If you're following a ketogenic diet, you know that meal planning is key. But sometimes, life gets in the way, and you need a quick and easy dinner solution. That's where "dump dinners" come in. These recipes require minimal hands-on time-simply dump all the ingredients into a pot, pan, or slow cooker and let it cook. Here are some keto-friendly dump dinner recipes that will revolutionize your weeknight meals.
What are Dump Dinners?
Dump dinners are quick and easy meals that require very little preparation. You simply combine all the ingredients in a single pot, pan, or slow cooker and let it cook until it's ready. This method is perfect for busy individuals or families who want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Benefits of Keto Dump Meals
- Convenience: Minimal prep time and easy cleanup.
- Time-Saving: Ideal for busy weeknights.
- Keto-Friendly: Recipes are designed to fit within the ketogenic diet guidelines.
- Versatility: Can be made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven.
Keto Dump Dinner Recipes
Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow cookers, or crockpots, are excellent for making dump meals. They allow you to set it and forget it, making them perfect for busy days. Here are some top keto slow cooker recipes:
Keto Meatloaf
This keto meatloaf recipe is super juicy and flavorful. Once you try making it in a slow cooker, you may never go back to baking it in the oven.
Keto Mongolian Beef
This is a dump-and-run meal. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do all the work.
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Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup
Cozy up with a big bowl of this rich, hearty soup. It's the definition of comfort food.
Dairy-Free Keto White Chicken Chili
This chili is thick and creamy, despite being dairy-free. It's the perfect meal to soothe your soul during the colder months.
Keto Meatball Casserole
This casserole is super cheesy and full of fabulous Italian flavor. Just throw all of the ingredients together and let your slow cooker do the work.
Southwestern Pork Stew
Hearty and comforting, with bold Southwestern flavor, this pork stew warms you right down to your toes.
Smoked Sausage Casserole
Cauliflower and smoked sausage come together with plenty of cheddar in a delicious casserole. It's a family favorite recipe and so easy.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Cheesy Keto Chicken Soup (King Ranch Chicken Soup)
This soup is rich, cheesy, and creamy, bursting with spicy Tex-Mex flavors.
Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin
A French classic goes keto. Tender chicken thighs braised with vegetables, bacon, and red wine.
Cheesy Cauliflower
Tender bites of cauliflower smothered in a cheesy sauce and sprinkled with bacon.
Keto Candied Pecans
These easy candied pecans are the perfect crunchy, salty-sweet snack. They take only 5 ingredients and can be made in your slow cooker.
Keto Chocolate Cake
This cake recipe is so rich and moist, it doesn’t need any frosting. Simply have to try making keto chocolate cake in your slow cooker. Serve with a scoop of keto vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
Keto Brownies
Cooking keto brownies in a slow cooker makes them extra gooey and delicious.
Dump-and-Go Slow Cooker Meals
Busy nights don’t have to mean boring dinners. These low-carb recipes require minimal effort and deliver maximum flavor, making them perfect for families or anyone juggling a hectic schedule.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken
This dump-and-go cheesy ranch chicken is as effortless as it is delicious. Toss in a handful of ingredients-chicken, ranch seasoning, and a generous helping of melty cheese-and by dinnertime, you’ll have tender chicken smothered in creamy ranch sauce.
Taco Soup
This slow-cooked taco soup brings bold, Mexican flavors to your table with zero effort. A mix of tender chicken, juicy meatballs, fresh cabbage, and a flavorful broth come together for a protein-packed, low-carb meal everyone will rave about.
Salsa Chicken
Ditch the boring dinners with this ridiculously easy slow cooker salsa chicken. Just toss chicken breasts and your favorite salsa into the pot, and a few hours later, you’ve got juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for tacos, salads, or even served as-is.
Beef Stew
This slow cooker beef stew is hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make. Just dump in the beef, veggies, and broth, and let the slow cooker handle the rest while you go about your day.
Pot Roast
Classic pot roast meets ultimate convenience in this slow cooker recipe, bringing you tender beef, hearty veggies, and savory gravy without lifting a finger.
Beef and Broccoli
Craving takeout but want to keep it low-carb? This slow cooker beef and broccoli hits all the right notes with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce.
Chicken Paprikash
Turn dinner into something special with this slow cooker chicken paprikash. The tender chicken, rich paprika sauce, and creamy finish make this Hungarian classic a low-carb delight.
Beef Stroganoff
Slow-cooked beef stroganoff is proof that comfort food can be easy and low-carb. Simply toss tender beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce into your slow cooker, and come back to a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
This slow cooker version of classic shepherd’s pie gets a low-carb makeover with creamy cauliflower mash. Layers of seasoned ground beef, veggies, and a cheesy cauliflower topping make this dish a winner.
Beef Shank
This slow-cooked beef shank is all about rich, hearty flavors and fall-apart tenderness. Infused with aromatic herbs, this dish feels like it’s been cooking all day, but really, your slow cooker did all the work.
Chicken Zoodle Soup
Warm, cozy, and low-carb, this chicken zoodle soup is the ultimate weeknight winner. Swap out heavy noodles for zucchini spirals, and let your slow cooker handle the rest.
Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew
Slow cooker offal stew might sound old-school, but it’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Tender cuts like heart and kidney cook down into a rich, savory broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Other Keto Dump Dinner Recipes
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
This super-simple recipe requires a tiny amount of hands-on whisking. But trust us, it’s worth it for the decadent sauce.
No-Bean Whole30 Keto Chili in the Instant Pot
Taking the beans out of chili may be blasphemous to some. To keto dieters, it’s exactly what you need to keep your protein, carbs, and fat in check.
Baked Salmon Foil Packets with Vegetables
The O.G. of one-pan dinners? Tinfoil packets. This version uses salmon and seasonal vegetables like asparagus. Unwrap and enjoy.
Keto Chicken Meatloaf Cups
Shake things up and get your muffin tin in on the action. Just mix up the meat, portion it into the tins, and pop them in the oven.
Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Frittata
Breakfast for dinner? Don’t mind if we do. This dish is packed with protein (12g per serving) but low on carbs (only 4g-win, win).
Honey Teriyaki Drumsticks
Serve these sweet-and-spicy little guys with cauliflower rice if you’re feeling extra ambitious.
Easy Crock-Pot Fire Roasted Shrimp Tacos
It doesn’t get any easier than this. Just dump the ingredients into the slow-cooker, come back two hours later, and serve alongside lettuce wraps or keto-friendly tortillas.
One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Carrots
Just toss the chicken and veggies on a baking sheet, roast in the oven for 15 minutes, and dinner is ready.
Healthy Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Let this keto-friendly dish slow cook while you’re working, then come home to a hot dinner.
Keto Sheet-Pan Chicken and Rainbow Veggies
This isn’t your average chicken dinner. The colorful spread of broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper not only looks gorgeous but keeps the sheet-pan meal keto-friendly.
Low-Carb Chicken Pesto Bake
Chicken topped with pesto and ricotta cheese.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This recipe has crushed pork rinds sprinkled on top.
Crockpot Spaghetti Squash
It's super easy to cook spaghetti squash in your Crockpot. Add some cheese and herbs, and you've got yourself a perfect keto side dish.
Tips for Making Keto Dump Meals
- Defrost Ingredients: If using frozen ingredients, defrost them overnight in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water in the morning.
- Layer Ingredients: When using a slow cooker, place the meat at the bottom of the pot and layer the other ingredients on top to ensure even cooking.
- Don't Overcook: Monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking, especially with slow cooker recipes.
- Customize: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
- Safe Meat Handling: According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, freezing to 0 °F inactivates microbes present in food (like bacteria, yeasts, and molds). Both the "low" and "high" settings on Crock-Pots bring food well over the 160°F recommendation.
Tools and Gadgets
- Slow Cooker: A programmable slow cooker is ideal for making dump meals. Look for models that allow you to delay the start times and keep the food warm when cooking is finished.
- Baggy Rack Holder: This helps keep the bag upright while you fill it with ingredients for freezer meals.
- Instant Pot: A multi-cooker can also be used for making quick and easy dump meals.
Freezing for Future Meals
One effective method of meal prepping is cooking then freezing. This method may be great for you if you like 1) fresher meals 2) setting and forgetting and 3) saving time and money. Pull out the desired meal the night before and place in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water in the morning to defrost the ingredients. Then, dump all the ingredients into your Crockpot, set the timer, and come back after work to a fresh dinner ready to serve.
Important Considerations
- Nutritional Information: Always independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on it.
- Medical Advice: Consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.