When it's sweltering outside, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in a hot kitchen making dinner. Skip all the sweaty stirring and roasting with these slow cooker summer meals. Discover enough summer crock pot meal ideas to keep your family satisfied - and keep you out of the kitchen - all summer long.
Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
Sweet, refreshing, and still hearty enough for a family dinner? These crock pot Hawaiian meatballs from A Southern Soul are delicious over rice and veggies or served on their own for a summery appetizer. This is a dump and go meatball recipe and can be ready to eat in as little as 2 hours.
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Baked Beans
For all your summer cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners, an easy baked beans recipe in the crock pot will have everyone assuming you cooked all day. It doesn't get easier than these slow cooker baked beans, and you'll be using the recipe all summer long.
Crock Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
This might be the easiest summer meal ever! Just a few ingredients that you probably have on hand already give you this creamy and dreamy chicken Caesar sandwich meal.
Ingredients
- 4-6 chicken breasts
- Your favorite Caesar dressing
- Tortillas, pita pockets, or your favorite burger buns
- Parmesan cheese - shredded
- Green mix of choice (romaine is perfect here!)
Directions
- Add your chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper if you like.
- Pour in ½-¾ cup of your favorite Caesar dressing (or make your own).
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken and add more dressing if needed - you want this to be pretty creamy.
- Cook on low for 1 more hour.
- Serve on your bun with parmesan cheese and a handful of greens for a simple and filling summer meal.
Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken
This isn't your typical barbeque chicken recipe. Slow cooker chicken with a sweet peach barbeque glaze makes a traditional barbeque sandwich or plate sweeter for summer and this recipe from Modern Honey is a summer staple in the making.
Crock Pot Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob for your summer gatherings just got easier. Making corn on the cob in your crock pot is practically effortless and cuts down on your after-dinner clean up.
Ingredients
- 6 ears of corn - husked
- 3 tablespoons salted butter - cubed into 6 equal pieces
- Seasonings of choice
Directions
- Place each ear of corn on a small sheet of aluminum foil.
- Add a piece of butter and all of your seasoning.
- Wrap tightly and place in the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on high for two hours or on low for four.
Slow Cooker Artichoke Pasta
Pasta transcends seasons and is delicious at any time of the year. Make it feel a little lighter and bit more summery with artichokes and olives in this slow cooker artichoke pasta recipe from a Year of Slow Cooking. A caesar side salad would make this the easiest summer dinner ever.
Creamy Crock Pot Lemon Chicken
If you decide to make the artichoke pasta but want to amp it up with a protein, lemon chicken still feels light and refreshing while keeping you full. Try slow cooker creamy lemon chicken from Six Sisters' Stuff for an easy main dish on busy summer nights.
Summer Baked Potato Bar
If you need something affordable, simple, and easy to make, then you need to try a baked potato bar for your family night dinner. You can even make your baked potatoes in the slow cooker for a simple meal prep process. Add your oil of choice to the skins along with salt and pepper, poke holes with a fork in the top of each potato, and cook them on low for six to seven hours. Serve with a summery lineup of toppings and a side salad.
Summer Baked Potato Toppings
- Corn
- Black beans
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Steamed broccoli
- Pepperoncini
- Bacon
- Artichokes
Veggie Packed Breakfast Crock Pot Casserole
Don't reserve your slow cooker for dinner, because it's an excellent way to prep your breakfast the night before. Christine from Apple of My Eye has created a healthy crock pot breakfast casserole that makes it easy to start your day on a nutritious note. The vibrant veggies make this breakfast feel like a bite of summer.
Slow Cooker Oatmeal Recipes
Speaking of an easy breakfast, oatmeal is so versatile and is always a comforting a breakfast choice. These slow cooker oatmeal recipes will make breakfast a breeze on busy summer mornings, and you can add your own fun toppings to make it feel fresh and summery.
Summer Oatmeal Toppings
- Pineapple
- Peaches
- Coconut
- Fresh berries
- Passionfruit
- Banana
- Walnuts
- Mango
- Sunflower seeds
Crock Pot Vegetable Chowder
Soup is a beloved weeknight dinner during the cooler seasons, but with summer vegetables, it feels like a light and fresh treat at the end of a busy day. Toss everything into your slow cooker for a simple summer vegetable chowder.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 2 carrots - chopped
- 1 yellow potato - chopped
- 1-2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 large zucchini - roughly chopped
- 1 large yellow squash - roughly chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1½ cups heavy cream
Directions
- Add butter to the bottom of your slow cooker and turn it on low while you chop your veggies.
- Add veggies to the slow cooker and toss them in the butter.
