I absolutely love summer! The long days, the sunshine, and the smell of barbecues in the air make it a season to cherish. However, cooking during those hot summer months can be a bit of a challenge. That’s where my trusty crockpot comes in. I’ve gathered 10 summer crockpot recipes that will keep your kitchen cool while delivering delicious meals.
1. Summer Vegetable Medley
One of my favorite things about summer is the abundance of fresh vegetables. This summer vegetable medley is colorful, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. I often toss in whatever veggies I have on hand, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- In your crockpot, combine all the vegetables.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.
2. Tropical Chicken Tacos
These tropical chicken tacos are a hit at my summer gatherings. The flavors of pineapple and lime take your taste buds on a vacation.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro for topping
Instructions:
- Place chicken in the crockpot and add pineapple, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred the chicken and serve in corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro.
3. BBQ Pulled Pork
Nothing says summer like BBQ pulled pork. This recipe is perfect for picnics or family gatherings. The best part? It’s super simple.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns for serving
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Top with sliced onions and pour BBQ sauce over everything.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Shred the pork and serve on buns.
4. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
On those cooler summer evenings, a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil soup hits the spot. This recipe is rich, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in heavy cream and basil before serving.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Lemon Garlic Shrimp
This lemon garlic shrimp dish is light and refreshing, making it perfect for summer. I love serving it over rice or pasta.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In the crockpot, combine shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- Serve over rice or pasta, garnished with fresh parsley.
6. Beef and Vegetable Stew
A hearty beef and vegetable stew is a must for summer nights. This recipe is packed with flavor and is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef stew meat in the crockpot and add carrots, potatoes, and onion.
- Pour in beef broth and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8 hours. Enjoy warm with crusty bread.
7. Spicy Chickpea Curry
For a meatless option, I love making spicy chickpea curry. It’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine chickpeas, coconut milk, onion, curry powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve with rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
8. Summer Fruit Crisp
I can’t resist dessert, especially during summer. This summer fruit crisp is a delightful way to use fresh fruits.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed summer fruits (peaches, berries, etc.)
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Place mixed fruits in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture over the fruits. Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
9. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This Mediterranean quinoa salad is refreshing and perfect for summer picnics. It’s light yet filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In the crockpot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Cook on low for 2 hours.
- Once cooked, let it cool before adding tomatoes, cucumber, feta, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss well and serve chilled.
10. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs are a fun dish that everyone loves. I often make them for gatherings, and they disappear quickly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb meatballs (frozen or homemade)
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
Instructions:
- Place meatballs in the crockpot. Add sweet and sour sauce, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve as an appetizer or over rice.
Enjoying Your 10 Summer Crockpot Recipes
Summer is a time for relaxation and enjoying delicious meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. These 10 summer crockpot recipes are perfect for keeping your home cool while still serving up tasty dishes. I hope you give them a try and enjoy the flavors of summer!