21 Simple Crockpot Dump Meals You’ll Actually Make

Let’s be real. After a long day, the last thing you want to do is stand over a stove, juggling five different pans while trying to remember if you added salt. You want something delicious, something that feels like a hug in a bowl, but you don’t have the energy for a culinary masterpiece.

Enter your Crockpot. That trusty kitchen workhorse that does all the heavy lifting while you’re out… well, adulting.

This isn’t a list of fancy, complicated recipes with 25 obscure ingredients. This is your new go-to guide for “dump meals.” You literally dump a handful of ingredients into the pot, hit a button, and walk away. It’s the culinary equivalent of putting something on autopilot. I live for these recipes, and after you try them, you will too. So, grab that glass of wine, and let’s get into the easiest, most delicious meal prep of your life.

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Bliss

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → Sticky, sweet, and savory chicken that shreds like a dream over a pile of fluffy rice. It’s takeout, but you made it (and it’s way cheaper).

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp from a jar, no judgment)
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for a kick)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp minced ginger (the tube kind is a lifesaver)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place your chicken in the bottom of the Crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, sriracha, rice vinegar, and ginger.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s coated.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks and let it soak up all that amazing sauce for 10 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

The name doesn’t lie—this is pure bliss. The sauce reduces into a gorgeous glaze that clings to every strand of chicken. I make a double batch of this almost every week for meal prep. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially with kids.

2. Mississippi Pot Roast Legend

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → This recipe broke the internet for a reason. It’s insanely flavorful, impossibly easy, and will make you feel like a kitchen rockstar.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, sliced
• 5-6 pepperoncini peppers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chuck roast in the Crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the au jus and ranch seasoning packets evenly over the top.
3. Place the slices of butter and the pepperoncini peppers on and around the roast.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender.
5. Shred and serve the meat with the incredible juices from the pot.

Why You’ll Love It

Don’t question the butter. Just trust the process. The result is a rich, tangy, savory, and supremely tender pot roast that’s perfect for sandwiches, over mashed potatoes, or just eaten straight from the pot with a fork. IMO, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

3. Black Bean & Corn Salsa Chicken

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → The most versatile protein prep in your arsenal. Tacos, burrito bowls, salads, quesadillas—this chicken does it all.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (or 1.5 cups frozen corn)
• 1 (16 oz) jar of your favorite salsa
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the Crockpot.
2. Add the black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, and cumin. Give everything a little stir.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and mix it back into the salsa and beans.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a complete meal in one, but it feels completely different depending on how you serve it. My favorite way is piled high in a bowl with cilantro-lime rice, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime. So. Dang. Good.

4. Hearty Italian Wedding Soup

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → All the cozy, comforting flavors of the classic soup, but you let the Crockpot do 95% of the work. Genius.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) or pre-cooked meatballs
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup acini di pepe or orzo pasta
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. If using sausage, form it into small meatballs and place them in the Crockpot (they don’t need to be cooked first!).
2. Add the chicken broth, carrots, onion, and garlic.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta. Then, 5 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.
5. Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Why You’ll Love It

This soup feels fancy but is deceptively simple. The meatballs cook right in the broth, making it incredibly flavorful. The fresh spinach at the end adds a pop of color and nutrition. It’s a hug in a bowl.

5. BBQ Pulled Pork That Requires Zero Effort

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → A pork shoulder, a bottle of BBQ sauce, and a can of soda are all you need for the most tender pulled pork of your life.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb pork shoulder (pork butt)
• 1 (18 oz) bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1 (12 oz) can of cola or Dr. Pepper
• 1 onion, sliced (optional, but recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the sliced onion (if using) on the bottom of the Crockpot.
2. Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions.
3. Pour the entire bottle of BBQ sauce and the can of soda over the pork.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.
5. Remove the pork, shred it (discarding any large fat pieces), and return it to the pot. Stir to coat in the sauce.

Why You’ll Love It

The soda acts as a tenderizer and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the smokiness of the BBQ sauce. It’s foolproof. Perfect for sandwiches, nachos, or piled on top of a baked potato.

