip side, too much liquid can make your dish watery and bland. Crock Pots don’t allow much evaporation, so excess liquid won’t cook off.

If your recipe seems too wet, try removing the lid for the last hour of cooking to help thicken it up.

Foods like vegetables release liquid as they cook, so take this into account when adding extra broth or water to your recipes.