Dump dinners are exactly what they sound like: you dump ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, switch it on and come home to a hot, ready meal. They are perfect for busy families during cold winter weeks.
Here are 10 easy slow cooker dump dinners that need minimal prep and taste like you cooked all day.
Quick List: Top 10 Slow Cooker Dump Dinners for Busy Winter Nights
- Salsa Chicken
- Beef Chili
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- Pot Roast with Vegetables
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Vegetarian Lentil Curry
- Pulled Pork
- Minestrone Soup
- Beef Stroganoff
1. Salsa Chicken
Add chicken breasts, a jar of salsa, taco seasoning and a can of black beans. Cook on low for 6 hours, then shred.
Serve in tacos, burrito bowls or over rice.
Freezes well too.
2. Beef Chili
Add ground beef (browned if you have time), beans, diced tomatoes, onion and chili seasoning.
Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
Top with cheese and sour cream.
3. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Add chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning and broth. Stir in cream cheese and spinach at the end.
Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.
Restaurant flavor at home.
4. Pot Roast with Vegetables
Place chuck roast, potatoes, carrots and onions in the cooker with broth and onion soup mix.
Cook on low for 8 hours until fork-tender.
A Sunday classic any day of the week.
5. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Add chicken, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with chiles, broth and spices.
Shred chicken before serving and top with tortilla strips.
Warm and filling.
6. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Combine chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce, garlic and ketchup.
Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Serve with rice and steamed broccoli.
7. Vegetarian Lentil Curry
Add red lentils, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic and curry powder.
Cook on low for 6 hours.
Serve with rice or naan for a cozy meatless meal.
8. Pulled Pork
Rub pork shoulder with spices, add barbecue sauce and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, then shred.
Perfect for sandwiches and sliders.
9. Minestrone Soup
Add frozen mixed vegetables, beans, diced tomatoes, broth and Italian seasoning. Stir in small pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Top with Parmesan.
Healthy and budget-friendly.
10. Beef Stroganoff
Add beef stew meat, mushrooms, onion and broth. Stir in sour cream at the end.
Serve over egg noodles.
Classic comfort food.
Bonus Tip
Prep dump dinner freezer bags on the weekend. Label each bag with the recipe and cooking time, then thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put frozen chicken in a slow cooker?
Food safety experts generally recommend thawing meat before slow cooking so it reaches a safe temperature quickly.
How long do dump dinners take?
Most cook for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.
Can dump dinners be frozen?
Yes. Most can be assembled in freezer bags and stored for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker dump dinners take the stress out of winter weeknights. Spend ten minutes in the morning and come home to a warm, delicious meal. Try a new recipe each week and build your family’s favorite rotation.