13 Best Slow-Cooker Recipes to Make This Summer
When the weather is hot and humid, the last thing you likely want to do is turn on your oven and make your home feel even warmer than it already is. Having some easy recipe solutions that don't require an oven—or having to fire up the grill—is undoubtedly nice to rely on during those activity-packed days. Even though the slower cooker is known for cozy soups and casseroles, it is also a reliable appliance for many of your favorite light, summery meals.
From sandwiches to tacos, and even bubbly blueberry crisp, here are a few delicious slow cooker recipes to make during those lazy summer days. Then, for even more healthy recipe ideas, check out our list of Most Popular Slow Cooker Recipes In Every State.
BBQ-Rubbed Pork Shoulder With Creamy Slaw
Nothing beats a delectable taste of BBQ in the summertime. Serve this crock pot pork shoulder with homemade creamy slaw, and any other sides you desire—like our favorite southern-style biscuits!
Get our recipe for BBQ-Rubbed Pork Shoulder With Creamy Slaw.
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Tangy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos
Taco night just got a whole lot easier with this crowd-pleasing recipe. Invite your friends over, make a batch of margaritas, and enjoy these tangy carnitas tacos with all kinds of toppings. Pickled red onions are our favorite!
Get our recipe for Tangy Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos.
Beef Goulash
Another easy crowd pleaser is this beef goulash recipe, the perfect filling meal after an action-packed day outside! Whether you're serving your family or having friends over for a meal outside on the porch, this beef goulash recipe works for it all. Serve with a crisp green side salad for an extra dose of veggies.
Get our recipe for Beef Goulash.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Nothing truly says summer like a sloppy pulled pork sandwich. Our recipe closely follows North Carolina pulled pork traditions, dressed with a spicy vinegar dressing that keeps the calories low but the flavor high.
Get our recipe for Pulled Pork Sandwich.
Beef and Broccoli
When you have a craving for takeout but don't feel like spending money, this beef and broccoli recipe has your back. Serve with a fresh batch of rice—or cauliflower rice to keep it a lower-carb meal.
Get our recipe for Beef and Broccoli.
Crock-Pot Creamy Banana French Toast
It has the convenience of an overnight french toast, but without having to turn on your oven. Seems too good to be true, right? This tasty breakfast is a great one to have on hand when you're feeding the fam on a lazy summer morning. Just wake up, turn on the crockpot, and pour yourself a cup of coffee.
Get the recipe from Diethood.
Quinoa Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Make the most of those summer bell peppers from the farmer's market and stuff them with all sorts of healthy goodness! Along with quinoa, these peppers are stuffed with two different kinds of beans, a flavorful enchilada sauce, and spicy pepper jack cheese.
Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas certainly are easy to cook up on the stovetop or over a grill, but if you're feeling especially lazy, you can make them in the slow cooker as well. Top with dollops of Greek yogurt for an extra creamy boost of protein.
Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Rolls
A fresh-baked batch of cinnamon rolls just seems like a required summer staple. Sure, you could turn on the oven and bake them, but why turn your home into a boiling pit of lava from the oven's heat when you can keep it cool and just use your slow cooker instead?
Get the recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
Honey Garlic Chicken
For an easy, tasty chicken meal that requires less than 10 ingredients, turn to this honey garlic chicken. You can easily serve it with any of your favorite veggies from the farmer's market, top it on a bed of rice, mix in a nice green salad, or throw it in a roll to make a sandwich at lunch!
Get the recipe from Well Plated.
Ribs
Ribs that aren't on the grill? You read that right. The slow cooker actually makes cooking ribs a dream when you don't feel like making the effort to fire up the grill—or clean it later. These ribs are tasty and simple and pair well with practically any of your favorite summer sides. Potato salad? Fruit salad? The world is your oyster.
Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.
Everything Greek Pork Pitas
If you're sick of making BBQ pulled pork sandwiches (which is rare, we know they're tasty), this pork pita recipe works well for easy sandwiches when you want something a little different. You can top it with all kinds of fresh vegetables, but the recipe specifically recommends tzatziki, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, feta, lettuce, and parsley.
Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Blueberry Crisp
Summer isn't complete without a bubbly batch of blueberry crisp. This recipe makes it easy to make crisp for a crowd. Just don't forget the vanilla ice cream!
Get the recipe from Diethood.
