What Are Dump-and-Go Crockpot Meals?
Dump and go crockpot meals are exactly what they sound like: recipes where you simply dump all ingredients into your slow cooker, turn it on, and go about your day. No pre-cooking, no browning, no sautéing—just layer your ingredients and let the crockpot work its magic.
Why You’ll Love Them
- Time-saving: Most recipes require less than 10 minutes of prep time
- Minimal cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes to wash
- Stress-free cooking: Perfect for busy professionals, parents, and anyone who wants delicious home-cooked meals without the fuss
- Great for meal prep: Many recipes can be prepped ahead and frozen
Best Slow Cooker Practices
- Liquid ratios: For most recipes, your ingredients should be covered about halfway with liquid
- Fill level: Keep your slow cooker between 1/2 and 3/4 full for optimal cooking
- Timing matters: Low setting typically takes twice as long as high, but results in more tender meats
- Leave the lid on: Each time you peek, you add 15-20 minutes to cooking time
15 Easy Dump and Go Crockpot Recipes
Breakfast & Brunch
1. Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut into quarters (save the icing)
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
Lightly grease your slow cooker. Place quartered cinnamon rolls in the bottom. Whisk together eggs, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then pour over rolls. Cook on low for 4 hours or until center is set. Drizzle with reserved icing before serving.
Cook time: 4 hours on low Serves: 6-8
2. Sausage & Egg Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled (uncooked)
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen shredded hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
Layer half the hash browns in your greased slow cooker, followed by half the sausage and half the cheese. Repeat layers. Whisk eggs, milk, and seasonings, then pour over layers. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until eggs are set.
Cook time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high Serves: 8-10
Hearty Soups & Stews
3. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (add during last 30 minutes)
Toppings: Tortilla strips, avocado, sour cream, lime wedges, cilantro
Instructions:
Add all ingredients except cream cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot. Add cream cheese and cook an additional 30 minutes until melted. Stir well before serving with toppings.
Cook time: 6-8 hours on low Serves: 8
4. Beef & Barley Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3/4 cup pearled barley (uncooked)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in your slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Cook time: 8 hours on low, 4-5 hours on high Serves: 6-8
Family-Friendly Dinners
5. Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for later)
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Place veggies at the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay chicken on top. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar, then pour over chicken. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Remove chicken and vegetables. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, add to sauce, and cook on high for 10 minutes until thickened. Pour over chicken and veggies.
Cook time: 6 hours on low, 3 hours on high Serves: 4-6
6. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 4-5 pound pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups BBQ sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Hamburger buns and coleslaw for serving
Instructions:
Place onion slices in bottom of slow cooker. Mix 1 cup BBQ sauce with broth, brown sugar, vinegar, and seasonings. Place pork on top of onions and pour sauce mixture over. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until fork-tender. Shred pork, discard excess fat, and mix with additional 1 cup BBQ sauce. Serve on buns with coleslaw.
Cook time: 8-10 hours on low Serves: 10-12
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
7. Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry (Vegan)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups red lentils, rinsed
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients except cilantro and lime in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Cook time: 6 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high Serves: 6
8. Three-Bean Chili (Vegan)
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings: avocado, dairy-free sour cream, tortilla chips
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and stir well. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with your favorite toppings.
Cook time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high Serves: 8
Comfort Food Classics
9. Cheesy Potato & Ham Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper. Layer 1/3 of potatoes in greased slow cooker, followed by 1/3 of ham, onions, cheese, and sauce. Repeat layers twice. Top with butter pieces. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
Cook time: 6-7 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high Serves: 6-8
10. Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
- 4 cups shredded cheese (mix of sharp cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. Add macaroni, milks, butter, 3 cups of the cheese mix, and all seasonings. Stir well. Cook on low for 1.5-2 hours, stirring halfway through. When done, stir in remaining 1 cup cheese mix and Parmesan until melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Cook time: 1.5-2 hours on low Serves: 8
Global Flavors
11. Thai Peanut Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Garnish: chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges
- Serve with: cooked rice or rice noodles
Instructions:
Place chicken, bell pepper, and onion in slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Shred chicken before serving over rice or noodles. Garnish with peanuts, cilantro, and lime.
Cook time: 6 hours on low, 3 hours on high Serves: 6
12. Italian Beef Ragu
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine (or beef broth)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Serve with: pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes
- Garnish: grated Parmesan, fresh basil
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours. Remove beef, shred with two forks, then return to sauce. Remove bay leaves. Serve over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
Cook time: 8-10 hours on low, 5-6 hours on high Serves: 8-10
Desserts
13. Apple Dump Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Grease slow cooker. Spread apple pie filling evenly on bottom. In a bowl, mix cake mix with cinnamon and nutmeg, then sprinkle over apples. Pour melted butter evenly over cake mix. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4 hours until edges are golden and center is set. Serve warm with ice cream.
Cook time: 2-3 hours on high, 4 hours on low Serves: 8
14. Chocolate Lava Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups sour cream
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1.5 cups chocolate chips, divided
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Grease slow cooker. In a bowl, mix cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, eggs, oil, and water until well combined. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips. Pour batter into slow cooker. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips on top. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Center will be gooey while edges are cake-like. Serve warm with ice cream.
Cook time: 3-4 hours on low Serves: 8-10
15. Cranberry Orange Breakfast Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1.5 cups fresh cranberries (or 1 cup dried)
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
Line slow cooker with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. In a bowl, whisk together dry ingredients and orange zest. In another bowl, mix orange juice, eggs, and butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries. Pour into slow cooker. Cook on high for 2 hours or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cook time: 2 hours on high Serves: 8
Tips for Perfect Dump and Go Meals
Best Meats for Slow Cooking
- Chicken thighs outperform breasts in slow cookers—they stay moist and tender
- Chuck roast, brisket, and pork shoulder become fall-apart tender with long cooking
- Avoid lean cuts like pork loin or sirloin, which can dry out
Layering Order for Even Cooking
- Root vegetables go on the bottom (they take longest to cook)
- Meats go in the middle
- Quick-cooking vegetables go on top
- Dairy products should be added in the last 30-60 minutes
How to Avoid Mushy Veggies
- Cut vegetables into larger chunks (1-2 inches)
- Add delicate vegetables like peas, spinach, or zucchini in the last 30 minutes
- Consider using frozen vegetables, which hold up better than fresh
Adjusting Flavors Before Serving
- Add fresh herbs in the last 10-15 minutes
- A splash of vinegar or lemon juice brightens flavors
- Taste and adjust salt levels at the end (flavors concentrate during long cooking)
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
Freezer-Friendly Dump Meals
The best recipes for batch cooking and freezing:
- Beef & Barley Stew
- BBQ Pulled Pork
- Three-Bean Chili
- Thai Peanut Chicken
- Italian Beef Ragu
Freezer Prep Instructions: Combine all ingredients except liquid in a labeled freezer bag. Lay flat to freeze. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking, then add required liquid and cook as directed.
How to Store & Reheat for Best Texture
- Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days in the refrigerator
- For soups and stews, reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth
- For casseroles, add a bit of liquid before reheating to prevent drying
- Add fresh garnishes after reheating to brighten flavors
Portioning for Lunches
- Invest in glass containers with dividers for complete meals
- Freeze individual portions in silicone muffin cups for easy single servings
- Pack toppings and garnishes separately to maintain texture
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overfilling the Slow Cooker
- Never fill beyond 3/4 full
- Overfilling leads to uneven cooking and potential safety issues
Adding Dairy Too Early
- Milk, cream, sour cream, and cheese can curdle during long cooking times
- Add dairy products in the last 30-60 minutes of cooking time
Not Enough (or Too Much) Liquid
- Too little: food may burn or cook unevenly
- Too much: results in thin, watery dishes
- General rule: liquid should cover ingredients halfway
Conclusion
With these 15 dump and go crockpot meals, dinner just got a whole lot easier! From hearty soups to family-friendly dinners and even desserts, your slow cooker can handle it all with minimal effort from you. No more last-minute stress—just set it, forget it, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal at the end of your busy day.
Which recipe will you try first? Start with something that fits your family’s taste preferences or your schedule for the week. The beauty of these recipes is their flexibility—once you master the basics, feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients and flavors.
