29 Delicious Summer Crockpot Recipes
1. Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Transform basic chicken breasts into finger-licking barbecue chicken. Just add bone-in chicken breasts to your crockpot and cover with your favorite sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and falls off the bone tender. The barbecue sauce will create a delicious sticky glaze on the chicken as it cooks. For added flavor, try adding some minced garlic, smoked paprika, or chili powder. Serve piled high on buns with extra barbecue sauce for pulled barbecue chicken sandwiches. Top with pickles or coleslaw for a flavorful crunch.
- Bone-in chicken breasts
- Barbecue sauce
- Minced garlic (optional)
- Smoked paprika (optional)
- Chili powder (optional)
Recipe
2. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Skip the skillet and make easy chicken fajitas in your crockpot. Simply combine chicken thighs, sliced bell peppers, sliced onions, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken will become fall-apart tender while the vegetables soak up all the Tex-Mex flavors. For more authentic flavor, try using citrus juices like lime, lemon or orange. When the chicken is ready, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Pile the tender chicken and flavorful veggies into tortillas or serve over rice for an easy weeknight meal. Top with your favorite fajita toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, cheese and sour cream.
- Chicken thighs
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Onions, sliced
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Lime, lemon or orange juice (optional)
Recipe
3. Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken
Aloha! Make your own Hawaiian inspired chicken in the crockpot. Combine chicken breasts, pineapple tidbits, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes. Cook on low 6-8 hours. The sweet and salty pineapple sauce will give you the flavors of the islands. The chicken will become so tender it shreds easily with two forks. For more texture, try adding juices diced pineapple chunks. Serve the saucy Hawaiian chicken over fluffy white rice for soaking up the sauce. Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Chicken breasts
- Pineapple tidbits
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes
- Sliced scallions (garnish)
- Sesame seeds (garnish)
Recipe
4. Crockpot Lemon Chicken
Tender, juicy chicken breasts in an incredible lemony sauce. Combine chicken breasts, lemon juice, chicken broth, garlic and thyme in your crockpot. Cook on low 5-6 hours. The sauce will reduce down and coat the chicken with bright, fresh lemon flavor. The acidic lemon juice tenderizes the chicken to perfection. For extra tang, add some dried oregano, salt and pepper. Serve this bold, vibrant lemon chicken with rice or pasta to soak up the lemony sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced lemons.
- Chicken breasts
- Lemon juice
- Chicken broth
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper (optional)
- Fresh parsley or sliced lemon (garnish)
Recipe
5. Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala
Skip the takeout and make this delicious Indian dish at home. Cook chicken breasts with a jar of tomato-based tikka masala sauce, garlic and ginger. Cook on low 6-8 hours until the chicken is fall-apart tender in the richly flavored sauce. The exotic spices in the sauce like coriander, cumin, and turmeric infuse the chicken with flavor as it slowly cooks. When ready, shred the chicken right in the crockpot with two forks. Serve the chicken tikka masala over fluffy basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt or cream.
- Chicken breasts
- Jar of tikka masala sauce
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Basmati rice
- Fresh cilantro (garnish)
- Yogurt or cream (garnish)
Recipe
6. Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
All the flavor of tortilla soup made easy in the crockpot. Combine chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, onion, cumin, chili powder and chicken broth. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken and serve the flavorful soup with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese and cilantro. The long cooking time allows the broth to meld with the Tex-Mex spices for bold, complex flavor. For more texture, add some diced zucchini or peppers. Top each bowl with crunchy tortilla strips or chips and fresh toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Chicken breasts
- Diced tomatoes
- Corn
- Black beans
- Onion
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Chicken broth
- Zucchini or peppers (optional)
- Tortilla strips
- Avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
Recipe
7. Crockpot Pulled Pork
Tender, fall-apart pulled pork is a breeze in the crockpot. Season a pork shoulder with salt, pepper and your favorite spices like paprika, garlic powder, oregano or cayenne. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until incredibly tender. The low, slow cooking time allows the pork to become succulent and shreddable. When ready, shred the pork with two forks right in the crockpot. Serve on buns with your favorite barbecue sauce and toppings like pickles, coleslaw or crispy onions. The leftover pulled pork also makes amazing tacos, pizza, sandwiches and more.
