When sweltering summer temperatures return to the South, the last thing our energy bills need is a hot oven steaming heat into the whole house. It’s a season when we look to simple, cool dishes that don’t require much, or any, heat to be satisfying. Keep your kitchen calm and your days spent in the sun while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting. From tacos to barbecue, here are some of our favorite summer slow-cooker recipes you can enjoy any time.
Credit:
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Red beans and rice is a beloved Southern dish for a reason. And this recipe, which requires only 5 minutes of hands-on time, brings together red beans, rice, Andouille sausage, and Creole seasoning, which gives it a nice kick.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Warm and comforting recipes are still welcome – even when the temperatures are high. Especially when those recipes involve a basic ingredient list and results that are rich, hearty, and extra cheesy.
Credit:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Bring the restaurant to you with these easy French dip sandwiches. Serve them with a cold Coke and chips for a complete meal.
Credit:
Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Buffy Hargett
Invite even the most unexpected recipes to the summer table. This sandwich was made with slow-cooked salmon and is topped with all the fixings for a perfect dinner on the patio.
Credit:
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
There are so many delicious options that go beyond pork and beef. Wecome bean burgers to the next potluck, and use your slow cooker to help bring the extra flavor to these low-and-slow cooked black beans.
Credit:
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
For a lighter take on the cold weather staple, Mississippi pot roast, try these tangy and tender meatballs. Although we suggest serving with mashed potatoes, for a less heavy summer meal, try pairing it with rice or a green salad.
Credit: Greg Dupree
These party-worthy pork tacos will get your back porch summer barbecue started, but are also easy enough to make any night of the week. Just remember to save the fresh herbs for the end, after removing the meat from the slow cooker.
Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
A little spicy and a little sweet, these sliders are a welcomed addition to any spread, especially on game day. Light brown sugar and cumin combine to create a sweet and smoky sandwich. Add this brisket to toasted Hawaiian rolls, and you’re ready to feed a crowd.
Credit:
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This brisket cooks in a vinegar-based barbecue sauce for about eight hours to help you serve your most tender slice yet. It’s perfectly seasoned with brown sugar, chile powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. With only 25 minutes of active cooking time, this BBQ brisket is ideal for serving alongside your favorite summer sides.
Credit: Greg DuPree
Be sure to seal in the flavor of your pork by browning it before placing it in the slow cooker. Serve it with a Carolina-style vinegar sauce, pickles, sliced onions, and coleslaw for a dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Credit:
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Make the most out of your fresh summer corn. This creamy soup is indulgent but still light enough for a hot summer day. This corn chowder recipe, full of bacon, potatoes, and onions, will become your new favorite.
Credit:
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
Start with a whole chicken, cut up, and simmer in a homemade barbecue sauce of ketchup, cola, cider vinegar, and a splash of bourbon for a Southern barbecue flavor. This slow-cooker recipe is as simple as it gets. Remember to save the juices to pour over the chicken when serving.
Credit:
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
We promise this recipe is an upgrade to your elementary school cafeteria days. It’s the easiest way to get your kids’ favorite dish on the table any night of the week. Swap out hamburger buns for sliders to make this an appetizer.
Credit: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
Combine the pork shoulder with chicken broth, orange juice, garlic, pepper, and salt in your slow cooker. Set it in the morning and forget it. Serve these pork carnitas with traditional toppings like shredded cabbage, diced avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Credit:
Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn
There are countless ways to serve this recipe, from kid-friendly quesadillas or melty enchiladas. With only five ingredients, this versatile recipe will help you prepare dinner any night of the week.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
This simple, cheesy appetizer will have everyone at the barbecue raving. With only eight ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe will be creamy and bubbling in no time. Before enjoying, stir in crumbled bacon slices and garnish with extra scallions.
Credit:
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This simple recipe will leave you with enough leftover pulled pork to snack on all week. It only requires 10 minutes of hands-on time to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights. Try this pulled pork as a baked sweet potato or salad if you’re tired of turning it into sandwiches.
Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham
This fun dish has two recipes: delicious, easy meatballs and a slow-simmered tangy tomato sauce. Use the extra sauce on top of green vegetables or creamy grits. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Credit: Jessica Furniss/Southern Living
Even dessert can come together in the slow cooker during the summer. Put fresh peaches to good use in this hands-off version of the classic Southern cobbler.
“I love that you can prep everything day in advance, besides the cooking part, of course! ” writes one, five-star reviewer of this easy entertaining recipe.
Credit: Slow-Cooker Cowboy Beans
The summer cookout just wouldn’t be complete without a casserole dish of beans. These not only come together in the slow cooker, but are enhanced with spicy Southwestern flavor.