I don’t know about you, but I love making crock pot recipes all year round. In the winter I normally make casseroles and stews in it.
During the summer, I still make these recipes but also make all sorts of main courses. side dishes, BBQ food and desserts in it too.
I’ve put together a collection of recipes that can be cooked in a slow cooker all year round
Grab a cup of coffee and join me for recipes for a slow cooking summer.
It is so easy to place the veggies in the bottom and the protein (and fixings) on top. The crock pot cooks the meal all day and my kitchen does not get warm but smells delightful.
If you don’t have a crock pot, you don’t know what you are missing out on. This cooking device is one that I use most in my kitchen, all year long.
It gives great flavor to any dish, and meat cooked in it turns out fork tender and delicious.
My advice it to get a large one. I’ve replaced mine several times because they fill up more than you will think and they cook best when only 3/4 full.
Crock pot recipes to enjoy all year long
Here are some of my favorite slow cooker meals. Perhaps one of these will be on your summer menu plan!
If you love the taste of Moroccan food, this chicken tagine recipe is for you. It is not too heavy and the combination of spices gives the chicken a wonderful taste.
This slow cooker braised chicken and wine recipe has the most scrumptious sauce, is easy to make and best of all – won’t heat up your oven while it is cooking!
Forget about the preparation and mess of tacos. Make this taco inspired chili in the slow cooker for the same great Mexican taste of tacos but none of the prep work.
Don’t heat up your kitchen for two hours or more cooking a pot roast. This slow cooker pot roast is fork tender, absolutely delicious and so easy to make and your kitchen will stay cool while it is cooking.
This slow cooker white bean chili is great for summer. You can use ground chicken instead of beef for a fresher white look than the normal chile. It could not be easier to make. Get the recipe.
I also asked some of my blogging friends for some slow cooker recipes and they did not disappoint. Check out these delicious meals:
Do you have a pot luck supper for a summer time function but don’t relish the idea of cooking (and layering!) a lasagne? This slow cooker lasagne from Miz Helen’s Country Cottage is layered and cooked right in the crock pot.
You friends will think that you spent all day making it. (and you did, but the easy way!)
Nothing says summer quite like BBQ chicken. This slow cooker BBQ chicken recipe from It’s a Keeper has a bottled sauce that simmers in the crock pot but people will think you made your own sauce.
If you want to make a pulled pork roast on the grill for Pulled pork sandwiches, it takes hours and you have to “tend to” the grill while the pork is cooking.
No need for that with this slow cooker pulled pork sandwich recipe from Flour on My face. The slow cooker is perfect for this recipe!
What is more fun for kids than sloppy Joes? All that delicious ground beef and sauce simmering and heating up your kitchen – no way.
Not with these sloppy Joes from Crystal & Co. Delight the kids and keep your kitchen cool!
This summer stew from my friend Stephanie at Garden Therapy uses fresh from the garden veggies for a wonderful mix of healthy goodness.
Stephanie’s recipe is made for a Dutch oven but could easily be adapted for a longer cooking time in a slow cooker.