79 Slow Cooker Recipes to Make This Summer

Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken

This is a go-to recipe when I know I’ll be having a busy day. My family loves salsa, so I came up with this recipe for something to throw into a slow cooker and simmer on low. We love it served over rice or noodles, and then top it with tortilla chips and sour cream. —Deborah Pennington, Falkville, Alabama

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Mexican Street Corn Chowder

Corn is one of my all-time favorite vegetables, so when it’s in season, I always make this super easy soup in the slow cooker. —Rashanda Cobbins, Food Editor, Taste of Home

Slow-Cooker Memphis-Style Ribs

After my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous Restaurant in Memphis, I was inspired to create a slow-cooked version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor that the ribs would get from being grilled over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin

Peachy Baby Back Ribs

It's easy to get a smoky outdoor barbecue flavor from your slow cooker. Trust me, I've fooled many people on more than one occasion with these ribs. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia

Cherry Upside-Down Bread Pudding

I've always loved bread pudding, and I enjoy fixing this for my family on a chilly day. You could use a different flavor of pie filling and omit the chocolate chips to make a completely different dessert. It's always delicious! —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Salad

My husband and sons love Buffalo chicken with blue cheese, so I created this salad. You can even make the chicken the day before and reheat when ready to serve. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

Slow-Cooked Peach Pork Chops

I played around with many variations of this recipe until I came up with one that was just right. The warm peaches make an excellent side dish for the pork. — Bonnie Morrow, Spencerport, New York

Spicy Taco Meat

My husband and I love Tex-Mex food with all the fixings. Cooking the meat in the slow cooker makes prepping the toppings a breeze. We love to make this for parties, keeping the filling warm in the slow cooker and serving the various toppings in bowls so the guests can build their own! —Rebecca Yankovich, Springfield, Virginia

Pineapple RumChata Shortcakes

This deliciously different dessert is made in the slow cooker instead of in the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled pineapple shortcake jars and serve. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Slow-Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings

My neighbor once shared these slow-cooker sticky chicken wings with me at a potluck, and they have been a family favorite ever since. —Jo Vanderwolf, Lillooet, British Columbia

Orange-Chipotle Chicken

Big on flavor and easy on the cook's time, this orange-chipotle chicken recipe is appealing. The sweet-yet-hot sauce gets its heat from the chipotle pepper. I serve this dish with a side of rice. —Cittie, Tasteofhome.com Community

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders

Sandwiches are my favorite food, so I’m always searching for new ideas. I like sloppy joes and wondered if I could make a sloppy joe of sorts even better. My family approved of these chicken cordon bleu sliders immediately! —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio

Slow-Cooker Peach Cobbler

Unlike conventional cobblers, the "topping" of this Crock-Pot peach cobbler is on the bottom. Placing the batter underneath the peaches helps it cook through evenly in the slow cooker. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Carnitas Huevos Rancheros

When I was in college, I was a church counselor in Colorado and had my first taste of Mexican food. Recently, I've learned to make more authentic dishes, like these pork huevos rancheros. It's one of my favorite recipes to serve for dinner with eggs. —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa

Sweet Potato and Pesto Slow-Cooker Bread

Pizza Quinoa Casserole

If you like pizza night, give this healthy quinoa casserole a try! It's a fun way to sneak in a healthy meal packed with protein and veggies. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Slow-Cooker Breakfast Burritos

Prep these tasty, hearty burritos the night before for a quick breakfast in the morning or let them cook while you are away on a weekend afternoon for an easy supper. —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa

Ranch Chicken Sliders

When my grandson was younger, we always joked that nothing could make ranch chicken taste better. Then one day Avery’s eyes lit up and he suggested we fry it! Our fried chicken burger was born. You won’t believe how good these little sliders are. —Tamara Hire, Decatur, Illinois

Barbecue Pork Cobb Salad

My lunchtime salad gets way more interesting topped with barbecue pork, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado. It's as satisfying as it is scrumptious. —Shawn Carleton, San Diego, California

Pressure-Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Melt-in-your-mouth delicious! For this steak and cheese recipe, I like to saute extra onions and green pepper just until they are al dente to add to the top of the meat before melting the cheese. —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

Raspberry Coconut French Toast Slow-Cooker Style

I put the ingredients in the slow cooker crock the night before, refrigerate it, then pop the crock into the slow cooker in the morning. You can use regular milk or half-and-half, include your favorite jam, and substitute almond extract instead of vanilla. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches

My kids often ask for chicken sloppy joes, and this version has a bonus of sweet pineapple. It is a perfect recipe to double for a potluck. Try topping the sandwiches with smoked Gouda cheese. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Coconut-Mango Malva Pudding

My friend shared this amazing malva pudding recipe with me. Malva pudding is a dense, spongy cake drenched in a rich, sticky butter sauce. My slow-cooker, tropical spin incorporates a creamy coconut sauce and juicy mangoes! —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah

Spicy Lime Chicken

I've been turning this spicy lime chicken into tacos for years, but it was my son Austin who put it on cooked rice with all his favorite taco toppings. A family favorite was created out of leftovers! —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida

Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Tacos

I wanted to try a different take on taco night and decided on a barbecue theme. Even my father enjoyed this meal, and he doesn’t usually care for tacos. —LaDale Hymer, Cleveland, Oklahoma

BBQ Bacon Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

This simple recipe tastes amazing. We prefer putting mayo on the bun and adding cheddar or Muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion. Several of us put ranch dressing on our sandwiches, too. —Jennifer Darling, Ventura, California

Slow-Cooker Orange Chicken

This is a family-friendly recipe that even the kids will like. It's easy to prepare and flavorful enough to share with dinner guests. — Sherry Kozlowski, Morgantown, West Virginia

Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake

This dump cake recipe is wonderful topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It works well with gluten-free and sugar-free cake mixes too. —Karin Gatewood, Dallas, Texas

Slow-Cooker Polenta

This Italian classic is so simple to make, you can now make it any night of the week. —Elisabeth Matelski, Boston, Massachusetts

Slow-Cooker Pina Colada Bananas Foster

I took bananas Foster one step further and combined it with the flavors of my favorite tropical drink: a pina colada. Make sure you use underripe bananas, as their firm texture works best in this recipe. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Lemon-Roasted Chicken

This lemon-roasted chicken is perfect for spring gatherings. It's light and pairs well with a variety of sides. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Slow-Cooked Chicken Caesar Wraps

I first made these slow-cooker chicken Caesar wraps for our daughter who loves Caesar salads, then later for our extended family while on vacation. It's such an easy meal—perfect for times when you'd rather be outside than inside cooking all day. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts

Beergarita Chicken Tacos

I was at my friend's bachelorette party the first time I had a beergarita, and I loved it! It was the inspiration for these delicious chicken tacos. I love that they have traditional taco flavors with a fun twist from the margarita! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Hawaiian Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps

We love this easy slow-cooker recipe on Sunday afternoons. It's equally comforting and light for lunch or dinner. We serve ours with sweet potato oven fries and roasted green beans. —Arlene Rakoczy, Gilbert, Arizona

Artichoke Spread with Garlic Bread

I've tried several different artichoke dip recipes, but this one is the absolute best! I serve it at nearly every family gathering and there are never any leftovers. This is probably my most-requested recipe. —Heidi Iacovetto, Phippsburg, Colorado

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

I got the idea for these Buffalo chicken sliders from my mom and dad, who'd made a similar version for a family get-together. It's a versatile recipe, and I sometimes use several different styles of Buffalo sauce and let guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

Orange Blossom Mint Refresher

I came up with this recipe because I'm not a fan of regular iced tea. This version has the perfect combination of freshness and sweetness, and the orange blossom water gives the tea a distinctive flavor. People always request the recipe. —Juliana Gauss, Centennial, Colorado

Slow-Cooker Tropical Orange Cake

Inspired by the fruity tropical flavors of my all-time favorite yogurt, this makes for a fresh, fun and comforting treat. Try it for a beautiful dessert that is ridiculously easy to prepare! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Mango & Coconut Chicken Soup

I love preparing dinner in a slow cooker because it's "carefree cooking." This chicken dish uses ingredients that I love, such as coconut milk, edamame and fresh ginger. The Asian-style entree is perfect for a potluck party. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Slow-Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Foolproof and wonderfully delicious describe my barbecue pork recipe. Just four ingredients and a slow cooker make a fabulous dish with little effort. —Sarah Johnson, Chicago, Illinois

Overnight Peach Oatmeal

Hearty oatmeal combined with bright, sweet peaches make this slow-cooker recipe a perfect breakfast or brunch. This is an excellent make-ahead meal for busy mornings. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

Pulled Turkey Tenderloin

Not your ordinary pulled turkey sandwich, this one shines thanks to its unique yogurt sauce. Serve the turkey by itself or stack on sweet pickle slices and jalapenos to echo the dressing.

Slow-Cooker Vegan Baked Beans

This version of vegan baked beans doesn’t need an oven. The slow cooker makes it the ultimate hands-off party dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Tender Salsa Beef

This is my Mexican-style twist on comfort food. To keep it kid-friendly, use mild salsa. —Stacie Stamper, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Chipotle Beef Sandwiches

A jar of chipotle salsa makes it easy to spice up beef sirloin for these mouthwatering sandwiches. Keep this no-stress recipe in mind the next time you have to feed a hungry crowd.—Jessica Ring, Madison, Wisconsin

Blueberry Cobbler

This simple slow-cooked dessert comes together in a jiffy. If you like, you can substitute apple or cherry pie filling for the blueberry. —Nelda Cronbaugh, Belle Plaine, Iowa

Slow-Cooked Mac 'n' Cheese

Slow-cooked mac and cheese—the words alone are enough to make mouths water. This is comfort food at its best: rich and extra cheesy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Brats with Sauerkraut

I’ve made many variations of this excellent main dish. It would be popular at a party or potluck. The bratwurst can be plain, smoked or cheese-flavored and served whole or cut in slices, with a bun or without. —Darlene Dixon, Hanover, Minnesota

Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken

With its nicely seasoned tomato sauce, this enticing chicken entree is especially good over pasta. My father loved this dish. —Deanna D’Auria, Banning, California

