As the evenings grow shorter and cooler, the appeal of warm, comforting meals increases. For many families, the slow cooker becomes a kitchen hero during this time, offering a simple way to create hearty feasts with minimal effort. But one TikTok mum, @abeygaleb, has taken slow cooker convenience to a whole new level with her ‘dump bag’ method.
@abeygaleb, who shares household tips and recipes with her 240,000 followers, has created a system that involves pre-portioning all the ingredients for a meal into freezer bags. This way, all you have to do is thaw a bag overnight and then simply ‘dump’ the contents into the slow cooker in the morning. The result? Delicious, home-cooked dinners that are ready to go without any fuss.
Her chicken casserole recipe, for example, includes juicy chicken thighs, diced carrots and celery, garlic, onion, new potatoes, mustard, mixed herbs, bay leaves, and chicken stock cubes. To ensure all the flavors meld perfectly, @abeygaleb suggests adding 300ml of water to the bag before freezing, swirling it around to collect the juices, and then pouring the contents into the slow cooker.
The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity and efficiency. By labeling each bag with the recipe name and date, you can easily plan your meals in advance, ensuring you always have a healthy and satisfying dinner ready. The pre-portioned bags also help to reduce food waste, as you are using only the exact amount of ingredients you need.
The response to @abeygaleb’s ‘dump bag’ hack has been overwhelmingly positive. One follower, robyn_of_london, described it as a ‘GREAT idea’, perfect for gifting to new mothers or anyone recovering from surgery. Another user, Alfie O’Flaherty, praised its cleverness, stating ‘Can’t believe I’d never thought of this. Also the meals look fab’.
However, @abeygaleb has been quick to clarify that the meals should not be cooked in the plastic bags themselves. The bags are simply a convenient way to store and transport the ingredients, and the term ‘dump bag’ refers to the ease with which you can transfer the contents into the slow cooker.
With its simplicity, convenience, and focus on delicious, home-cooked meals, @abeygaleb’s ‘dump bag’ method is a game-changer for busy families and anyone looking to make meal prep a little easier. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this ingenious hack is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
