18 summer crockpot dinners that keep the oven out of it

Summer and Crockpots don’t always seem like a natural pair, but they make more sense than you’d think. You get a real dinner without standing over a stove when it’s already warm out. These recipes let the slow cooker do its thing while you get on with the day.

Slow Cooker Meatballs

These slow cooker meatballs bring all those classic Italian American flavors without you hovering over the stove all day. They simmer in a rich tomato sauce and freeze like a dream. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Meatballs

Mississippi Chicken Sliders

These crockpot Mississippi chicken sliders are perfect for game day or easy family meals. Shredded chicken with pepperoncini, ranch, melty cheese, and a punchy mustard sauce gets piled onto soft rolls. Get the recipe: Mississippi Chicken Sliders

Weeknight Chuck Roast Chili

This slow cooker chuck roast chili is loaded with tender beef and smoky spices that get even better after stewing all day in the pot. It’s a hands-off, flavorful meal, and the whole family will love choosing toppings for their bowl. Get the recipe: Weeknight Chuck Roast Chili

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Slow cooker pulled bbq chicken on a bun. — Image Credit: The Heirloom Pantry

Slow cooker BBQ pulled chicken is a tender, delicious chicken recipe. Just add seasoned chicken thighs to the slow cooker with the barbecue sauce mixture, slow cook, then enjoy in a sandwich, slider, taco, salad, and more. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Slow Cooker Boneless Beef Short Ribs

Slow cooker beef short ribs cook themselves into fall-apart perfection in a tangy-sweet, smoky sauce. The chili sauce, liquid smoke, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar do all the heavy lifting. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Boneless Beef Short Ribs

Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

This slow cooker Greek lemon chicken soup is cozy and flavorful. Let it cook low and slow while you go about your day, then enjoy a comforting bowl perfect for weeknight dinners, easy lunches, or feeding the whole family. Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Coconut Lime White Bean Chicken Chili

This coconut lime white bean chicken chili is a fun, tropical twist on a classic favorite. Healthy, dairy-free, and easy to make in a slow cooker, this dish is bright, flavorful, and seriously tasty. Get the recipe: Coconut Lime White Bean Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

These crockpot Italian beef sandwiches feature slow-cooked beef shredded to perfection. Piled on a bun with melted provolone, caramelized onions, and pepperoncini, they’re the ultimate comfort sandwich. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of frito pie. — Image Credit: I Heart Eating

Frito chili pie, also known as walking tacos, turns ground beef into a seriously hearty meal. Whether in the crock pot or on the stove, it’s an easy dinner that somehow feels extra fun. Get the recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

These Mexican pork carnitas are slow cooked until tender, then broiled to get those perfectly crisp, caramelized edges. They’re easy to make and perfect for tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowls, or anything that deserves a little guacamole on top. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings

These garlic parmesan wings come out tender inside, crispy outside, and loaded with rich, savory flavor. Toss everything in the slow cooker, barely think about it, and end up with a platter of delicious wings. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Wings

Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs

A plate of slow cooker bbq ribs. — Image Credit: The Forked Spoon

These slow cooker ribs come out tender, juicy, and flavorful every single time. They’re coated in a homemade dry rub, smothered in barbecue sauce, and cooked until the meat basically melts off the bone. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Easy French Dip Sandwiches

These easy French dip sandwiches come together in the slow cooker with just six ingredients. Tender shredded beef, melty provolone, and that rich au jus situation make them feel like a restaurant order. Get the recipe: Easy French Dip Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is the cozy, no-stress dinner that makes you feel like you’ve put in more effort than you did. With fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, and spices that simmer in the slow cooker until they taste like comfort in a bowl. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

California Taco

Upgrade your taco night with these California-style tacos loaded with fresh ingredients and bold flavor. Easy to throw together and way more exciting than the usual routine, these might just end up on repeat. Get the recipe: California Taco

Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

This slow cooker brisket comes out so tender that it basically melts in your mouth, topped with a rich homemade BBQ sauce. Totally hands-off, it’s the perfect dish to impress at gatherings or holiday celebrations. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Brisket

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This honey garlic chicken turns simple chicken breasts into a sweet and savory dinner. With barely any hands-on time, you get juicy, tender chicken coated in a tasty sauce. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes

Nothing hits quite like coming home to a perfectly cooked crockpot chicken and potatoes dinner waiting. This hearty, one-pot meal is simple, delicious, and perfect for adding to your rotation. Get the recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes