Are you tired of cooking over a hot stove during the summer months? Want to enjoy delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meals without heating up your kitchen? Look no further than your trusty crockpot! With these summer crockpot dinner recipes, you can enjoy flavorful meals without the hassle of cooking over a stove or oven. Here are 15 delicious and easy-to-make summer crockpot dinner recipes to add to your recipe collection.
1. Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken
This easy recipe only requires four ingredients and produces tender and juicy chicken with a tangy BBQ flavor. Simply combine chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar in your crockpot, and cook on low for six to eight hours. Shred the chicken and serve on buns with coleslaw for a classic summer meal.
2. Slow Cooker Beef Tacos
Taco Tuesday just got easier with this crockpot recipe. Simply add beef chuck roast, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and onions to your crockpot, and cook on low for eight to ten hours. Serve the tender beef on soft tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.
3. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
This flavorful and tender pork dish is perfect for a summer gathering or a weeknight dinner. Simply add pork shoulder, garlic, cumin, oregano, lime juice, and orange juice to your crockpot, and cook on low for eight to ten hours. Shred the pork and serve on tortillas with your favorite toppings.
4. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This sweet and savory chicken recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Combine chicken breasts, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, and a splash of vinegar in your crockpot, and cook on low for four to five hours. Serve over rice with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
5. Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry
This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition. Simply add your favorite vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and peas) to your crockpot, along with canned tomatoes, curry powder, and coconut milk. Cook on low for six to eight hours, and serve with rice or naan bread.
6. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
This easy recipe produces tender and flavorful chicken fajitas without the need for a skillet. Simply combine chicken breasts, sliced bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning in your crockpot, and cook on low for six to eight hours. Serve on tortillas with your favorite toppings.
7. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
This creamy and indulgent pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser. Simply add chicken breasts, Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, garlic, and Italian seasoning to your crockpot, and cook on low for four to six hours. Serve over cooked pasta with grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Slow Cooker Ratatouille
This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe is a French classic. Simply add sliced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and canned tomatoes to your crockpot, along with garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Cook on low for six to eight hours, and serve as a side dish or over cooked pasta.
9. Slow Cooker Jambalaya
This spicy and flavorful dish is perfect for a summer gathering or a weeknight dinner. Simply add chicken thighs, Andouille sausage, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, celery, and Cajun seasoning to your crockpot, and cook on low for six to eight hours. Serve over rice with a sprinkle of green onions for a true taste of New Orleans.
10. Slow Cooker Chili
This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a summer gathering. Simply add ground beef, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, onions, bell peppers, chili powder, and cumin to your crockpot, and cook on low for six to eight hours. Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream.
11. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
This light and refreshing chicken dish is perfect for a summer evening. Combine chicken breasts, lemon juice, garlic, chicken broth, and thyme in your crockpot, and cook on low for four to five hours. Serve with roasted vegetables and a side salad.
12. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
This hearty and healthy soup is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. Simply add diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, chopped vegetables, pasta, and Italian seasoning to your crockpot, along with chicken or vegetable broth. Cook on low for six to eight hours, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.
13. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
This creamy and comforting dish is perfect for a cool summer evening. Simply add beef chuck roast, mushrooms, onions, garlic, beef broth, and sour cream to your crockpot, and cook on low for six to eight hours. Serve over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
14. Slow Cooker Corn Chowder
This creamy and delicious soup is perfect for using up summer corn. Simply add corn kernels, diced potatoes, onions, bacon, chicken broth, and half-and-half to your crockpot, and cook on low for six to eight hours. Serve with crusty bread and a green salad.
15. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This classic BBQ dish is perfect for a summer gathering or a weeknight dinner. Simply add pork shoulder, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of liquid smoke to your crockpot, and cook on low for eight to ten hours. Shred the pork and serve on buns with coleslaw.
In conclusion, these summer crockpot dinner recipes are perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to cook over a hot stove. From BBQ chicken to beef tacos, pork carnitas to vegetable curry, there’s a recipe for everyone. So dust off your crockpot and give these recipes a try for delicious and easy summer meals.
FAQs:
- Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
- Yes! Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time and reheated for an easy meal later.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Absolutely! Many of these recipes freeze well and can be reheated for a quick and easy meal.
- Can I adjust the seasonings to my liking?
- Of course! Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
- Can I use a different type of meat in these recipes?
- Yes, many of these recipes can be made with different types of meat such as turkey, pork, or tofu.
- Can I add extra vegetables to these recipes?
- Yes! Feel free to add extra vegetables to these recipes for added nutrition and flavor.