15 Dump-And-Go Slow Cooker Recipes Perfect for A Busy Week
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When your days are packed and dinner feels impossible, these dump-and-go slow cooker recipes make life easier. Just toss everything in, hit start, and come back to a hot, homemade dish with zero stress. If you’re tired of last-minute dinner stress or eating out more than you want to admit, this list is exactly what you need.
Apricot Chicken
Apricot chicken is a flavorful, hands-off dinner that’s perfect when time is short. Sweet and savory with hardly any prep, it delivers juicy, tender chicken with big flavor and zero stress. Ideal for busy weeks when oven time just isn’t happening.
Get the Recipe: Apricot Chicken
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Creamy, cheesy, and effortless, slow cooker spinach and artichoke dip is the go-to for relaxed evenings or last-minute gatherings. Just toss the ingredients in and walk away, it’s ready before you know it. One of the easiest appetizers to keep in your back pocket during a busy week.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Taco Soup
Taco soup made in the slow cooker brings bold flavor without any kitchen chaos. The blend of spices, tender meat, and beans creates a comforting dish that’s rich in flavor and delicious up to the last spoonful. It’s one of those weeknight staples that’s easy to prepare but tastes anything but basic
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup
Beef Stew
There’s nothing like a slow-cooked beef stew when comfort and ease are top priorities. With rich broth, tender chunks of beef, and hearty vegetables, it’s a dump-and-go dinner that works while you don’t. This dish is the ultimate comfort for those chilly weeknights when all you want is something warm and easy after a long, exhausting day.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken is one of the fastest ways to get dinner going with almost no prep. With just two ingredients and the help of a slow cooker, you’re left with a juicy, flavorful meal that’s versatile enough for tacos, bowls, or salads. It’s the ultimate dump-and-go dish, perfect for easing the stress of a busy weeknight without sacrificing taste or convenience.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Beef and Broccoli
Craving takeout but don’t want to deal with delivery or drive-thrus? This slow cooker beef and broccoli gives you that same savory flavor with none of the hassle. Just toss sliced beef, broccoli, and a simple sauce and let it simmer while you take care of your busy day. It’s a reliable dinner you can serve over rice or noodles, perfect for weekly meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes don’t have to be stressful. With this slow cooker method, just dump in the potatoes, butter, and seasonings, then walk away, no boiling over or last-minute mashing. It’s the perfect side for when you’re juggling work, school pickups, or a busy week, with creamy potatoes ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
There’s nothing like a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup when the day’s been long and cold. With the slow cooker doing all the work, this dump-and-go version turns simple ingredients into a rich, cheesy, comforting dish. It’s the kind of cozy, low-effort recipe that makes a busy week feel a little easier.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Beef Stroganoff
Slow cooker beef stroganoff is one of those dinners that tastes like you worked hard, when really, you didn’t. Add beef, mushrooms, broth, and seasonings in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a creamy, comforting meal that’s ready to ladle over pasta or rice. It’s a no-fuss dinner that feels like a treat, even on your most hectic week.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff
Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
If you’ve never tried beef shank in the slow cooker, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to get a rich, fall-apart tender dinner. Just season, toss it in and let time and heat work their magic. The result is a flavorful, hearty meal that tastes like it took all day, great for busy weeks when you still want something warm and delicious at night.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
Cheesy Ranch Chicken
When the week gets busy, cheesy ranch chicken is one of those slow cooker meals that steps in and saves dinner. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, and the end result is creamy, cheesy, and totally comforting. Just dump everything in and come back later to a dish that’s ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Chicken Paprikash
Traditional chicken paprikash gets an easy update with this slow cooker version that’s perfect for a busy week schedule. The chicken turns out tender and flavorful, simmered in a rich paprika sauce that pairs well with noodles, rice, or mashed cauliflower. It’s a dump-and-go dinner that brings cozy, delicious flavors to the table with barely any work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
This crockpot shepherd’s pie with cauliflower mash is the kind of hearty meal that feeds a hungry family without tying you to the kitchen. Everything cooks together in one pot, seasoned beef, veggies, and a creamy mashed topping, for a dinner that’s ready when you are. Perfect for weekly meal prep or busy nights when you just need dinner handled without thinking twice.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew
This hearty offal stew may be old-fashioned at heart, but it fits right into a busy week with a modern slow cooker twist. Just add everything to the pot and let it cook low and slow until the meat is tender and the broth is rich and flavorful. It’s a great way to make use of budget-friendly cuts without sacrificing taste and with almost zero effort.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew
Chicken Zoodle Soup
Chicken zoodle soup is perfect for when you want something warm and light but don’t have time to mess with the stove. Throw everything in the slow cooker, chicken, broth, veggies, and zucchini noodles, and let it cook while you handle your day. It’s light, comforting, great for busy weeks, packed schedules, or any night you just need something easy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Zoodle Soup
