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Why dirty more dishes than you have to? Each of these dump dinners lets you toss everything into a slow cooker so you only have one thing to clean after dinner. Here are the recipes featured in this video:
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BBQ Pork & Peppers
This was the first recipe I ever made in a slow cooker, and it was the first recipe my husband taught me! We like this with white rice and a salad. —Rachael Hughes, Southampton, Pennsylvania 3 / 56
Slow-Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
What's not to love about classic Tater Tot casserole—especially when it's made in the slow cooker? You'll want to add this family-pleasing potluck favorite to your regular rotation. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado 4 / 56
Italian Shredded Pork Stew
Need a warm, soothing meal for a blustery night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew loaded with sweet potatoes and kale. And the shredded pork is oh-so-tender! —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin 5 / 56
Slow-Cooker Mongolian Beef
This slow-cooker Mongolian beef uses inexpensive ingredients to offer big flavor in a small amount of time. It's easier than getting takeout! Set your Crock-Pot on high for two to three hours to whip it up even quicker. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 6 / 56
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches
My kids often ask for chicken sloppy joes, and this version has a bonus of sweet pineapple. It is a perfect recipe to double for a potluck. Try topping the sandwiches with smoked Gouda cheese. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada 7 / 56
Greek Sausage and Peppers
This recipe is an old family favorite. My grandmother, mother and I make this every year for Christmas Eve. Just toss all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let the meal cook all day on low. It makes the house smell amazing and is wonderful comfort food for a chilly holiday. You can double the recipe and freeze the other portion for a quick hot meal in a pinch. —Debbie Vair, Wake Forest, North Carolina 8 / 56
Slow-Cooker Jambalaya Risotto
I love risotto, but I don't always love the time and stirring it takes to get the creamy goodness. I found a slow-cooker risotto recipe and thought it was too good to be true. I decided to adapt a jambalaya recipe for this dish. —Angela Westra, Cambridge, Massachusetts 9 / 56
Slow-Cooker Flank Steak Fajitas
As a busy teacher, I think it's so nice to come home to a warm meal after a day in the classroom. I'm not the only one who thinks so: These beefy fajitas go fast at potlucks, too. —Mary Holmgren, Mackinaw, Illinois 10 / 56
Za'atar Chicken
It's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it's gone to the last bite. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York 11 / 56
Slow-Cooker Cubano Sandwiches
This recipe came about because I didn't have pepperoncini for my usual Italian pork recipe so I used pickles instead. It reminded me so much of a Cuban sandwich that I added the ham and Swiss cheese to complete the dish. Instead of adding cheese to the slow cooker, you can also build the sandwiches and top with sliced cheese. Place under the broiler to melt. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland 12 / 56
Easy Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin
I find that simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Simple, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky 13 / 56
Slow Cooker Jerked Short Ribs
Sweet and spicy jerk seasonings give these saucy ribs an unforgettable taste! They're great in the summer because they don't heat up the kitchen. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin 14 / 56
Slow-Cooker Mushroom Chicken & Peas
Some amazingly fresh mushrooms I found at our local farmers market inspired this recipe. When you start with the best ingredients, you can't go wrong. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California 15 / 56
Green Chili Chops with Sweet Potatoes
It takes only a few minutes to combine the ingredients in a slow cooker, and you'll have a filling, healthy dinner waiting for you at the end of the day. We like to serve it with fresh-baked garlic bread. —Marina Ashworth, Denver, Colorado 16 / 56
Sweet and Spicy Peanut Chicken
Chicken thighs and a slow cooker— that's a marriage made in culinary heaven! Juicy and flavorful, this simple dish will make you swoon when you return home and find it ready. The filling is also excellent in lettuce wraps. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina 17 / 56
Light Ham Tetrazzini
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the slow cooker just before heading to the potluck. Insulated carrying cases keep the food hot and make this crock pot tetrazzini dish easy to transport. —Susan Blair, Sterling, Michigan 18 / 56
Slow-Cooker Beef with Red Sauce
A homemade rub spices up this tender beef; vinegar and gingersnaps add depth to the sauce. You can substitute graham crackers for the cookies. —Laurie Tietze, Longview, Texas 19 / 56
Sweet Orange Chicken
This orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get together!—Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia 20 / 56
Mushroom Pork Ragout
Savory, slow-cooked pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It’s a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware 21 / 56
Chicken Chop Suey with a Twist
If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a great way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty and traditional, and easy, too! 22 / 56
Slow-Cooker Tropical Pork Chops
Pork and fruit go so nicely together and when you add fresh herbs, you get this fresh, light and bright main dish that everyone loves. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California 23 / 56
Low & Slow Pork Verde
My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri 24 / 56
Slow-Cooker Mushroom Beef Stroganoff
I love making this for my husband and me to have on a cold night. It warms you right up! Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream. —Meg Hilton, Atlanta, Georgia 25 / 56
Slow-Cooked Mesquite Ribs
When we're missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They're so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan 26 / 56
Creamy Bratwurst Stew
A rich sauce coats this hearty combination of potatoes, carrots and bratwurst chunks. I adapted a baked stew recipe that appeared in a newspaper. This is so comforting on cold winter evenings. —Susan Holmes, Germantown, Wisconsin 27 / 56
Slow-Cooker Caribbean Moo Shu Chicken
A tropical twist on a takeout favorite, this slow-cooker creation is simple, satisfying and destined to become a new family favorite! —Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina 28 / 56
Sweet and Tangy Chicken
Spicy barbecue sauce blends with sweet pineapple in this quick-to-fix chicken dish. It's tasty enough for a company dinner; just add a salad and rolls. —Mary Zawlocki, Gig Harbor, Washington 29 / 56
Shrimp Marinara
Flavorful marinara sauce simmers for just a few hours. Right before mealtime, toss in the shrimp to cook quickly. Serve over hot spaghetti for a delicious weeknight dish that feels dressed up. —Sue Mackey, Jackson, Wisconsin 30 / 56
Citrus Turkey Roast
I was skeptical at first about fixing turkey in a slow cooker but once I tasted this dish, I was hooked. With a little cornstarch to thicken the juices, the gravy is easily made. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas 31 / 56
Steak Burritos
Slowly simmered all day, the beef is tender and a snap to shred. Just fill flour tortillas and add toppings for a tasty meal. —Valerie Jones, Portland, Maine 32 / 56
Squash & Chicken Stew
We created a satisfying stew that’s nutritious, loaded with flavor and family-friendly. Slowly simmer chicken thighs with stewed tomatoes, butternut squash, green peppers and onion for meal-in-one convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 33 / 56
Pineapple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
My husband doesn't think it is a meal without meat. I prefer something lighter, so this recipe satisfies us both. You can also roast this in the oven if you're short on time. —Tracy Dalin, Gooding, Idaho 34 / 56
Green Chile Chicken Chili
The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas 35 / 56
Pepperoni Pizza Soup
Once upon a time, my husband and I owned a pizzeria and this dish was always popular on the menu. We've since sold the restaurant, but I still make the soup for all kinds of potlucks and gatherings. It's always a big hit and everyone asks for the recipe. —Estella Peterson, Madras, Oregon 36 / 56
Shredded French Dip
A chuck roast slow-simmered in a beefy broth is delicious when shredded and spooned onto rolls. I serve the cooking juices in individual cups for dipping. —Carla Kimball, Callaway, Nebraska 37 / 56
Shredded Chicken Gyros
We go to the annual Salt Lake City Greek Festival for the awesome food. This chicken with lemon and spices is a great way to mix up our menu, and my kids are big fans! —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah 38 / 56
Red Bean Vegetable Soup
Cajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas 39 / 56
Tex-Mex Shredded Beef Sandwiches
Slow cooker meals, like this shredded beef sandwich, are my favorite kind. After I get a few ingredients into the slow cooker, I can do my own thing. Plus, I have a hearty, satisfying meal when I come home! —Kathy White, Henderson, Nevada 40 / 56
Potato Chowder
One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana 41 / 56
Sweet & Sour Pork Wraps
We always make these wraps at our family's annual party, and they're a true favorite. The cabbage and cilantro give them tempting texture and flavor. —Andrew DeVito, Hartford, Connecticut 42 / 56
Pork Chops & Acorn Squash
My husband and I are crazy for the squash we grow in our garden. For a sweet and tangy dish, we slow-cook it with pork chops and orange juice. —Mary Johnson, Coloma, Wisconsin 43 / 56
Lentil & Chicken Sausage Stew
This hearty and healthy stew will warm your family right down to their toes! Serve with cornbread or rolls to soak up every last morsel. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois 44 / 56
Green Chili Shredded Pork
Pork green chili made in the slow cooker always makes my hungry family happy. Getting creative with the leftovers is part of the fun. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma 45 / 56
Stephanie’s Slow-Cooker Stew
Start this warming one-pot meal before you head out for the day. By the time you get home, the well-seasoned meat will be tender and mouthwatering. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, Cincinnati, Ohio 46 / 56
Seafood Cioppino
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic cioppino recipe is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire 47 / 56
Lime Chicken Tacos
Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho 48 / 56
Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice
As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida 49 / 56
Slow-Cooked Meatball Stew
I came up with this hearty meal-in-one as another way to use frozen meatballs. It's quick to put together in the morning and ready when my husband gets home in the evening. —Iris Schultz, Miamisburg, Ohio 50 / 56
Sausage Spanish Rice
My husband and I both work the midnight shift, so I'm always on the lookout for slow cooker recipes. This one couldn't be easier. We often enjoy it as a main course because it's so hearty, but it's also good as a side dish. —Michelle McKay, Garden City, Michigan 51 / 56
Split Pea Soup with Ham & Jalapeno
To me, this spicy pea soup is total comfort food. I cook it low and slow all day, and it fills the house with a yummy aroma. It's so good with a nice, crispy baguette. —Chelsea Tichenor, Huntington Beach, California 52 / 56
Ham and Bean Stew
You only need five ingredients to fix this thick and flavorful stew. It's so easy to make and always a favorite with my family. I top bowls of it with a sprinkling of shredded cheese. —Teresa D'Amato, East Granby, Connecticut 53 / 56
Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches
Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada 54 / 56
Carne Guisada
While living away from Texas for a while, my boyfriend and I grew homesick for the spicy flavors of home. We've made this recipe a few times now, and it goes really well with homemade flour tortillas. We love it over rice, too. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas 55 / 56
Mexican Shredded Beef Wraps
The first time I served these wrap sandwiches was at the party following my son’s baptism. Everyone liked them so much that it’s become one of my go-to slow-cooker recipes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota 56 / 56
Hot Ham Sandwiches
I came up with this crowd-pleasing recipe while trying to recreate a favorite sandwich from a restaurant near my hometown. The sandwiches are easy to serve in a buffet line because they don't really need condiments. They're so flavorful just as they are! —Susan Rehm, Grahamsville, New York Originally Published: May 18, 2020