If the idea of standing over a hot stove in July makes you want to cry into your iced coffee, you’re not alone. Summer crockpot recipes are the secret to getting dinner on the table without heating the whole house.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew after a day at the pool or just trying to make it through a heat wave without losing your cool (literally), these slow cooker meals are perfect for busy summer days.
From BBQ favorites to light and fresh meals with seasonal produce, here’s a full roundup of easy crockpot ideas to get you through the summer, without turning on the oven.
No-Fuss BBQ Crockpot Recipes for Summer
Slow cooker BBQ is one of the best kitchen hacks of summer. No grill? No problem. Let your crockpot do all the work while you chill in the shade.
1. Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Tender, juicy, and full of flavor, this one practically makes itself. Pile it on buns, serve it over rice, or stuff it into tacos.
→ Grab the full recipe from Savory Nothings.
2. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Great for sandwiches, nachos, or even pizza toppings. Toss in some bottled BBQ sauce and let it cook low and slow.
→ Check out this recipe with a twist from Foodie Fiber.
3. Crockpot Ribs
Yes, you can make legit fall-off-the-bone ribs in a crockpot. Finish them under the broiler or on the grill if you want a little char.
→ See how Cheerful Cook does it.
4. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Add pineapple and a splash of soy sauce for a tropical twist on your classic BBQ chicken.
→ Find the recipe at Recipes By Carol.
Light & Fresh Summer Crockpot Meals
Think the slow cooker is only for heavy winter foods? Nope. These meals are lighter, veggie-packed, and full of summery flavors.
5. Lemon Herb Chicken
Fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs make this a bright and light summer dinner that goes great with a side salad.
→ Get the recipe from Recipes By Lena.
6. Crockpot Ratatouille
This French-inspired veggie stew is the perfect way to use up zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes from your garden or farmer’s market haul.
→ Try the recipe by Wendi Polisi.
7. Greek Chicken Pita Filling
Slow-cooked chicken in Greek spices with a splash of lemon juice—great stuffed in pitas with fresh veggies and tzatziki.
→ Grab the full how-to from Goodie Godmother.
8. Coconut Lime Chicken
Tropical and tangy, this dish works well over rice or quinoa for a super simple summer dinner.
→ See how Mom Endeavors puts it all together.
Crockpot Recipes for Summer Parties & Potlucks
Feeding a crowd? These summer crockpot recipes travel well, taste even better the next day, and are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
9. Crockpot Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky, and hearty—these are a summer BBQ must. You can even throw in bacon or bourbon if you're feeling fancy.
→ Try the dry beans recipe from Whole and Heavenly Oven.
→ Get the quick and easy canned beans version from Easy Dinner Ideas.
10. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
This one’s a party classic and always a hit. Serve with chips, celery sticks, or even slider buns.
→ Get the dip details from Persnickety Plates.
11. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and no stovetop required. Great for feeding teens and picky eaters, too.
→ Check out how The Lazy Slow Cooker makes it perfectly creamy.
12. Taco Meat for a Crowd
Set up a taco bar and let the crockpot do the heavy lifting. Beef, chicken, or even lentils all work here.
→ See Low Carb Yum’s recipe with built-in calculator for crowd-sized taco meat.
65 Tasty Taco Side Dishes Sure to Please Your Guests
Crockpot Soups and Stews for Hot Weather (Yes, Really)
Some people think soup is only for winter, but a good light soup in the summer hits different, especially when you don’t have to stand over a pot.
13. Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Light, spicy, and packed with flavor. Toss in fresh toppings like avocado, lime, and cilantro.
→ Grab the recipe from Family Food On The Table.
14. Summer Corn Chowder
This creamy soup takes advantage of peak corn season and can be made with or without bacon.
→ Find the recipe at The Chunky Chef.
15. Crockpot Minestrone
Veggie-packed and easy to customize with whatever’s in your fridge. Skip the pasta if you want it even lighter.
→ Try this version from Flavors By Linbie.
Meatless Summer Crockpot Recipes
Perfect for Meatless Mondays, vegetarians, or just stretching your grocery budget during a pricey summer.
16. Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
Not just for beef or chicken, these can be filled with quinoa, rice, beans, corn, or salsa, these are as colorful as they are tasty.
→ Try the recipe by Well Plated.
17. Slow Cooker Lentil Tacos
Seasoned lentils make a great taco or burrito filling that even meat-eaters will love.
→ Check out how The Natural Nurturer does it.
18. Crockpot Chickpea Curry
A simple, cozy curry you can throw together with pantry staples. Add spinach or zucchini for a seasonal twist.
→ See Taming Twins version.
19. Veggie Lasagna in the Crockpot
Layer noodles, ricotta, and summer veggies for a lighter take on lasagna that won’t heat up your kitchen.
→ Grab the full recipe from I Heart Vegetables.
Crockpot Sandwich Fillings for Easy Summer Dinners
These make-ahead sandwich fillings are perfect for dinner on the patio, poolside lunches, or bringing along to a picnic.
20. Slow Cooker Italian Beef
Tender beef in a tangy broth—pile onto hoagie rolls with provolone and peppers.
→ Check out the recipe from Mom On Timeout.
21. Crockpot Sloppy Joes
A kid-friendly favorite that’s easy to double for leftovers or parties.
→ Get the recipe from Sparkles To Sprinkles.
22. Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Shredded buffalo chicken is spicy, saucy, and ridiculously good in a sandwich or wrap.
→ Find the recipe at Crafting A Family.
Crockpot Desserts for Summer
Yep, your slow cooker can make dessert too! Perfect for potlucks, camping, or just keeping the oven off.
23. Crockpot Peach Cobbler
Fresh peaches and buttery topping cook up perfectly in the crockpot. Just add vanilla ice cream.
→ Try the sweet dessert from Tasty Fitness Recipes.
24. Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
Rich, gooey, and always a crowd-pleaser. Bonus: it smells amazing while it cooks.
→ Check out Eating On A Dime's version.
25. Crockpot Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Tart and sweet with a crunchy topping—this screams summer in the best way.
→ Get the full scoop from Great Grub Delicious Treats
Bonus: Breakfast Crockpot Recipes
26. Crockpot Overnight Oatmeal
Healthier than instant, there's a better way than standing over a hot stove. Covers busy mornings for the whole week.
→ Check out all these tasty versions from Cook Maniac
Final Tips for Cooking with Your Crockpot in Summer
- Use liners to cut down on cleanup—because who wants to scrub a hot pot in August?
- Batch cook once and eat twice. Many of these recipes make enough for lunch the next day.
- Use fresh herbs and toppings to give slow-cooked meals a bright, fresh finish.
- Don’t be afraid to prep ahead in the evening, toss it in the fridge overnight, and start it in the morning.
Whether you're wrangling kids, dodging heat waves, or just trying to make it to bedtime without another frozen pizza, these summer crockpot recipes are here to save the day.
Pin it, print it, or screenshot it—you’ll be coming back to this list all season long.