- Pork shoulder
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Cayenne pepper
- Buns
- Barbecue sauce
- Pickles
- Coleslaw
- Crispy onions
Recipe
8. Crockpot Carnitas
Authentic carnitas are just a crockpot away. Cover pork shoulder with orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin and oregano. Cook on low 8-10 hours. The citrus juices keep the pork incredibly moist while infusing Mexican flavor. When ready, shred the pork with two forks right in the crockpot. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and let it crisp up in the rendered juices. Serve carnitas wrapped in warm tortillas or taco shells with guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, cheese, and lime wedges for squeezing.
- Pork shoulder
- Orange juice
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Tortillas or taco shells
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Shredded lettuce
- Cheese
- Lime wedges
Recipe
9. Crockpot Asian Pulled Pork
Give pulled pork an Asian spin. Cook pork with hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Cook on low 8 hours until tender. The savory hoisin and the rice vinegar tenderize the pork while infusing Asian flavor. When ready, shred pork and toss with sliced scallions. Serve in lettuce wraps or slider buns with quick pickled vegetables like cucumbers, carrots or cabbage. Top with chopped peanuts, cilantro and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for the perfect Asian inspired pulled pork sandwich.
- Pork shoulder
- Hoisin sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Sliced scallions
- Lettuce wraps or slider buns
- Quick pickled vegetables
- Chopped peanuts
- Cilantro
- Sriracha mayo
Recipe
10. Crockpot Chili
A hearty pot of chili with melt-in-your-mouth tender beef. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Add to crockpot with tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder and cumin. Cook on low 6 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together. Top bowls with shredded cheese, onions, cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. For more texture, try adding corn. Swap different types of beans or ground meat. Chili is very versatile, so customize it to your taste. This recipe makes enough for hearty leftovers too.
- Ground beef
- Onions
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Kidney beans
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Shredded cheese
- Onions
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Corn (optional)
Recipe
11. Crockpot Vegetarian Chili
All the flavor of chili without the meat. Sauté onions, bell pepper and garlic. Add to crockpot with pinto beans, fire roasted tomatoes, corn and chili seasoning. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until thick and flavorful. The vegetables become very soft and absorb all the spices, while the beans thicken the chili. Top bowls with crunchy garnishes like avocado and Monterey Jack cheese. You can also add cornbread or over rice or pasta for a heartier meal. This vegetarian chili may become your new favorite!
- Onions
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Pinto beans
- Fire roasted tomatoes
- Corn
- Chili seasoning
- Avocado (garnish)
- Monterey Jack cheese (garnish)
Recipe
12. Crockpot Beef Stew
Tender beef and vegetables in a rich savory broth. Brown stew meat with onions and garlic. Add to crockpot with potatoes, carrots and celery. Cook on low 8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more amazing the flavors become. The low heat allows the meat to slowly tenderize while the seasonings meld. Try adding mushrooms, peas or barley to change it up. Serve stew in large bowls with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. This old-fashioned beef stew is comfort food at its finest.
- Beef stew meat
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Celery
- Mushrooms (optional)
- Peas (optional)
- Barley (optional)
- Crusty bread
Recipe
13. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Tender beef and mushrooms in a creamy sauce – all made easily in the crockpot. Combine beef sirloin, mushrooms, onion, broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and Sour cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The long cooking time allows the beef to become fork tender while the sauce thickens to coat the noodles. For more flavor, try adding minced garlic. Serve the stroganoff over buttered egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley and black pepper. This classic dish comes together deliciously in the crockpot.
- Beef sirloin
- Mushrooms
- Onion
- Broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Paprika
- Sour cream
- Egg noodles
- Minced garlic (optional)
- Fresh parsley (garnish)
- Black pepper (garnish)
Recipe
14. Crockpot Pot Roast
Fork tender pot roast and vegetables. Brown roast and onions first to build flavor. Add to crockpot with potatoes, carrots and broth. Cook on low 8-10 hours until roast is falling apart. Thicken cooking juices for gravy. The slow cooking time allows the savory broth to tenderize the meat and vegetables to perfection. Try adding celery, mushrooms or garlic. Serve the fall-apart tender roast layered over the cooked veggies. Smother everything with the rich gravy.
