Tiffany Welcome to our guide on 16 easy slow cooker dump and go dinners that will revolutionize your meal prep routine! Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or simply someone who loves the convenience of slow cooker meals, these recipes are perfect for you. With minimal effort and prep time, you can create delicious and satisfying dinners that will have your whole family asking for seconds. From hearty stews to flavorful curries, the slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day. Say goodbye to stressful evenings spent in the kitchen and hello to effortless and delicious meals that practically cook themselves. Let’s dive into these 16 dump-and-go dinner ideas and simplify your weeknight cooking!
1. Beef Stew
Beef stew is a timeless comfort food that’s perfect for cozy evenings at home. With just a few basic ingredients like beef chunks, potatoes, carrots, onions, and broth, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to warm you from the inside out. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker, set it on low, and let the magic happen as the flavors meld together over several hours of gentle simmering.
2. Chicken Tacos
For a crowd-pleasing dinner that practically prepares itself, try making chicken tacos in the slow cooker. Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with your favorite taco seasoning, then add salsa, diced tomatoes, and a splash of chicken broth. Let the chicken cook low and slow until it’s tender and easy to shred. Serve the flavorful chicken in taco shells or tortillas with your choice of toppings for a customizable and delicious meal.
3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork sandwiches are a barbecue favorite that can be effortlessly made in the slow cooker. Start with a pork shoulder or butt, season it with your preferred spice rub, and add a generous amount of barbecue sauce. Let the pork cook on low for several hours until it’s fall-apart tender. Serve the juicy pulled pork on sandwich buns with additional barbecue sauce and coleslaw for a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to satisfy.
4. Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a nutritious and comforting option for busy weeknights. Load your slow cooker with an assortment of chopped vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. Add vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, and your favorite herbs and spices. Let the soup simmer away until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
5. Chili
Chili is a hearty and versatile dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. Brown ground beef or turkey in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and other seasonings. Let the chili simmer on low until it’s thick and flavorful. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions for a classic chili experience.
6. Pot Roast
Pot roast is a classic Sunday dinner that’s made simple with the slow cooker. Sear a chuck roast until browned on all sides, then place it in the slow cooker with carrots, potatoes, onions, and beef broth. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce and your favorite herbs for extra flavor. Let the pot roast cook low and slow until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft and savory.
7. Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese without the hassle of constant stirring. Cook macaroni noodles until al dente, then combine them with shredded cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Let the mixture cook on low until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your comfort food cravings.
8. Beef and Broccoli
Enjoy the flavors of your favorite takeout dish with minimal effort by making beef and broccoli in the slow cooker. Slice flank steak or sirloin thinly and add it to the slow cooker along with broccoli florets, sliced onions, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Let the savory-sweet mixture simmer until the beef is tender and the broccoli is crisp-tender. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
9. Chicken Curry
Transport your taste buds to India with flavorful and aromatic chicken curry made in the slow cooker. Season chicken thighs with curry powder, turmeric, ginger, and garlic, then add them to the slow cooker with coconut milk, diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Let the curry cook until the chicken is tender and infused with the rich flavors of the spices and aromatics. Serve over rice for a comforting and exotic meal.
10. Italian Meatball Soup
Warm up on chilly evenings with a bowl of hearty Italian meatball soup made in the slow cooker. Form homemade meatballs with ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the slow cooker with diced tomatoes, broth, carrots, celery, onions, and pasta. Let the soup simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the pasta is tender. Garnish with fresh herbs and grated cheese for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
11. Teriyaki Chicken
Satisfy your craving for Asian-inspired flavors with tender and juicy teriyaki chicken made in the slow cooker. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the slow cooker with a homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Let the chicken cook until it’s flavorful and falls apart easily. Serve over rice with steamed vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
12. Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a nutritious and budget-friendly option for meatless meals. Combine dried lentils with chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, in the slow cooker along with broth and spices. Let the soup simmer until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together. This comforting and satisfying soup is perfect for lunch or dinner, and leftovers can be frozen for future meals.
13. BBQ Chicken Wings
Treat yourself to tender and flavorful BBQ chicken wings without the need for a grill. Season chicken wings with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then add them to the slow cooker with your favorite barbecue sauce. Let the wings cook until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender and coated in a sticky, caramelized sauce. Serve as an appetizer, snack, or main dish for a finger-licking good meal that’s sure to please a crowd.
14. Sausage and Peppers
Transport yourself to the streets of Italy with savory and aromatic sausage and peppers made in the slow cooker. Slice Italian sausage and add it to the slow cooker with bell peppers, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the flavors meld together until the sausage is cooked through and the peppers are tender. Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
15. Vegetable Curry
Embrace the flavors of India with vibrant and aromatic vegetable curry made in the slow cooker. Combine an assortment of vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, and peas, with diced tomatoes, coconut milk, curry powder, and spices in the slow cooker. Let the curry simmer until the vegetables are tender and infused with the rich flavors of the spices and coconut milk. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a delicious and wholesome meal that’s perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
16. Pork Carnitas
Transport yourself to the streets of Mexico with flavorful and tender pork carnitas made in the slow cooker. Season pork shoulder with a blend of spices, garlic, and citrus juice, then add it to the slow cooker with onions and peppers. Let the pork cook until it’s fall-apart tender and infused with the flavors of the spices and aromatics. Serve the carnitas in tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, slow cooker dump-and-go dinners offer a convenient and delicious solution for busy individuals and families. With minimal prep time and effort, you can enjoy flavorful and satisfying meals without the stress of traditional cooking methods. Whether you’re craving comfort food classics like beef stew and macaroni and cheese or exploring international flavors with dishes like chicken curry and vegetable curry, the slow cooker has you covered? Incorporate these easy recipes into your meal rotation and simplify your weeknight cooking routine while still enjoying homemade meals that everyone will love.
FAQs
FAQ 1: Can I leave my slow cooker unattended?
Yes, slow cookers are designed to be left unattended while cooking. However, it’s important to follow safety guidelines and ensure that your slow cooker is in good working condition. Avoid overfilling the slow cooker and never leave it running for extended periods without supervision. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
FAQ 2: Can I use frozen ingredients in my slow cooker recipes?
While it’s generally safe to use frozen ingredients in slow cooker recipes, it’s recommended to thaw them first for optimal results. Thawing frozen ingredients helps ensure even cooking and prevents the slow cooker from taking too long to reach a safe temperature. However, if you’re short on time, you can add frozen ingredients directly to the slow cooker, but be aware that it may increase the cooking time.