With summer in full force, I know the last thing we want to do is stand over a hot stove making dinner. That’s why I’m sharing some of my favorite summer crockpot meals!
I’ve even included a few desserts for those that have a sweet tooth (ahem…me).
Summer Slow Cooker Meals
I know, the thought of a crockpot doesn’t immediately scream summer. I usually associate them with winter meals but hear me out.
The summer months are so busy and by the time we get home, we are exhausted. Add in the fact that it’s been super hot lately… well, standing over a stove or heating up an oven is not my idea of a good time.
A slow cooker meal allows you to do a little prep time in the morning, before it’s hot, and come home to the finished meal, without heating up the whole house.
Crockpot summer meals, especially dump & go recipes, are perfect for hands-off, easy meals.
Why you’ll love these summer crock-pot recipes
Easy Summer Recipes – In the warmer months, it’s great to pull out the trusty slow cooker to keep the house cool.
Fresh Flavors – Some of these recipes use convenience items (canned foods) but many use fresh ingredients, perfect for using up your summer garden crops.
Favorite Ingredients – Most of these recipes only require a handful of ingredients and the slow cooker does all the hard work.
What to cook in the crockpot for summer
I love slow cooker dinners, especially during the hot days of summer.
You can prepare it in the morning before you head out and then when you get home, you have a delicious dinner! Or if it’s dessert you’re after, it’s a great way to have something sweet and delicious without turning on that hot oven.
You can read my full review here. I’ve had it for years & it’s still going strong.
The recipes I’ve included are great for hot summer days and do not sacrifice taste at all! They’re all full of delicious flavors that you’ll return to again and again – even after summer is over.
Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob is the perfect way to prepare this classic side dish for a crowd. Whether it is for a cookout or a holiday dinner, making it in the crockpot will be your new favorite method!
Crockpot brisket smothered in a sweet and savory BBQ sauce is made by cooking the beef low and slow until tender and moist from all of the cooking juices. Dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you then finish it under the broiler if you want a caramelized crust. Or don’t, it’s amazing either way. This is the easiest way to make beef brisket any night of the week!
Full of flavor, this Crockpot Hot Dog Chili makes an ordinary hot dog extra delicious. Made in the slow cooker, it is the perfect addition to a hot dog bar with toppings, or serving on top of fries or burgers!
Crock Pot Hot Dogs are easy to make and cook up tender and juicy with a snap. Not only does it take just minutes and minimal effort, this easy recipe is the perfect way to make hot dogs for a crowd!
This crock pot shrimp boil is a perfect dinner for any night of the week. Loaded with succulent shrimp, andouille sausage, corn, red potatoes, and of course classic cajun spices, this seafood boil is made so easily in the slow cooker.
Quickly grilled then cooked low and slow these deliciously easy Slow Cooker Beer Brats are an amazing recipe that is fix it and forget it with amazing results when you’re done!
This old fashioned sloppy joes recipe is made extra easy in the slow cooker! The meat mixture slow cooks for hours and then is ready to pile onto a bun. This easy recipe is perfect for the whole family and makes enough for a crowd.
There are only 3 ingredients in this easy, no boil Mac and Cheese and it's made in the slow cooker! No butter or flour but full of creamy, cheesy flavor that only takes minutes to prep.
Cajun Chex Mix – Bold, spicy, and full of texture. This party Chex mix recipe has everything – A flavorful cajun spice blend paired with garlic, onion, butter, and ranch seasoning for a snack experience your guest will never forget! Throw it in the slow cooker, heat, and serve!
Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches are an easy, spicy dinner idea made right in the crock pot. Pulled chicken cooked in a hot honey sauce and then piled onto your favorite bun. The perfect slow cooker meal for any time of year!
You can never get enough cheese and this dish will surely satisfy your cheesy cravings. The flavors are pretty perfect and it’s a great weeknight dinner!
The meat in these slow cooker honey lime chicken tacos is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. With just 5 minutes of prep time, the crockpot does the heavy lifting, and because there are so few ingredients involved, you may already have what you need on hand! Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy a bright and zesty new taco recipe!
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes & Carrots is an easy recipe that makes your entire dinner right in the crockpot! Juicy chicken thighs, tender potatoes and carrots, and a flavorful chicken gravy to pour over the top.
It wouldn’t be summer without some ribs. Who knew they would come out so moist and flavorful in the crockpot? Welllll, they do. You better grab some quick, because these will be gone in a blink.
