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35+ Easy Summer Crockpot Recipes

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These easy summer crockpot recipes will have you out of the kitchen and out spending time in the beautiful weather.

collage of easy summer crock pot recipes

Easy Summer Slow Cooker Recipes

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.

apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream in a white bowl

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.

Which slow cooker should I get?

I find this Hamilton Beach to be the best slow cooker.

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. 

Let’s get started…

Easy Summer Crockpot Recipes

overhead shot of corn on the cob in a crockpot.
Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob
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!
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overhead shot of sliced brisket in a crockpot.
Crock Pot Brisket Recipe with BBQ Sauce
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!
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platter of hot dogs topped with chili and onions
Crockpot Hot Dog Chili
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!
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Crock Pot Hot Dogs
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!
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overhead shot of a shrimp boil in a crockpot.
Crockpot Shrimp Boil
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.
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Slow Cooker Beer Brats - Tornadough Alli
Slow Cooker Beer Brats – Tornadough Alli
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!
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sloppy joe on a plate with waffle fries.
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
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.
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spoon lifting a scoop of mac & cheese from a slow cooker.
3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
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.
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white bowl full of cajun chex mix
Cajun Ranch Party Chex Mix
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!
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hot honey shredded chicken sandwich on a brioche bun topped with pickles.
Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken Sandwiches
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!
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Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo
Five ingredient, super simple, slow cooker chicken alfredo with sun dried tomatoes and spinach.
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Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken
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!
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side view of two honey lime chicken tacos on a plate.
Slow Cooker Honey Lime Chicken Tacos
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!
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overhead shot of chicken, red potatoes, and carrots in a crockpot.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes & Carrots
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.
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Crockpot Ribs
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.
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Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers
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!
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Slow Cooker Honey Bourbon Chicken | Persnickety Plates
Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken
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!
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Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder
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.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
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.
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Creamy Italian Crock Pot Chicken
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.
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Cabbage Soup
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.
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bowl of beef ramen with a fork lifting a bite.
Slow Cooker Beef Ramen
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! |
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Crockpot Shredded BBQ Chicken
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.
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Creamy White Chicken Chili
I love a good chili recipe – especially white chicken ones. They’re the perfect choice for summer and this is soooooo good!!
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baked potato in foil split open with butter sitting in a slow cooker
Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes with Olive Oil & Kosher Salt
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.
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Crockpot Cream of Mushroom Chicken
Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken has chicken in a creamy mushroom gravy cooked in the crockpot and ready to serve over rice, noodles or potatoes.
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Mango Salsa Slow Cooker Chicken
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!
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overhead shot of firecracker chicken on top of white rice.
Slow Cooker Firecracker Chicken
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.
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders
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.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
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!
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bowl of spinach artichoke dip surrounded by tortilla chips
Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip
A delicious no-mayo version of Spinach & Artichoke Dip made right in the slow cooker!
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Slow Cooker Meatloaf
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!
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apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream in a white bowl
Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
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!
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scoop of pineapple dump cake topped with vanilla ice cream.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake
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!
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spoon scooping lava cake from a crockpot.
Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
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!
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Blueberry Dump Cake
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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Crock Pot Peach Cobbler
Our Easy Crock Pot Peach Cobbler is simple to make and absolutely delicious to eat. You will be shocked at how easy it is to throw together!
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Summer Crockpot Meals

There you have it. Over 30 easy slow cooker recipes for you to use in the summertime.

Which one will you try first?

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  1. Evelyn says

    The links to the cheery pie oatmeal and apple pie pudding cake do not work. Or is it just me?

    • Melissa Williams says

      NONE of the links were working! Thanks for bringing it to my attention – they’re fixed 🙂

  2. Dawn Lopez says

    What a fab resource for summer! I ADORE tossing ingredients into my slow cooker and keeping the oven off. It’s amazing!

  3. Debbie Vinton says

    Thank you for making your site so easy to navigate and share to FB. My fav recipe site!

  4. Joanne Price says

    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!!

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