33 Lazy Summer Dinner Ideas- Slow Cooker Recipes

As summer days stretch longer and the temperature climbs higher, the last thing any busy mom wants is to be stuck in a hot kitchen, wrestling with complicated recipes.

That’s where my trusty slow cooker comes in—a true culinary hero for the laid-back, sun-soaked season.

Whether it’s keeping the kitchen cool or allowing me to spend more time with my kids at the pool rather than prepping dinner, these 37 slow cooker recipes have been my saving grace.

So, grab that slow cooker, and let’s dive into a world of effortless dinners that promise to make your summer as relaxing as it should be!

Key Takeaways

• Use my 37 effortless slow cooker recipes to make easy dinners this summer. This will keep you out of a hot kitchen and keep those ovens and burners off.
• Utilizing a slow cooker for summer meals prevents heating up the kitchen and provides ease and convenience for lazy days without compromising on flavourful, satisfying dinners.
• My favorite dishes range from classics like BBQ Meatloaf and Philly Cheesesteak to culinary fusions like Korean Beef Tacos and Thai Peanut Chicken. Yum!

33 Lazy Summer Dinner Ideas: Slow Cooker Recipes

Creating an easy weekly dinner rotation with these meals means you can plan and prep summer dinners without much effort.

From traditional dishes to exotic flavors, these recipes will keep your dinner table bustling with variety and delectable meals.

Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh or craving a hearty and satisfying dish, this list has got you covered. Ready to discover your next favorite summer dinner?

1. Apple Pork Tenderloin

Let’s begin our summer dinner journey with Apple Pork Tenderloin.

This dish combines tender pork with the slightly acidic sweetness of apples, complemented by aromatic rosemary.

Cooked in a slow cooker, the pork becomes fall-apart tender, absorbing the flavors of the apple and cinnamon, making such a sweet and savory twist on a pork dish.

For an added twist, toss in some veggies like carrots, potatoes, and more to make it a complete meal with such a tasty sauce.

2. Honey Garlic Chicken

Following up, we present the Honey Garlic Chicken. Imagine tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a savory sauce of soy, honey, and subtle spice.

This dish offers an easy weeknight meal option that’s healthier than takeout and packed with flavor.

After a few hours in the slow cooker, the chicken becomes tender and juicy, ready to be shredded and smothered in that thick, flavorful sauce.

3. Balsamic Pot Roast

For enthusiasts of hearty meals, the Balsamic Pot Roast is an excellent choice. Beef is slow-cooked with a delightful blend of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce beef stock, and robust flavors for a good roast.

The roast falls apart, and the leftovers are amazing to use for other dishes and sandwiches!

The best part? You can whip up this dish without even browning the meat beforehand. Talk about a lazy summer dinner!

4. Chicken Pot Pie

Are you craving comfort food without the labor-intensive process? Try the slow cooker Chicken Pot Pie for a low-effort summer dinner!

This recipe takes a classic chicken pot pie and transforms them into a slow cooker-friendly dish.

The result is a creamy and hearty meal filled with tender chicken and a blend of veggies, all topped with a biscuit for that authentic pot pie experience.

5. Pork Carnitas

If you’re in the mood for Mexican food and want a food truck experience, my Pork Carnitas recipe is for you. In this dish, pork roast is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

I use the leftovers to make other meals, too, like tacos, nachos, and quesadillas, making it a summer dinner favorite that keeps on giving!

6. Spinach Artichoke Chicken

Spinach Artichoke Chicken is a comforting dish that captures the creamy essence of the classic spinach artichoke dip.

I’d be happy with dip for dinner, but I know girl dinner doesn’t cut it for the family; this tasty chicken and sauce goes so well with pasta for a filling meal, where my daughters ask for seconds!

7. Beef Stew

Creating a summer slow cooker Beef Stew offers an excellent method to relish this comfort food while keeping your kitchen cool.

Despite the heat, a slow-cooked stew can be quite comforting, especially when enjoyed in a cool, shaded setting or as a fulfilling dinner after a day of summer activities.

8. Korean Beef Tacos

Consider spicing up your summer dinner rotation with an Asian flair through Korean Beef Tacos.

We do tacos every Tuesday, and I made this recipe to keep things fresh and change it up so we didn’t have chicken or beef tacos week after week.

Soy sauce and ginger flavor the beef, and rice vinegar mixes everything together in the crock pot to make a little sauce to spoon over each taco.

9. Ropa Vieja

Ropa Vieja is a savory Cuban dish made simply with this slow cooker recipe.

