10 summer slow cooker recipes
Slow cookers aren't just for winter. These family dinners are full of summer flavours, spices and light sauces, perfect for a hassle-free feast.
Love your slow cooker all year round with these fresh, summery recipes that make the most of seasonal ingredients. No need to spend hours sweating in the kitchen, simply pick your favourite summer slow cooker dish and enjoy the time spent not cooking! Or see more summer comfort food ideas.
For more information, read our top tips for using a slow cooker. We've also tested and reviewed the best slow cookers and how to use them, so you can discover the top products along with more practical cookery advice.
Now check out our ten favourite summer slow cooker dinners...
1. Slow cooker pulled pork
Succulent pulled pork is the ultimate barbecue treat – even better when it's the simplest recipe you'll make in a slow cooker. Serve with a tangy cabbage slaw and everyone will be after seconds.
2. Slow cooker ratatouille
Make the most of a summer vegetable glut with this gorgeous vegan slow cooker ratatouille. As well as being packed with nutrients and flavour, it also delivers four of your five-a-day. Make a large batch and freeze some for a busy weeknight – perfect mopped up with some crusty sourdough.
3. Slow cooker Spanish chicken
Get a taste of the Mediterranean with this Spanish chicken packed with tomatoes, peppers, olives and chorizo. Slow cooking the meat makes it fall-off-the-bone tender.
4. Slow cooker barbacoa
This Mexican-inspired meaty barbacoa dish is perfect for bringing a little spice to your plate. Dark chocolate and ancho chillies bring the perfect blend of smoky, sweet heat. The pull-apart lamb pairs well with our zesty cabbage and radish slaw.
5. Slow cooker aubergines
This easy veggie main is full of summer veg and topped with crumbly feta. Slow cooker aubergines served with pitta bread is guaranteed to be your new go-to supper.
6. Slow cooker Goan pulled pork
Slow cooker Goan pulled pork is the perfect meal for sharing. Tender pork shoulder in a blend of Indian spices is cooked until it's soft enough to shred. Serve with chapatis, crunchy veg and a variety of cooling raitas and fruity chutneys.
7. Slow cooker pulled chicken
Make this gorgeously smoky slow cooked chicken as an easy alternative to pulled pork. It's cooked for 6-8 hours in a moreish marinade of chipotle, passata, barbecue sauce and lime juice. Serve the flavourful, tender meat with burger buns, taco shells, jacket potatoes or rice and a side of guacamole.
8. Pulled lamb shoulder
This pulled lamb shoulder with a sticky pomegranate glaze makes a decadent summer main if you're entertaining. The sweet glaze and cinnamon-laced spice mix create an addictive combination.
9. Slow cooker vegetable stew with cheddar dumplings
End the day with a light, yet comforting vegetarian stew, featuring loads of fresh chunky veg and delicious cheesy dumplings. This recipe serves six but can easily be halved for smaller slow cookers.
10. Slow cooker ribs
Throw the ingredients to our slow cooker ribs into your pot and let it do the work. You can finish them off in the oven, or on the barbecue if you want a crisp coating. Baste them in barbecue sauce and take time to savour the taste.
Dessert option: Poached apricots
Want a fruity summer dessert you can simmer in your slow cooker? These delicate poached apricots with rosewater and Greek yogurt are refreshing and light, the perfect way to end a meal.
Like this? Check out more slow cooker content...
More summer slow cooker recipes
How to use a slow cooker
Vegetarian slow cooker recipes
Vegan slow cooker recipes
Family summer slow cooker recipes
Easiest ever pulled pork
What's your favourite summer slow cooker recipe? Let us know in the comments below...
