Meal Prep Slow Cooker Ideas

These Dump and Go Slow Cooker Recipes require no cooking or browning beforehand — simply throw it in and walk away! Easy crock pot dump meals for busy weeknights and back to school! Chicken, beef, pork, or vegetarian — there's something for everyone!

Table of Contents

Why do we love the crockpot?
What are the best things to cook in a slow cooker?
Can you put raw meat in the slow cooker?
My favorite crockpots and slow cookers!
Slow Cooker Soup and Stew recipes
Dump 'n' Go Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
Slow Cooker Pork and Beef recipes
Slow Cooker Side Dishes

Because we love slow cooker recipes here at The Recipe Rebel!

Honestly, sometimes I wonder if the slow cooker is the most popular kitchen appliance.

It seems like there are at least 3 gifted at every bridal shower, and it's one of the first small appliances that adorns the kitchen counter in a new place. They are just so incredibly versatile!

I really got into the habit of using mine all the time after we had kids. Kids have a habit of soaking up every minute of the free time you had before, right?!?

Believe me, I wouldn't change a thing. But you just get used to not having 2 hours to make dinner every night.

I know how hectic things can be in the morning trying to get out the door with kids in tow (or even without!).

So I wanted to come up with a collection of dump and go slow cooker recipes — things that you can just throw in and leave. No remembering to brown the meat, cook the sauce, cook the pasta, etc.

Set it and forget it.

Why do we love the crockpot?

Because we love easy slow cooker recipes!

Cooking dinner in the crockpot means that we don't have to stand over the stove for 30 minutes or an hour before dinner, prepping or chopping or stirring.

Slow Cooker meals are great for those days when you have more time to make dinner earlier in the day.

If the kids are in school and you have time to cook dinner at noon but not at 6pm, slow cooker dinners are for you.

If you work long days out of the house or you get back just in time to eat but not in time to prep, slow cooker recipes are for you.

If you love a slowly simmered soup or ultra moist roast, the slow cooker is for you.

What are the best things to cook in a slow cooker?

Our favorite things to cook in the slow cooker are things that we like extra juicy and tender and can benefit from a long cook time, or recipes with quite a bit of moisture, like these Crockpot Soup recipes.

These are the types of recipes you can start early in the day and let them cook for a long time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

We also love quick slow cooker recipes! These are dinners that we can put on and cook for 2-3 hours if we just need to step out of the house momentarily but will be back to eat dinner.

Recipes like this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast or Crockpot Mac and Cheese are good examples of quick slow cooker recipes we love!

Can you put raw meat in the slow cooker?

Absolutely!

It's actually very rare that I will sear meat before adding to the slow cooker.

One of the biggest exceptions is ground meat, which really does need to be cooked in advance for the recipe to work well.

As far as different cuts of chicken, roasts, steaks, etc. — these can all be added as is!

There are times you may want to sear the meat first to build flavor, like in this Slow Cooker Pot Roast (which is delicious!), but it's a step you can skip if you need.

My favorite crockpots and slow cookers!

Most often, I'm usinga 2.5 quart casserole style crockpot that Ilove. It is wider and shallow, so you don't have to stack everything up and it cooks more quickly. It is the perfect crockpot for someone cooking for 1-4 people and not doing large meals.
I also havea 4 quart crockpot that I use when I want to do a larger cut of meat, like a pot roast, or a big batch of soup. It's everything I love about my 2.5 quart in a slightly bigger size.
I do have a6 quart Hamilton Beach slow cooker that is great for cooking for a large group of people, but I do find it's a little cooler and sometimes large chunks of meat have to be cut down into smaller pieces for it to cook by dinnertime.

Slow Cooker Soup and Stew recipes

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew

This Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew is bound to be your new favorite winter comfort food! It's hearty, creamy, cheesy and loaded with vegetables! The crockpot makes it an easy weeknight meal.

Check out this recipe

slow cooker with garlic parmesan chicken stew in it and a metal ladle

Honey Balsamic Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe + VIDEO

This Honey Balsamic Slow Cooker Beef Stew is full of flavor and couldn't be easier — just throw everything in and let it cook! Loaded with veggies and thick honey balsamic sauce. Step by step recipe video.

Check out this recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup Recipe + VIDEO

This Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is an easy crockpot meal perfect for fall or winter! Loaded with vegetables and tender chunks of beef. Includes step by step recipe video.

