20 Summer Crockpot Recipes
When the weather’s hot, the last thing anyone wants is a stove or oven heating up the kitchen. That’s where the slow cooker shines—minimal effort, no sweat, and maximum flavor. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a poolside lunch, or a no-fuss dinner, these 20 summer crockpot recipes will keep things cool, easy, and seriously delicious.
1. Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Juicy pork shoulder slow-cooked in barbecue sauce until it shreds effortlessly. Serve it on buns with coleslaw or over baked potatoes for a hearty summer meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hours on low
- Perfect For: Backyard cookouts
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Tender shredded chicken in a zesty tomato and spice blend. Great for taco bars, nachos, or salads.
- Ingredients: Chicken breasts, salsa, taco seasoning
- Top With: Guacamole, shredded lettuce, cheese
3. Crockpot Corn on the Cob
Corn cooks in butter and garlic for a sweet and savory side dish. No boiling water or grill needed.
- Add-ons: Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours on high
4. Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
This tropical dish features pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger, slow-cooked with chicken for a sweet and savory delight.
- Serve With: Rice or grilled veggies
- Great For: Luau-themed dinners
5. Crockpot Baked Beans with Bacon
Slow-cooked beans with molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and crispy bacon. A summer picnic staple.
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Pairs With: Burgers, ribs, or pulled pork
6. Slow Cooker Taco Dip
A cheesy, spicy, layered dip that stays warm in the crockpot—perfect for game nights or pool parties.
- Layers: Ground beef, refried beans, salsa, shredded cheese
- Serve With: Tortilla chips
7. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Bright and citrusy, this lemon garlic chicken is light, flavorful, and perfect with a fresh salad.
- Ingredients: Boneless chicken thighs, lemon juice, garlic, herbs
- Prep Time: 5 mins
8. Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler
Yes, dessert! This peach cobbler bubbles away to perfection with buttery topping and juicy peaches.
- Serve With: Vanilla ice cream
- Cook Time: 3 hours on high
9. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Shredded chicken in buffalo sauce, served in crisp romaine or butter lettuce—cool and spicy at once.
- Low-carb Option
- Top With: Ranch or blue cheese dressing
10. Slow Cooker Zucchini Lasagna
Layers of zucchini slices, cheese, and meat sauce cooked to summery perfection—no oven required.
- Keto-friendly
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours on low
11. Crockpot Sweet Chili Meatballs
Perfect party food! Frozen or homemade meatballs in a sticky sweet chili glaze that’s impossible to resist.
- Use As: Appetizer or main dish
- Serve With: Rice or noodles
12. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Shredded BBQ chicken piled on toasted buns with crunchy slaw. Classic summer eats made effortless.
- Add Pickles for Zing
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low
13. Crockpot Cilantro Lime Rice
A Chipotle-style side that pairs with any summer protein. Easy, fresh, and keeps the kitchen cool.
- Finish With: Extra lime zest for punch
- Goes Great With: Grilled chicken or fish
14. Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
Shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage seasoned with Old Bay, cooked low and slow for a southern-style summer feast.
- Add Butter Before Serving
- Optional: Lemon wedges and hot sauce
15. Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful peppers stuffed with seasoned beef, rice, and cheese simmer to tender perfection.
- Low-effort Meal Prep
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low
16. Slow Cooker Ratatouille
A French veggie medley of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs—light, healthy, and vegan-friendly.
- Serve With: Rice, couscous, or crusty bread
- Cook Time: 5 hours on low
17. Crockpot BBQ Ribs
Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs slathered in sauce and cooked to perfection without firing up the grill.
- Finish With Broiler for caramelized edges
- Perfect For: Family dinners or summer holidays
18. Slow Cooker Pineapple Salsa Chicken
Fresh and fruity, this recipe combines pineapple chunks, salsa, and chicken for a tropical dinner in minutes.
- Serve Over: Cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low
19. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, indulgent—and no need to turn on the stove. Kids and adults love this comforting classic.
- Pro Tip: Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella
- Cook Time: 2 hours on high
20. Slow Cooker Chili Lime Chicken Thighs
Bold lime and chili flavors seep deep into juicy chicken thighs for a zesty summer meal.
- Pairs With: Grilled corn or cilantro rice
- Add Fresh Cilantro Before Serving
Final Thoughts
Summer cooking should be low-fuss and high flavor—and that’s exactly what these 20 summer crockpot recipes deliver. From zesty BBQs to tropical chicken, fresh veggie dishes to creamy sides, these ideas help you keep the heat out of the kitchen while putting something amazing on the table.
