My summer crockpot meal ideas include pulled pork, chicken dinners, beef ribs, pot roasts, side dishes, desserts and more to make summer cooking a breeze. These easy slow cooker recipes will save you time and effort for potlucks, summer parties, and busy weeknights. You'll love these mouthwatering meals with minimal fuss.
See my crockpot casserole recipes, crockpot soup recips, and crockpot chicken recipes for more slow cooker favorites.

Jump to:
- 1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
- 2. Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
- 3. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
- 4. Slow Cooker Beef Cheek Tacos
- 5. Crockpot Chicken Tacos
- 6. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
- 7. Crockpot London Broil
- 8. Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast
- 9. Slow Cooker Brisket
- 10. Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
- 11. Crockpot Cabbage
- 12. Slow Cooker Three Bean Chili
- 13. Crockpot Green Beans and Potatoes
- 14. 2-Ingredient BBQ Little Smokies
- 15. Slow Cooker Boneless Leg of Lamb
- 16. Crock Pot Butter Chicken
- 17. Crockpot BBQ Beef Short Ribs
- 18. Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
- 19. Slow Cooker Country Style Pork Ribs
- 20. Crockpot Mongolian Beef
- 21. Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
- 22. Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
- 23. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
- 24. Slow Cooker Jerk Pork
- 25. Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
- 26. Slow Cooker Peach Chicken
- 27. Mexican Street Corn Chowder
- 28. Summer Slow Cooker Cobbler
- 29. Slow Cooker Dump Cake
- 30. Slow Cooker Banana Pudding Cake
- 31. Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
- 💭 Tips For Making Easy Summer Dinners In Your Slow Cooker
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 31+ Best Summer Crockpot Meal Ideas: Country Style Pork Ribs +More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes To Make!
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
If you have the 'hangout house' like I do, you can probably expect a few extra dinner guests during the summer months. So I wanted to share some of my go-to summer slow cooker recipes that keep the cooking easy and the house cool.
These easy slow cooker recipes are a lifesaver for busy days, whether you're planning weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd at summer parties. From flavorful pulled pork to fall-off-the-bone beef ribs, simply pop on over to this page whenever someone asks 'what's for dinner?'.
1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
My slow cooker pulled pork recipe makes tender, juicy meat that's perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders. It's an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal for summer cookouts and BBQs.
2. Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Crack chicken is a rich and creamy mixture of shredded chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning for a flavor-packed dish. Serve it on buns, over rice, or as a dip with tortilla chips or crusty bread.
3. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
My slow cooker pork carnitas are seasoned to perfection and slow-cooked until tender, then crisped up for authentic flavor. Just grab your preferred tortillas and taco toppings (fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, avocado, and cheese are my go-to's.).
4. Slow Cooker Beef Cheek Tacos
Easily make tender, flavorful barbacoa with my slow cooker beef cheeks recipe. The beef cheeks become incredibly tender in the crockpot for the easiest and most delicious tacos.
5. Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Toss boneless skinless chicken breasts, taco seasoning, onions, diced tomatoes, and salsa in your crockpot for an effortless taco night. This perfectly seasoned and saucy shredded chicken tastes great with nothing more than shredded cheese and a squeeze of lime.
6. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
This creamy crockpot mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food made easy. You don't even have to boil the noodles, they cook until perfectly tender right in your slow cooker.
7. Crockpot London Broil
My crockpot London broil recipe makes a fork-tender and flavorful roast with rich gravy using simple ingredients. It’s an easy slow cooker beef dinner that’s perfect for summer weeknights.
8. Slow Cooker Yankee Pot Roast
My Yankee pot roast recipe includes ultra-tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich savory gravy, all cooked to perfection in the crockpot. It’s a satisfying one-pot meal you can set and forget.
9. Slow Cooker Brisket
Slow cooker brisket turns out juicy, flavorful, and fork-tender every time and it's made using your favorite BBQ sauce. This tender brisket is great for summer entertaining, sandwiches, or a no-fuss weeknight dinner.
10. Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
These crockpot grape jelly meatballs are sweet, savory, and tangy, with just 3 ingredients. They’re a crowd-pleasing party appetizer or easy dinner that’s always a hit.
11. Crockpot Cabbage
Crockpot cabbage combines tender cabbage, savory bacon, onion, garlic, and broth for a flavorful and comforting side dish. Sometimes I eat a bowl of this cabbage on its own for the full meal, it's that good.
12. Slow Cooker Three Bean Chili
My hearty slow cooker three bean chili features a blend of beans, ground beef, and a rich tomato base seasoned with homemade chili seasoning. It's an easy and satisfying crockpot meal ideal for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners.
13. Crockpot Green Beans and Potatoes
Crockpot green beans and potatoes is made with fresh green beans, tender potatoes, and bacon, in a flavorful broth. These easy veggies go with with just about anything.
14. 2-Ingredient BBQ Little Smokies
These 2-ingredient BBQ Lil Smokies are made with cocktail sausages and your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve with toothpicks for a mess-free appetizer.
15. Slow Cooker Boneless Leg of Lamb
This slow cooker boneless leg of lamb is seasoned with aromatic herbs and cooked to tender perfection for an elegant yet easy main course. It's practically fool-proof and a great recipe for anyone who hasn't made lamb before.