Check out this recipe

overhead image of beef barley soup with spoon in bowl

Skip the browning of the meat to make this soup recipe a dump 'n' go slow cooker meal!

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Taco Soup

This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is made with just SIX ingredients in the slow cooker! With 5 minutes prep, it's an easy healthy dinner idea for busy weeknights.

Check out this recipe

creamy chicken taco soup being scooped out of slow cooker

Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

The easiest Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup — gets thick and creamy, unlike those recipes that just add milk or cream. Perfect for a chilly day!

Check out this recipe

slow cooker creamy chicken noodle soup scoop

Use frozen, chopped veggies to make this soup even easier!

Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

This Creamy Italian Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is even better than the original! With garlic, spinach, roasted red pepper and a touch of cream and Parmesan it is hearty and flavorful!

Check out this recipe

creamy slow cooker chicken noodle soup in white bowl

two bowls of crockpot chicken noodle soup

Slow Cooker Creamy Vegetable Soup + RECIPE VIDEO

This Slow Cooker Creamy Vegetable Soup is a hearty, healthy meal in one — made so easy with the crockpot! It's low in calories but BIG in flavor! Includes how to recipe video

Check out this recipe

slow cooker creamy vegetable soup being pulled out of crockpot in metal ladle

Although this recipe has some chopping involved, it can be prepped the night before and refrigerated. In the morning, simply throw the crock in the slow cooker and turn it on!

Chicken Barley Soup

This Chicken Barley Soup is hearty, healthy and made with 6 ingredients! Easily customizable and you can make it stovetop or slow cooker!

Check out this recipe

chicken barley soup close up

Normally made stove top, this recipe includes slow cooker instructions in the post as well.

Slow Cooker Potato, Corn and Jalapeno Soup

This vegan slow cooker potato corn soup is an easy and deceptively healthy. Easy to prep ahead and re-heat for easy lunches.

Check out this recipe

slow cooker potato corn chowder with jalapeno in crockpot with ladle

Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup {Avgolemono}, is a lightened up classic Greek soup made even easier in the slow cooker!

Check out this recipe

slow cooker lemon chicken soup in white bowl

Dump 'n' Go Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe comes out perfectly juicy and seasoned every time! Learn my tips for getting the best crockpot chicken breast, perfect for salads, sandwiches or an easy dinner.

Check out this recipe

crockpot chicken breast on blue plate

Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken Recipe + VIDEO

This Slow Cooker Honey Lemon Chicken is a little sweet, a little tangy and perfect over rice or noodles! It's an easy crockpot meal for those busy days! Includes step by step recipe video.

Check out this recipe

close up image of crockpot lemon chicken in slow cooker

Sweet & Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe

These Sweet & Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos are an easy, healthy, weeknight dinner! Just dump everything in the crockpot and forget about it. Step by step recipe video.

Check out this recipe

slow cooker chicken tacos in taco shells on plate piled with toppings

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

This easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is made with store bought barbecue sauce and a couple secret ingredients! Make it with chicken breasts or thighs.

Check out this recipe

square image of crockpot bbq chicken with tongs

close up overhead image of slow cooker bbq chicken with tongs

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

These Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are perfectly seasoned with garlic and herbs, cooked until they easily pull from the bone! The juiciest, most flavorful crockpot chicken thighs!

Check out this recipe

bone in slow cooker chicken thighs with crispy skin in white crockpot

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is SO easy and flavorful, you wouldn't believe it only has a few ingredients! The perfect easy dinner recipe!

Check out this recipe

slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken in a white crockpot

Crockpot Whole Chicken

This Crockpot Whole Chicken is incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to a coating of seasoned garlic butter and the slow cooker! The perfect make ahead weekend dinner, great for meal prepping!

Check out this recipe

crockpot whole chicken broiled on white plate with lemon and parsley

Crockpot Orange Chicken

This Crockpot Orange Chicken is a healthier, homemade version of one of our favorite takeout meals! It has the most flavorful sauce!

Check out this recipe

crockpot orange chicken with rice

crockpot orange chicken on grey plate overhead

Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches

A SUPER simple, flavorful meal with just a few ingredients! These Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches are perfect for summer picnics, busy weeknights, or serve the chicken and sauce over pasta for a hearty meal! Gluten free and paleo options.

