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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    16 Slow Cooker Summer Dinners Made for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 24, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer evenings can be hectic, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice a good meal. With a slow cooker, you can prepare delicious dinners with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy more time outdoors. Here are 16 easy slow cooker recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights, keeping your family satisfied and happy.

    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken

    Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken.
    Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

    This easy slow cooker dish is perfect for family dinners during the week and fancy enough for special occasions. It features tender chicken that’s well-seasoned and cooked in a creamy garlic sauce. You can enjoy it over pasta or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. It’s a great option for those warm summer days when you want to keep things simple. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work.

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    Slow Cooker Thai Curried Chicken Soup

    Slow Cooker Thai Curried Chicken Soup.
    Photo Credit: Lauren Kelly Nutrition.

    Thai curried chicken soup is a comforting dish that's easy to prepare. It's perfect for warm summer days when you want something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of spices and tender chicken creates a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. This soup is great for busy nights when you need something quick and tasty. Just set it in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker V8 Chili

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This chili is packed with vegetables, thanks to the V8 juice in the sauce. It's a hearty dish that can easily feed a crowd or provide leftovers for later. Perfect for summer days when you want a warm meal without heating up the kitchen too much. You can make a large batch, so it's great for sharing or freezing for another time. Enjoy a comforting bowl of chili that’s simple to prepare.

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    Lentil Tortilla Soup

    A lentil tortilla soup.
    Photo credit: Peas and Crayons.

    Vegetarian Lentil Tortilla Soup is a simple and delicious dish that can be prepared in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stove. It's perfect for a warm meal that everyone can enjoy. Packed with lentils and flavorful ingredients, this soup is both hearty and satisfying. It’s a great option for busy nights when you want something comforting without a lot of work. Enjoy a bowl of this tasty soup any time you need a quick and filling dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Balsamic chicken is a simple way to transform regular chicken breasts into something special. With just a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy the rich flavor of balsamic vinegar combined with Italian seasoning and garlic. This dish is perfect for summer, especially when you want to keep things easy and light. Everyone in the family will love this tasty meal. It's a great option for busy nights when you still want something delicious.

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    Crock Pot Vegetable Tortellini Soup

    Vegetable Tortellini Soup in Crockpot
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    This light and creamy Tortellini Soup is perfect for summer days. It’s a simple slow cooker dish packed with fresh green vegetables. With just a few easy ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a tasty meal ready to enjoy. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a bowl of this soup and savor the flavors of summer.

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    Slow Cooker Peachy Barbecue Ribs

    Slow Cooker Peachy Barbecue Ribs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Peachy Barbecue Ribs cooked in a slow cooker offer tender pork that falls right off the bone. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, infused with peach, adds a delicious twist to this classic dish. This is a great option for weeknight dinners or when you have friends over. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love. Perfect for summer gatherings, these ribs are sure to impress.

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    Crockpot Steak Fajitas

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas Recipe
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With my 3 Sons.

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas are a great option for a tasty dinner any night. The steak cooks slowly with peppers and onions in a delicious fajita sauce, making it super tender and flavorful. Wrapping everything in a warm tortilla makes it even better. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for sharing. Enjoy a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Carrot Ginger Soup

    Slow Cooker Carrot Ginger Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    Carrot ginger soup is a delicious dish that you’ll want to make. The combination of sweet carrots and zesty ginger creates a unique flavor that’s really enjoyable. This recipe is simple to prepare and is both healthy and creamy without using any dairy. It’s perfect for those warm summer days when you want something light yet satisfying. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to enjoy this tasty soup with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

    Slow Cooker Chicken Curry.
    Photo credit: A Cedar Spoon.

    This slow cooker chicken curry is perfect for a busy day. Just set it up in the morning, and by the time you return home, the delicious smells of curry, coconut, and cumin will fill your kitchen. It's a comforting meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. Serve it with rice and warm naan for a complete dinner. This dish is a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Hot Chili

    Slow Cooker Hot Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This hot chili brings the heat with the help of serrano peppers and is full of flavor thanks to bacon!

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    Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup

    Slow Cooker Sausage Gnocchi Soup.
    Photo Credit: Posh Journal.

    This gnocchi soup is a cozy dish that takes inspiration from the well-loved Zuppa Toscana at Olive Garden. It's an easy recipe that you can throw together in a slow cooker, so it’s great for days when you have a lot going on. Just set it up and let it cook while you take care of other things. The flavors blend together beautifully, creating a warm and satisfying meal. This is a good dinner option for summer evenings when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    The Best Vegetarian Chili

    Vegetarian chili and a wooden spoon.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This vegetarian chili is packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy. You can prepare it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, depending on what you prefer. The combination of ingredients creates a hearty dish that feels filling without any meat. It's perfect for summer days when you want something easy and delicious. Enjoy a comforting bowl of chili that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker Cherry Cola Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: Retro Recipe Box.

    Pulled pork cooked in cherry cola and BBQ sauce is a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. The meat turns out tender and juicy, packed with flavor from the sweet and tangy sauce. It's perfect for summer gatherings or a simple family dinner. This dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a great choice for busy nights. Serve it on buns or with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • 27 Cheap & Easy Meal Prep Recipes You’ll Love
    • Taco pasta.
      21 Easy Crockpot Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Nights
    • 21 Delicious Freezer Casseroles for Stress-Free Dinners
    • Chicken broccoli rice bake.
      20 Lazy Day Set-It-and-Forget-It Chicken Meals That Require Almost Zero Effort

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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