Summer brings hot days that can make cooking a chore. But you don’t have to sweat over a hot stove to enjoy tasty meals. Your trusty slow cooker can come to the rescue. These 35 summer crockpot meals let you prepare delicious dishes without heating up your kitchen.
Crockpot recipes are perfect for warm weather. You can set them up in the morning and come home to a cool house and a ready-made dinner. From BBQ favorites to fresh veggie dishes, there are lots of summer-friendly options. Let’s look at some easy crockpot meals to try this season.
BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are a perfect summer crockpot meal. You can easily make them with just a few ingredients.
Put a pork roast in your slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce and some broth over it. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
When the pork is done, it will be very tender. Shred it with two forks right in the crockpot. Mix it with the sauce.
Serve the pulled pork on soft buns. You can add coleslaw on top for extra crunch and flavor. This meal is great for feeding a crowd at summer gatherings.
Spice up your summer with slow cooker beef tacos. Start by rubbing a beef roast with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Sear the meat in a skillet for extra flavor.
Place the beef in your crockpot and add diced onions on top. Mix beef broth with tomato paste, jalapeño, and lime juice, then pour over the meat. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Once done, shred the beef and return it to the flavorful sauce. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. These tacos are perfect for easy summer dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
You can make delicious lemon garlic salmon in your crockpot. Start by seasoning the salmon with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place lemon slices in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Put the salmon on top of the lemon slices. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, honey, and lemon juice in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the salmon.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the salmon is flaky. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Your salmon will come out moist and infused with zesty lemon and garlic.
This easy meal is perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to use the oven. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Italian meatballs in a crockpot are a tasty summer meal. You can make them easily with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
Mix the ingredients and form small balls. Place them in your crockpot and cover with marinara sauce. Add some garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs for extra flavor.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs will be tender and infused with the sauce’s flavors.
Serve your Italian meatballs over pasta or in hoagie rolls for a hearty sandwich. Top with melted mozzarella cheese for a gooey finish.
Stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and easy summer meal you can make in your crockpot. Start by cutting the tops off bell peppers and removing the seeds.
Mix ground meat, rice, tomatoes, and spices for the filling. Stuff the peppers with this mixture and place them in your slow cooker.
Pour some broth or water in the bottom of the crockpot. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the peppers are tender.
Top with cheese in the last 15 minutes of cooking. These colorful peppers make a complete meal with protein, veggies, and grains all in one dish.
Teriyaki chicken is a tasty summer crockpot meal. You can make it easily with chicken breasts, soy sauce, and a few other ingredients.
Put the chicken in your slow cooker. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for the sauce. Pour it over the chicken.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor. Shred it with two forks when done.
Serve your teriyaki chicken over rice. Add some steamed veggies on the side for a complete meal. It’s perfect for busy summer days when you don’t want to cook in a hot kitchen.
You can make a delicious, fall-apart tender pot roast in your slow cooker. This easy meal is perfect for summer when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
Start with a chuck roast for the best results. Add it to your crockpot with beef broth, onions, carrots, and potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. The long, slow cooking process breaks down the tough fibers in the meat, making it incredibly tender.
When done, the roast should easily shred with a fork. Serve it with the cooked vegetables and some of the flavorful cooking liquid. This hearty meal is sure to satisfy your family on a summer evening.
Crockpot loaded baked potatoes are a tasty summer meal option. You can make them with little effort and enjoy a hearty dish.
Start by washing your potatoes and wrapping them in foil. Place them in your slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 8 hours.
Once done, unwrap the potatoes and cut them open. Top with cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chives. You can add other toppings you like too.
This meal is great for busy days. You can prepare the toppings ahead of time and have them ready to go. Your family will love these loaded potatoes as a main dish or side.
Jambalaya is a perfect summer crockpot meal. You can easily make this Louisiana-style dish in your slow cooker with minimal prep.
