If you’re like most people, Easy Summer Crock Pot Dinners is all about spending time outdoors, soaking up the sun, and enjoying some delicious meals with your family and friends. However, when the temperature rises, the last thing you want to do is spend hours cooking in a hot kitchen. That’s where the crock pot comes in! This versatile appliance can be a lifesaver during the summer months, allowing you to create delicious, healthy meals without heating up your entire home. In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite easy summer crock pot dinner recipes that are sure to please your taste buds.
Why Use a Crock Pot in the Summer?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why you should consider using a crock pot during the summer months. Here are a few benefits:
1. Saves Time
With a crock pot, you can set it and forget it, freeing up time to enjoy other summer activities.
2. Easy Cleanup
One pot means less mess to clean up, and who wants to spend their summer evenings doing dishes?
3. No Heat in the Kitchen
Using a crock pot won’t heat up your entire home, making it a great option for those hot summer days.
Easy Summer Crock Pot Dinner Recipes
- BBQ Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 bottle BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Place chicken breasts in crock pot.
- Mix together BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Pour over chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken with a fork and serve on buns.
- Pulled Pork Tacos
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Corn tortillas
- Toppings: diced avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cheese
Directions:
- Place pork shoulder in crock pot.
- Add diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Shred pork with a fork and serve on corn tortillas with desired toppings.
- Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese
Directions:
- Place sliced chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onion in crock pot.
- Add garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve on tortillas with desired toppings.
- Vegetarian Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro
Directions:
- Drain and rinse the black beans and kidney beans.
- Place beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and green bell pepper in crock pot.
- Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Serve with desired toppings.
- Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 potatoes, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Place beef stew meat, onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes in crock pot.
- Add beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Serve hot.
Conclusion
Using a crock pot during the summer can be a game-changer, allowing you to create delicious, healthy meals without the added heat of cooking in the kitchen. These easy summer crock pot dinner recipes are just a few examples of how you can utilize this versatile appliance to make mealtime a breeze.
FAQs
Can I use a crock pot to cook other types of meals besides dinners?
- Yes, crock pots can be used to make a variety of meals, including breakfast, lunch, and even desserts.
Can I leave my crock pot on while I’m away from home?
- Yes, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never leave your crock pot unattended for long periods of time.
How do I clean my crock pot?
- Most crock pots have removable stoneware that can be washed in the sink or dishwasher. The base can be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Can I use frozen meat in my crock pot?
- Yes, but it may take longer to cook and could impact the overall texture of the meat.
Can I adjust the cooking time and temperature of my crock pot?
- Yes, most crock pots have high and low settings and allow you to adjust the cooking time based on your specific recipe.