Slow Cooker Dump Dinners
Easy, cozy slow cooker dump dinners that require minimal prep and deliver comforting, flavorful meals perfect for busy days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- Ground beef or turkey
- Canned beans (black beans, chickpeas)
- Lentils
- Onion (diced or sliced)
- Carrots (sliced or chopped)
- Bell peppers
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Potatoes (diced)
- Chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- Canned tomato sauce
- Cream soups (cream of mushroom or cream of chicken)
- Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
- Garlic (minced or powder)
- Dried herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary)
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Cream cheese
- Optional: Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Optional: Frozen corn or peas
- Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
Instructions
- Wash and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Dice onions and carrots, slice bell peppers, and cube potatoes if using. Trim and cut protein into chunks or strips as needed.
- Layer the slow cooker starting with firm vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom, then add protein, followed by softer vegetables like bell peppers and onions.
- Pour in broth, canned tomatoes or sauces, and sprinkle seasonings evenly over the top.
- Optionally stir gently to combine ingredients evenly, or leave undisturbed for dump-and-go ease.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in any dairy add-ins like cream cheese or shredded cheese to melt smoothly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Layer ingredients by cooking time for best texture. Browning meat before slow cooking is optional but adds flavor. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature. Adjust liquid amounts to prevent watery dishes. Use cornstarch slurry to thicken sauces if needed. Recipes can be prepped the night before and refrigerated. Frozen vegetables can be used but add quick-cooking ones later in the process.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 35045
- Sugar: 58
- Sodium: 400600
- Fat: 1218
- Saturated Fat: 47
- Carbohydrates: 2535
- Fiber: 58
- Protein: 2535
Keywords: slow cooker, dump dinners, easy recipes, comfort food, cozy meals, one pot, crock-pot, simple ingredients, family dinner