15+ Dump and Go Slow Cooker Recipes

We’ve rounded up 15+ amazing dump and go slow cooker recipes. Bonus: You can make them ahead and freeze these meals for later, too. Freezing instructions included!

What Is a “Dump and Go” Slow Cooker Recipe?

We define it as a meal that requires no cooking techniques on the front end. You simply dump the ingredients in the slow cooker, pop on the lid, and slow cook. In its best form, a “dump and go” recipe is a lifesaver for busy days!

However, there is something you should know. After researching, testing, and writing a cookbook all about slow cooker meals, one of the big takeaways for us was that the large majority of “dump and go” crockpot meals just don’t turn out all that great. Often one ingredient is overcooked while another is undercooked or the meal just lacks flavor.

But…but, but, but…there are a few exceptions to this rule and we found them. We’ve pulled together several of our very best dump and go crock pot meals that we know work.

You may have to do a little work on the back end after the meal slow cooks (i.e. broil for a few minutes, thicken a sauce, shred the meat), but it shouldn’t take long. Pinky swear!

Double and Freeze These Recipes For Later

A smart way to use your time efficiently is to double each of the freezer-friendly recipes below and freeze one for later. In fact, every recipe that we link to below has instructions for how to freeze it ahead and how to prepare it from frozen. Believe me when I say, your future self will thank you for doing this!

When you’re ready to use your “dump and go” freezer meal, be sure to FULLY THAW it either in the refrigerator for 24 hours or using one of these safe thawing methods. It is NOT safe to put frozen food in the crockpot according to the USDA, so we don’t recommend that.

We actually utilize this “double and freeze” tactic in our 1 Hour Freezer Prep Sessions. Each prep session gives you everything you need to quickly and efficiently prep and freeze 6 family-sized meals, including a shopping list, step-by-step instructions, filled-out freezer labels, and much more.

It’s a dinnertime game changer! Join over 1,500 other parents who are saving time and feeding their families well with our prep sessions.

Download Our Printable Freezer Labels

Ok, one more important tip, if you plan to freeze these meals: Be sure to label them so you know what’s in your freezer. We’d love to give you our cute and printable freezer labels for FREE ($4.99 value).

15+ Dump and Go Slow Cooker Recipes

Alright, you’ve heard our best tips and tricks regarding dump and go meals. Now it’s time to get cooking!

1. Honey Bourbon Chicken

A little sweet and a little spicy, this easy chicken recipe is BIG on flavor and takes just minutes to throw in the slow cooker. Stir fry some veggies while it cooks and then serve it all over rice. A reader favorite!

2. French Dip Sandwiches

My kids cheer when they see this drop-and-go crock pot meal on the menu plan. It slow cooks all day long and is fall-apart tender by dinnertime. Simply shred the meat, put together the sandwiches (a quick broil toasts up the rolls and melts the cheese), and dip them in the leftover au jus. Or…turn them into grilled cheese sandwiches to take them over the top!

3. Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

This pantry staple Vegetarian Tortilla Soup recipe is a meatless “one pot wonder” that I’ve been making and freezing for years for my family. Filled with beans, tomatoes, chilis, corn, and more, it only gets better the longer it sits in the fridge (or freezer).

4. Easy No Peek Stew

Friends, making beef stew gets NO EASIER than this recipe. My mother-in-law taught me this one when I first got married, and I’ve been serving it up to big crowds ever since. Slow cooker (or oven) directions are included in the recipe.

5. Crockpot Baby Back Ribs

You don’t need a smoker or to heat up your kitchen with the oven for hours to make amazing ribs. Your slow cooker and a few minutes under the broiler will do all the hard work for you, resulting in fall-off-the-bone, caramelized BBQ ribs.

6. Slow Cooker Crispy Carnitas

This is the type of dump and go recipe our readers go ga-ga over. Slow Cooker Carnitas are a dump-and-go crock pot meal that’s easy to make, freezes well before or after cooking, and everyone loves them!

7. Pizza Soup

Two of our favorite meals–pizza and soup–come together in this gluten-free, dairy-free Pizza Soup recipe to create a meal that’s healthy, filling, and incredibly tasty. It’s absolutely delicious and can be prepped as a freezer meal.

8. Balsamic Shredded Beef

A reader favorite! It’s delicious, healthy, freezer friendly, and a great recipe for large groups.

9. Chicken Parmesan Sliders

This is hands-down one of my favorite kid-friendly meals on a busy night.

10. Greek Pitas with Pulled Pork

This recipe will quickly become a regular in your home. After the pork shoulder slow cooks all day in a blend of spices (or is cooked quickly in the Instant Pot), you’ll shred it and serve it on whole wheat pita bread. Top the shredded pork with chopped fresh veggies, tangy feta cheese, and our creamy, herb-infused Easy Tzatziki Sauce.

11. 4 Ingredient Savory Drumsticks

These drumsticks require only 4 pantry ingredients and come out moist and delicious every time. Not only are they gluten-free and dairy-free but they work great as a make-ahead freezer meal too. All ages love these.

12. Italian Beef Sandwiches from Sweet Cayenne

This recipe is an old favorite that I love to pull out for the back-to-school season, football watching parties, and family gatherings. It makes a lot and is always a crowd-pleaser! To Freeze For Later: Place the uncooked roast and all the ingredients for the slow cooker in a freezer bag, seal, and freeze. Thaw completely before cooking.

13. BBQ Drumsticks

Making these BBQ chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker results in fall-apart tender and moist chicken on the bone. With a few minutes under the broiler at the end, you’ll have a crispy and perfectly seasoned dinner ready to go in no time.

14. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A pork shoulder is one of the best cuts of meat to slow cook all day. Add in some seasoning and BBQ sauce for a comforting meal for a large group (or be prepared for leftovers).

15. BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Slow cooked chuck roast with the perfect seasoning blend and BBQ sauce make these sandwiches to die for. Such an easy dump and go slow cooker recipe!

16. Homemade Marinara Sauce

With just a few pantry ingredients, you can have a large batch of marinara sauce cooking in your slow cooker in no time. You can also use this homemade marinara recipe to stock your freezer. Instant Pot and freezing instructions included, as well!

17. Slow Cooker Gumbo from Fit Slow Cooker Queen

Packed with Creole/Cajun flavors, this easy slow cooker gumbo recipe is sure to please. This cleaned up low-carb, paleo, whole30 version of gumbo can also be made in the Instant Pot. To Freeze for Later: Dump all ingredients in a freezer bag before cooking, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.

18. Crockpot Mexican Chicken

This creamy, comforting Crockpot Mexican Chicken makes for a delicious, healthy, and EASY meal. Serve over brown rice with your favorite Mexican toppings. Freezer meal instructions included, so you can double the batch and have another later.

19. Sweet & Savory Baked Pork Chops

Only 5 simple ingredients (honey, soy sauce, and garlic) bring these pork chops to life! Make sure to reduce the marinade into a delectable, sticky sauce to drizzle over the top just before eating. A great weeknight meal that everyone will love!

70+ More Freezer Meals

As moms, food bloggers, and cookbook authors, we’ve been cooking and freezing in bulk for over a decade now. For more make ahead freezer meal ideas, check out our 70+ “Best of the Best” Healthy Freezer Meals.