15 Best Slow Cooker Recipes for Summer

When I think of slow cooker recipes, I often think of big batch stews for winter, or mini meatballs for game days. These are great uses for the Crock-Pot, of course, but the summer cookout might be this tool’s real time to shine. As delicious as burgers, steaks, and barbecue chicken are, they require someone sweating over the coals. Pulled meats for tacos and sandwiches made in a slow cooker don’t. They also don’t heat up the kitchen or require that you work too hard—and how can that be a bad thing?

So if you’re looking to switch up your next backyard summer gathering, dust off your slow cooker and make these recipes—from mains to sides, appetizers, and even breakfast.