25 Simple and Tasty Summer Crockpot Recipes

Summer is here, and the last thing you want is a hot kitchen from hours of cooking. That’s why I’m excited to share my top 25 summer crockpot recipes! These dishes keep your kitchen cool while delivering delicious, hassle-free meals perfect for backyard barbecues or busy weeknight dinners. I’ve been relying on my crockpot more than ever this summer, and it’s transformed how I create flavorful, easy meals. Just toss in the ingredients in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a hot, mouthwatering meal ready—like having a personal chef! From light, veggie-packed dishes to hearty comfort foods, there’s something for everyone. Plus, these recipes are great for meal prep, providing leftovers to enjoy all week. Many feature seasonal produce, making it easy to sneak in healthy vegetables without slaving over a stove.[](https://camillestyles.com/food/cooking/summer-crockpot-recipes/)

1. BBQ Pulled Pork in a Slow Cooker

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Servings: 8

This BBQ Pulled Pork is a summer staple, delivering tender, smoky meat perfect for sandwiches or tacos. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a crowd-pleaser for BBQs.[](https://www.southernliving.com/summer-slow-cooker-recipes-6533893)

• Ingredients: 3–4 lb pork shoulder, 1 cup BBQ sauce, ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup chicken broth, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt.
• Directions: Place pork in the crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over pork. Cook on low for 8 hours. Shred with forks and serve on buns or in tortillas.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with coleslaw and pickles for a classic BBQ plate.

2. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Chicken Tacos are a weeknight hero. With minimal ingredients, you get tender, flavorful chicken for soft tortillas.

• Ingredients: 2 lb chicken breasts, 1 jar (16 oz) salsa, 1 packet taco seasoning, ½ cup chicken broth.
• Directions: Place chicken in crockpot. Mix salsa, taco seasoning, and broth; pour over chicken. Cook on high for 4 hours. Shred and serve in tortillas with toppings.
• Serving Suggestion: Top with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.

3. Summer Vegetable Stew

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Servings: 6

This Summer Vegetable Stew is light yet hearty, packed with seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. It’s a versatile vegetarian option.

• Ingredients: 2 zucchini, 2 bell peppers, 1 onion, 2 tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp basil, salt, pepper.
• Directions: Chop vegetables and place in crockpot with broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 6 hours. Adjust seasoning and serve.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread or over rice.

4. Crockpot Chili

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Servings: 8

Crockpot Chili is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer cookouts. Customize the spice level to your taste.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, 1 can (15 oz) black beans, 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 onion, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt.
• Directions: Brown beef, then add to crockpot with remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve hot.
• Serving Suggestion: Top with cheddar cheese and sour cream.

5. Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Creamy and cheesy, Crockpot Mac and Cheese is comfort food made easy, perfect for potlucks.

• Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni, 4 cups shredded cheddar, 2 cups milk, 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, ½ cup butter, 1 tsp salt.
• Directions: Combine all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with a side salad for balance.

6. Crockpot Beef Stew

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6

Beef Stew is hearty and comforting, with tender beef and rich flavors from slow cooking.

• Ingredients: 2 lb beef chuck, 3 carrots, 3 potatoes, 1 onion, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp thyme, salt, pepper.
• Directions: Cube beef and chop vegetables. Add all ingredients to crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours. Serve hot.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread.

7. Crockpot Corn on the Cob

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Corn on the Cob is a simple, hands-off side dish for summer gatherings.

• Ingredients: 6 ears corn, ½ cup water, 2 tbsp butter, salt.
• Directions: Place corn and water in crockpot. Cook on high for 3 hours. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt.
• Serving Suggestion: Add chili powder for a spicy twist.

8. Lemon Garlic Chicken in a Crockpot

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 4

Lemon Garlic Chicken is juicy and aromatic, perfect for a light summer meal.

• Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, ¼ cup lemon juice, 4 garlic cloves, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tsp oregano, salt, pepper.
• Directions: Place chicken in crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over. Cook on high for 4 hours. Serve hot.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with a fresh salad or rice.

9. Crockpot Baked Beans

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Servings: 8

Baked Beans are smoky and sweet, a perfect BBQ side dish.

• Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz) navy beans, ½ cup BBQ sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup molasses, 1 onion, 4 slices bacon, 1 tsp mustard.
• Directions: Chop bacon and onion. Add all ingredients to crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve warm.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with cornbread or burgers.

10. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 4

Teriyaki Chicken brings sweet-savory Asian flavors with minimal effort.

• Ingredients: 2 lb chicken thighs, ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp ginger.
• Directions: Place chicken in crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over. Cook on high for 4 hours. Serve hot.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve over rice with steamed broccoli.

11. Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Servings: 6

Stuffed Peppers are hearty and healthy, with customizable fillings.

• Ingredients: 6 bell peppers, 1 lb ground turkey, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 onion, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt.
• Directions: Hollow peppers. Mix turkey, rice, onion, seasoning, and half the tomato sauce. Stuff peppers, place in crockpot, and top with remaining sauce. Cook on low for 6 hours.
• Serving Suggestion: Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

12. Crockpot Ratatouille

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Servings: 6

Ratatouille showcases summer veggies in a light, flavorful dish.

• Ingredients: 1 eggplant, 2 zucchini, 2 bell peppers, 1 onion, 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp basil, salt.
• Directions: Chop vegetables and place in crockpot with tomatoes and seasonings. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve hot.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with pasta or grilled chicken.

13. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 4

Honey Garlic Chicken is sweet, savory, and tender, perfect for busy days.

• Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, ⅓ cup honey, ⅓ cup soy sauce, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp ginger.
• Directions: Place chicken in crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over. Cook on high for 4 hours. Serve hot.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with rice and green beans.

14. Crockpot Potato Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Potato Salad is a game-changer for BBQs, cooked entirely in the crockpot.

• Ingredients: 2 lb baby potatoes, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp mustard, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 onion, 2 celery stalks, salt, pepper.
• Directions: Place potatoes in crockpot with ½ cup water. Cook on high for 4 hours. Cool slightly, mix with remaining ingredients, and chill before serving.
• Serving Suggestion: Add bacon or herbs for extra flavor.

15. Crockpot Peach Cobbler

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Peach Cobbler is a juicy, buttery dessert perfect for summer evenings.

• Ingredients: 4 cups sliced peaches, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, ½ cup butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp baking powder.
• Directions: Place peaches and ½ cup sugar in crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients for topping and sprinkle over. Cook on high for 3 hours. Serve warm.
• Serving Suggestion: Top with vanilla ice cream.

16. Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pot meal, perfect for busy days.

• Ingredients: 2 lb chicken breasts, 1 cup rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper.
• Directions: Place all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hours. Stir and serve.
• Serving Suggestion: Garnish with parsley.

17. Crockpot Sloppy Joes

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Sloppy Joes are sweet, tangy, and perfect for piling onto buns.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
• Directions: Brown beef, then add to crockpot with chopped vegetables and remaining ingredients. Cook on high for 4 hours. Serve on buns.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with coleslaw or chips.

18. Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Teriyaki Meatballs are juicy and flavorful, great as an appetizer or main dish.

• Ingredients: 2 lb frozen meatballs, ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp ginger.
• Directions: Place meatballs in crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over. Cook on high for 4 hours. Serve hot.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve over rice or with toothpicks as an appetizer.

19. Crockpot Vegetable Curry

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Servings: 6

Vegetable Curry is light, fragrant, and packed with summer veggies.

• Ingredients: 2 potatoes, 2 carrots, 1 cauliflower, 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk, 1 cup vegetable broth, 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt.
• Directions: Chop vegetables and place in crockpot with remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve hot.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with naan or rice.

20. Crockpot Strawberry Shortcake

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Strawberry Shortcake is a light, summery dessert with juicy strawberries.

• Ingredients: 4 cups sliced strawberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, ½ cup butter, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp vanilla.
• Directions: Place strawberries and ½ cup sugar in crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients for topping and sprinkle over. Cook on high for 3 hours. Serve warm.
• Serving Suggestion: Top with whipped cream.

21. Crockpot Chicken Caesar Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 4

Chicken Caesar Salad is a light, satisfying meal with tender chicken.

• Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, ½ cup Caesar dressing, 1 cup chicken broth, romaine lettuce, Parmesan, croutons.
• Directions: Place chicken, dressing, and broth in crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hours. Shred and serve over lettuce with Parmesan and croutons.
• Serving Suggestion: Add extra dressing for flavor.

22. Crockpot Fajitas

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Fajitas are tender and flavorful, perfect for tortillas or rice.

• Ingredients: 2 lb chicken breasts, 2 bell peppers, 1 onion, 1 packet fajita seasoning, ½ cup chicken broth.
• Directions: Slice peppers and onion. Place all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hours. Serve in tortillas.
• Serving Suggestion: Top with guacamole and sour cream.

23. Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Salsa Chicken is a versatile, zesty dish perfect for tacos or burritos.

• Ingredients: 2 lb chicken breasts, 1 jar (16 oz) salsa, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tsp chili powder.
• Directions: Place all ingredients in crockpot. Cook on high for 4 hours. Shred and serve.
• Serving Suggestion: Use in tacos or over rice.

24. Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Garlic Parmesan Potatoes are a cheesy, savory side dish.

• Ingredients: 2 lb baby potatoes, ¼ cup olive oil, ½ cup Parmesan, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt.
• Directions: Place potatoes in crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over. Cook on high for 4 hours. Serve hot.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with grilled meats.

25. Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake

Prep Time: 10 minutes | C20ook Time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Chocolate Lava Cake is a decadent, gooey dessert for chocolate lovers.

• Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix, 1 ¼ cups milk, ½ cup oil, 3 eggs, 1 package (3.9 oz) chocolate pudding mix, 2 cups hot water.
• Directions: Mix cake mix, milk, oil, and eggs; pour into crockpot. Mix pudding mix with hot water and pour over batter. Cook on high for 3 hours. Serve warm.
• Serving Suggestion: Top with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips for Summer Crockpot Cooking

• Use Fresh Produce: Incorporate seasonal veggies and fruits for vibrant flavors.
• Meal Prep: Many recipes yield leftovers, perfect for easy lunches.
• Keep It Light: Opt for recipes with lean proteins and vegetables to suit summer’s lighter palate.
• Know Your Crockpot: Cooking times may vary, so check your model’s heat settings.

Conclusion

These 25 summer crockpot recipes make it easy to enjoy delicious, healthy meals without heating up your kitchen. From BBQ pulled pork to chocolate lava cake, there’s something for every occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard BBQ. Dust off your crockpot and let it do the work while you enjoy summer’s carefree days!