15 Summer Crockpot Meals: Delicious and Convenient Recipes

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summer crockpot meals

Summer is a season of sunshine, outdoor activities, and hot temperatures. The last thing anyone wants to do on a scorching summer day is to stand over a hot stove or oven to prepare a meal. Luckily, crockpots offer a convenient and easy solution to this problem. With just a little prep work in the morning, you can have a delicious and healthy meal ready for dinner without breaking a sweat. In this article, we have compiled 15 summer crockpot meals that are perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. From soups and stews to chicken and shrimp dishes, these recipes will help you beat the heat and enjoy the flavors of summer.

Table of Contents

  1. Benefits of Crockpot Cooking
  2. Tips for Cooking with a Crockpot
  3. Recipe 1: Lemon Garlic Chicken
  4. Recipe 2: BBQ Pulled Pork
  5. Recipe 3: Hawaiian Chicken Tacos
  6. Recipe 4: Creamy Tomato Soup
  7. Recipe 5: Beef and Broccoli
  8. Recipe 6: Chili Lime Pork
  9. Recipe 7: Greek Chicken Gyros
  10. Recipe 8: Sweet and Spicy Sausage and Peppers
  11. Recipe 9: Vegetable Curry
  12. Recipe 10: Lemon Garlic Shrimp
  13. Recipe 11: Summer Vegetable Soup
  14. Recipe 12: Teriyaki Chicken
  15. Recipe 13: Pork Carnitas
  16. Recipe 14: Moroccan Chicken
  17. Recipe 15: Beef Stroganoff
  18. Conclusion
  19. FAQs

Benefits of Crockpot Cooking

Crockpot cooking is a great way to prepare meals during summer. It has many benefits, including:

  • Convenience: Crockpots are easy to use and require little effort. You can put all the ingredients in the pot in the morning and let it cook all day while you go about your daily activities.
  • Healthy meals: Crockpots cook food slowly, which preserves the nutrients in the food. You can also use lean meats and fresh vegetables to make healthy and nutritious meals.
  • Economical: Crockpots use less electricity than ovens or stovetops, which can help you save money on your energy bills.
  • No heat in the kitchen: Cooking with a crockpot generates less heat than using an oven or stovetop, which is perfect for summer when you want to keep the house cool.

Tips for Cooking with a Crockpot

Cooking with a crockpot is easy, but there are a few tips you should keep in mind to make your meals turn out perfectly:

  • Choose the right size: Make sure your crockpot is the right size for your recipe. A crockpot that is too small can cause the food to overcook, while a crockpot that is too large can cause the food to dry out.
  • Don’t lift the lid: It is tempting to lift the lid and check on your food, but this can cause the heat to escape and make your food take longer to cook.
  • Use the right temperature: Most crockpot recipes call for low heat, but some recipes require high heat. Follow the recipe to determine the correct temperature setting.
  • Cut ingredients to the right size: Cut your ingredients to the right size to ensure even cooking.
  • Add ingredients in the right order: Add your ingredients in the right order, starting with the ones that take the longest to cook.

Recipe 1: Lemon Garlic Chicken

This lemon garlic chicken is juicy and flavorful, and it’s perfect for summer. You can serve it with rice, pasta, or salad.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic,

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the lemon garlic mixture over them.
  4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Serve hot with your choice of side dish.

Recipe 2: BBQ Pulled Pork

This BBQ pulled pork is perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks. It’s easy to make and can be served as a sandwich or on its own.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 pounds pork shoulder
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork shoulder with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot and pour the BBQ sauce mixture over it.
  4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
  5. Once the pork is tender and falls apart easily, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with a fork.
  6. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and mix it with the BBQ sauce.
  7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  8. Serve hot with your choice of side dish.

Recipe 3: Hawaiian Chicken Tacos

These Hawaiian chicken tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos. They are sweet, savory, and delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 can of pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Flour tortillas
  • Shredded cheese
  • Chopped cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and garlic powder.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the soy sauce mixture over them.
  4. Add the drained pineapple chunks and sliced bell peppers to the crockpot.
  5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with a fork.
  7. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the pineapple and bell peppers.
  8. Serve the chicken mixture in warm flour tortillas and top with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.

Recipe 4: Creamy Tomato Soup

This creamy tomato soup is comforting and perfect for cooler summer nights.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans of diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Croutons for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a crockpot, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  3. Once the ingredients are cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with croutons, if desired.