Slow-Cooker Potluck Beans

It was the morning of our family potluck and I still needed something to take. I threw together this recipe while drinking my morning coffee. By the end of the gathering, the beans were all gone and someone had even washed the slow cooker for me! —Mary Anne Thygesen, Portland, Oregon

Bandito Chili Dogs

These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions and tailgates. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon

Bacon Lima Beans

An unusual twist on traditional baked beans, this sweet and spicy version is easy to make and is a surefire crowd pleaser at any time of the year! —Bette Banjack, Norristown, Pennsylvania

Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches

I lived in Florida for a while and loved the pork I ate there, so I started making it for myself. The flavorful meat makes amazing Cuban sandwiches, but you can also use it in traditional pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas

Texas Chili Fries

The delicious chili goes together in minutes and then cooks while you run errands. The only way to make it even better is to pour it over crisp french fries and sprinkle with cheese to make Texas chili fries. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Deluxe Walking Nachos

This slow-cooked potluck chili makes an awesome filling for a little bag of walk-around nachos. Cut the bag lengthwise to make loading your fork easier. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin

Mexican Turkey Meat Loaf

Here's a zesty, flavorful meat loaf you can really sink your teeth into! Pair this with black beans, rice, green salad with lime vinaigrette or any of your favorite Tex-Mex sides. —Kristen Miller, Glendale, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooked Peach Salsa

Fresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a winner over store-bought versions. As a treat, I give my coworkers several jars throughout the year. —Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio

Fabulous Fajitas

I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It's wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota

Minister's Delight

A friend gave me this recipe several years ago. She said a local minister's wife fixed it every Sunday, so she named it accordingly —Mary Ann Potter, Blue Springs, Missouri

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

When I make this tasty chicken lasagna at home, I use a whole bottle of Buffalo wing sauce because my family likes it nice and spicy. Increase the pasta sauce and use less wing sauce if you prefer. —Heidi Pepin, Sykesville, Maryland

Slow-Cooker Berry Cobbler

I adapted my mom's yummy cobbler recipe for slow cooking. With the hot summers here in Arizona, we can still enjoy this comforting dessert, and I don't have to turn on the oven. —Karen Jarocki, Yuma, Arizona

Slow-Cooked Reuben Brats

Sauerkraut gives these beer-simmered brats a big flavor boost, but it’s the special chili sauce and melted cheese that put them over the top. Top your favorite burger with some of the chili sauce; you won't be sorry. —Alana Simmons, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Slow-Cooker Cherry Buckle

I saw this recipe on a cooking show and came up with my own version. When the comforting aroma of this homey dessert drifts through the house, it’s hard not to take a quick peek inside the slow cooker —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Fresh veggies and crackers will disappear quickly when they're next to this cheesy slow-cooked dip. With smoked Gouda, it has an extra level of flavor that keeps everyone guessing. —Katie Stanczak, Hoover, Alabama

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

Slow-Cooker BBQ Ham Sandwiches

Friends love these barbecue sandwiches and often ask me to make them. We double the crowd-pleasing recipe and serve them at potlucks. —Dana Knox, Butler, Pennsylvania

Slow-Cooked Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce

This tart and tangy fruit sauce is excellent over pound cake or ice cream. I have served this topping many times and have gotten rave reviews from friends and family. —Judith Wasman, Harkers Island, North Carolina

Chili Coney Dogs

From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan

Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Wings

These slow cooker wings are a fun appetizer for gatherings. I sometimes like to serve the saucy chicken over rice as a main dish. Either way you do it, these Asian-inspired wings will be a hit! —June Eberhardt, Marysville, California

Shredded Steak Sandwiches

I received this recipe when I was a newlywed, and it's been a favorite since then. The saucy steak barbecue makes a quick meal served on sliced buns or even over rice, potatoes or buttered noodles. —Lee Deneau, Lansing, Michigan

Mini Teriyaki Turkey Sandwiches

Preparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a slow cooker. Serving them on lightly-toasted sweet dinner rolls is perfection made easy.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio

Farm-Style BBQ Ribs

Inspiration struck when I saw a recipe similar to this one in a newspaper. My version was an instant hit with my husband and our friends. It got even better when I discovered how easy it is to make in the slow cooker. —Bette Jo Welton, Eugene, OR

Beef & Veggie Sloppy Joes

I’m always looking for ways to serve my family healthy and delicious food, so after I started experimenting with my favorite veggies and ground beef. I came up with this favorite that my three kids actually request! This healthy take on sloppy joes reminds me of my own childhood. —Megan Niebuhr, Yakima Washington

Southwestern Nachos

Guests will go crazy when you serve this cheesy nacho casserole with tender chunks of slow-cooked pork. The recipe makes two heaping pans, and you don’t need to worry about filling the chip bowl—the tortilla chips are conveniently baked right in the dish! —Kelly Byler, Goshen, Indiana

Nacho Dip

This zesty nacho dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida

Slow-Cooked Blueberry Grunt

If you love blueberries, then you can't go wrong with this easy dessert. For a special treat, serve it warm with vanilla ice cream. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri