39 Easy Slow Cooker Summer Recipes and Meals for a Crock-Pot

Summer cooking can be a breeze with a trusty slow cooker by your side. I love my Crock-Pot, so I’ve compiled 39 of my favorite slow cooker summer recipes!

During the warmer months, the last thing you want is a hot oven heating up your kitchen. That’s where these easy slow cooker recipes come in handy.

From tender pork tacos to flavorful white beans, these dishes will satisfy your family without the sweat. I made a tasty dinner of pulled chicken sandwiches last week that vanished in minutes.

These summer Crock-Pot recipes are the perfect way to enjoy hearty dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. You can prepare them in the morning and come home to a meal that’s ready to serve.

The best part? Many of these create amazing pasta sauce or cooking liquid that you can save for later meals. This kind of meal prep is a great way to spend less time cooking during those busy summer months.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just feeding your whole family on a Tuesday, these simple dishes deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive in!

39 Easy Slow Cooker Summer Recipes

1. Zesty BBQ Pulled Pork

Get ready for the most amazing pulled pork you’ve ever tasted! Grab a 3-4 pound pork shoulder and give it a good seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili powder.

Pour about 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of your slow cooker before adding the meat. This keeps everything super moist and tender.

Cook the pork on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the meat falls apart easily with a fork. Once it’s cooked, drain any extra liquid and shred the meat using two forks.

Stir in about 1 cup of your favorite sauce, making sure every piece of meat gets coated. Pro tip: Add some minced garlic and diced onion before cooking for extra flavor.

Serve these juicy pulled pork bites on slider buns or as a main dish.

2. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This creamy chicken is about to become your new favorite dinner! Grab 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and get ready to transform them into something amazing.

Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Toss in 1/2 cup chicken stock, some sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Fresh spinach adds an extra burst of color and nutrition.

Sprinkle everything with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

In the last 30 minutes, stir in cream cheese and heavy cream. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Garnish with fresh basil just before serving. This dish is perfect with pasta or rice.

3. Buffalo Chicken Tacos

 

Transform your chicken dinner with these spicy Buffalo chicken tacos! Grab 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the perfect slow cooker meal.

Place the chicken in your slow cooker and pour 1 cup of Buffalo sauce over the top. Make sure the chicken is completely coated in the spicy sauce.

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.

Shred the chicken and mix with additional Buffalo sauce if needed. Pro tip: Serve in warm tortillas with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh green beans.

These tacos are perfect for a quick and spicy summer dinner that everyone will love.

4. Lemon Herb Chicken with Vegetables

Create a delicious one-pot meal with this lemon herb chicken recipe! Gather boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, and fresh green beans.

Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add chopped sweet potatoes and green beans around the chicken. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with dried herbs.

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be juicy, and the vegetables tender.

The herbs and lemon create a light, fresh flavor perfect for summer dinners. Pro tip: Add a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist.

Serve directly from the slow cooker for an easy, delicious meal.

5. Slow Cooker Ratatouille

Transform summer vegetables into a delicious slow cooker meal! Gather zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes for this classic dish.

Chop all vegetables into similar-sized chunks. Layer them in the slow cooker with garlic, dried herbs, and a splash of olive oil.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours until vegetables are tender but not mushy. The key is letting the flavors blend slowly.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pro tip: Add fresh basil just before serving for extra brightness. Serve over zucchini noodles or with crusty bread for a complete meal.

6. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Create a flavor-packed quinoa dish in your slow cooker! Grab quinoa, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs.

Rinse quinoa and place it in the slow cooker. Add vegetable broth and chopped vegetables. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until quinoa is fluffy and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Mix in fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Pro tip: Add crumbled feta cheese just before serving.

This dish works great as a side or a light main course.

7. Honey Garlic Teriyaki Salmon

Turn salmon into a melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker meal! Choose fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor.

Place salmon in the slow cooker liner. Mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic for the sauce. Pour sauce over salmon and cook on low for 1-2 hours. Salmon cooks quickly, so watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

The fish should be tender and easily flake with a fork. Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of green onions before serving.

Serve with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

8. Southwestern Black Bean Chili

Create a hearty chili packed with flavor and protein! Gather dried black beans which were soaked overnight, diced tomatoes, and diced veggies such as onion, bell pepper, spicy peppers, or diced potatoes, and your favorite chili spices.

Combine black beans, diced vegetables, and chili powder in the slow cooker. Add beef or vegetable broth for extra depth.

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours if using dried beans. The beans should be tender and the flavors fully developed. For canned beans use 2-3 hours on low or on high for 1-2 hours.

