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Home » Dinner

30 Slow Cooker Dump Dinners That Make You Look Like a Genius

Published: Oct 6, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

A slow cooker is the ultimate kitchen tool when you want a great dinner without spending hours cooking. These dump dinners are easy and hassle-free—you just toss in the ingredients, turn it on, and go about your day. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something homemade without a lot of work. By the time you're ready to eat, you’ll have something that feels like you put way more effort into it than you actually did. And that’s what makes you look like a genius!

Close-up image of slow cooker ranch chicken in a bowl.
Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spaghetti Squash

A halved spaghetti squash on a plate with a fork scooping out the stringy, cooked flesh.
Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This slow cooker spaghetti squash is an effortless method to prepare a healthy vegetable. Just set it and forget it, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash

Honey Lemon Chicken

A cooked chicken thigh next to roasted asparagus and baby potatoes on a white plate.
Honey Lemon Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Honey lemon chicken in the slow cooker simplifies meal prep with only 10 minutes of active time. This versatile dish serves as a flavorful main course, allowing you to create a great meal with minimal effort in the fall.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lemon Chicken

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole withg a spoon in a red bowl.
Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cooking a chicken enchilada casserole in the slow cooker is the best approach for maximum flavor. This easy recipe utilizes chicken breasts and common pantry staples, making it a smart choice for a hassle-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Pot Roast

Roast beef, potatoes, and carrots in a bowl.
Pot Roast. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

A tender chuck roast slow-cooked in beef broth and spices results in a mouthwatering pot roast that’s a family favorite. With minimal prep in the morning, you can enjoy hearty flavors by dinnertime, making it a practical meal option.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast

Ranch Chicken

Close-up image of slow cooker ranch chicken in a bowl.
Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow-cooker ranch chicken combines straightforward ingredients for a flavorful, comforting dish. This recipe makes busy fall evenings a breeze, ensuring you have a hearty meal with very little work involved.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Chicken

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Butternut squash and apple soup cooked in a slow cooker is perfect for crisp autumn days. This simple recipe allows you to prepare a cozy soup without spending too much time in the kitchen, making it great for fall meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup

Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken in a bowl served over rice.
Honey Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skip the takeout and whip up honey garlic chicken in your slow cooker instead. With a sticky sauce and pineapple chunks, this easy recipe becomes a family favorite while keeping your kitchen stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken

Pulled Pork

A bowl of Pulled Pork.
Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow cooker pulled pork is a great choice for a variety of meals, delivering tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. This recipe makes it simple to enjoy delicious pulled pork any night of the week without a hassle.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

Kabocha Squash Chili

A bowl of kabocha squash chili.
Kabocha Squash Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Kabocha squash chili is a hearty vegetarian option perfect for fall. This comforting dish highlights seasonal flavors and is easy to prepare, making it a great fit for your meal prep lineup.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili

BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Close-up image of bbq grape jelly meatballs.
BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

BBQ grape jelly meatballs are not just an appetizer; they shine as a full meal! Their savory, sweet sauce makes them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering, ensuring you look like a genius at your next party.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Grape Jelly Meatballs

Birria de Res

Top view of 2 bowls of slow cooker birria de res on a wooden table.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mexican beef stew slowly simmers with bold chili flavors, creating a comforting dish for fall. This easy recipe simplifies your meal prep, delivering a rich dinner that requires little work.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These BBQ chicken legs are effortless to prepare in the slow cooker. Coated in tangy barbecue sauce, these juicy drumsticks make for a flavorful dinner with hardly any prep time.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Legs

Hearty Pumpkin Chili

A bowl of chili topped with avocado and peppers.
Hearty Pumpkin Chili. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Hearty pumpkin chili encapsulates the flavors of fall in a bold dish that’s also easy to make. This slow cooker recipe allows you to prepare a comforting meal without extensive effort.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Pumpkin Chili

Zuppa Toscana

A Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana with potatoes and kale.
Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Slow cooker Zuppa Toscana features a blend of potatoes, sausage, kale, and bacon in a rich broth. This recipe provides a comforting meal that requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for cooler days.
Get the Recipe: Zuppa Toscana

BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Carrot Slaw

Close-up image of slow cooker bbq apple plled pork sandwich with apple carrot slaw.
BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Carrot Slaw. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

BBQ apple pulled pork sandwiches are an easy option that incorporates sweet apple carrot raisin slaw. This recipe streamlines dinner prep for fall, ensuring you can create a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Apple Carrot Slaw

Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

A white baking dish with chicken drumsticks layered inside and honey mustard sauce on top.
Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Chicken drumsticks cooked in a slow cooker with honey mustard sauce make for an easy weeknight dinner. This recipe provides flavorful results with minimal effort, making it perfect for both casual evenings and dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Drumsticks

Beef Carnitas

Overhead image of slow cooker beef carnitas with a tongs in a pan.
Beef Carnitas. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Beef carnitas cooked in the slow cooker offer a simple way to create weeknight meals. For an added touch, broil the dish at the end for a crispy finish, making meal prep efficient and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Beef Carnitas

Lasagna Soup

A bowl of Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.
Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker lasagna soup brings the flavors of traditional lasagna into a convenient, hearty soup. It’s a fantastic choice for fall meal prep, allowing you to serve up a comforting Italian-inspired dish without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Soup

Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken on a plate with rice and sauce.
Cheesy Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Cheesy salsa chicken in the crockpot is a quick and flavorful dinner option. This recipe is perfect for busy fall evenings, providing an easy way to feed a crowd with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Split Pea Soup

Top view of slow cooker split pea soup with a spoon on a plate.
Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Split pea soup in the slow cooker is a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for all cooks. Simply prep your ingredients and let them simmer all day for a comforting meal that requires very little attention.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea Soup

Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Country-style ribs are effortless to make in the slow cooker and yield mouthwatering results. Peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce create a tasty dish that makes meal prep easy.
Get the Recipe: Country Style Ribs

Green Chili Chicken

Three chicken tacos topped with cilantro, avocado and red onions on a wooden cutting board.
Green Chili Chicken. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Green chili chicken in the crockpot delivers tender chicken infused with bold seasonings. With just a few steps, this recipe simplifies your meal prep, providing a flavorful dish with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Green Chili Chicken

Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot.
Sweet Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet Hawaiian chicken features a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors in a simple recipe. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish requires minimal prep while ensuring a meal the whole family will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

Beef Barbacoa

Top view of keto beef barbacoa in a square pan.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Beef barbacoa in the slow cooker serves up tender meat infused with bold flavors. This recipe is an excellent choice for making you look like a genius, offering a hearty meal with little effort involved.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup with a spoon.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Taco soup cooked in the crockpot offers a quick and easy way to prepare a beef dinner. With just 20 minutes of prep, this comforting soup is a fantastic choice for fall meal prep when you need something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tomato lime chicken in the slow cooker combines bright flavors for a refreshing meal. This recipe provides an easy dinner option for fall, allowing you to enjoy a light yet fulfilling dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Easy Salsa Chicken

Slow cooker salsa chicken with rice and beans on a plate.
Easy Salsa Chicken. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Salsa chicken transforms simple ingredients into a versatile dish suitable for tacos, wraps, or salads. This recipe makes meal prep a breeze, ensuring a flavorful option with very little work.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salsa Chicken

Little Smokies

Crock pot little smokies on a spoon over the slow cooker.
Little Smokies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Little Smokies in the crockpot are a fantastic appetizer for your next gathering. This easy recipe makes it simple to whip up a popular dish that your guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Little Smokies

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Close-up image of slow cooker chicken in a black plate.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Slow cooker chicken with gravy is perfect for those cool fall evenings. This easy-to-make dish guarantees a comforting meal ready with minimal prep, allowing you to focus on enjoying your evening.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken

Thai Chicken Curry

Thai chicken curry in a white bamboo bowl with a coconut and other fresh ingredients around it on a slate table.
Thai Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Food Fun & Faraway Places.

Thai chicken curry in the slow cooker offers vibrant flavors with ease. This recipe allows you to prepare a homemade curry without much effort, making it a fantastic choice for a fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

More Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

A bowl of Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cozy up with 21 slow cooker soups! They're easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for chilly fall days when comfort is key.
Read it Here: 21 Slow Cooker Soups That'll Keep You Warm and Cozy All Fall

One-Pot Fall Dinners

Cabbage vegetable soup in a white pot.
Cabbage Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Warm up with 31 easy one-pot fall dinners! Perfect for chilly evenings, they offer maximum flavor and minimal cleanup for busy nights.
Read it Here: 31 One-Pot Fall Dinners That Will Warm You Up FasterThan Your Favorite Sweater

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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