The summer is approaching, and with it are long days spent at the beach, pool and just outdoors in general. No mom wants to break up the party early to head home and make dinner- especially when everyone is playing so nicely and wearing themselves out in preparation for a good night’s sleep. That’s where your slow cooker comes in handy. Even though your first thought may be to whip up some soups and stews (ultimate comfort and cold weather food), your trusty slow cooker is actually great for the summer time as well. It will reduce your hands-on cooking time (giving you more time to be outside with the kids) and keep the kitchen much cooler than if you were to have the oven and stove blazing. Here are 7 summer recipes, perfect for your slow cooker!
Source: Maebells.com
1. Zesty Chicken Tacos
Tacos are almost synonymous with summer. They are light, but have tons of flavor and are so customizable that everyone will leave the dinner satiated. This recipe for Zesty Chicken tacos couldn’t be easier. It only has 5 ingredients and the crock pot does all the work for you! Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy on the patio!
Head over to Maebells.com for this tasty dish and other great recipes for southern cooking!
Source: PinchOfYum.com
2. Grilled Pineapple Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork is another summer staple, and one you can easily serve any night of the week with this delicious recipe. This pork is seasoned with tons of goodies including lots of garlic and red pepper and left to cook for 7-8 hours. It’s then baked to golden brown for just a few minutes. Top with a slice of pineapple that’s simply grilled on a stovetop skillet, and you and your family will feel like you’re enjoying dinner in Hawaii, instead of your backyard.
Visit PinchOfYum.com to get your hands on this recipe, and many more delicious and gorgeous meals.
Source: Number-2-Pencil.com
3. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Don’t waste your time hovering over the sweltering BBQ this summer for your beloved BBQ chicken. Use your crock pot instead! Simply placing chicken breasts into your crockpot and covering with BBQ sauce is all it takes before letting your slow cooker do all the work. You can serve the chicken whole with a salad or rice, or shred to include in sandwiches, tacos, burritos- the options are endless!
Check out Number-2-Pencil.com for this simple recipe, and other info on crafts, DIY and family travel.
Source: TheSkinnyFork.com
4. Skinny Summer Jalapeño Corn Chowder
Despite it being warm out, you may still like some heat in the kitchen and this jalapeño corn chowder won’t disappoint. It’s got a great combination of corn, potatoes, spicy peppers and our fav- BACON! With a little prep work before hand, your slow cooker will take this soup to the next level.
TheSkinnyFork.com has this recipe waiting for you and other healthy and “skinny” versions of your favorite meals.
Source: GimmeSomeOven.com
5. Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas
This is the perfect combination of tacos and pulled pork: carnitas! This delicious meat is allowed to cook in its own juices for hours and then lightly broiled to give you that crispy texture we all know and love. You can serve as tacos or add to any other dish you like, like burritos or salad.
We love GimmeSomeOven.com. Check out this recipe and so many more!
Source: CookingClassy.com
6. Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli
This is a simple dish that doesn’t necessarily scream “summer!” but will leave you happy just the same. The prep time is super minimal, coming in at under 10 minutes, and you’re left with a tasty and healthy dinner!
Head over to CookingClassy.com for this recipe and many more to keep you feeling classy!
Source: CarlsbadCravings.com
7. Fall Off The Bone Slow Cooker Ribs
You didn’t think we’d have a summer recipe list without ribs did you!? We would never. If you love ribs then you have to give this version a try. A homemade rub and homemade BBQ sauce makes all the difference with this delicious recipe that’s slow cooked for 7-9 hours. You will have fall off the bone ribs every time!
CarlsbadCravings.com is the maker of this ridiculously good-looking recipe. Head over for tons of foodie delights!
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