Start by adding chicken, sausage, and veggies to your crockpot. Throw in some rice and spices for that classic Cajun flavor. Let it simmer on low for several hours.
Add shrimp near the end of cooking for the best texture. In about 10 minutes of prep and a few hours of cooking, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal.
This one-pot dish is great for feeding a crowd. It’s packed with protein and bold tastes that will satisfy your family on warm summer evenings.
Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty crockpot meal for summer. You can make it easily with minimal effort.
Add chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices to your slow cooker. Pour in broth and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
When the chicken is tender, remove it and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in some lime juice for extra flavor.
Serve your soup with crispy tortilla strips and toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream. This soup is filling and packed with Mexican-inspired flavors.
You can make creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes in your slow cooker with minimal effort. Add chopped potatoes, cream, milk, butter, and garlic to the crockpot. Toss in some fresh herbs like sage and thyme.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender. Once done, mash the potatoes right in the slow cooker. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
For extra flavor, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. These rich, flavorful mashed potatoes make an easy side dish for any meal.
Thai Peanut Chicken is a tasty crockpot meal perfect for summer. You can make this dish easily with chicken, peanut butter, and a few other ingredients.
Put chicken in your slow cooker. Mix peanut butter, lime juice, chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey in a bowl. Pour this sauce over the chicken.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6 hours. Shred the chicken with forks about 15 minutes before it’s done. The result is a creamy, flavorful dish.
Serve your Thai Peanut Chicken over noodles or rice. It’s a protein-packed meal that’s great for dinner or meal prep. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you free to enjoy your summer day.
Crockpot orange chicken is a summer favorite. You can make this tasty dish with just a few ingredients. Start by placing chicken pieces in your slow cooker.
Mix orange marmalade, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Pour this tangy sauce over the chicken. Add some minced garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
Cook on low for about 3 hours. The chicken will be tender and coated in a zesty orange glaze. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
This dish is perfect for busy summer days. You can prep it in the morning and come home to a ready-made dinner.
Ratatouille is a perfect summer dish for your crockpot. This French vegetable stew uses seasonal produce like eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes.
To make it, chop your veggies and add them to the slow cooker. Mix in garlic, herbs, and tomato sauce or paste. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
The slow cooking lets the flavors meld together. Your veggies will be tender but not mushy. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for extra flavor.
Serve ratatouille hot or cold. It’s great on its own or as a side dish. You can also use it as a pasta sauce or on top of grilled bread.
Turkey meatloaf is a tasty and lighter alternative to traditional beef meatloaf. You can easily make it in your slow cooker for a hands-off summer meal.
Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, eggs, diced onions, and seasonings. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in your crockpot.
Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when done.
For extra flavor, brush the top with a mixture of ketchup or BBQ sauce and brown sugar during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing and serving.
BBQ chicken wings are a tasty summer treat you can make in your crockpot. Start by seasoning the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Pour BBQ sauce over the wings in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until tender. For extra flavor, brush on more sauce halfway through cooking.
When done, broil the wings for a few minutes to crisp them up. This step adds a nice texture to complement the tender meat.
Coq au vin is a classic French dish that works great in a slow cooker. You can make this rich, flavorful meal with chicken, bacon, and red wine.
Start by coating chicken pieces in flour and seasoning them. Brown the chicken and bacon in a skillet before adding them to your crockpot.
Add vegetables like onions, carrots, and garlic. Pour in red wine and chicken broth. Toss in some herbs like thyme and bay leaves.
Cook the dish on low for about 7-8 hours. The result is tender chicken in a savory wine sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy summer evening when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
Chicken Marsala is a tasty Italian-American dish you can easily make in your crockpot. It features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms.
To prepare, first coat the chicken in seasoned flour. Brown it in a skillet, then transfer to your slow cooker. Add sliced mushrooms, garlic, and herbs.
Pour Marsala wine and chicken broth over the chicken. Cook on low for about 5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The result is juicy chicken in a flavorful sauce.
Serve your crockpot Chicken Marsala over pasta or with mashed potatoes for a satisfying summer meal.
You can make tasty shrimp scampi in your crockpot. Add frozen shrimp, butter, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices to the slow cooker. Stir everything together.
Cook on high for about 2 hours until the shrimp turn pink. The FDA says shrimp should reach 145°F. Serve your scampi over angel hair pasta for a classic summer meal.
For extra flavor, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese before serving. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. This easy crockpot recipe lets you enjoy shrimp scampi without heating up your kitchen.
Benefits of Summer Crockpot Meals
Crockpot meals offer great advantages during hot summer months. They make cooking easier and keep your kitchen cool.
Convenience and Time-Saving
Crockpots let you make tasty meals with little effort. You can toss ingredients in before work and come home to a ready dinner. This frees up time for summer fun.
Many summer crockpot recipes use fresh seasonal produce. You can easily make large batches for parties or meal prep. Leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Crockpots work well for outdoor gatherings too. You can transport the whole pot to a picnic or potluck. This saves you from extra dishes and keeps food warm.
Heat Reduction in the Kitchen
Using a crockpot helps keep your kitchen cool on hot days. Unlike ovens or stovetops, crockpots don’t heat up the whole room.
You won’t need to stand over a hot stove for hours. The crockpot does the work while you relax or do other things. This means less sweat and more comfort.
Crockpots use less energy than ovens. This can lower your electric bill during peak summer months. It’s a win for both your wallet and your comfort.
Nutritional Advantages
Summer crockpot meals offer many health benefits. They let you create nutritious dishes without spending hours in a hot kitchen.
Maintaining Nutrient Integrity
Slow cooking helps keep nutrients in your food. The low, steady heat preserves vitamins and minerals better than high-heat methods. Vegetables stay tender but don’t lose their good stuff.
Crockpots also let flavors meld without added fats. You can use less oil or butter and still get tasty results. This cuts calories while keeping meals satisfying.
The moist cooking environment is great for lean proteins. Chicken, fish, and lean beef stay juicy without drying out. You don’t need to add extra fats to keep meat tender.
Balanced Meal Options
Crockpots make it easy to cook complete, balanced meals. You can add protein, veggies, and whole grains all in one pot. This saves time and ensures you get a good mix of nutrients.
Many summer crockpot recipes focus on fresh, seasonal produce. You can load up on vitamin-rich veggies without much effort. Tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers are great summer choices.
Crockpots are perfect for cooking beans and lentils. These plant proteins are cheap and packed with fiber. Adding them to your meals boosts nutrition without breaking the bank.
You can also make healthy desserts in your crockpot. Fresh fruit cobblers or poached pears are lighter options for summer treats.
Tips for Success
Mastering summer crockpot meals takes a bit of know-how. These tips will help you get the best results from your slow cooker recipes.
Ingredient Preparation
Chop veggies into even sizes for uniform cooking. Cut tougher items like carrots and potatoes smaller than softer ones. Trim excess fat from meats to avoid greasy dishes. Pat meat dry before adding to prevent excess liquid.
Use fresh herbs near the end of cooking for bright flavors. Add dairy products in the last 30 minutes to stop curdling. Layer ingredients with items that need more cooking on the bottom. Keep the lid closed while cooking to trap heat and moisture.
Optimal Cooking Times
Set cook times based on your recipe and crockpot size. Most dishes need 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low. Lean meats cook faster than fatty cuts. Fish and seafood only need 2-3 hours on low.
Check doneness 30-60 minutes before the recipe end time. Vegetables cook quicker than meats. Add quick-cooking items like pasta in the last 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temps of large cuts.
Adjust liquid amounts for longer cook times. The crockpot creates moisture, so use less liquid than stovetop recipes. Don’t overfill your crockpot – keep it 1/2 to 2/3 full for best results.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