- Pour in your broth and add the herbs plus salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for three hours.
- Add the heavy cream.
- Cook on low for one more hour and serve hot.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
If you're looking to lighten some of your meals for summer without adding to your time in the kitchen, stuffed peppers are a fresh crock pot summer meal option that doesn't call for side dishes and makes use of all the colorful veggies of summer. Try this slow cooker stuffed pepper recipe from Slow Cooker Gourmet for a refreshing and filling summer meal.
Slow Cooker Carnitas
A summer staple and a crowd pleasing meal, carnitas can be a simple part of your summer meal lineup. Make your carnitas in the slow cooker for a quick meal that's totally customizable for each member of your family.
Crock Pot Shrimp Boil
This is the easy summer dinner recipe that will prompt all of your summer gatherings. Invite friends and family over for the easiest shrimp boil ever - with a lot less mess than the traditional approach. Whip up your shrimp boil in the crock pot - we love this recipe from Persnickety Plates - and spend the evening enjoying conversation rather than cleaning up.
Crock Pot Zucchini Pizza Boats
Here's one that kiddos and parents will love all summer long! Zucchini pizza boats are a fun way to make normal pizza nights healthier, and they are so easy to make in your crock pot. This one is so simple and delicious, you might host Friday night pizza all summer long.
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini per person
- Ground beef or Italian sausage - browned
- Marinara sauce
- Your favorite pizza toppings
- Mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Cut your zucchini in half, lengthwise.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, making sure you leave enough of the zucchini to keep it sturdy.
- Fill with your meat, sauce, and toppings.
- Place in your crock pot, cover, and cook on low for four hours.
- Top your boats with cheese and let them cook, covered, for 15-20 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Creamy Slow Cooker Salmon
Light, creamy, and perfect for an elegant summer dinner, this salmon recipe is simple in the best way. Slow cooker salmon with creamy lemon sauce is fresh and summery, but the best part is that it all comes together in just two hours in your crock pot. Katerina from Diethood.com has dreamed up an easy version of this summer fave.
Mediterranean Crockpot Chicken Tacos
If you can't get away to the Mediterranean this summer, at least you can enjoy the cuisine at home. Two Healthy Kitchens offers this Mediterranean chicken tacos recipe for your crock pot to level up taco Tuesday for a fresh, Greek-inspired summer meal.
Easy Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
Salsa chicken is vibrant and full of summer flavors. You can serve it with tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or even as a sandwich. Prep it on a Sunday, and you'll have lunch all week long.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 4-6 chicken breasts
- 1 large jar of your favorite salsa - the chunkier the better
- Fresh cilantro for serving
Directions
- Place your butter in the crock pot's bottom.
- Layer in your chicken, doing your best to create one flat layer.
- Pour the jar of salsa over the chicken and use a spatula or spoon to spread it around evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for two hours.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken.
- Cook on low for two more hours.
- Top with cilantro and serve.
Slow Cooker Corn & Jalapeño Dip
For a light summer lunch or a fun dinner appetizer, this corn dip with jalapeños pairs well with your taco night fixings or with a big bowl of tortilla chips. Corn and jalapeño dip is so addictive, you could just eat it by the bowl and Damn Delicious has created the perfect balance of sweet and spice with this crock pot version of the recipe.
Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Sandwiches are one of the easiest summer meals and make dinner effortless after a long day of swimming or being outdoors. Kids and adults will love these crock pot Hawaiian chicken sandwiches by Jamie Cooks It Up. Serve with your favorite seasonal vegetables or a side of chips for a hearty summer meal that keeps cleanup to a minimum.
Slow Cooker Summer Salad
Who says your summer salads need to be served cold? This salad is full of warm summer vegetables and pairs beautifully with a bed of fluffy quinoa or mixed greens.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 zucchini - roughly chopped
- 1 red bell pepper - chopped lengthwise
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes - halved
- 1 carrot - thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Pour the olive oil into your slow cooker.
- Add the vegetables and toss to coat.
- Add lemon juice, thyme, and salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve on rice, quinoa, or greens.
Slow Cooker Banh Mi
A little sweet, a little savory, and so perfect for a slow summer evening. Slow cooker Banh Mi rice bowls replace the heavy bread of the sandwich with a fluffy serving of rice in this healthy recipe from Skinny Taste. Topped with pickled carrots, this summer crock pot meal idea is full of summer flavors.
Crock Pot Thai Steak Salad
Yes, you can prep a salad in the slow cooker! Well, sort of. This Thai steak salad recipe in the crock pot from The Food Charlatan cooks the protein for your salad, so all you have to focus on is chopping and assembling. And the peanut sauce on top? Easy and delicious!