Stir occasionally and adjust seasonings as needed. Pro tip: Top with shredded cheese and fresh cilantro before serving.

This chili is perfect for a comforting summer dinner that feeds a crowd.

9. Caribbean Jerk Chicken

Bring tropical flavors to your summer dinner! Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most tender result.

Place chicken in the slow cooker. Mix jerk seasoning with soy sauce and pour over the chicken.

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fall-apart tender and full of spicy flavor.

Shred the chicken and mix with the cooking liquid. Pro tip: Serve over coconut rice for an authentic Caribbean meal.

This dish brings a vacation vibe to your dinner table.

10. Chili Lime Chicken Fajitas

Transform chicken into a zesty fajita feast! Grab chicken thighs, bell peppers, and onions.

Layer sliced vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker. Place chicken on top and sprinkle with chili and lime seasonings.

Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded.

Remove chicken and vegetables, and shred the meat. Pro tip: Serve with warm tortillas and fresh toppings.

These fajitas bring restaurant flavor right to your kitchen.

11. Creamy Ranch Potatoes

Transform boring potatoes into a creamy, dreamy side dish! Choose small red or golden potatoes for the best texture.

Wash and quarter potatoes. Place them in the slow cooker and sprinkle with ranch seasoning mix.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours until potatoes are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of cream in the last hour of cooking. Pro tip: Garnish with fresh chives before serving.

These potatoes are the perfect side for any summer meal.

12. Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Create a crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with flavor! Use pre-made or homemade meatballs for this recipe.

Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Mix the sweet and sour sauce with diced bell peppers and onions. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until meatballs are heated through and sauce is bubbling.

Stir occasionally to coat meatballs evenly. Pro tip: Serve over rice or as a party appetizer.

These meatballs are perfect for summer gatherings.

13. Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops

Bring tropical flavors to your dinner table! Choose thick-cut pork chops for the best results.

Place pork chops in the slow cooker. Pour teriyaki sauce and crushed pineapple over the top. Cook on low for 5-6 hours until pork is tender and falling apart. The pineapple adds incredible moisture.

Shred the pork and mix with the sauce. Pro tip: Serve over coconut rice for extra flavor.

This dish brings a vacation vibe to your summer dinner.

14. Mediterranean Chickpea Stew

Create a hearty vegetarian stew packed with Mediterranean flavors! Gather chickpeas, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.

Drain and rinse chickpeas. Place in the slow cooker with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add garlic, cumin, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Cook on low for 1-2 hours to blend flavors.

Stir occasionally and adjust seasonings. Pro tip: Top with fresh parsley before serving. This stew is perfect for a light summer dinner.

15. Thai Vegetable Curry

Transform summer vegetables into a creamy, spicy curry! Choose sweet potatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers from your local market.

Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and place them in the slow cooker. Pour coconut milk over the vegetables to create a rich base.

Add Thai curry paste (green is spiciest, yellow is mildest, and red is medium) and a pinch of salt for deep flavor. For more authentic flavors, add 1 TBS fish sauce and 1-3 TBS sweet red chili sauce.

Cook on low for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Stir the curry occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Pro tip: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top just before serving.

This curry brings exciting summer flavors to your dinner table.

16. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Create a quick and delicious seafood dinner in your slow cooker! Choose large, fresh shrimp for the best results.

Melt butter with minced garlic and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the shrimp in the slow cooker.

Cook on low for 30-45 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and become tender. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough quickly.

Gently stir the shrimp halfway through cooking to ensure even flavor distribution. Pro tip: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

This dish brings restaurant-quality seafood right to your kitchen.

17. Spicy Sausage and Peppers

Turn up the heat with this flavorful sausage dish! Choose spicy Italian sausages and fresh summer bell peppers.

Slice sausages and peppers into bite-sized pieces. Layer them in the slow cooker with sliced onions.

Pour a little chicken broth over the ingredients to keep everything moist. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until sausages are fully cooked.

The peppers will become tender and absorb all the delicious sausage flavors. Pro tip: Serve over rice or with crusty bread.

This dish brings a spicy kick to your summer dinner menu.

18. Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

Create a simple one-pot meal that everyone will love! Choose boneless chicken thighs for the most tender result.

Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour teriyaki sauce over the top. Add uncooked rice around the chicken.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender and rice is fluffy. The sauce will infuse everything with sweet and savory flavor.

Shred the chicken and mix with the rice before serving. Pro tip: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

This easy dinner feels like takeout but is made right at home.

19. Coconut Curry Lentils

Create a creamy, protein-packed vegetarian dish perfect for summer! Gather red or green lentils and your favorite curry spices. Add diced potatoes for more texture (optional).

