As the summer heat rolls in, many people tend to shy away from cooking, opting for quick meals that don’t require much time in the kitchen. However, slow cookers can be a lifesaver during this season, allowing you to prepare delicious meals without heating up your home. In this post, we will explore six easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipes that are perfect for summer. These recipes are not only simple but also packed with flavor, making them ideal for busy days.
1. Taco Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken, turkey, or meat substitute)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can corn (drained) or frozen corn
- 1 cup salsa
- 2.5 cups water
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 12 oz rotini pasta
Instructions:
- In a pan, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain excess grease.
- Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker and add the diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes, corn, salsa, water, and taco seasoning. Stir well.
- Cook on low for about 6 hours.
- Add the rotini pasta and stir. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Serve with your favorite taco toppings like guacamole, sour cream, lime, and cilantro.
2. Boneless Country-Style Ribs
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs boneless country-style ribs
- 1 cup Dr Pepper (or any soda)
- 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
- Place the ribs in the slow cooker and pour the Dr Pepper and barbecue sauce over them. Stir to coat.
- Cook on low for about 5 hours until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
- Serve over mashed potatoes with coleslaw and green beans on the side.
3. Apricot Barbecue Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 6-7 boneless pork chops
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the apricot preserves and barbecue sauce until well combined.
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper, then place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour the apricot barbecue sauce over the pork chops and stir to coat.
- Cook on low for about 6 hours until tender. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes with coleslaw and snap peas.
4. French Onion Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups uncooked jasmine or white rice
- 2 chicken breasts (or boneless skinless chicken thighs)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 packet Lipton onion soup mix
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 10 oz can of French onion soup
- Provolone cheese and crispy fried onions for topping
Instructions:
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray. Add the rice, chicken, sliced onion, onion soup mix, broth, and French onion soup. Stir well.
- Cook on low for about 5 hours. If using chicken breasts, consider switching to thighs for juicier results.
- Top with provolone cheese and crispy fried onions, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
5. Seasoned Lemon Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 0.25 cup sliced butter
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth and lemon juice. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the broth mixture over them.
- Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Top with minced garlic and butter.
- Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve with bread and steamed green beans.
6. Classic Meatball Subs
Ingredients:
- 1.5 tbsp brown sugar
- 1.5 tbsp minced garlic
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp salt and pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 0.75 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley
- Sub rolls and mozzarella cheese for serving
Instructions:
- In the slow cooker, combine brown sugar, garlic, crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir well.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and parsley. Form into meatballs and place them in the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve in sub rolls topped with mozzarella cheese, broiled until melted.
Conclusion
These six slow cooker recipes are perfect for summer, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. Each recipe is designed to be simple and adaptable, making them ideal for busy families or anyone looking to save time and money. Try them out this season and enjoy the convenience and flavor of slow cooking!