6. Creamy Tortellini & Sausage Soup

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → This is the soup you make when you need comfort, stat. It’s rich, creamy, and ready in just a few hours.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Crumble the raw sausage into the Crockpot. Add the onion and garlic.
2. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours.
3. 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and evaporated milk.
4. 5 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper.

Why You’ll Love It

The evaporated milk gives it a luxurious creaminess without the risk of curdling that heavy cream sometimes has. It’s a complete, restaurant-quality meal with almost no active time.

7. Moroccan Lemon Chickpea & Lentil Stew

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → A vibrant, flavor-packed vegetarian option that will make you forget all about meat. It’s healthy, hearty, and downright exciting.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Fresh cilantro for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the lentils, chickpeas, sweet potato, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika in the Crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the lentils and sweet potato are tender.
3. Stir in the fresh lemon juice just before serving. Top with fresh cilantro.

Why You’ll Love It

The combination of warm spices and bright, fresh lemon is a match made in heaven. It’s incredibly satisfying and will keep you full for hours. Pro tip: serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

8. Simple & Savory Beef Stew

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → The classic, no-fuss beef stew that your grandma used to make, but with even less work. It’s the definition of comfort food.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs stew meat, cubed
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 3 large carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the stew meat, potatoes, carrots, and onion in the Crockpot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and thyme.
3. Pour the mixture over the meat and veggies.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours.

Why You’ll Love It

The tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce create a deeply savory, rich broth that clings to every ingredient. Your house will smell incredible all day. Who doesn’t love that?

9. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → Juicy, dark meat chicken smothered in a homemade teriyaki glaze that’s miles better than the bottled stuff.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry, at the end)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken thighs in the Crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
4. Remove the chicken. Whisk the cornstarch and 1 tbsp of water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the Crockpot.
5. Return the chicken to the pot and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Why You’ll Love It

Chicken thighs are forgiving and stay incredibly moist. The simple, from-scratch sauce is the star here—it’s not overly sweet and has a beautiful glossy finish.

10. White Chicken Chili

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → A lighter, brighter twist on traditional chili that’s packed with protein and flavor. It’s cozy without being heavy.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 cup sour cream (stirred in at the end)
• Monterey Jack cheese and cilantro for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken, onion, beans, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, and oregano in the Crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove the chicken and shred it. Stir it back into the chili.
4. Stir in the 1/2 cup of sour cream until combined. Serve with cheese and cilantro.

Why You’ll Love It

The sour cream at the end adds a wonderful creaminess and tang. It’s a crowd-pleaser for game day or a chilly weeknight. FYI, it also freezes beautifully!

11. French Dip Sandwiches

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → Meltingly tender roast beef and a savory, au jus for dipping that you’ll want to drink. Restaurant-quality at a fraction of the price.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Provolone cheese and hoagie rolls for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. (Optional but recommended) Sear the chuck roast on all sides in the olive oil in a hot skillet.
2. Place the onion and garlic in the Crockpot. Place the seared roast on top.
3. Pour the beef broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce over the roast. Sprinkle with thyme.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
5. Shred the meat, discarding any fat. Strain the juices from the pot to use as your au jus.
6. Pile the meat on hoagie rolls, top with provolone, and broil until melted. Serve with a side of au jus.

Why You’ll Love It

That au jus is liquid gold. Salty, savory, and perfect for dunking your cheesy, meaty sandwich. It feels like a special occasion meal.

12. Creamy Coconut Curry Lentils

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → A vegan dream meal that’s cheap, healthy, and exploding with flavor. It’s like a cozy blanket for your soul.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups red lentils, rinsed
• 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Fresh cilantro for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the lentils, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, curry powder, and turmeric in the Crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are soft and creamy.
3. Stir well before serving, as it will thicken as it sits. Top with fresh cilantro.

Why You’ll Love It

Red lentils break down and create a naturally creamy, luxurious texture. The coconut milk makes it rich and satisfying. Serve over rice for the perfect bite.

13. Salsa Verde Chicken

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → Two ingredients. I repeat, TWO INGREDIENTS. This is the easiest, most flavorful chicken you will ever make.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (16 oz) jar salsa verde

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the Crockpot.
2. Pour the entire jar of salsa verde over the top.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and mix it back into the sauce.