Rinse lentils and place them in the slow cooker. Pour coconut milk over the top to create a rich base.

Add curry powder, turmeric, and a pinch of salt for deep flavor. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until lentils are tender and creamy.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Pro tip: Top with fresh cilantro before serving.

This dish brings exotic flavors to your summer dinner table.

20. Honey Mustard Chicken

Transform ordinary chicken into a sweet and tangy meal! Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness.

Place chicken in the slow cooker and whisk together honey and mustard. Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating each piece.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is fall-apart tender. The sauce will caramelize and create amazing flavor.

Shred the chicken and mix with the remaining sauce. Pro tip: Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

This dish brings a delicious twist to your summer dinner routine.

21. Beef Stroganoff

Create a comforting classic in your slow cooker! Choose lean ground beef for the best texture.

Brown the beef in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker. This helps develop deeper flavor and reduces excess fat.

Add sliced mushrooms, onions, and a splash of beef broth to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.

Stir in sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Pro tip: Serve over zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

This dish brings classic comfort food to your summer dinner table.

22. Vegetable Beef Soup

Pack your slow cooker with summer vegetables and hearty beef! Choose ground beef and fresh seasonal vegetables.

Brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. Chop summer vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Pour beef broth over the ingredients and add your favorite herbs. Cook on low for 5-6 hours until vegetables are tender.

Stir occasionally to blend flavors and prevent sticking. Pro tip: Add fresh herbs just before serving.

This soup makes a light yet satisfying summer meal.

23. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Transform colorful bell peppers into a delicious summer meal! Choose large bell peppers in red, green, and yellow.

Mix ground beef with rice and seasonings in a bowl. Carefully stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers.

Place stuffed peppers in the slow cooker and pour tomato sauce over the top. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until peppers are tender.

The beef will become incredibly tender and flavorful. Pro tip: Sprinkle cheese on top during the last 30 minutes.

These stuffed peppers bring excitement to your summer dinner routine.

24. Pasta Primavera

Create a vegetable-packed pasta dish in your slow cooker! Choose summer vegetables like zucchini and cherry tomatoes.

Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces and layer in the slow cooker. Add uncooked pasta and vegetable broth.

Cook on low for 2-3 hours until pasta is tender and vegetables are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

The vegetables will release their fresh summer flavors. Pro tip: Add fresh basil just before serving. This dish celebrates the best of summer produce.

25. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Transform fresh summer tomatoes into a creamy soup! Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

Chop tomatoes and place them in the slow cooker. Add vegetable broth and fresh basil leaves.

Cook on low for 3-4 hours until tomatoes break down completely. The flavors will blend beautifully during slow cooking.

Use an immersion blender to create a smooth texture. Pro tip: Stir in cream just before serving. This soup captures the essence of summer in every spoonful.

26. Savory Mushroom Risotto

Create a creamy risotto without constant stirring! Choose fresh mushrooms and arborio rice.

Sauté mushrooms briefly before adding to the slow cooker. Pour in rice and vegetable broth. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until rice is tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

The mushrooms will release their rich, earthy flavor. Pro tip: Finish with parmesan cheese before serving.

This risotto brings restaurant-quality comfort to your kitchen.

27. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Create a hearty vegetarian chili packed with summer flavors! Choose fresh sweet potatoes and black beans.

Dice sweet potatoes and place them in the slow cooker. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and chili spices.

Pour vegetable broth over the ingredients to create a rich base. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until sweet potatoes are tender.

The flavors will meld together beautifully during cooking. Pro tip: Top with fresh cilantro before serving.

This chili brings a nutritious twist to your summer dinner.

28. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Transform ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed meal! Choose boneless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness.

Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Mix balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a bowl.

Pour the glaze over the chicken, coating each piece completely. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is fall-apart tender.

The balsamic will create a beautiful caramelized coating. Pro tip: Serve over zucchini noodles. This dish brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home.

29. Layers of Lasagna

Create a classic comfort dish in your slow cooker! Choose no-boil lasagna noodles for the easiest preparation.

Layer uncooked lasagna noodles with ground beef and marinara sauce. Alternate layers of cheese and meat to build the lasagna.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours until noodles are tender and cheese is melted. The slow cooking helps develop rich flavors.

Avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking. Pro tip: Let it rest for 30 minutes before serving.

This lasagna brings home-cooked comfort to your summer dinner.

30. Cilantro Lime Rice

Transform ordinary rice into a zesty side dish! Choose long-grain white rice for best results.

Place rice in the slow cooker with chicken broth and lime juice. Add fresh cilantro and a pinch of salt. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until rice is fluffy and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

The lime adds a bright, fresh summer flavor. Pro tip: Fluff with a fork before serving. This rice brings a citrusy twist to your meal.

