38 Dump-And-Go Slow-Cooker Recipes That Are Too Easy To Mess Up

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Slow cookers are a lifesaver when you need to get dinner on the table with little effort. Yet, for all their time-saving benefits, some slow-cooker recipes can be deceivingly complicated, still require you to sauté or cook some of the components before adding them to the slow cooker. This additional work adds to your overall prep load and time spent in the kitchen. Because every moment counts when you're short on time, these dump-and-go slow-cooker recipes offer the perfect solution for busy weeknights. These recipes only require two steps: throw everything in the slow cooker and walk away. It's just that simple—no pre-cooking, browning, or using extra pots and pans. From there, all that's left for you to do is dig in!

In addition to dinner, this roundup also includes easy dump recipes for sides dishes, appetizers, and even desserts. From Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken to Peach Cobbler, these recipes have you covered for every course.

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Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders

Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders

A new favorite for game day, the brisket comes together entirely in the slow cooker. You can even make your brisket up to two days in advance which means you can focus more on the game.

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Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken

Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken
Caitlin Bensel

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken

Taco Tuesday has never been easier. With just five ingredients and virtually no hands-on time, this truly is a dream meal for busy cooks.

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Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup

Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup

We take a hands-off approach to this French classic, making an elegant appetizer easier than ever to execute. You will get glorious, perfectly caramelized onions every time when you use this hack.

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Soulful Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup for the Soul
Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Soulful Chicken Soup

No fancy pot or ingredients needed here, as the slow cooker brings this easy dish to life when you're craving a bowl of soul-soothing comfort.

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Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
Photo: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

The convenience of a slow cooker makes it easy to enjoy this classic any day of the week. Make sure you cut your veggies into uniform pieces for equal cook time.

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Slow-Cooker Carnitas Tacos

Slow-Cooker Carnitas Tacos
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Carnitas Tacos

Spice up dinner with this simple recipe that combines pork shoulder, chicken broth, orange juice, garlic, pepper, and salt in your slow cooker.

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Buffalo Chicken Dip

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Your favorite game day dip just became foolproof! This one step recipe is perfect for a tailgate or any type of celebration.

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Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs

We call these slow-cooker meatballs the king of the appetizer spread and for good reason. These little jelly-covered meatballs are a slight retro nod that your guests will love.

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Slow-Cooker Black Bean Soup

Slow-Cooker Black Bean Soup Image
Southern Living

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Black Bean Soup

Since this simple soup lets you set it and forget it, you'll have plenty of extra time to set up a toppings bar. Different cheeses, tortilla chips, green onions, and avocados are some of our favorite finishing touches.

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Four-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

Four-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
Melina Hammer

Recipe: Four-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

What's even better than an easy slow cooker recipe? One that only requires four ingredients. While some pot roasts are perfect for a Sunday supper, this recipe makes a mean sandwich.

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Lemon Chicken Soup

Lemon Chicken Soup
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Lemon Chicken Soup

There is almost nothing as warm or comforting as a bowl of homemade chicken soup. Luckily, this recipe makes it a breeze because all you have to do is place the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it create a delicious meal for you.

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Ham-and-Bean Soup

Ham-and-Bean Soup
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Ham-and-Bean Soup

We always have a little leftover holiday ham, and this one of our favorite ways to use it. For the best results, we recommend cutting all of your veggies as uniformly as possible.

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Apple and Pear Crisp

Apple and Pear Crisp
Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Vanessa Rocchio; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford

Recipe: Apple and Pear Crisp

With the slow cooker, this crumbly, fruity dessert comes together in a cinch. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Pull out the trusty slow cooker and you're well on your way your way to an easy batch of chicken chili. We love a one-step recipe for busy weeknights, and we think your family will, too.

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Slow-Cooker Cheddar Soup

Slow-Cooker Cheddar Soup
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Cheddar Soup

Deliver a delicious dinner with a hands-off approach thanks to the dynamic duo of pretzels and cheese. Cut a hole in the top of a pretzel burger bun for this cute and delicious presentation.

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5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: 5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork

Cooking pork low and slow for 8 to 10 hours allows it to easily shred with a fork. This recipe calls for ingredients you probably have in your pantry, making it particularly easy to whip up on a moment's notice.

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Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup

Since lentils don't require soaking, you can simply toss your ingredients in a slow cooker before going about your day. You will get all of the veggies you need for a day with this hearty soup.

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Easy Enchilada Bake

Easy Enchilada Bake
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Easy Enchilada Bake

A hands-off, no-fuss approach to a cheesy and absolutely satisfying enchilada dish. Cook the filling for three hours and then add the cornbread topping and cook for another hour.

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Lemon Bar Cake

Lemon Bar Cake
Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Vanessa Rocchio; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford

Recipe: Lemon Bar Cake

Making this bright, citrusy dessert is as easy as whisking together a few ingredients and dumping them in the slow cooker. This treat is the lemon-flavored cousin to the beloved lava cake.