Why You’ll Love It

It doesn’t get simpler than this. The salsa verde provides a tangy, slightly spicy flavor that’s perfect for tacos, on top of salads, or in burritos. It’s my secret weapon on my busiest days.

14. Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → Sweet maple, tangy mustard, and tender pork come together in a sauce that is absolutely to die for.

Ingredients

• 2 lb pork tenderloin
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper and place it in the Crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until cooked through.

Why You’ll Love It

Pork tenderloin is a lean cut, but cooking it low and slow in this sauce keeps it incredibly moist and flavorful. Serve it with the sauce spooned over the top and some roasted green beans.

15. Taco Soup

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → All the flavors of your favorite tacos, in a hearty, spoonable soup. Top it with all your favorite fixin’s.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey, browned and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chiles
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain off the fat.
2. Add the cooked meat and all other ingredients to the Crockpot. Stir.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Why You’ll Love It

This is the definition of a dump meal. You can literally use whatever beans and corn you have in your pantry. Serve it with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream for the full experience.

16. Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken & Potatoes

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → A complete, bright, and healthy dinner all in one pot. It tastes like a sunny Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the baby potatoes in the bottom of the Crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs on top of the potatoes and pour the sauce over everything.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.

Why You’ll Love It

The potatoes soak up all the lemony, herby juices from the chicken, and the chicken becomes so tender it falls right off the bone. It’s a simple, elegant meal with minimal cleanup. 🙂

17. Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → The easiest way to cook a ham, period. It comes out glazed, juicy, and perfect for a holiday or a weeknight that needs a little sparkle.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb pre-cooked spiral ham
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 (20 oz) can pineapple rings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the ham in the Crockpot, flat-side down.
2. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard to form a paste.
3. Rub the paste all over the ham. Place the pineapple rings on and around the ham.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, basting with the juices once or twice if you can.

Why You’ll Love It

This method keeps the ham incredibly moist and creates a beautiful, caramelized glaze. It frees up your oven for other things, making holiday prep a breeze.

18. Cheeseburger Soup

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → Yes, you read that right. All the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger—pickles, ketchup, mustard, and all—in a surprisingly delicious, creamy soup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• Diced pickles for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the cooked beef, onion, broth, potatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire in the Crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, until potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in the shredded cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
4. Serve topped with diced pickles.

Why You’ll Love It

Don’t knock it ‘til you try it! It’s weirdly wonderful and a huge hit with kids. The pickles on top are non-negotiable—they make the whole thing come together.

19. Garlic Parmesan Potato Soup

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → Imagine a baked potato, loaded with all the good stuff, transformed into the creamiest, dreamiest soup you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1.5 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, pepper, and cooked bacon for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the potatoes, onion, chicken broth, garlic, and thyme in the Crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
3. Use a potato masher to mash about half of the potatoes right in the pot to thicken the soup.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper. Top with bacon.

Why You’ll Love It

This soup is pure indulgence. It’s rich, cheesy, and guaranteed to make everything better. Using freshly grated Parmesan instead of the canned stuff makes a world of difference, I promise.

20. Cilantro Lime Chicken

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → Bright, zesty, and fresh—this chicken is a burst of sunshine that’s perfect for shaking up your dinner routine.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/4 cup lime juice (from about 2-3 limes)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Zest of 1 lime

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken and onion in the Crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, chicken broth, and cumin. Pour over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and stir in the fresh cilantro and lime zest.

Why You’ll Love It

The fresh cilantro and lime zest stirred in at the end wake up the entire dish. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for a summer night (or when you’re dreaming of one).

21. Apple Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oats

Short Hook / Why It’s Awesome → Wake up to a hot, ready-to-eat, healthy breakfast. It’s like dessert for breakfast, but it’s actually good for you.

Ingredients

• 1 cup steel-cut oats (do not use quick oats!)
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup milk (any kind)
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grease your Crockpot lightly with butter or cooking spray (this helps with cleanup).
2. Add all ingredients and stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours (overnight is perfect!).

Why You’ll Love It

Waking up to a house that smells like apple cinnamon and a warm, comforting breakfast waiting for you is a game-changer. It makes busy mornings feel manageable and a little bit special.