My daughters compare it to a shredded beef stew that tastes like a taco, and I totally encourage them to make tacos with it if that’s what sounds good for dinner!

I usually serve it over rice, which also goes great with a burrito LOL.

10. Philly Cheesesteak

Nothing screams summer grilling like a Philly Cheesesteak, but if we’re looking for a lazy summer dinner, we need to get it on the table with less effort!

This recipe takes the classic sandwich and turns it into a slow cooker meal that’s perfect for a mom-approved summer dinner.

The beef, onions, and peppers are cooked on low for several hours until tender and juicy. They are then placed on a bun and smothered in melted or shredded cheese.

11. White Chicken Chili

For a satisfying summer dinner that won’t leave you sweating over the stove, my easy White Chicken Chili is a must-try.

Toss a few ingredients into your crock pot and let it work its magic. The result is a creamy, comforting bowl of chili that’s perfect for laid-back summer evenings.

12. BBQ Meatloaf

My slow cooker BBQ Meatloaf takes the traditional meatloaf and adds the best summer flavor there is- BBQ!

The meatloaf is made with ground beef and a flavorful BBQ sauce, then cooked on low for several hours until it’s tender and juicy.

13. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect dish for those lazy summer days when you want something tasty but don’t feel like cooking.

This recipe is a warm and cheesy appetizer that’s a crowd favorite, often served with celery sticks and chicken-flavored crackers.

14. Lemon Chicken Thighs

Should you desire something light and tangy, the Lemon Chicken Thighs make a superb option.

Chicken thighs are cooked in a buttery lemon garlic sauce, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a lazy summer dinner.

15. Pulled Pork

A classic favorite, Pulled Pork is a slow cooker recipe perfect for a lazy summer dinner. The pork is seasoned with savory spices and slow-cooked until it’s tender and falls apart easily.

This dish is perfect for those days when you want a delicious, hassle-free meal that is a classic summer hit at dinners and barbeques alike.

16. Asian BBQ Chicken Fusion

Infuse a hint of Asian flavors into your summer meals with the Asian BBQ Chicken Fusion. This slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet and sticky sauce that’s packed with flavor.

It’s an easy dish to prepare and is perfect for those lazy summer days when you don’t feel like cooking.

17. Spaghetti & Meatballs

Who doesn’t love a classic Italian dish like Spaghetti & Meatballs?

My girls ask for it all the time, and using the crock pot keeps me from sweating over the stove after spending so much time outside with them!

I don’t have to stand there and boil water, simmer a sauce, or anything—it all goes into the pot, so I can relax before dinner without overheating.

18. Chicken Tacos

If you fancy Mexican cuisine after a nice day in the pool, give the Chicken Tacos slow cooker recipe a try.

This lazy summer dinner comes together like a one-pot meal without having to stir and watch it on the stove- dump it all and come back in 6-8 hours to start loading the tacos up!

Top your tacos with fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, and it’ll be a hit time and again.

19. Pork Loin with Basil Cream Sauce

The Pork Loin with Basil Cream Sauce is a flavorful and tender dish that’s perfect for a lazy summer dinner.

I love grilling pork loin, and that’s exactly what summer is about, but there are days I know I’ll be busy, and I want a lazy dinner I can come home to —that’s already cooked!

The pork is slow-cooked in a slow cooker, absorbing the flavors of the added ingredients and becoming tender enough to fall apart.

20. Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, a traditional Italian dish, is simplified with this slow cooker recipe.

The chicken is cooked with a flavorful parmesan garlic sauce, then shredded and served with fresh pasta, fresh basil, and grated cheese for a tasty dinner.

21. Slow Cooker Ribs

If you’re craving ribs but don’t want to fire up the grill, try my Slow Cooker Ribs recipe.

The ribs are seasoned and then cooked in a slow cooker for several hours until they’re tender and flavorful.

It’s a simple and delicious meal that’s perfect for a lazy summer dinner. It’s a classic dish my husband hopes to have many times this summer!

22. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers are a nice summer dish I look forward to all year round. Rather than having your oven heat up the house, let’s make the recipe simpler with the crock pot.

The peppers are filled with a flavorful meat mixture, then popped into a slow cooker and cooked until they’re tender and the filling is cooked through.

You can serve it as is, with some parmesan or feta cheese and parsley on top, and your dinner is set!

23. Thai Peanut Pork With Red Peppers

Incorporate a hint of Thai flavor into your summer dinners with the Thai Peanut Pork with Red Peppers slow cooker recipe.

