33 Summer Crockpot Recipes to Beat the Heat
Beat the heat with these refreshing and easy summer crockpot recipes that are perfect for lazy days.
Summer is here, and with it comes the sweltering heat that makes the thought of turning on the oven unbearable. But fear not! The trusty crockpot is here to save the day.
Yes, that magical device often reserved for winter stews and hearty soups can also be your best friend during the hot summer months. Imagine enjoying delicious, flavorful meals without heating up your kitchen.
We’ve rounded up 30 summer slow cooker recipes that will keep you cool and satisfy your taste buds all while beating the heat!
Tips for Summer Crockpot Cooking
- Keep it light: Summer is all about light, fresh flavors. Think citrus, fresh herbs, versatile spices and plenty of veggies. These ingredients not only taste great but also help keep your meals feeling light and summery.
- Prep ahead: One of the best things about crock pot cooking is the ability to prep your ingredients ahead of time. Spend a little time in the morning chopping veggies and marinating meats, then let your crockpot do the rest. Easy slow cooking while you enjoy your summer by the pool is a win for everyone.
- Use fresh seasonal ingredients to take advantage of all the fresh produce available during the summer months: Farmers’ markets are bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables that can take your crockpot meals to the next level.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: The crockpot is a versatile tool. So don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipes. Try new flavor combinations, experiment with different proteins, and have fun with it!
- Keep your kitchen cool: One of the biggest benefits of summer crockpot meals is keeping your kitchen cool. Unlike the oven, the crock pot doesn’t heat up your entire kitchen, making it the perfect tool for hot summer days.
Best Summer Crockpot Recipes
1 – Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork
Let’s kick things off with a tropical twist! This Hawaiian Barbecue pulled pork is sweet, tangy, and oh-so-tender. Serve it on a bun for some delicious pulled pork sandwiches, over rice, or even on a salad. Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious Hawaiian staple.
2 – Crockpot Meatballs
Beat the heat and keep the kitchen cool this summer with a crockpot meatball recipe! These delicious bites only require 5 ingredients and simmer to perfection all day while you soak up the sun or enjoy other fun activities.
3 – Lemon Garlic Chicken
Light and zesty, lemon garlic chicken is the perfect summer dish. Pair it with a fresh summer salad or some grilled veggies for a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying and will be your new favorite summer meal.
4 – Slow Cooker Ratatouille
Who says you can’t have a little French flair in the summer? This slow cooked ratatouille is packed with summer vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, all simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce.
5 – Crockpot Carnitas Tacos
Taco Tuesday just got a whole lot easier. These crockpot carnitas tacos are crispy, flavorful, and require minimal effort. Just set it and forget it, and make yourself a strawberry salty dog to enjoy while you wait!
6 – Summer Vegetable Soup
A light soup might be just what you need on a cooler summer evening. This summer vegetable soup is brimming with fresh veggies and herbs, making it both nutritious and delicious.
7 – Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos
Versatile and easy, slow cooker shredded chicken tacos can be customized with your favorite toppings. Think fresh pico de gallo, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
8 – Mediterranean Chickpea Stew
This Mediterranean chickpea stew is a vegetarian delight that’s hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites. With flavors of garlic, cumin, and coriander, it’s a taste of the Mediterranean in your own home.
9 – BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Hosting a BBQ party? Sticky, sweet, and smoky BBQ chicken drumsticks are a summer classic. Let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy the sunshine. Pair with our spiked peach tea recipe for a classic southern summer meal.
10 – Crockpot Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Perfect for parties or a casual family gathering, this crockpot spinach and artichoke dip is creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly good.
11 – Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros
Transport yourself to a Greek island with these slow cooker Greek chicken gyros. Tender chicken, tangy tzatziki, and fresh veggies all wrapped up in a soft pita – what’s not to love?
12 – Thai Peanut Chicken
Add some exotic flair to your summer menu with Thai peanut chicken. The combination of creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy peanuts is simply divine. Pair it with one of these easy Asian desserts.
13 – Crockpot Beef & Broccoli
Skip the takeout and make this crockpot beef and broccoli instead. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and the slow cooker beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
14 – Summer Corn Chowder
Sweet corn is a summer staple, and this summer corn chowder showcases it beautifully. Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, it’s a bowl of sunshine, especially if you’re looking for an easy vegetarian meal.
15 – Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Take the classic Caesar salad and turn it into a sandwich! These slow cooker chicken caesar sandwiches are easy to make and perfect for a light summer dinner.
16 – Crockpot Jambalaya
Spice things up with this crockpot jambalaya. Loaded with sausage, chicken, and shrimp, it’s a hearty dish that’s sure to impress.
17 – Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Wine Salmon
Yes, you can cook fish in a crockpot! This slow cooker honey garlic salmon is sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make.
18 – Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
These crockpot teriyaki meatballs are the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Serve them as an appetizer or over rice for a complete meal.
19 – Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
No need to stand over a hot stove, these slow cooker chicken fajitas are just as tasty and much easier to make. Plus, your kitchen will stay nice and cool. Pair with our spicy skinny margarita for a full on fiesta!
20 – Crockpot Mac & Cheese
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This crockpot mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a summer potluck or even a Thanksgiving side dish!
21 – Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Bring a little heat to your summer with this slow cooker buffalo chicken dip. It’s spicy, creamy, and perfect for dipping those fresh summer veggies.
22 – Crockpot Lemon Herb Salmon
Another fantastic fish dish that’s also one of of our favorite healthy crockpot recipes is this crockpot lemon herb salmon. It’s light, flaky, and full of bright, summery flavors.
23 – Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone ribs without having to fire up the grill? Yes, please! These slow cooker BBQ ribs are smoky, sweet, and utterly delicious and is one of our fave easy summer crockpot meals. Your main ingredient is simply store-bought barbecue sauce!
24 – Crockpot Greek Chicken
This crockpot Greek chicken is bursting with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, lemon, and oregano. Serve it with a side of rice or a fresh Greek salad is one of the best crockpot ideas for dinner that is fresh and healthy and delish!
25 – Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash
Looking for a low-carb option? This slow cooker spaghetti squash is a great alternative to pasta. Top it with your favorite sauce and some fresh herbs for a light summer meal.
26 – Crockpot Parmesan Chicken and Rice
A classic dish that never goes out of style, crockpot parmesan chicken and rice is comforting, easy, and perfect for a busy summer day. It’s also a one pot recipe since you have your entree and side cooked all together! Finish off your meal with our oh so popular grilled fruit pizza and you’ve got a summer meal made in heaven.
27 – Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Tangy, sweet, and savory, this slow cooker balsamic chicken is a flavor explosion. Serve it over quinoa, a pasta side dish, or a bed of greens for a healthy, satisfying meal. Got leftovers? Check out these creative leftover chicken recipe ideas.
28 – Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
These crockpot stuffed peppers are loaded with a delicious mixture of rice, ground beef, and spices. They’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
29 – Slow Cooker Sausage & Peppers
Simple yet delicious, slow cooker sausage and peppers is a dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for a summer cookout.
30 – Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make, this crockpot chicken alfredo is comfort food at its finest. Serve it over pasta or with a side of crusty bread.
31 – Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
Bring the taste of a seaside vacation to your kitchen with this slow cooker shrimp boil. Corn, potatoes, sausage, and shrimp all cook together in a flavorful broth for a dish that’s sure to impress. If seafood is on the dinner menu, whip up our crab salad.
32 — Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
This slow cooker sloppy joes recipe lets your cooker do the work. Just 10 minutes to prep. A few hours later, you’ve got a delicious, family-friendly meal ready with minimal cleanup required. These classic beef sandwiches are also great for large parties.
33 — Crockpot Barbecue Baked Beans
Crockpot barbecue baked beans are your saving grace for summer cookouts. These smoky, sweet beans simmer to perfection all day while you relax on that pool float, letting your slow cooker handle the heat so you don’t have to.
More Fun and Easy Summer Recipes
And now that you’ve got some easy crockpot recipes for summer, check out these perfect pairings —
- Moscow Mule Float
- Summer Fruit Tiramisu
- Spiked Arnold Palmer
- Best Cool Whip Recipes
- 3-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream
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