Let Your Slow Cooker Do the Work When It's Too Hot to Cook
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Let's face it: You'll already be sweating all summer, so any excuse not to make it any worse is welcomed. That includes avoiding turning on the oven if at all possible, but of course, how else is dinner going to get on the table? Take a cue from Ree Drummond: "Throw everything in a slow cooker. Turn on. Go live life." And while you may often think of pulling out the best Crock-Pot recipes for the chillier months, you'd be surprised just how versatile summer slow cooker recipes!
If you think about it, there are plenty of classic American dishes for all those barbecues and holiday weekends: creamy mac and cheese, delectable ribs, and corn on the cob, for example. Instead of turning on the stove or firing up the grill, let your handy slow cooker do the work. Plus, summer Crock-Pot recipes also free up so much prep time. Wouldn't you rather take a dip in the pool than worry about chopping all those veggies for dinner? Thought so.
Speaking of summer vegetables, there are also plenty of ways to highlight the bountiful produce of the season like tomato recipes, corn recipes, and even a strawberry recipe for dessert! Of course, it wouldn't be a slow cooker list without some heartier fare like beef recipes, pork recipes, and chicken recipes, so you have a variety of options―no oven required.
Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Ribs
Picture this: You're headed to a barbecue. What do you want to eat? If you answered ribs, then you should definitely check out this recipe. 15 minutes of prep is all you need.
Get Ree's Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Ribs recipe.
Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Crock-Pot appetizers help to feed a crowd! If you've got company coming over, there's no way you want to constantly worry if this fan-favorite is still warm and creamy. Let your slow cooker do the work for you.
Get the Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Green Beans
Green beans are plentiful during the summer. And while they're good any way you prep them, this way is particularly flavorful. Isn't everything better with bacon on it anyway?
Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.
Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese
Don't avoid this American classic just because it's hot in the summer! Everyone will want a scoop, and not only will you stay cool while it's being made, but it will stay warm for hours of scooping.
Get the Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.
Crock-Pot Breakfast Casserole
Everyone wants to sleep in during the summer, but if you need to get the family up and at 'em, prep breakfast the night before. Potatoes, chorizo, eggs, and cheese will wake them right up!
Get the Crock-Pot Breakfast Casserole recipe.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Hello, crowdpleaser! Pulled pork makes an ideal BBQ main dish no matter if you're attending a potluck or hosting in your backyard. Plus, tailgating season technically starts in the summer.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Carnitas Tacos
If you're making pulled pork, save some for the next day and make tacos! Served in warm toasted tortillas and garnished with diced onion, cilantro, and lime wedges, it's the best way to repurpose leftovers.
Get the Carnitas Tacos recipe.
Slow Cooker Refried Beans
If you're having taco night, you can't skip the refried beans! These, too, can easily be made in a slow cooker. You'll be shocked how much better they are than the canned variety.
Get the Slow Cooker Refried Beans recipe.
Slow-Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches
No need to stand over the stove for ours to get tender, juicy meat. The slow cooker will do it for you! Then all you have to do is pile it high, cover it in cheese, and serve with a side of chips.
Get Ree's Slow-Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches recipe.
Shredded Beef Tex-Mex Salad
Another way to use beef roast in a slow cooker? Throw in some taco seasoning and then assemble a tasty salad. It would make a flavorful lunch or a quick and light dinner.
Get the Shredded Beef Tex-Mex Salad recipe.
Easy Queso Dip
Every day is a good day for queso dip! This creamy and slightly spicy concoction will be perfect to serve with tortilla chips, of course, or try pretzels or other dippable snacks to mix it up.
Get the Easy Queso Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups
Full of fresh veggies and herbs, these tasty lettuce cups will make a perfect weekday meal. And they're so flavorful, everyone will almost forget that they're super healthy, too.
Get the Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups recipe.
Crock-Pot Peach Cobbler
Juicy, fresh peaches taste like pure summertime. Turn them into the most delicious dessert without turning on the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is optional, but you know you want it!
Get the Crock-Pot Peach Cobbler recipe at Well Plated by Erin.
Crock-Pot Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic barbecue side dish. Bring them to your next party in a slow cooker! The low and slow cooking will bring out all the flavor, and then you have an easy vessel to carry them, too.
Get the Crock-Pot Baked Beans recipe at Julie's Eats and Treats.
Crock-Pot Corn on the Cob
It's just not summer without some corn on the cob! It comes out juicy, flavorful, and buttery when you make it in a slow cooker. Plus, you don't have to worry about a giant pot of boiling water.
Get the Crock-Pot Corn on the Cob recipe at Amanda's Cookin'.
Strawberry Dump Cake
Wait, you can make a cake without the oven? Break out the whipped cream and let's celebrate! This one makes it even easier by using canned pie filling and boxed cake mix.
Get the Strawberry Dump Cake recipe at Sugar and Soul.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
You might immediately think of pasta sauce in the summer, but you should! That's when tomatoes and basil are at their peak, meaning more flavor with less effort.
Get the Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce recipe at Mom on Timeout.
Crock-Pot Corn Chowder
Corn chowder is one of those quintessential summer soups. Full of potatoes, onions, and of course fresh corn, this creamy concoction will have you begging for a second helping.
Get the Crock-Pot Corn Chowder recipe at The Salty Marshmallow.
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken With Zucchini Noodles
Another plentiful veggie during the summer is zucchini. Take advantage with loads of zoodles for fresh, low-carb, and gluten-free meal that will still leave you satisfied.
Get the Slow Cooker Italian Chicken With Zucchini Noodles recipe at Food Faith Fitness.
Slow Cooker Caramel Cake
Classic Southern caramel cake is delicious, but a bit complicated to make. This version is so much easier. Not only is it made in a slow cooker, but it also uses cake mix and coffee creamer to make it a cinch to bake.
Get the Slow Cooker Caramel Cake recipe at Crazy for Crust.
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