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Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Navy Bean and Ham Soup
Photo: Hector M. Sanchez

Recipe: Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Trust us, this filling ham and bean soup tastes like you worked much harder than you really did. Finish the dish with a sprig of thyme on top just before serving.

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Peach Cobbler

Peach Cobbler
Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Vanessa Rocchio; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford

Recipe: Peach Cobbler

Can you believe this was all prepared in the slow cooker, using fresh peaches and a box of cake mix? After two hours in the slow cooker, this bubbly, crispy, golden perfection will dazzle dinner guests.

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Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder

Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder
Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder

Fresh kernels are the star ingredient of this homemade chowder. Paired with bacon, potatoes, and onions, it's sure to become a go-to supper.

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Chocolate-Cinnamon Latte Cake

Chocolate-Cinnamon Latte Cake
Jennifer Davick; Food Styling: Vanessa Rocchio; Prop Styling: Missie Crawford

Recipe: Chocolate-Cinnamon Latte Cake

Made with coffee, cocoa and cake mix, this easy dessert is perfect for coffee lovers. After the slow cooker does all the work, just add a dollop of whipped cream and serve.

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Slow-Cooked Barbecued Chicken

Slow-Cooked Barbecued Chicken
Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Slow-Cooked Barbecued Chicken

This recipe is proof that your slow cooker is all you need to make delicious barbecue chicken without a grill. The secret is a little bit of bourbon and splash of a cola.

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Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
Alison Miksch

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Save precious oven space this holiday season and leave the sweet potatoes to the slow cooker. The addition of garlic and bacon give this can't-miss side plenty of rich flavor.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs With Carrots and Potatoes

Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Potatoes
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs With Carrots and Potatoes

We recommend sticking with bone-in chicken thighs to ensure this recipe is successful. Add a touch of elegance by using your favorite white wine like Sauvignon Blanc in the dish.

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Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup with Bacon

Slow-Cooker Winter Vegetable Soup with Bacon
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup with Bacon

A slow-cooker veggie soup that calls for bacon? Fall suppers don't get much better than this simple, comforting recipe.

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Corn and Jalapeño Dip

Corn and Jalapeno Dip
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Corn and Jalapeño Dip

Cream cheese meets spicy jalapeños in this all-star appetizer, perfect for game day. We recommend serving this dish with corn chips for an unbeatable combination.

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Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Southern Living

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

No need to roast or boil the potatoes in advance with this simple recipe. Just peel, cube, and place them in your slow cooker along with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.

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BBQ Brisket

BBQ Brisket
Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: BBQ Brisket

This recipe proves that almost anything can be made in a slow cooker. Brown sugar, Chile powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper make the perfect rub for this beloved BBQ main.

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Berry Cobbler

Berry Cobbler

Recipe: Berry Cobbler

The prep time is only 15 minutes, but this berry-filled dessert tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Put this recipe together right before a dinner party and by the time everyone has finished their main course the finale will be ready.

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Apple Butter

Apple Butter
Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Apple Butter

You'll want to spread this sweet condiment on just about anything, from French toast to chicken sandwiches. It's sort of like applesauce, but better.

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Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili

Not sure what to do with leftover holiday turkey? Try tossing it in your slow cooker. This chili will use up your extra meat in no time.

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Slow-Cooker Cornbread Dressing

Slow-Cooker Cornbread Dressing
Vianney Rodriguez/Jason David Page

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Cornbread Dressing

When it comes to holiday favorites, cornbread dressing is at the top of nearly every Southerner's list. Just mix together the ingredients and keep the slow-cooker on low for four to six hours for this deliciously simple version, freeing up that all important oven real estate.

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Lemony Slow-Cooked Salmon with Potatoes and Fennel

Lemony Slow-Cooked Salmon with Potatoes and Fennel
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Lemony Slow-Cooked Salmon with Potatoes and Fennel

Yes, an elegant salmon dinner can be made in your slow-cooker. In just two steps, you will have a dinner that is sure to impress any guest.

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Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
Antonis Achilleos

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

This dish is inspired by our friends in New England. If you are looking for a warm, inviting dish on a cold winter night, this dish is for you.

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New Orleans Red Beans and Rice

New Orleans Red Beans And Rice
Southern Living

Recipe: New Orleans Red Beans and Rice

Capture the flavor of a New Orleans favorite with this hands-off supper. Complete the meal with a batch of homemade cornbread or biscuits.

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Slow-Cooker Buttermilk Grits

Slow-Cooker Buttermilk Grits
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling; Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Buttermilk Grits

Grits are one of our favorite ways to start a morning, and this recipe makes enough to comfortably serve six. Our slow-cooker rendition is perfect for holiday weekends when everyone is going to be at your house for breakfast.

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