When It’s Hot Use Your Crockpot: 28 Summer Meals That Practically Cook Themselves

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When it’s hot, use your crockpot—seriously, no one wants to deal with a scorching kitchen in the middle of summer. Slow cookers are great for making real meals without all the heat or hassle. You throw everything in, walk away, and come back to something that’s ready to go. These recipes are perfect for when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do. Let’s dive in.

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.


 

All the bold flavors of enchiladas layered into a slow-cooked casserole. Great for busy summer nights when you’d rather skip the stove.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken over Quinoa Pilaf. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken over Quinoa Pilaf. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Chicken, pineapple, and peppers simmer in teriyaki sauce until tender. Sweet-savory flavors with almost no hands-on cooking.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

A creamy, cheesy family favorite that cooks itself while you do other things. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten it up.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti

Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini

Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Slow cooking keeps the pasta tender and the sauce rich and comforting. Ideal for evenings when you want homemade without hovering over a pot..
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini

Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Shredded chicken, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce simmer gently while you stay out of the heat. Just set it and forget it.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crockpot Spaghetti Squash

Crockpot Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Skip the oven and let the slow cooker steam your squash until tender. A light, veggie-forward side or base for sauces.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Spaghetti Squash

Pot Roast Crockpot

Pot Roast Crockpot Recipe. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Pot Roast Crockpot. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Beef, potatoes, and vegetables gently braise together into fork-tender perfection. Effortless comfort food any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast Crockpot

Crockpot Ribs

Crockpot Ribs Recipe. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Ribs. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Slow-cooked ribs turn fall-off-the-bone tender. Finish with sauce under the broiler for extra flavor and a quick caramelized crust.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Ribs

Meal Prep Crockpot Chicken Taco Meat

Meal Prep Crockpot Chicken Taco Meat. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Meal Prep Crockpot Chicken Taco Meat. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Shredded chicken infused with seasonings, perfect for tacos or bowls. Make ahead and enjoy easy lunches or dinners all week.
Get the Recipe: Meal Prep Crockpot Chicken Taco Meat

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

This tomato-based soup includes chicken, beans, corn, and green chiles, simmered with cumin and garlic for a satisfying one-pot meal.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crockpot Pulled Pork

Crockpot Pulled Pork. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Pork shoulder cooks until juicy enough to shred for sandwiches or tacos. A simple crowd-pleaser with minimal hands-on work.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Pulled Pork

Crockpot Chicken Wings

Crockpot Chicken Wings. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Tender wings cooked low and slow, then crisped briefly under the broiler. Big flavor without babysitting the fryer.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Wings

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham in the Crock Pot

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham in the Crock Pot. Photo Credit Practically Homemade.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham in the Crock Pot. Photo Credit: Practically Homemade.

Cheesy, creamy potatoes paired with smoky ham slices. A satisfying dish that works for brunch, dinner, or potluck gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham in the Crock Pot

Super Tender Crock Pot Yankee Pot Roast

Super Tender Crock Pot Yankee Pot Roast. Photo credit Intentional Hospitality.
Super Tender Crock Pot Yankee Pot Roast. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Classic pot roast with carrots and rich gravy, cooked until melt-in-your-mouth tender. All-day flavor from morning prep.
Get the Recipe: Super Tender Crock Pot Yankee Pot Roast

Fall-Off-The Bone Slow Cooker Baby Back Pork Ribs

Fall Off The Bone Slow Cooker Baby Back Pork Ribs. Photo credit Butter and Baggage.
Fall Off The Bone Slow Cooker Baby Back Pork Ribs. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These baby back ribs are seasoned, slow cooked, and finished with sauce for a juicy, flavorful bite that’s perfect for summer dinners.
Get the Recipe: Fall-Off-The Bone Slow Cooker Baby Back Pork Ribs

Cheesy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

Cheesy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit Bucket List Tummy
Cheesy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Bucket List Tummy

Potatoes slow-cooked with melted cheese until creamy inside and golden on top. A reliable side for grilled meats or roasts.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

Crockpot Cherry Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Crockpot Cherry Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Cherry Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Sweet cherry preserves and tangy balsamic create the perfect glaze for this pork tenderloin. It’s fancy enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cherry Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

3-Ingredient Crockpot Ham Recipe

Crockpot Ham. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Ham. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Just brown sugar and precooked ham go in the pot to transform into a sweet, sticky centerpiece for brunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Crockpot Ham Recipe

Juicy and Tender Crock Pot Whole Chicken

Juicy And Tender Crock Pot Whole Chicken Recipe. Photo credit Intentional Hospitality.
Juicy and Tender Crock Pot Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This whole chicken cooks up moist and flavorful with herbs and seasoning. Great for carving up and using in wraps, salads, or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Juicy and Tender Crock Pot Whole Chicken

Slow Cooker Lasagna

Slow Cooker Lasagna. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Slow Cooker Lasagna. Photo credit Lauren’s Latest.

All the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna—no oven needed! Let your crockpot do the layering and simmering for you.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lasagna

Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Photo credit Lauren’s Latest.

Shredded chicken, diced ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce combine under a buttery breadcrumb topping for a rich casserole meal.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes (No Chicken Broth). Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Creamy mashed potatoes made easy—just peel, toss, and let them cook low and slow. A great make-ahead side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Crockpot Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar

Crockpot Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Recipe. Photo credit Pip and Ebby.
Crockpot Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Recipe. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

Crockpot ham with pineapple and brown sugar requires just a few minutes of prep. Let your slow cooker do the work for you!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Ham With Pineapple And Brown Sugar

Crockpot Shredded Chicken For Meal Prep

Crockpot Shredded Chicken For Meal Prep. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Shredded Chicken For Meal Prep. Photo credit Lauren’s Latest.

Simple and juicy, this shredded chicken is perfect for prepping wraps, salads, and bowls for the week with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shredded Chicken For Meal Prep

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit Lauren's Latest.
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas. Photo credit Lauren’s Latest.

Enjoy a delicious Mexican meal with minimal effort. These Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are packed with flavors and made with fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

Crockpot Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit Chew Out Loud.
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit Chew Out Loud.

Tender beef in a rich mushroom cream sauce served over noodles—it’s an easy comfort food recipe that simmers to perfection while you relax.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

Easy Slow Cooker Birria De Res

Easy Slow Cooker Birria De Res. Photo credit Pinch and Swirl.
Easy Slow Cooker Birria De Res. Photo credit Pinch and Swirl.

Slow Cooker Birria de Res, is an easy birria recipe that requires just a few minutes of prep and several hours of low and slow simmering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Birria De Res

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Easy Slow Cooker Birria De Res. Photo credit Pinch and Swirl.

This Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip is easy to make ahead of time. It’s creamy, rich, and flavorful. Perfect for Game Day or get-togethers!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

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