16. Crock Pot Butter Chicken
Tender chicken simmered in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce for a rich and flavorful dish. For an authentic meal, serve with homemade naan bread or simply ladel it over a bowl of rice.
Portion your butter chicken into airtight containers in the fridge for an easy weekday meal prep.
17. Crockpot BBQ Beef Short Ribs
These crockpot BBQ beef short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with bold, smoky barbecue flavor. It’s a low-effort, high-reward summer dinner recipe.
18. Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
Slow cooker chicken drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. This simple and delicious chicken legs recipe is one the whole family will enjoy.
19. Slow Cooker Country Style Pork Ribs
These country style pork ribs are tender, juicy, and smothered in rich barbecue sauce for a finger-licking good summer meal. The boneless ribs are so tender and juicy with barely any effort on your end.
If you're making your side dishes in the crockpot, you can just as easily make these bbq pork ribs in the oven. See my baked boneless country style pork ribs recipe for instructions.
20. Crockpot Mongolian Beef
My Mongolian beef recipe is made with thin slices of beef cooked low and slow in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. It's perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
21. Slow Cooker Kielbasa and Sauerkraut
Slow cooker kielbasa and sauerkraut is a tangy and savory one-pot meal. It's bursting with flavor from the tangy sauerkraut, a can of light beer and yellow mustard.
>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<
22. Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
This slow cooker Greek lemon chicken and potatoes recipe features tender chicken thighs and soft potatoes infused with the bright flavor of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. It's a flavorful and easy Mediterranean-inspired crockpot dinner.
23. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
Slow cooker buffalo chicken is a spicy and versatile dish made with tender shredded chicken simmered in tangy buffalo sauce. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or nachos, this easy crockpot recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
24. Slow Cooker Jerk Pork
This slow cooker jerk pork is seasoned with homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning and cooked until tender, then served over pineapple rice. It's a flavorful and tropical meal that is perfect for summertime.
25. Slow Cooker Honey Teriyaki Chicken
This honey teriyaki chicken recipe features juicy shredded chicken cooked in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for an easy and delicious summer dinner.
26. Slow Cooker Peach Chicken
Peach chicken combines tender chicken breasts with sweet peaches and a light, flavorful sauce. It's a simple and healthy recipe that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
27. Mexican Street Corn Chowder
This slow cooker Mexican street corn chowder combines sweet corn, peppers, creamy broth, and zesty spices. It's one of the easiest crockpot soups that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
28. Summer Slow Cooker Cobbler
This summer slow cooker cobbler features a delightful mix of peaches and berries topped with a buttery pecan-oat crumble. It's a simple and delicious dessert that's perfect for warm-weather entertaining.
29. Slow Cooker Dump Cake
This 3-ingredient slow cooker dump cake is an easy but indulgent dessert made with pie filling, cake mix, and butter. It's perfect for potlucks, pool parties, or just because.
30. Slow Cooker Banana Pudding Cake
This banana pudding cake combines moist yellow cake mix with creamy banana pudding for a decadent dessert. It's a crowd-pleasing sweet treat for warm summer days that I created for Mashed and I know you'll love it!
31. Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake
This chocolate lava cake features a rich, gooey center surrounded by moist chocolate cake. It's an indulgent crockpot dessert that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
💭 Tips For Making Easy Summer Dinners In Your Slow Cooker
- Brown meat for deeper flavor (optional): Searing your meat on the stovetop before adding it to the pot gives it a richer, more complex flavor. This is especially nice for dishes like pulled pork or beef. But if you choose to skip this step, your food will still turn out tasty.
- Use marinades: Not everything needs to marinate, but beef, chicken, and pork benefit from it a lot. Try to pick a marinade flavor that closely matches or complements the main recipe. My easy chicken marinades include a wide variety of flavors for different cuisines.
- Go for 'no-cook' sides: Since the goal is to keep things simple, choose no-cook sides like salads, coleslaw, fruit salads. You could even add some crusty bread for soaking up delicious juices.
- Adjust liquids: Fresh summer veggetables contain a lot of water. If your finished dish seems too watery, remove the lid and cook on high for 30 minutes to evaporate some of the excess liquid.
Which of these summer crockpot meal ideas will you be trying first? Share your favorite easy slow cooker recipes in the comments!
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card
31+ Best Summer Crockpot Meal Ideas: Country Style Pork Ribs +More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes To Make!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless country style pork ribs
- ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (optional)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Place your 3 lbs boneless country style pork ribs on the bottom of your your slow cooker.
- Season them with ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper, then top with 1 cup BBQ sauce, 2 teaspoon liquid smoke, and the optional ¼ cup light brown sugar, if using. Stir to combine
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- When ready to serve, serve with extra BBQ sauce or top with a sprinkle more of brown sugar and broil for nicely caramelized ribs.
Notes
- Cook time varies by the size of the ribs and the model of the slow cooker used. Your ribs are done when they are practically fall-apart tender when poked with a knife or fork.
Angela Latimer says
I love these easy crockpot dishes for their simplicity and suitability for all of my summertime favorite dinners. Grab your slow cooker and beat the heat (I think we're going to need them ALOT this year, looks like its going to be a scorcher!). Eat well and enjoy your summer ~ Angela