15 Dump and Go Crockpot Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Life can get pretty hectic, and on those crazy busy days, the last thing you want to worry about is what’s for dinner. Enter dump-and-go crockpot dinners—the ultimate solution for anyone craving delicious, home-cooked meals without the fuss.

These recipes are designed to save you time and stress, allowing you to simply toss ingredients into your crockpot and let it work its magic. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just need a break from the kitchen, these effortless dinners will keep everyone happy and satisfied.

So, grab your crockpot, and let’s dive into a world of easy, mouthwatering meals that practically cook themselves!

1. Honey Garlic Chicken

This classic combination is a crowd-pleaser. Simply toss boneless, skinless chicken breasts with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a sweet and savory meal that goes perfectly with rice or noodles.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
3. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
5. Pour honey garlic mixture into the skillet with the chicken and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

Serve With: Steamed jasmine rice, Steamed broccoli

Drink With: Iced green tea, Light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

2. Italian Beef

Tender, flavorful beef roast cooks low and slow in a bath of Italian seasoning, beef broth, and vegetables. Serve on crusty bread for a hearty and comforting dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 jar pepperoncini peppers with juice
• 6 hoagie rolls

Instructions:

1. Season beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Place beef in a slow cooker and add beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, and pepperoncini peppers with juice.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until beef is tender.
4. Shred beef with two forks and serve on hoagie rolls with peppers and giardiniera.

Serve With: French fries, Coleslaw

Drink With: Red wine like Chianti, Cold beer

3. Salsa Verde Chicken

Spice things up with this vibrant dish. Chicken breasts simmer in a blend of tomatillos, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice, resulting in a tangy and flavorful meal. Serve with tortillas, rice, or your favorite toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup salsa verde
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Pour salsa verde and chicken broth over the chicken.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook until chicken is tender and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Serve With: Mexican rice, Refried beans

Drink With: Margarita, Mexican beer like Corona

4. Creamy Ranch Pork Chops

Pork chops become incredibly tender and juicy when cooked in a creamy ranch dressing mixture. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown pork chops on both sides.
3. Remove pork chops and set aside.
4. Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine.
5. Return pork chops to the skillet and simmer until the sauce thickens and pork chops are cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Serve hot.

Serve With: Mashed potatoes, Green beans

Drink With: Chardonnay, Iced tea

5. Vegetarian Chili

This hearty chili is packed with beans, vegetables, and spices for a satisfying and protein-rich meal. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt and shredded cheese for extra flavor and creaminess.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Stir in beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Serve With: Cornbread, Avocado slices

Drink With: Iced tea, Light beer

6. Potato Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of this creamy potato soup. Simply throw in potatoes, broth, milk, cream cheese, and seasonings for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for chilly days.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add potatoes and chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Use a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot, topped with crumbled bacon.

Serve With: Crusty bread, Green salad

Drink With: White wine like Pinot Grigio, Sparkling water

7. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

These vegetarian tacos are bursting with flavor. Sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and spices simmer together for a delicious filling that can be served on soft tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small tortillas
• Toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, until tender.
4. In a skillet, heat black beans until warm.
5. Assemble tacos with sweet potatoes, black beans, and desired toppings.

Serve With: Mexican rice, Corn salad

Drink With: Agua fresca, Light beer

8. Lemon Garlic Salmon

Salmon cooks beautifully in the slow cooker, resulting in moist and flavorful fish. This recipe uses a simple lemon garlic marinade that infuses the salmon with a bright and zesty flavor.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with foil.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon slices.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until salmon is cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Serve With: Steamed asparagus, Quinoa

Drink With: White wine like Chardonnay, Sparkling water

9. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a spicy broth, topped with crunchy tortilla strips.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add chicken, tomatoes, beans, corn, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Serve hot with tortilla strips and your favorite toppings.

Serve With: Tortilla chips, Guacamole

Drink With: Mexican beer, Limeade

10. Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables

This healthy and flavorful dish features chicken breasts cooked with a medley of vegetables in a balsamic glaze. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet and drizzle with balsamic mixture.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot.

Serve With: Brown rice, Mixed greens salad

Drink With: Red wine like Merlot, Lemon water

11. Pulled Pork

Slow cooked pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be used for sandwiches, tacos, or served on its own. This recipe is incredibly easy – just throw everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season pork with salt, pepper, brown sugar, and paprika.
2. Place pork and onion in a slow cooker.
3. Pour barbecue sauce and chicken broth over the pork.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until pork is tender.
5. Shred pork with two forks and mix with the sauce.
6. Serve on buns with extra barbecue sauce.

Serve With: Coleslaw, Corn on the cob

Drink With: Iced tea, Craft beer

12. Chicken Curry

This fragrant and flavorful curry is a cinch to make in the slow cooker. Chicken simmers with coconut milk, curry powder, and vegetables for a warm and comforting meal that’s perfect served over rice.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
3. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Serve With: Basmati rice, Naan bread

Drink With: Mango lassi, Cold beer

13. Beef Stew

This classic comfort food is perfect for a cold winter night. Beef chunks, vegetables, and potatoes simmer together in a rich and flavorful broth for a hearty and satisfying stew.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown beef stew meat in batches.
2. Remove beef and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Add beef, potatoes, carrots, beef broth, and red wine.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5-2 hours, until beef is tender.
7. Serve hot.

Serve With: Crusty bread, Green salad

Drink With: Red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling water

14. Apple Butter Pork Loin

This sweet and savory dish features pork loin cooked with apple cider, brown sugar, and spices. The result is a tender and flavorful pork roast that’s perfect for a special occasion.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pork loin (about 2 pounds)
• 1 cup apple butter
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season pork loin with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix apple butter, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
4. Place pork loin in a baking dish and brush with apple butter mixture.
5. Roast for 1 hour, until pork is cooked through and glaze is caramelized.
6. Garnish with fresh rosemary and serve.

Serve With: Mashed potatoes, Green beans

Drink With: Apple cider, White wine like Riesling

15. Vegetarian Lentil Soup

This hearty and protein-rich soup is packed with lentils, vegetables, and spices. It’s a healthy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add carrots and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Stir in lentils, tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, until lentils are tender.
5. Serve hot.

Serve With: Crusty bread, Mixed greens salad

Drink With: Herbal tea, Light white wine like Pinot Grigio

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