21 Sweet and Savory Summer Slow Cooker Recipes for Laid Back August Days
Skip the stovetop and keep your kitchen cool with these summer slow cooker recipes. Each one offers a hands-off way to get dinner on the table while you spend time outdoors, tackle your to-do list, or simply relax. From hearty mains to easy sides and even homemade apple butter, these 25 slow cooker meals work hard so you don’t have to.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs Recipe
These Country Style Ribs cook low and slow all day, soaking up smoky barbecue flavor without heating up your house. With only a few minutes of prep, you can get back to your summer afternoon while the slow cooker takes care of the rest. The ribs turn fall-apart tender by dinnertime. Serve with coleslaw, corn, or whatever’s fresh from the garden. It’s an easy dinner that feels special but doesn’t take much effort.
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Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
The slow cooker takes over while you step away from the kitchen and spend time with your family or tend the garden. This sweet and tangy chicken only needs a few pantry staples and a quick prep before it simmers into a tender meal. It’s an easy main dish that pairs well with potatoes, rice, or vegetables. No need to heat up the oven or stovetop when the house is already warm. Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you stay cool.
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Slow Cooker Apple Cider
This Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider simmers in the slow cooker while you focus on outdoor chores or unwind with family. The warm spices fill your home with scent, but the heat stays out of the kitchen. It’s an easy way to enjoy a seasonal drink without standing at the stove. Just strain and serve when it’s ready. Make a batch to sip on cooler summer nights or while sitting around the fire pit.
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Creamy Rich Meatballs and Gravy Recipe
Let the slow cooker take care of these Meatballs and Gravy while you cross off your summer to-do list. The meatballs stay tender, and the gravy thickens without stovetop stirring. This meal works well over mashed potatoes or egg noodles and makes enough for leftovers. You won’t need to turn on the oven, which helps keep your kitchen cool during hot weather. Prep in the morning and dinner is done without much fuss.
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Big Batch Three Bean Chili Recipe
Let this hearty Three Bean Chili bubble away in your slow cooker while you enjoy a book on the porch or help the kids with outdoor chores. Made with canned beans and everyday spices, it’s a simple meatless dinner that comes together without much effort. The long cook time deepens the flavor without heating up your kitchen. Serve with cornbread or tortillas for a filling meal. This is an easy go-to recipe when you don’t want to hover over a hot stove.
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Slow Cooker Pork Loin
This Slow Cooker Pork Loin turns out tender and juicy every time, thanks to the low-and-slow approach. Just set it in the morning and come back hours later to a meal that’s ready when you are. It keeps the heat out of the kitchen and lets you enjoy more of your day outdoors. Add potatoes and carrots to the pot for a one-dish dinner. It’s a solid option for busy weeknights or Sunday family meals.
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Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Use your slow cooker to make Apple Butter with hardly any effort and no stovetop stirring. This recipe frees you up for gardening, canning prep, or just a long walk outside. The apples cook down slowly, filling your home with cozy aroma without heating it up. It stores well and works for toast, baking, or gift jars. A great way to use up extra apples before fall arrives.
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Big Batch Black Bean Soup Recipe
Make a batch of this Black Bean Soup in the slow cooker and free up your afternoon for a patio visit or backyard project. With basic ingredients and no need to stir constantly, it’s a no-fuss meal that simmers while you focus elsewhere. This recipe works well for meal prep or a light dinner. Blend it for a smooth texture or leave it chunky—it’s flexible either way. Keep your kitchen cool and your mealtime easy.
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Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa
Skip the stovetop and let your slow cooker handle this Barbacoa recipe while you enjoy the August breeze. With a few minutes of prep in the morning, you’ll have shredded beef ready for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls by dinnertime. The long cook time draws out bold flavor and keeps your kitchen cool. It’s freezer-friendly too, making it a smart choice for meal planning. Serve with fresh toppings and keep summer evenings simple.
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Simple Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken
Toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and spend your day outside while dinner handles itself. This Ranch Chicken uses just a handful of ingredients and results in juicy, flavorful meat. It’s great on its own or shredded over rice, pasta, or salad. No oven, no mess, and no standing over a hot stove. Just a cool house and a meal ready when you are.
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Slow Cooker German Pot Roast
This cozy German Pot Roast simmers in the slow cooker with tangy vinegar and simple spices while you enjoy your summer day. No need to fuss over the stove or oven—it cooks quietly in the background. The result is tender beef that slices easily and pairs well with mashed potatoes or noodles. It’s hearty but not heavy, and perfect for a no-stress evening meal. Get it started early and stay out of the kitchen until dinner.
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Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
These Porcupine Meatballs use pantry staples and just a few minutes of hands-on time before heading into the slow cooker. The rice cooks inside the meatballs, which means less cleanup and a full meal in one dish. While they simmer, you’re free to spend the day with family or take care of things outside. Serve with a green vegetable or salad for balance. It’s one of those dependable recipes you’ll return to again.
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Homemade Vegetable Soup Recipe
Let this Homemade Vegetable Soup simmer in the slow cooker while you tend your garden or relax with a cold drink outside. It’s packed with hearty vegetables and makes use of whatever you have on hand. The slow cooking time builds flavor without requiring you to stir or check constantly. This is a practical recipe for using up produce and keeping the oven off on hot days. Serve with crusty bread for a full and easy dinner.
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Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe
These BBQ Chicken Legs go straight into the slow cooker in the morning and cook themselves while you go about your day. They turn out juicy and tender, coated in your favorite barbecue sauce without the need to light the grill. You’ll keep the house cool and still serve a meal that feels like summer. Add a side of salad or corn for a backyard-style dinner. It’s a smart way to serve a crowd or prep for leftovers.
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Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu
This Lamb Ragu simmers low and slow into a rich sauce that’s perfect over pasta or polenta. The slow cooker takes care of the long cooking time while you step away from the kitchen and enjoy a quiet afternoon. It’s a great option for weekends when you want a hands-off meal with big flavor. This dish feels like something special but fits into a laid-back summer schedule. Use the time saved to read, rest, or catch up with family.
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Slow Cooker Keto Beef and Broccoli
Skip the skillet and let this Beef and Broccoli cook gently in the slow cooker while you enjoy time outdoors. The meat becomes tender throughout the day and soaks up the simple sauce without effort. Just add broccoli near the end and serve with rice for a balanced dinner. It keeps the kitchen cool and gives you back your afternoon. Ideal for a weeknight when you need dinner ready without the scramble.
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Slow Cooker Pork Chops
These Pork Chops cook in a savory broth that keeps them moist and tender without needing to be checked. Let them simmer all afternoon while you visit with friends or enjoy some downtime on the deck. With only a short prep time, this recipe makes dinner feel effortless. It’s perfect for serving with potatoes or fresh garden vegetables. You’ll stay cool and still put a hot meal on the table.
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Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
This hearty Beef and Noodles dish comes together with basic ingredients and a few hours in the slow cooker. You’ll skip the hot kitchen and still serve a filling dinner the whole family will eat. The beef cooks until it falls apart and mixes smoothly with noodles for a classic comfort meal. It’s easy to prep and ideal for lazy summer Sundays. Set it and forget it while you enjoy the sunshine.
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4-Ingredient Crockpot Chicken and Dressing
With only four ingredients, this Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing recipe comes together fast and cooks itself while you enjoy your day. The chicken turns juicy, and the stuffing absorbs flavor without needing a separate dish. It’s a weeknight meal that frees up your afternoon for time outdoors or catching up with loved ones. Everything cooks in one pot, keeping cleanup simple. It’s a solid choice for when you want dinner ready with minimal effort.
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Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken
Let this Creamy Chicken bubble away in the slow cooker while you enjoy a quiet morning on the porch or help the kids with a summer project. The sauce comes together with just a few ingredients and coats the chicken in rich, comforting flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or fresh bread for a full meal. Prep takes only a few minutes and cleanup is minimal. It’s perfect for days when you want a warm dinner but don’t want to heat up the house.
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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This Honey Garlic Chicken cooks low and slow, giving you tender, flavorful meat by dinnertime without standing over the stove. Just combine the ingredients, start the slow cooker, and head outside for the day. The sweet and savory sauce thickens beautifully while you’re out in the garden or relaxing with a book. Serve it over rice or noodles for a quick, family-friendly meal. It’s a dependable recipe that keeps things cool and simple.
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