We don’t store away our slow cooker for the summer. While the slow cooker is synonymous with saving time putting together an elaborate meal…and in the summer when my kids are home, I have less time (and patience) than ever to spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing meals. I keep my slow cooker out on the counter year round, and in the summer, I prep easy and quick recipes mid-morning so I can take it easy until dinnertime. There’s nothing better than coming home from the pool to a meal that’s waiting for us.
Don’t let summer get the best of you! Stay cool this summer and away from the oven by cooking in your slow cooker. Minimal heat, minimal time, maximum flavor. Check out my favorite summer slow cooker recipes in the slideshow.
More Slow Cooker Recipes:
15 Summer Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Chicken Tostadas
Let your slow cooker help you with taco night with these slow cooker chicken tostadas .
Photo & recipe via Taste and Tell
Zucchini Roll-ups
Want to eat a healthier (and delicious) version of lasagna? Try this zucchini noodle lasagna roll-ups recipe in your slow cooker (or your oven). You’ll be surprised at how you won’t even miss the noodles.
Photo & recipe via 365 Days of Slow Cooking
Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Cabbage Bowl
This is the perfect idea for an easy low-carb and gluten-free summer dinner from the slow cooker.
Photo & recipe via Kalyn’s Kitchen
Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
This easy recipe for slow cooker Hawaiian chicken only takes three ingredients and three minutes to get going in the Crock Pot. It’s a perfect slow cooker summer supper
Photo & recipe via 365 Days of Slow Cooking
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is pretty simple, I think. But if you want a trick to tuck up your sleeve for those nights when ALL of dinner needs to be ready at once, you might love this slow cooker version of fresh corn on the cob .
Photo & recipe via Eat at Home Cooks
Wheat Berry Salad with Lime Dressing
The perfect summer salad for all picnics, potlucks and barbecues is made up of wheat berries with a lime dressing, black beans, avocados, grape tomatoes, red peppers, jicama, red onion, and cilantro. It’s got the crunch, the chewiness, and the bright flavors all in one salad.
Photo & recipe via 365 Days of Slow Cooking
Greek Chicken Pita Pockets
Slow cooker + unique and flavorful spices + tender chicken + crunchy fresh veggies = a perfect weeknight meal to kick off the summer.
Photo & recipe via Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
Skinny Barbecue Pulled Pork
Love pulled pork but don’t want all the fat? Try this easy recipe for skinny slow cooker BBQ pulled pork , and serve it on top of buns, in a salad, or as a pizza topping.
Photo & recipe via 365 Days of Slow Cooking
Summer Vegetable Pesto Soup
Tender summer vegetables are slow cooked with white beans and pasta, and served with a dollop of fresh basil pesto and parmesan toasts. Slow cooker summer veggie pesto soup is a great way to enjoy your summer produce without heating up the house.
Photo & recipe via Sugar Dish Me
Savory Baked Beans
This easy bean recipe is a twist on the normal sweet version of baked beans; these baked beans are savory and sure to be a hit at your next picnic.
Photo & recipe via 365 Days of Slow Cooking
Tacos al Pastor
This slow cooker tacos al pastor recipe is quick and easy to prepare. It's full of amazing flavor, and your slow cooker does all the work for you.
Photo & recipe via Gimme Some Oven
PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps
Ground chicken, mushrooms, green onion, water chestnuts, and crispy rice sticks get all rolled up into crisp leaves of lettuce .
Photo & recipe via 365 Days of Slow Cooking
Summer Lasagna
No oven required here. You're just a few hours away from a satisfying slow cooker lasagna packed with summer's best veggies.
Photo & recipe via Oh My Veggies
Chicken Sloppy Joes
Switch up normal sloppy joes for chicken sloppy joes . They couldn’t be easier to make with the help of your slow cooker, and this recipe can stretch to feed a crowd on a budget.
Photo & recipe via 365 Days of Slow Cooking
Summer Frittata
This slow cooker frittata is bursting with grated zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and prosciutto, then topped with a simple arugula salad. It is great for a summer breakfast or dinner.
Photo & recipe via Running to the Kitchen