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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    17 Cheap Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Be Making All Summer Long

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 28, 2025, updated May 27, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Summer is the perfect time to enjoy easy and affordable meals, and slow cookers make it simple to prepare delicious dishes without heating up the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create 17 budget-friendly recipes that are perfect for warm weather. From hearty stews to light and refreshing meals, these slow cooker recipes will keep you satisfied all summer long.

    Chicken Cacciatore

    Chicken cacciatore with pasta.
    Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    This dinner is full of flavor and perfect for a weeknight meal or a relaxed Sunday dinner. It's a classic Italian dish that cooks slowly, allowing all the ingredients to blend together nicely. You can serve it over pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes, depending on what you like. This recipe is great for those warm summer days when you want to keep the kitchen cool. Enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Hot Chicken

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

    This dish is all about making flavorful chicken with a nice kick. You only need a few spices and some Frank’s hot sauce to bring it all together. It’s a great option when you want something spicy and satisfying. Perfect for summer days when you want to keep things simple. Enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken

    Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Whole Beer Chicken is packed with great flavors. A whole chicken is seasoned with butter, beer, lemon, and garlic, creating a tasty dish. This is a good dinner option for busy nights when you want something easy. Just set it up in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. You'll love how simple and delicious this meal is.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Rendang

    Slow Cooker Beef Rendang.
    Photo Credit: Garlic All Day.

    This recipe is simple and perfect for summer days. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its thing. In about five hours, you'll have a hearty and flavorful beef stew waiting for you. It's a great way to enjoy a warm meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This dish is ideal for those hot days when you want something comforting but easy to prepare.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli

    Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken thighs and broccoli are cooked together in a tasty sauce that includes soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger paste, along with some other common seasonings. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a warm summer day. It all comes together in one pot, making cleanup easy. The combination of flavors is satisfying and comforting. This is a great option for a quick and enjoyable dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Country Style Barbecue Ribs with Bell Peppers and Onions

    Slow Cooker Country Style Barbecue Ribs with Bell Peppers and Onions.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Country Style Barbecue Ribs with Bell Peppers and Onions served over rice is a delicious meal that everyone will love. This dish is perfect for summer, bringing together great flavors without requiring much effort. It’s a satisfying option for busy nights when you want something hearty. The combination of tender ribs and fresh veggies makes it a standout choice. Enjoy a comforting dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.

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    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale

    Creamy Tortellini Soup with Tomatoes and Kale
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    This soup is warm and filling, featuring Italian turkey sausage for a hearty touch and fresh kale or baby spinach for some greens. It's a simple dish that can be prepared on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker. Perfect for a summer meal, it offers a nice balance of flavors and nutrition. Enjoy it as a light dinner or a satisfying lunch. This recipe is great for those days when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Cowboy baked beans are a tasty and simple dish to prepare. With just a large can of baked beans, some lean ground beef, a sweet yellow onion, and a handful of common seasonings, you can create a flavorful meal. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or casual dinners. It combines hearty ingredients that everyone will enjoy. You’ll have a satisfying meal ready with minimal effort.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

    Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Peasant's Daughter.

    Creamy tomato basil chicken is full of flavor and made with easy-to-find ingredients. It cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. This dish is perfect for summer, as it keeps the kitchen cool while you enjoy a delicious meal. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without a lot of work. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite sides.

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    Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

    Slow Cooker Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe is all about bright and zesty flavors, featuring a classic mix of lemon and pepper. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while it turns simple chicken thighs into a delicious and juicy dish. It's perfect for those warm summer days when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just let the slow cooker do its magic, and you'll have a satisfying dinner ready to enjoy. This is a great option for busy nights when you still want something flavorful.

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    Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner

    Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe lets you prepare a full meal in one go, making it super easy. It includes a flavorful meatloaf paired with sliced potatoes, all cooked together until just right. This dish is great for a relaxing weekend meal or can be packed up for lunch during the week. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you're eating alone or sharing, this meal is sure to satisfy.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken is incredibly tender and requires very little effort. This simple dish is perfect for weeknight meals, whether served on a plate or in a sandwich. Just grab your CrockPot and a handful of ingredients, and in about three hours, dinner will be ready. It's a great option for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

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    Slow Cooker Ratatouille

    Slow Cooker Ratatouille.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    Using a slow cooker to prepare meals is a great way to enjoy fresh, colorful vegetables with minimal effort. This dish brings a taste of French cuisine to your dinner table, making weeknight meals feel special. With just a few ingredients and some seasoning, you can create a flavorful meal that cooks itself while you go about your day. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy the ease and convenience of a slow cooker while savoring vibrant flavors.

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    Buffalo Chicken Chili

    Buffalo Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker)
    Photo Credit: The Nessy Kitchen.

    This slow cooker buffalo chicken chili is a breeze to prepare and is great for busy weekdays or game days. It uses simple ingredients and brings together the classic flavors of chili with a spicy buffalo wing twist. This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for dinner. You can set it up in no time and let the slow cooker do the work. It’s sure to become a go-to recipe for your family.

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    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

    Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Busy Family Recipes.

    This is a simple and tasty slow cooker meal that works well for a busy weeknight dinner. You only need about 10 minutes to get everything ready before letting the slow cooker do its job. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it enjoyable for everyone. It's a great way to have a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Ribs.
      21 Slow Cooker Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Families
    • Chicken taco casserole.
      24 Easy Casseroles That Won't Break the Bank
    • Ground beef tacos.
      24 Quick and Easy Ground Beef Dinners for Busy Nights
    • Ground beef dip.
      19 Cheesy Dump and Go Dishes That Will Save You Time

    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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