31. Pork and Pineapple Skewers

Create a tropical-inspired dish in your slow cooker! Choose lean pork and fresh pineapple chunks.

Place pork pieces and pineapple in the slow cooker. Mix soy sauce, honey, and ginger for a marinade. Pour the marinade over the meat and pineapple. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until pork is tender.

The pineapple will caramelize and add sweetness. Pro tip: Garnish with green onions before skewering and serving. This dish brings summer vacation flavors to your dinner table.

32. Classic Minestrone Soup

Pack your slow cooker with summer vegetables and hearty beans! Choose zucchini, bell peppers, and kidney beans. Optionally consider spinach leaves, diced carrots, and orzo pasta (uncooked).

Chop vegetables and add them to the slow cooker. Pour in vegetable broth and canned tomatoes.

Add dried pasta during the last hour of cooking. Cook on low for 5-6 hours until vegetables are tender. The flavors will blend beautifully during slow cooking. Pro tip: Top with fresh basil before serving.

This soup celebrates the best of summer produce.

33. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Create a comforting breakfast in your slow cooker! Choose steel-cut oats for the best texture.

Place oats in the slow cooker with chopped apples and 1-3 cinnamon sticks. Pour in milk and a touch of honey. Cook on low overnight for 7-8 hours. Wake up to a warm, delicious breakfast.

The apples will become soft and infuse the oatmeal. Pro tip: Add walnuts just before serving. This breakfast brings comfort to your morning.

34. Chicken Tikka Masala

Transform your kitchen into an Indian restaurant! Choose boneless chicken thighs for maximum flavor.

Place chicken in the slow cooker with tomato sauce and cream. Add tikka masala spices for an authentic taste.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender and falling apart. The sauce will become rich and creamy.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Pro tip: Serve over basmati rice. This dish brings exotic flavors to your dinner table.

35. Pizza Casserole

Create a crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like pizza! Choose your favorite pizza toppings.

Layer uncooked pasta with pizza sauce and pepperoni. Add cheese and any additional toppings. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until pasta is tender. The cheese will melt and create a gooey top.

Avoid opening the lid too often during cooking. Pro tip: Sprinkle fresh basil before serving. This casserole brings pizza night to your slow cooker.

36. Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

Create a vegetarian taco that’s packed with flavor! Choose fresh cauliflower and buffalo sauce.

Cut cauliflower into bite-sized pieces and place in slow cooker. Pour buffalo sauce over the top. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until cauliflower is tender. The sauce will infuse every piece with spicy flavor.

Stir occasionally to coat evenly. Pro tip: Serve in warm tortillas with cool ranch. These tacos bring a spicy twist to your dinner.

37. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom

Transform chicken into a creamy, comforting meal! Choose boneless chicken thighs and fresh mushrooms.

Place chicken and sliced mushrooms in the slow cooker. Add cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender and falling apart. The mushrooms will create a rich sauce.

Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce. Pro tip: Serve over mashed potatoes. This dish brings comfort to your summer dinner.

38. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Create a takeout-style dish in your slow cooker! Choose flank steak and fresh broccoli. Slice the beef and place it in the slow cooker with broccoli florets. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.

Pour sauce over beef and broccoli. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until beef is tender. The sauce will create a delicious coating. Pro tip: Serve over cauliflower rice.

This dish brings Asian-inspired flavors to your table.

39. Roasted Red Pepper Chicken

Transform chicken with roasted red pepper flavors! Choose boneless chicken thighs.

Place chicken in the slow cooker with jarred roasted red peppers. Add garlic and olive oil. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender. The peppers will create a unique sauce.

Shred chicken and mix with cooking liquid. Pro tip: Serve with pita chips. This dish brings Mediterranean inspiration to dinner.

Final Thoughts

I hope these summer Crock-Pot recipes have inspired you to keep your slow cooker working during the hot months ahead. These easy summer meals will save you from standing over a hot oven when temperatures soar.

The slow cooker truly shines this time of the year. My family devoured the bone ribs I made last week, and there wasn’t a scrap left!

Don’t forget that many of these dishes taste even better the next day. Beef stew and white beans actually improve overnight as the flavors deepen.

These recipes are perfect for summer cookouts too. Make the main dishes ahead and you’ll have more time to enjoy your backyard barbecue with friends.

I always keep some leftover cooking liquid or a little stock for future meal prep. By the end of cooking, those juices are packed with flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a whole family or meal prepping for one, your slow cooker is the perfect way to create tasty dinners with minimal effort. Stay cool and enjoy these delicious recipes all summer long!