Recipe 5: Beef and Broccoli

This beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make in a crockpot.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, sliced
  • 4 cups of broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup of soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup of beef broth
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

  1. Season the sliced beef with salt and pepper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
  3. Place the beef in the crockpot and pour the soy sauce mixture over it.
  4. Add the broccoli florets to the crockpot.
  5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. Once the beef is tender and cooked through, serve it over cooked rice.

Recipe 6: Chili Lime Pork

This chili lime pork is perfect for tacos, salads, or sandwiches.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 pounds of pork shoulder
  • 1/2 cup of lime juice
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4 cup of honey
  • 2 tablespoons of chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork shoulder with chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot and pour the lime juice mixture over it.
  4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
  5. Once the pork is tender and falls apart easily, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with a fork.
  6. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and mix it with the remaining sauce.
  7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  8. Serve hot with your choice of side dish.

Recipe 7: Greek Chicken Gyros

These Greek chicken gyros are flavorful and healthy.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup of lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pita bread
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced red onion

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken breasts with dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the yogurt mixture over them.
  2. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  3. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and slice it into thin strips.
  4. Serve the chicken strips in warm pita bread with sliced cucumber, sliced tomatoes, and sliced red onion.

Recipe 8: Sweet and Spicy Sausage and Peppers

This sweet and spicy sausage and peppers is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make in a crockpot.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage
  • 1 pound of hot Italian sausage
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1/2 cup of chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Brown the sausages in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the browned sausages, sliced bell peppers, and sliced onion in the crockpot.
  4. Pour the chicken broth mixture over the sausages and vegetables.
  5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. Once the sausages and vegetables are cooked through, serve hot.

Recipe 9: Vegetable Curry

This vegetable curry is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a crockpot, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes, sweet potato cubes, chopped zucchini, curry powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  3. Once the vegetables are tender and cooked through, serve the curry over cooked rice.

Recipe 10: Lemon Garlic Shrimp

This lemon garlic shrimp is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup of butter
  • 1/4 cup of lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a crockpot, combine the shrimp, butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
  3. Once the shrimp are pink and cooked through, serve hot with chopped parsley for garnish.

Recipe 11: Summer Vegetable Soup

This summer vegetable soup is packed with fresh vegetables and is perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks of celery, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 yellow squash, chopped
  • 2 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a crockpot, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, sliced celery, chopped zucchini, chopped yellow squash, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  3. Once the vegetables are tender and cooked through, serve the soup hot.

Recipe 12: Lemon Herb Chicken

This lemon herb chicken is flavorful and easy to make in a crockpot.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup of butter
  • 1/4 cup of lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the butter mixture over them.
  4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked through, serve hot with your choice of side dish.

Recipe 13: Salsa Verde Chicken

This salsa verde chicken is a delicious and easy Mexican-inspired dish.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 jar of salsa verde
  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can of corn, drained
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

  1. Season the chicken breasts with cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a crockpot, combine the seasoned chicken breasts, salsa verde, drained black beans, and drained corn.
  3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked through, serve hot over cooked rice.

Recipe 14: Buffalo Chicken Dip

This buffalo chicken dip is a perfect appetizer for summer parties and gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of shredded chicken
  • 1 cup of buffalo sauce
  • 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup of ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • Tortilla chips or celery sticks for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a crockpot, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  2. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
  3. Once the cheese is melted and the dip is hot, serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks.

Recipe 15: Peach Cobbler

This peach cobbler is a delicious dessert that is perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1/4 cup of butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a crockpot, combine the sliced peaches, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, milk, melted butter, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  2. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
  3. Once the peach mixture is hot and bubbly, serve it hot with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Summer crockpot meals are a great way to enjoy delicious and healthy meals without heating up the kitchen. These 15 recipes are easy to make and perfect for busy summer days. From soups and stews to chicken and shrimp dishes, there is something for everyone. Give these recipes a try and enjoy the flavors of summer in your crockpot.

FAQs

  1. Can I freeze leftovers of these crockpot meals?
  • Yes, most of these meals can be frozen and reheated later. Just be sure to store them in airtight containers or freezer bags.
  1. Can I use frozen vegetables in these recipes?
  • Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead of fresh in most of these recipes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  1. Can I substitute chicken for beef in the beef and broccoli recipe?
  • Yes, you can use chicken instead of beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  1. Can I use a different type of sausage in the sweet and spicy sausage and peppers recipe?
  • Yes, you can use any type of sausage you like in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  1. Can I use a different type of fruit in the peach cobbler recipe?
  • Yes, you can use any type of fruit you like in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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