Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe: Effortless Flavor in Every Bite
Life is busy, and dinner shouldn’t add to the stress! That’s why this Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal, perfect for those days when you want a home-cooked dinner without all the fuss. Seriously, just dump everything in, and let the magic happen. This recipe is family-friendly, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love This Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe
- Super Easy: Just dump the ingredients in – no pre-cooking required!
- Minimal Effort: Set it and forget it; perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this flavorful dish.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferred protein, veggies, and flavor profiles.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Delicious Results: Enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with virtually no effort.
Ingredients for Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe
- 1.5 – 2 lbs Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but chicken thighs can also be used. You can also use a beef roast or chuck roast if prefer.
- 1 (24 oz) Jar Pasta Sauce: Choose your favorite flavor; marinara, tomato basil, or even a creamy sauce work well.
- 1 (15 oz) Can Diced Tomatoes: Adds extra flavor and texture. Diced tomatoes with green chilies will add a kick!
- 1 Onion: Chopped. Yellow or white onion are fine.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced, for extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth: Helps keep the chicken moist. You can substitute beef broth for beef, or vegetable broth for vegetarian.
How to Make Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot or slow cooker with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken breast (or preferred protein) in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Layer the Sauce: Pour the jar of pasta sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Add the Tomatoes: Dump the can of diced tomatoes on top of the sauce and chicken.
- Veggie Power: Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over everything.
- Season Generously: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth to keep everything moist while cooking, especially if you choose chicken breast.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Once ready, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir everything together to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Variations
To ensure the best results with your Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe, remember to not overcook your chicken; it can become dry when cooked too long! Be sure the chicken cooks to an internal temperature of 165°F. Also, try searing your chicken or beef before putting it in the crockpot to get carmelized edges and add some flavor! If you want to experiment with different flavor profiles, you can try a Mexican version with salsa and taco seasoning.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Keep an eye on it and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Add Veggies: Toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegan meal.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pasta sauce to keep this meal gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe is great on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. Serve it over pasta for a classic Italian dinner, or try it over rice for a lighter option. If you want to keep it low-carb, spoon it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. A simple side salad or some garlic bread rounds out the meal perfectly.
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta shape (spaghetti, penne, rotini) for a classic comforting meal.
- Rice: Enjoy it over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a lighter option.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Garlic Bread: A side of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a fresh, healthy element to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers of this Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe are fantastic! Store any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you can microwave it in individual portions or warm it up in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave in individual portions or reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
FAQ about Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe
Here are some frequently asked questions about our Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe:
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but allow for extra cooking time. It may take an additional 2-3 hours on low, or 1-2 hours on high, so plan accordingly. However, it’s best to use thawed for texture.
- Can I adapt this recipe for keto diets?
Absolutely! To create a keto crockpot recipe, simply ensure the pasta sauce is sugar-free or very low in sugar, and serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta or rice. You can also add in some extra spinach.
- What are some options for ground beef crockpot recipes following this method?
For a ground beef version, brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. You can use the same sauce and seasonings as the chicken recipe, or try a chili-style sauce with beans and diced tomatoes.
- Can I use a beef roast as a substitute?
Absolutely. A beef roast crockpot recipe is a great alternative. Use beef broth instead of chicken broth.
- Is there a way to make this recipe a delicious crockpot soup recipe?
Yes! Just simply use about 4 cups of chicken broth to make it more of a soup instead of a sauce. Adding frozen vegetales will boost the nutients as well!
Final Thoughts on Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe
This Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe is proof that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or anyone who loves a flavorful, effortless meal. We’re sure you’ll love it! If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear what you think. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access, leave a comment below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more easy and delicious recipes!
Quick Crockpot Dump Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1.5 – 2 lbs Chicken Breast Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but chicken thighs or beef roast/chuck roast can be used as well.
- 1 24 oz jar Pasta Sauce Choose your favorite flavor; marinara, tomato basil, or even a creamy sauce.
- 1 15 oz can Diced Tomatoes Adds extra flavor and texture. Diced tomatoes with green chilies will add a kick!
- 1 Onion Chopped. Yellow or white onion are fine.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced, for extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning A blend of herbs adds depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth Helps keep the chicken moist. Substitute beef broth for beef or vegetable broth for vegetarian.
Instructions
- Lightly grease your crockpot or slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place the chicken breast (or preferred protein) in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the jar of pasta sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Dump the can of diced tomatoes on top of the sauce and chicken.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over everything.
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust amounts to your liking.
- Pour in the chicken broth to keep everything moist while cooking.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir everything together to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
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