Do you find your motivation to cook plummets in the summer?
I’m the same way.
The last thing I want to do when the weather is hot is spend time standing over a stove.
Sure, little finger foods are a saving grace when your kids brings in the neighbood to our backyard pool but what about after?
But I don’t want to eat cold food all the time either.
That’s why my crockpot works all year round!
I love being able to throw in a few ingredients and go about my day.
Plus, the crockpot doesn’t heat up the house like the oven does, so double bonus!
To help you keep cool this summer while cooking up delicious meals, here are my favorite recipes you should try.
Slow Cooker Chili
Brown some ground beef and toss it into the crockpot with kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
Add chili powder, cumin, garlic, and a splash of broth for good measure.
Let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours so all the flavors can really settle in.
Give it a good stir before serving and watch the whole pot disappear.
This one’s a classic for a reason, and it’s even better with toppings like cheese or sour cream.
Crockpot Lemon Herb Chicken
This one smells like a lemon grove by dinnertime. Perfect for summer!
Layer chicken thighs in the slow cooker with lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs.
Cook on low for about 6 hours until the chicken is tender and juicy.
Spoon the cooking liquid over top before serving to keep it moist.
It pairs well with rice, pasta, or anything that’ll soak up the lemony taste!
BBQ Ribs in the Crockpot
Coat your ribs in dry rub and layer them into the slow cooker with a splash of broth or water.
Let them go on low for 6 to 8 hours so they get tender enough to fall apart.
Brush them with BBQ sauce and finish under the broiler for a sticky glaze.
Use tongs to lift them out carefully, they’ll be that soft.
No grill? No problem!
Crockpot Mediterranean Chicken
Add chicken breasts to the crockpot with tomatoes, olives, garlic, and a sprinkle of oregano and thyme.
Let everything simmer on low for 6 hours while the flavors mix and mingle.
Serve it with couscous, flatbread, or just straight out of the pot.
It’s light, juicy, and has a ton of flavor for how little effort it takes.
Great for when you’re craving something that feels a little fancier without the work.
Slow Cooker Meatball Sub Sandwiches
Add frozen meatballs to the crockpot with marinara sauce and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until everything is hot and bubbling.
Pile the meatballs onto toasted sub rolls and top with shredded mozzarella.
Pop the sandwiches under the broiler to melt the cheese.
Crockpot Vegetable Stir Fry
I used to think stir fry had to happen in a skillet, then my crockpot proved me wrong.
Toss in chopped bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Let it all simmer on low for 4 to 6 hours until the veggies are tender but not mushy.
Serve it over rice or noodles with a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
It’s an easy way to load up on veggies without heating up the kitchen.
Pulled Chicken Sliders
Add chicken breasts and BBQ sauce to the crockpot and cook on low for about 6 hours.
Once tender, shred the meat and stir it into the sauce until it’s fully coated.
Scoop the chicken onto slider buns and top with pickles or coleslaw for extra texture.
These are perfect for casual hangouts or backyard lunches.
They disappear fast, so I usually make extra and pretend it’s for leftovers!
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken
This one hits the sweet, tangy, and savory notes all at once.
Toss chunks of chicken breast into the crockpot with pineapple, bell peppers, and sweet and sour sauce.
Let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours so everything gets nice and saucy.
Serve it over rice with a spoonful of the juice from the bottom of the pot.
You don’t even have to order takeout to get your fix!
Slow Cooker Jambalaya
Add sliced sausage, diced chicken, chopped bell peppers, onion, and crushed tomatoes to your slow cooker.
Stir in Cajun seasoning and rice, then pour in enough broth to cover.
Cook on low for about 6 hours, stirring once or twice if you’re around.
The rice will soak up all that smoky, spicy goodness.
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Toss chicken breasts, sliced bell peppers, and onions into the crockpot with fajita seasoning.
Let it cook on low for 6 hours while you go about your day.
Shred the chicken in the pot and mix it well with the veggies and juices.
Scoop it into tortillas with sour cream, salsa, or whatever’s in the fridge.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Add chicken breasts to your crockpot and cover them with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Let them simmer on low for 4 to 6 hours until they practically shred themselves.
Use two forks to pull it apart, then stir the meat into all that saucy goodness.
Scoop it onto buns, tortillas, or even salad if you’re feeling fancy!
Crockpot Beef Tacos
Place a beef chuck roast in the crockpot with taco seasoning, sliced onions, and a splash of broth.
Let it cook for about 8 hours on low until it’s juicy and fork-tender.
Shred the beef right in the pot and mix it around to soak up the flavor.
Serve it with warm tortillas and whatever toppings you’ve got on hand.
Taco night gets even easier when the slow cooker does the heavy lifting!
Easy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Set a pork shoulder in the slow cooker with a bit of garlic and your go-to BBQ sauce.
Let it go for 8 to 10 hours until it basically falls apart on its own.
Shred it up, stir it around, and scoop it onto soft sandwich buns.
Top with slaw or pickles for some extra crunch and contrast.
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Add chicken breasts, heavy cream, butter, garlic, and a pinch of seasoning to the crockpot.
Cook on low for 4 hours while you handle literally anything else.
Shred the chicken, then stir in cooked pasta and a generous handful of parmesan.
The sauce thickens up as it sits and soaks into the pasta.
10 More Slow Cooker Meals You Can Make
If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, check out these cool and tasty slow cooker meals for those hot and lazy summers.
15. Cajun Chicken Pasta
Toss chicken breasts in Cajun seasoning, garlic, and diced tomatoes, then let it slow cook in the crockpot with a bit of broth. Stir in cream and cooked pasta before serving for a spicy, creamy dinner.
16. Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken
Combine chicken thighs with lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and a splash of broth. Let it slow cook until tender and shred it for tacos, rice bowls, or wraps.
17. Slow Cooker Greek Pork Tenderloin
Rub pork tenderloin with oregano, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, then cook low and slow with sliced red onions. Slice and serve with pita and tzatziki or over rice.
18. Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
Mix corn, potatoes, onion, broth, and a splash of cream into your slow cooker. Let it simmer all day and blend part of it for a thick, cozy texture—serve with fresh herbs.
19. Crock Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Slow cook chicken breasts with Caesar dressing, a splash of broth, and a little garlic. Shred it and pile it onto buns with romaine and parmesan for an easy summer sandwich.
20. Slow Cooker Beef Fajitas
Add sliced flank steak, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning to your crockpot. Let it cook until the beef is tender, then serve with tortillas and all your favorite toppings.
21. Easy Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
Rub your brisket with a smoky dry rub and let it slow cook with beef broth and garlic until juicy and fall-apart tender. Slice for sandwiches or serve with summer sides.
22. Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Toss Italian sausages, sliced peppers, onions, and marinara into the crockpot. Let it cook low and slow until the veggies are soft and sausages are flavorful—perfect on hoagie rolls.
23. Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Bowls
Throw in chicken, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a splash of broth. Cook and shred it over rice with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and tzatziki for a fresh bowl.
24. Crockpot Sloppy Joes
Brown ground beef first, then mix with ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and diced onions in your slow cooker. Let it simmer until saucy and pile it onto buns for an easy dinner win.
Cool and Easy Crockpot Meals for a Hot Summer
When the summer heat is cranking up, the last thing you want to do is heat up your kitchen.
These crockpot recipes make cooking a breeze, keeping your kitchen cool while delivering flavorful meals.
The best part is that you can set it and forget it—no slaving over the stove required!
So, grab your crockpot and let it do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the summer sunshine!