- Pot roast
- Onions
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Broth
- Celery (optional)
- Mushrooms (optional)
- Garlic (optional)
Recipe
15. Crockpot Brisket
Low and slow is the key to tender brisket. Season brisket with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Add 1 cup broth to crockpot. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until extremely tender. The brisket will become moist and juicy in the slow cooker. Carefully remove and slice brisket across the grain. Return slices to the crockpot and add your favorite barbecue sauce to coat and serve. Pile the saucy brisket onto crusty buns for amazing sandwiches.
- Brisket
- Salt
- Pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Broth
- Barbecue sauce
- Crusty buns
Recipe
16. Crockpot Meatballs
Everyone loves meatballs! Make party-ready meatballs in your crockpot with your choice of sauce like marinara, Swedish, barbecue or sweet and sour. Cook frozen prepared meatballs on low for 3-4 hours until heated through and tender. Keep meatballs warm in the crockpot for serving. Offer an array of sauces and toppings so guests can customize their meatball bites. Try pairing with rolls or pasta. These easy crockpot meatballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
- Frozen prepared meatballs
- Marinara sauce, Swedish sauce, barbecue sauce, sweet and sour sauce
- Rolls or pasta (optional)
Recipe
17. Crockpot Barbecue Meatballs
These sweet and tangy meatballs are always a party favorite. Combine frozen prepared meatballs, your favorite barbecue sauce and grape jelly in the crockpot. Cook on low 3-4 hours until hot and gooey. The grape jelly adds a touch of sweetness to balance the salty smoky barbecue flavor. Keep toothpicks on hand for easy meatball picking. Try serving these crowd-pleasing meatballs as an appetizer or slider sandwich topped with crispy fried onions.
- Frozen prepared meatballs
- Barbecue sauce
- Grape jelly
- Toothpicks
- Slider buns (optional)
- Crispy fried onions (optional)
Recipe
18. Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
These rich and creamy crockpot meatballs are perfect over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Cook frozen meatballs in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and beef broth on low for 3-4 hours until tender. The long cooking allows flavors to meld together into an ultra creamy sauce. Garnish meatballs with fresh parsley right before serving. Offer lingonberry sauce for an authentic Swedish touch. These easy crockpot meatballs make an elegant, comfort food meal.
- Frozen meatballs
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Beef broth
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes
- Fresh parsley (garnish)
- Lingonberry sauce (optional)
Recipe
19. Crockpot Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs braised in the crockpot. Choose pork baby back ribs or beef short ribs. Rub generously with your favorite seasonings like brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and chili powder. Add 1 cup broth to crockpot. Cook on low 6-8 hours. The moist heat environment of the crockpot breaks down connective tissues, making the ribs incredibly tender. Carefully remove ribs and brush with barbecue sauce before broiling to add flavorful caramelization.
- Pork baby back ribs or beef short ribs
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Broth
- Barbecue sauce
Recipe
20. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese ready when you are. Combine dry macaroni, shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack or Gruyere and evaporated milk. Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring halfway, until pasta is tender. Add more milk if needed to reach desired creaminess. Top with breadcrumbs or crumbled bacon before serving. For grown-up mac and cheese, add spices like mustard powder, hot sauce or smoked paprika. This classic comfort food feels like a warm hug!
- Dry macaroni
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere)
- Evaporated milk
- Breadcrumbs or crumbled bacon (topping)
- Mustard powder, hot sauce, smoked paprika (optional)
Recipe
21. Crockpot Lasagna
All the flavors of lasagna without the fuss. Layer lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese in the crockpot. Cook on low 4-6 hours until hot and bubbly. The slow cooking allows the noodles to cook perfectly while the cheeses melt together. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting so the layers set. Garnish with fresh basil, oregano and parmesan. Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce to make this crockpot lasagna extra easy.
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta cheese mixture
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil (garnish)
- Oregano (garnish)
- Parmesan (garnish)
Recipe
22. Crockpot Minestrone Soup
A hearty and healthy soup loaded with vegetables. Sauté onion and garlic. Add to crockpot with tomatoes, kidney beans, small pasta, spinach and Italian seasonings. Cook on low 6-8 hours, until pasta and veggies are tender. Minestrone is highly customizable, so use whatever vegetables are in season. Top bowls with parmesan cheese and crusty bread for a satisfying meal. This nourishing soup makes excellent leftovers too!
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
- Kidney beans
- Small pasta
- Spinach
- Italian seasonings
- Parmesan cheese
- Crusty bread
Recipe
23. Crockpot Corn and Potato Chowder
A wonderful hearty and comforting soup for summer. Combine potatoes, corn, bacon, onion, chicken broth, cream and savory seasonings like thyme, paprika and parsley. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until potatoes are fork tender. The cream and pureed corn thicken and enrich the broth. Garnish bowls with fresh chives. Try adding shrimp or chicken for extra protein. This chowder is perfect served with a side salad or cornbread on a cool summer night.
- Potatoes
- Corn
- Bacon
- Onion
- Chicken broth
- Cream
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Parsley
- Shrimp or chicken (optional)
- Fresh chives (garnish)
Recipe
24. Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy, cheesy soup with fresh broccoli flavor. Combine broccoli florets, onions, chicken broth, sharp cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, salt and pepper in the crockpot. Cook on low for 3-4 hours until broccoli is just tender but not mushy. Do not overcook the broccoli. Garnish bowls with extra shredded cheddar and croutons for crunch. For extra richness, add cubed potatoes. This soup makes an easy and nourishing lunch or light dinner.
- Broccoli florets
- Onions
- Chicken broth
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Evaporated milk
- Salt and pepper
- Extra shredded cheddar (garnish)
- Croutons (garnish)
- Potatoes (optional)
Recipe
25. Crockpot Vegetable Curry
Spicy vegetable curry made simple in the crockpot. Sauté onions and garlic. Add to crockpot with potatoes, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, coconut milk, curry paste and garam masala. Cook on low 6-8 hours until veggies are tender. The coconut milk creates a creamy base while the spices infuse the vegetables with flavor. Top with chopped cilantro. Serve over basmati rice to complete this flavorful vegetarian meal. Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
- Coconut milk
- Curry paste
- Garam masala
- Chopped cilantro (garnish)
- Basmati rice
Recipe
26. Crockpot Ratatouille
All the flavors of ratatouille without spending hours in the kitchen. Combine eggplant, zucchini, onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic and herbs like basil, oregano, thyme in crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until vegetables are very tender and flavors have melded. The long cooking time allows the vegetables to caramelize and bring out their natural sweetness. Season with salt and pepper. Serve ratatouille as a side dish or spoon over pasta or rice for an easy vegetarian main.
- Eggplant
- Zucchini
- Onion
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Pasta or rice (optional)
Recipe
27. Crockpot Beans and Greens
Hearty beans and nutrient-packed greens come together deliciously in the crockpot. Combine white beans, chicken broth, garlic, crushed red pepper and kale or collard greens. Cook on low 6-8 hours until greens are very tender. The broth softens the greens while the beans thicken and add protein. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving. Top with a drizzle of olive oil or red wine vinegar for brightness. Serve this healthy one-pot with crusty bread or over rice.
- White beans
- Chicken broth
- Garlic
- Crushed red pepper
- Kale or collard greens
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or red wine vinegar (garnish)
- Crusty bread or rice
Recipe
28. Crockpot Dal
Cozy up with this aromatic Indian lentil soup. Combine red or yellow lentils, vegetable broth, garlic, ginger, tomato, turmeric and cumin in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until lentils are very tender and have broken down into a thick, creamy soup. Top bowls with fresh cilantro. Add spinach or kale for extra greens. Serve with naan bread for dipping or over rice. This nourishing soup makes an easy plant-based meal.
- Red or yellow lentils
- Vegetable broth
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Tomato
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Fresh cilantro (garnish)
- Spinach or kale (optional)
- Naan bread or rice
Recipe
29. Crockpot Coconut Curry Lentils
Flavorful coconut curry lentils ready when you are. Sauté onions and garlic. Add to crockpot with red lentils, coconut milk, broth and curry powder/paste. Cook on low 6-8 hours, until lentils are very tender and creamy. The coconut milk and warm spices infuse the lentils with rich flavor. Serve curry over basmati rice and top with chopped cilantro, toasted cashews and a dollop of yogurt. This protein-packed vegetarian curry is budget friendly and comforting.
- Onions
- Garlic
- Red lentils
- Coconut milk
- Broth
- Curry powder/paste
- Basmati rice
- Chopped cilantro (garnish)
- Toasted cashews (garnish)
- Yogurt (garnish)