Check out this recipe

slow cooker italian chicken sandwiches on a white bun with shredded mozzarella

Slow Cooker Ginger Peanut Chicken

This Thai-inspired slow cooker ginger peanut chicken is so easy to throw together. It cooks along with baby potatoes, green beans and carrots for a complete meal!

Check out this recipe

black crockpot with slow cooker peanut chicken and vegetables in it

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is easy and delicious! Tender juicy chicken is cooked in a rich bourbon ginger sauce for a delicious meal.

Check out this recipe

black crockpot full of bourbon chicken

Slow Cooker Pork and Beef recipes

Crock Pot Pulled Pork

This Crock Pot Pulled Pork recipe is so easy and so flavorful! It starts with a garlic herb rub and hangs out in the slow cooker until it's fall apart tender.

Check out this recipe

crock pot pulled pork sandwich

Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Honey Balsamic Glaze

This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin is covered in an easy garlic herb rub and drizzled with a honey balsamic glaze! Everything cooks together in the crock pot with minimal effort and maximum flavour. It is moist, tender and perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes!

Check out this recipe

square image of slow cooker pork tenderloin sliced in sauce

slow cooker pork tenderloin slice in crockpot with honey balsamic glaze

Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast recipe

This easy Slow Cooker Pork Loin roast includes a flavorful garlic herb rub, and is slow cooker in apple juice for extra flavor! It is fall apart tender with minimal effort!

Check out this recipe

overhead image of slow cooker pork loin roast in black slow cooker

{Slow Cooker} Mongolian Beef

This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is so quick and easy — throw everything in the crockpot and let it cook! Tender strips of steak, covered in a rich, dark sauce full of Asian flavours with a touch of sweetness.

Check out this recipe

This Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is so quick and easy -- throw everything in the crockpot and let it cook! Tender strips of steak, covered in a rich, dark sauce full of Asian flavours with a touch of sweetness. #slowcooker #crockpot #beef #mongolian #aisain #chinese

Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs

These Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs couldn't be simpler! They have a homemade spice rub and are slow cooked until they fall off the bone, then you can slather them in any barbecue sauce you like!

Check out this recipe

overhead image of meat falling off of bones of slow cooker ribs on sheet pan

Sweet & Sour Slow Cooker Smokies Recipe + VIDEO

These Sweet & Sour Slow Cooker Smokies are an easy holiday appetizer or weeknight meal! Just a few minutes prep and let them cook away in the crockpot. Includes step by step recipe video.

Check out this recipe

sweet and sour smokies in slow cooker with pineapples and peppers

Easy Crockpot Carnitas

These easy and delicious pork carnitas are made right in the Crockpot. Perfect for an easy dinner during the week!

Check out this recipe

white plate filled with crockpot pork carnitas and lime wedge on side

crockpot pork carnitas on white plate with fresh cilantro and lime

Slow Cooker Beef on Rice

Savory Slow Cooker Beef on Rice with flavorful gravy, beef slow cooked to tender perfection, and served over a warm bed of rice.

Check out this recipe

chunks of slow cooked beef and sauce over white rice with fork stuck in rice

Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Pulled Pork

Honey Balsamic Pulled Pork is a new take on pulled pork that is sweet and sour! This dark, thick syrup-like sauce is incredible — a must-try!

Check out this recipe

pile of honey balsamic pulled pork on white plate with basket of buns in the background

Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Pork with Beans

This Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Pork with Beans is lean, flavorful, and versatile! Serve it over rice or rolled into tortillas for an easy, satisfying meal.

Check out this recipe

slow cooker mexican pork

overhead image of black slow cooker with mexican pork and beans with metal spoon in pot

Slow Cooker Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

These Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are just as rich and creamy as stove top mashed potatoes with less of the work! The perfect hands-off side dish for any holiday dinner!

Check out this recipe

overhead image of slow cooker mashed potatoes with wooden spoon

close up image of mashed potatoes with melted butter and chives on top

No Cream Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

No Cream Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is an easy holiday side dish!

Check out this recipe

This Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is so easy -- just mix it together and throw it in! It has no cream and is a healthier, dairy free option that tastes just as good!

Slow Cooker Pineapple Glazed Carrots

These Slow Cooker Pineapple Glazed Carrots are the perfect side dish for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any dinner! They are perfectly sweet and tender with a punch of flavor from balsamic vinegar, and they are so easy with the help of the crockpot!

Check out this recipe

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!