55 Dump Dinners for Your Slow Cooker (2024)

Home Gear Appliances Slow Cooker

Updated: Mar. 19, 2024

Even on crazy days, you can make Crockpot dump dinners happen fast! In the morning, just throw everything in your slow cooker—no browning, no sauteing, no searing.

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Why dirty more dishes than you have to? Each of these dump dinners lets you toss everything into a slow cooker so you only have one thing to clean after dinner. Here are the recipes featured in this video:

• Flavorful Pot Roast
• Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas
• Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
• Huli Huli Chicken Thighs
• Sweet Potato Lentil Stew

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Slow Cooker Fajitas

I love fajitas like they serve in Mexican restaurants, but when I prepared them at home, the meat was always chewy. Then I made these slow cooker fajitas, and my husband and I savored every last bite. Fresh cilantro gives these fajitas the extra punch that makes them taste truly authentic. —Katie Urso, Seneca, Illinois

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Turkey Leg Pot Roast

Well-seasoned turkey legs and tender veggies make an ideal dinner for a crisp fall day. And the recipe couldn't be easier! —Rick and Vegas Pearson, Cadillac, Michigan

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Garden Chicken Cacciatore

Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan

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Slow-Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

“Foolproof” is a perfect way to describe my barbecue pork recipe. With just four ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make these fabulous sandwiches with very little effort. —Sarah Johnson, Chicago, Illinois

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Slow-Cooker Asian Short Ribs

My slow cooker is my best friend. I use it at least three times a week. This Asian short ribs recipe is one of my favorites. The sauce can be used for other cuts of meat, too. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio

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If you love scalloped potatoes, this downsized version with tender chunks of ham is just for you. The cozy, comforting entree comes courtesy of Wendy Rowley from Green River, Wyoming.

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Slow-Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

What's not to love about classic Tater Tot casserole—especially when it's made in the slow cooker? You'll want to add this family-pleasing potluck favorite to your regular rotation. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

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Italian Shredded Pork Stew

Need a warm meal for a chilly night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew that’s brightened with fresh sweet potatoes, kale and Italian seasoning. The shredded pork is so tender, you’re going to want to make this dish all season long. —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin

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Slow-Cooker Mongolian Beef

This slow-cooker Mongolian beef uses inexpensive ingredients to offer big flavor in a small amount of time. It's easier than getting takeout! Set your Crock-Pot on high for two to three hours to whip it up even quicker. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches

My kids often ask for chicken sloppy joes, and this version has a bonus of sweet pineapple. It is a perfect recipe to double for a potluck. Try topping the sandwiches with smoked Gouda cheese. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Slow-Cooker Jambalaya Risotto

I love risotto, but I don't always love the time and stirring it takes to get the creamy goodness. I found a slow-cooker risotto recipe and thought it was too good to be true. I decided to adapt a jambalaya recipe for this dish. —Angela Westra, Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Slow-Cooker Flank Steak Fajitas

As a busy teacher, I think it's so nice to come home to a warm meal after a day in the classroom. I'm not the only one who thinks so: These slow-cooker flank steak fajitas go fast at potlucks, too. —Mary Holmgren, Mackinaw, Illinois

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Za'atar Chicken

It's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it's gone to the last bite. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York

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Slow-Cooker Cubano Sandwiches

This recipe came about because I didn't have pepperoncini for my usual Italian pork recipe so I used pickles instead. It reminded me so much of a Cuban sandwich that I added the ham and Swiss cheese to complete the dish. Instead of adding cheese to the slow cooker, you can also build the sandwiches and top with sliced cheese. Place under the broiler to melt. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland

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Easy Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin

I find that simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Simple, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky

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Slow Cooker Jerked Short Ribs

Sweet and spicy jerk seasonings give these saucy ribs an unforgettable taste! They're great in the summer because they don't heat up the kitchen. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

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Green Chili Chops with Sweet Potatoes

It takes only a few minutes to combine the ingredients in a slow cooker, and you'll have a filling, healthy dinner waiting for you at the end of the day. We like to serve it with fresh-baked garlic bread. —Marina Ashworth, Denver, Colorado

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Sweet and Spicy Peanut Chicken

Chicken thighs and a slow cooker— that's a marriage made in culinary heaven! Juicy and flavorful, this simple dish will make you swoon when you return home and find it ready. The filling is also excellent in lettuce wraps. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

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Slow-Cooker Beef with Red Sauce

A homemade rub spices up this tender beef; vinegar and gingersnaps add depth to the sauce. You can substitute graham crackers for the cookies. —Laurie Tietze, Longview, Texas

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Sweet Orange Chicken

This orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get together!—Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia

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Mushroom Pork Ragout

Savory slow-cooked pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It’s a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware

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Chicken Chop Suey with a Twist

If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a great way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty and traditional, and easy, too!

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Slow-Cooker Tropical Pork Chops

Pork and fruit go so nicely together and when you add fresh herbs, you get this fresh, light and bright main dish that everyone loves. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri

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Slow-Cooker Mushroom Beef Stroganoff

I love to make this for my husband and myself to have on a cold night. It warms us right up! Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream. —Meg Hilton, Atlanta, Georgia

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Slow-Cooked Mesquite Ribs

When we're missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They're so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan

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Creamy Bratwurst Stew

A rich sauce coats this hearty combination of potatoes, carrots and bratwurst chunks. I adapted a baked stew recipe that appeared in a newspaper. This is so comforting on cold winter evenings. —Susan Holmes, Germantown, Wisconsin

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Slow-Cooker Caribbean Moo Shu Chicken

A tropical twist on a takeout favorite, this slow-cooker creation is simple, satisfying and destined to become a new family favorite! —Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina

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Sweet and Tangy Chicken

Spicy barbecue sauce blends with sweet pineapple in this quick-to-fix chicken dish. It's tasty enough for a company dinner; just add a salad and rolls. —Mary Zawlocki, Gig Harbor, Washington

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Shrimp Marinara

Flavorful marinara sauce simmers for just a few hours. Right before mealtime, toss in the shrimp to cook quickly. Serve over hot spaghetti for a delicious weeknight dish that feels dressed up. —Sue Mackey, Jackson, Wisconsin

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Steak Burritos

Slowly simmered all day, the beef in this steak burrito recipe is tender and a snap to shred. Just fill flour tortillas and add toppings for a tasty meal. —Valerie Jones, Portland, Maine

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We created a satisfying stew that’s nutritious, loaded with flavor and family-friendly. Slowly simmer chicken thighs with stewed tomatoes, butternut squash, green peppers and onion for meal-in-one convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Pineapple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

My husband doesn't think it is a meal without meat. I prefer something lighter, so this recipe satisfies us both. You can also roast this in the oven if you're short on time. —Tracy Dalin, Gooding, Idaho

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Green Chile Chicken Chili

The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas

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Shredded French Dip

A chuck roast slow-simmered in a beefy broth is delicious when shredded and spooned onto rolls. I serve the cooking juices in individual cups for dipping. —Carla Kimball, Callaway, Nebraska

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Shredded Chicken Gyros

Our family always has such a wonderful time at the annual Salt Lake City Greek Festival. One of my favorite parts is all the awesome food. This meal is a good way to mix up our menu, and my kids are big fans. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah

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Red Bean Vegetable Soup

Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas

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Potato Chowder

One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana

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We always make these wraps at our family's annual party, and they're a true favorite. The cabbage and cilantro give them tempting texture and flavor. —Andrew DeVito, Hartford, Connecticut

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My husband and I are crazy for the squash we grow in our garden. For a sweet and tangy dish, we slow-cook it with pork chops and orange juice. —Mary Johnson, Coloma, Wisconsin

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This hearty and healthy stew will warm your family right down to their toes! Serve with cornbread or rolls to soak up every last morsel. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

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Green Chile Shredded Pork

Pork green chili made in the slow cooker always makes my hungry family happy. Getting creative with the leftovers is part of the fun. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma

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Stephanie’s Slow-Cooker Stew

Start this warming one-pot meal before you head out for the day. By the time you get home, the well-seasoned meat will be tender and mouthwatering. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schapp, Cincinnati, Ohio

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Seafood Cioppino

If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire

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Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos

Our fun, simple recipe is perfect for taco Tuesdays or a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho

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Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice

As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

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Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches

Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada

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Carne Guisada

While living away from Texas for a while, my boyfriend and I grew homesick for the spicy flavors of home. We've made this recipe a few times now, and it goes really well with homemade flour tortillas. We love it over rice, too. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas

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Mexican Shredded Beef Wraps

The first time I served these wrap sandwiches was at the party following my son’s baptism. Everyone liked them so much that it’s become one of my go-to slow-cooker recipes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Originally Published: January 05, 2022