Stuffed peppers are some of my favorite recipes during the summer. This one is soooo easy to make, too. Nothing too complicated is involved and the flavors are on point!
If you love bourbon chicken from the food court at the mall, you’ll love this version of Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken that’s made right in your slow cooker!
Easy boneless slow cooker pork shoulder that only needs 3 ingredients! Use either a bone in or boneless pork shoulder in your Crockpot, this one pot meal has never been easier. Toss with bbq sauce to make sliders, tacos, or serve over rice for dinner.
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is one of the most magical things you can make with your slow cooker! Only three ingredients, and you’ll have dinner cooking away.
There are only five ingredients in this Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken so it can quickly be thrown together in the crock pot for a meal the whole family will love! Serve over rice or noodles for a very easy dinner.
If you’ve never had cabbage soup, you’re definitely missing out. The flavors in this are so good and it’s basically the poster child recipe for summer.
We're beefing up your ramen noodle packages by adding juicy ground beef, carrots, red peppers, and green onions to a crockpot to simmer in a flavorful, sweet and savory sauce. Slow cooker beef ramen is a Japanese-inspired dish that will satisfy even the hungriest teens! |
Crock Pot BBQ Chicken is an easy pulled chicken recipe made right in your slow cooker. There are only six ingredients in this quick and flavorful recipe which makes it perfect for a simple dinner or your next potluck.
Slow cooked baked potatoes infused with olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper. They're soft, tender, and melt in your mouth delicious! Get a restaurant-quality baked potato at home in your crockpot! Enjoy them as-is or with your favorite toppings.
I don’t know what it is about mango salsa… but it just screams summer to me. Add it with some chicken though and you can pretty much guarantee I’ll be stuffing it in my mouth. Needless to say, this is a must try recipe!
Slow cooker firecracker chicken is an Asian-inspired dish jam packed with flavor and so easy to make! Cubes of juicy chicken bites browned and then slow cooked in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. This dish is made right in the crockpot so you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become perfectly juicy and tender.
I LOVE sliders during the summer! These buffalo chicken sliders are so full of flavor is absolutely delicious. You might want to double this recipe, they’re that good.
If you like flavorful chicken, you will love this one! It has so many great flavors and is truly drool-worthy. We love this paired with pasta or potatoes. That does require heating up the stove, but it’s worth it for this one!
Oh how I love a good meatloaf! It’s one thing I used to miss in the summer as I am just not willing to turn on the oven for it. This slow cooker recipe is pretty delicious though. I’m certain you’ll be satisfied with the flavors in this recipe!
Easy Slow Cooker Apple Crisp with brown sugar cinnamon oat topping is the perfect way to use some of your favorite apples. Served warm or cold, this dessert is a favorite!
Everything that goes into this pineapple upside down dump cake is added straight to the slow cooker to do all the work! It's a fun twist on classic upside down cake, including the pineapple and cherries coated in caramelized brown sugar topped with a moist cake cooked until golden brown. Made with just 5 ingredients and very little effort, this is the easiest, most delicious summer dessert to feed your crowd!
This Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake is made entirely from scratch in the crockpot! Warm chocolate cake with a gooey center, filled with dark chocolate chips and then topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream making a rich dessert that the entire family will love!
Blueberries are so perfect in the summer and I won’t lie… I wish I could get them this good year round. This dump cake has the perfect blueberry goodness without ever turning on an oven. It’s a keeper for sure!
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I came across one of your slow cooker recipes calling for bow tie noodles, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, etc. Went and bought the ingredients and now cannot find the recipe. Help!!
The links to the cheery pie oatmeal and apple pie pudding cake do not work. Or is it just me?
NONE of the links were working! Thanks for bringing it to my attention – they’re fixed 🙂
What a fab resource for summer! I ADORE tossing ingredients into my slow cooker and keeping the oven off. It’s amazing!
Me too!
Thank you for making your site so easy to navigate and share to FB. My fav recipe site!
Thanks, Debbie! Made my morning 🙂
I came across one of your slow cooker recipes calling for bow tie noodles, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, etc. Went and bought the ingredients and now cannot find the recipe. Help!!
Hmm, I don’t think I use bow ties in the slow cooker in anything, but I have this skillet meal…https://www.persnicketyplates.com/quick-lasagna-skillet/