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Beat the Heat! Summer Slow Cooker Recipes

The hottest months of the year are here, with a vengeance! With the temperatures hovering around the triple digits, heating up your home with an oven seems like the worst idea! Instead of living off of take out food and cold dinners, why not break out a slow cooker?

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There are many different types of slow cookers on the market, ranging from basic models to advanced cooking options for full feasts. A quick Amazon search shows that models range from $11.99 to $499.00 – With that being said, there’s a model perfect for everyone!

 

Now that you have your slow cooker ready, here are our top 5 favorite main dishes, side dishes and desserts!

Main Dishes

Crock Pot Lasagna – Food.com

This recipe can easily be adapted for other proteins, including meat substitutes. It is a favorite amongst family.

 

Slow cooker Lemon Basil Chicken – Heather Tallman

lemon basil chicken
Photo courtesy of Heather Tallman

This slightly tart meal is perfect with a simple side of rice. It’s filling, and tastes of summer!

 

Slow Cooked Greek Lamb Stew – Hannaford

One serious favorite from local restaurant Opa! Opa! is the lamb stew. Now, nothing compares to their in-house stew, but this one comes in a close second. It’s filling, which is perfect for summer active life!

 

Dr. Pepper Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe – Spend with Pennies

dr-pepper-pulled-pork

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried this simple yet oh-so-tasty recipe! Works just as amazingly with chicken or turkey, and the resulting meat can be used on sandwiches, salads, or just eaten straight from the pot!

 

Slow-Cooker Chicken Pho – Eating Well

Pronounced fuh, this classic Vietnamese soup has taken California by storm. If you’ve never tried it, what are you waiting for! There are many many variations, with meat and without. This refreshing take on chicken noodle soup will leave you asking pho more!

 

 

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Creamy Macaroni and Cheese – Six Sisters Stuff

Slow-Cooker-Macaroni-and-Cheese-on-SixSistersStuff

Creamy, dreamy and always welcome, this take on mac and cheese is a surefire crowd pleaser!

 

Slow Cooker Cornbread – 365 Days of Slow Cooking

Cornbread is a staple for so many different cultures. This basic recipe can also be spiced up by adding jalapenos, cheese, chili, or anything you want!

 

Slow Cooker Mexican Rice – Cookin’ It Up In Texas

mexican rice
Photo courtesy of Tracy Villalobos

SO good. So simple. Add in black olives or green chilies for added flavor.

 

Thai Vegetable Medley – Better Homes and Gardens

This summer medley pairs perfectly with a protein and rice or other grain, or even eaten alone! The coconut milk gives it a slightly sweet edge, and compliments the mix of squash and zucchini well.

 

Refried Beans Without the Refry – All Recipes

This simple recipe cleans up how to make refried beans- no frying required! You’ll never eat canned again.

 

Desserts

Crock Pot Pecan Pie – The Crockin’ Girls

Usually reserved for holidays, pecan pie should be enjoyed all year round! This nutty taste of tradition is a favorite, hands down.

 

Crock-Pot Baked Apples – Skinny Chef

Although traditionally enjoyed during Autumn months, apples are available year round. Grab your favorite apple and make this yummy treat.

 

Skinny Slow Cooker Fudge Cake – Amy’s Healthy Baking

Decadent fudge-y cake that cooks itself AND has have natural good for you ingredients? You won’t be able to say no.

 

Slow-Cooked Blueberry Grunt – Taste of Home

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Slow-Cooked Blueberry Grunt Recipe photo by Taste of Home

This blueberry cobbler-esque treat is so good, you’ll want to make it again and again! Add a dash of cinnamon and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra yum!

 

Crock Pot Bananas Foster – Tammilee Tips

Crock-Pot-Bananas-Foster-682x1024

This fancy and tasty treat is SO good! Even though this is a crock pot recipe, it only takes about an hour to prepare. Start it while dinner is going, and you’ll have fresh and nice and hot bananas ready for dessert.

 

Hopefully, these tasty treats can help you stay cooler, eat well, and enjoy these warm days!

 

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