It’s a nice shredded pork recipe with a light Thai flavor. I serve it over rice, but I’m sure you’ve guessed my girls like tortillas, so they often eat this like a saucy taco.

24. Salsa Chicken

Salsa Chicken is so straightforward to cook that it fits ideally for a laid-back summer dinner.

The chicken is cooked with a flavorful salsa in a slow cooker, then shredded and served with warm tortillas. It’s an easy meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

25. Shredded Beef & Black Bean Chili

Shredded Beef & Black Bean Chili is a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for a lazy summer dinner.

The beef is slow-cooked with black beans and a flavorful sauce, resulting in a thick, rich, and satisfying dish.

It’s a simple meal that’s sure to impress, especially if you serve it with crushed crispy bacon on top. I highly recommend you try it to add a smoky taste!

26. General Tso Chicken

General Tso Chicken is a very loved Chinese dish that’s always welcome in my house. I made this takeout recipe easier by adding a slow cooker!

It’s a delicious and easy summer dinner that’s sure to become a favorite and keep your budget down by skipping the restaurant price.

27. Homemade Chili

Homemade Chili is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a lazy summer dinner.

The chili is cooked in a slow cooker, resulting in a flavorful and hearty meal. It’s a simple dish that’s sure to impress.

28. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that’s made easy with this slow cooker recipe.

You can skip stirring over the stove for a while and let the crock pot do all the work!

29. Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chicken

Infuse a dash of tropical flavor into your summer dinners with the Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chicken slow cooker recipe.

The chicken is cooked with pineapple and a tangy sauce, resulting in a delicious, easy-to-prepare dish perfect for a lazy summer dinner.

30. Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs are a classic dish that’s made easy with this slow cooker recipe.

The meatballs are cooked in a flavorful sauce in a slow cooker and then served over pasta noodles or mashed potatoes for a filling meal.

31. Beef Paprikash

Beef Paprikash is a flavorful dish perfect for a lazy summer dinner. Not many people have tried it, but the flavors from the steak and creamy sauce are a must—try this summer.

You toss some cubed beef into the crock pot with sour cream, beef broth, paprika, onion, garlic powders, and a few other things to get cooked.

When it’s done, serve it over some noodles for your kids to devour!

32. Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef is a popular Chinese dish that’s made easy with this slow cooker recipe. Again, I’m skipping takeout at the end of a long day by putting my crock pot to work!

I can meal prep this by chopping veggies on cooler, less busy days and either freeze and thaw them to cook later or toss them into the crock pot within 4 or 5 days to get dinner on the table with no effort.

33. Thai Peanut Chicken

Incorporate a touch of Thai flavor into your summer dinners with the Thai Peanut Chicken slow cooker recipe.

The chicken is slow-cooked with a flavorful peanut sauce, resulting in a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a lazy summer dinner.

FAQs

What should we eat for dinner on a hot summer night?

During hot summer nights, choose meals that are easy to toss together and satisfy the whole family.

I picked slow cooker meals because I can get everything in the pot in the morning when it’s cooler, and after a busy, fun day, we can head inside and be ready to eat without any more effort!

So try my recipes above to get fun summer classics like Pulled Pork, or try new dishes like Pork Carnitas for something interesting!

Do you have dinner ideas for when I feel lazy?

Certainly! Not all meals need to be culinary masterpieces. When you’re feeling less motivated, opt for effortless summer dinner recipes that require little work.

My slow cooker recipes like the Honey Garlic Chicken or the Philly Cheesesteak are perfect for those lazy days.

Then, you can make a Caesar salad, pasta salad, dinner rolls, or some fruit like fresh watermelon on the side, whatever you like, to create a full meal.

What are the best sides for dinners in the summer?

In hot weather, ensuring adequate hydration is vital to get a filling meal to get your body nourished all around.

Thus, eating fresh veggies and fruits with high water content can be beneficial. Some excellent choices include:

• Watermelons
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Cucumbers

Final Thoughts

Summer is all about enjoying the sunshine, the outdoors, and, of course, good food.

We’ve explored a variety of easy summer dinner recipes that make delicious meals you can enjoy without spending hours in a hot kitchen- and that’s worth its weight in gold, Mama!

From traditional dishes like Spaghetti & Meatballs to summer favorites like Pulled Pork Sandwiches, these slow cooker recipes offer something for every tummy at the table.

So, why not try a new recipe tonight? Your slow cooker is waiting, and a delicious summer dinner is just a few hours away.