Strawberry Jalapeño Turkey Meatballs
Sweet and spicy are the best combo on a summer evening. For your busy weeknights, this recipe comes together quickly and pairs well with your favorite seasonal vegetables or a bed of rice.
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen turkey meatballs
- 1 jar strawberry jam
- 1 jar jalapeño pepper jelly
- 2 fresh jalapeños, chopped
- 2 cups of BBQ sauce
Directions
- Add the meatballs to your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix the jellies and sauce until well combined.
- Add the sauce mixture to the meatballs and toss to coat.
- Top with finely chopped jalapeños.
- Cover and cook on high for two hours or low for four.
Crock Pot Raspberry French Toast
Summer brings bright, sweet, and tart berries with the warm weather. Make use of fresh summer raspberries with this irresistible French toast crock pot recipe from Savory Nothings. Oh, and there're chocolate chips involved, so this is a must-try breakfast.
Slow Cooker Granola
Plan to spend the summer by the pool or off on hiking adventures? Make your own granola for all your summer snacking. It doesn't get easier than this 5-ingredient crock pot granola recipe from Amy's Healthy Baking.
Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Make your summer wraps and sandwiches protein-packed and oh-so-tangy with a classic buffalo chicken. Throw in a little celery and sweet potato fries for a hearty summer eat.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup Frank's Red Hot buffalo sauce
- ½ cup buttermilk ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- 8-10 tortillas
- 3 stalks celery - chopped
- Mixed greens
Directions
- Add the chicken to the crock pot in one layer.
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer on low to mix the cream cheese and buffalo sauce until combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheese.
- Add the mixture to your crock pot directly on top of the chicken.
- Cook on high for two hours.
- Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce and cheese mixture.
- Cook on low for an additional two hours.
- Serve in your tortilla wraps with greens and chopped celery. A side of ranch for dipping takes this to the next level!
Slow Cooker Mango Chicken Curry
Sure, curry is comforting in the cooler seasons. Make it mango curry, and you have a surprising summer meal that hits all the flavor points. Food Faith Fitness has created a crock pot mango chicken curry that's sweet, fruity, spicy, creamy, and fresh.
Crock Pot Coconut Lime Chicken
Summer calls for all the coconut lime things you can think up. Chicken is a simple way to carry the classic flavor combo into your meal, and it's so comforting with warm rice or extra summery on a veggie-packed salad. Make coconut lime chicken in your crock pot - this recipe from Mom Endeavors is a winner - for an effortless way to enjoy the versatile entrée.
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Pasta
This is a hearty pasta recipe, but it's chock-full of summer greens. Toss everything into the crock pot and add your favorite pasta for a decadent dinner on a sweltering summer evening. You could top this with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen chopped spinach
- 1 jar artichoke hearts - drained
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Any pasta - cooked and drained
Directions
- Add all ingredients, except for the heavy cream and pasta, to your crock pot.
- Mix , cover, and cook on high for one hour.
- Use a spatula or spoon to fully combine the ingredients once the cheeses melt.
- Cover and cook on high for one more hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and thoroughly mix.
- Stir in your pasta and serve.
Crock Pot Blueberry Breakfast Casserole
Wake up to a sweet breakfast staple all summer long. Crock pot blueberry breakfast casserole from Crock Pot Ladies is a decadent weekend brunch addition or a quick and filling breakfast served with yogurt.
Summer Crock Pot Tips
Your crock pot is going to be your new favorite summer kitchen gadget when you see just how useful it is in the summer. Keep these tips and tricks in mind as you prep and use your slow cooker for summer meals.
- Use your slow cooker to keep grilled meats warm as you're waiting for additional items to cook.
- Prep your potluck recipes in the slow cooker for easy transport and a dish that's served hot throughout the event.
- Keep your kitchen cool by skipping all the baked or roasted items and sticking to just your slow cooker. It will produce far less heat than your stove or oven.
- Cranking the AC all summer might put a pressure on your energy costs, but using your crock pot in place of large kitchen appliances will help cut down on electricity bills.
- Don't just use your crock pot for summer meals - it can make delicious desserts too! Summer cobblers, puddings, and dump cakes curb your sweet tooth without overwhelming your dishwasher.
Get Ready for Easy Summer Eats
You already know how much you depend on your slow cooker in the fall and winter, but wait until you see how handy it is for summer cooking. No more sweating in the kitchen, cleaning up while your family is enjoying the warm weather, or stressing over what's for dinner. These summer crock pot recipes will make meals simple so you can get back to enjoying your long summer days.
