Crockpot The Original Slow Cooker Classic

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When you see any recipes involving a Crock Pot or slow-cooker, you probably think of hearty chilis, thick stews, and cozy winter nights. And it's true: Crock Pots are famously good at making warm, comforting meals—but they're not-so-well-known as summer recipe wizards.

Do you know what else they're great for, besides those classic soups? Summer classics like pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, and braised brisket. And, because it's looking pretty likely that outdoor gatherings will be a safe option this summer, you'll need these big-batch summer slow-cooker recipes in your repertoire. After a year (plus!) of very limited social interaction, you probably want to spend as much time as possible actually talking to people at the party, instead of at the hot grill flipping endless burgers.

"I love a slow-cooker because it makes the meal in one pot while you're out doing other things," says Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD. "There's very little cleanup and you usually get a ton of great flavor without really having to cook anything yourself." Plus, you can keep your kitchen nice and cool during the hottest months of the year.

In terms of how to use the Crock Pot, there's really not much you need to know. You can put raw meat and other ingredients straight into it, then just set it and forget it until hours later when it's fully cooked. It really is as simple as throwing ingredients in, pressing a button, and walking away.

One thing to keep in mind is that tough cuts of meat (pork shoulder, brisket) typically do better cooking for longer on the "low" setting. On the other hand, more delicate meats like chicken, plus vegetables and other plant-based foods will taste best cooked for less time on the "high" setting, since too much cook time might make them a little mushy. A good recipe will tell you which setting to use, so there's no need to overthink this.

"For instance, if you want shredded chicken for your tacos, cook them low and slow in a slow-cooker with some seasoning," Rizzo suggests. "Or, use summer veggies like tomatoes and zucchini to make a ratatouille."

Lucky for you, there are loads of healthy summer Crock Pot recipes out there, chock-full of seasonal foods and famous barbecue-style flavors. Most important of all, though: You can also make insanely good summer desserts, like berry cobbler, in your Crock Pot. (If that doesn't sell you, I don't know what will.)

Whether you're hosting a cookout or just want to avoid the oven at all costs, these healthy summer Crock Pot recipes will satisfy every warm-weather craving.

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Sweet Heat BBQ Braised Rib Tacos

These sweet and spicy beef tacos are made with short ribs, which you can buy at the butcher's counter of most supermarkets. The original recipe is for oven-baked ribs, but there's a slow-cooker option at the bottom!

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Per serving: 651 calories, 44 g fat (18 g saturated), 655 mg sodium, 22 g carbs, 17 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 38 g protein

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Stuffed Peppers

This budget-friendly dinner option takes advantage of in-season bell peppers, so it's a great way to use up any extra you may have. There's a combination of black beans and ground beef inside!

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Per serving: 443 calories, 16 g fat (7 g saturated), 1000 mg sodium, 43 g carbs, 8 g sugar, 11 g fiber, 32 g protein

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Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadas

Jarred salsa verde makes these easy slow-cooker tostadas that much easier.

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Per serving: 562 calories, 26 g fat (9 g saturated), 53 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 18 g fiber, 38 g protein

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Seafood Cioppino

If you want to level up your next summer get-together, swap your usual summer fare for this flavor-packed seafood stew.

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Per serving: 301 calories, 7 g fat (1.2 g saturated), 1129 mg sodium, 18 g carbs, 9.2 g sugar, 3.5 g fiber, 44 g protein

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Pulled Pork Carnitas

These non-traditional "carnitas" are made with a lean cut of pork and very little oil, unlike the traditional version made by braising pork in its own fat. Still, they're super tasty as a taco filling!

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Per serving: 159 calories, 5 g fat, 1 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 26 g protein

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Crock Pot Chicken Wings

These better-for-you wings will be the star of any summertime cookout. (They're low in carbs but still plenty crispy.) Serve them up with some blue cheese dressing, or dip them straight into sour cream.

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Per serving: 501 calories, 41 g fat (17 g sat), 1 g carb, 1993 mg sodium, 1 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 30 g protein

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Vegan Tacos with Walnuts

These walnut-topped tacos are fresh, easy, and filled with good-for-you plants. Every bite offers lots of texture, color, fiber, and healthy fats.

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Per serving: 487 calories, 17 g fat (2 g sat), 56 g carbs, 4.1 g fiber, 20 g sugar, 384 mg sodium, 18 g protein

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Crock Pot Blueberry Crisp

Top this easy-to-make blueberry crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you've got yourself the perfect end to a summer night.

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Per serving: 215.3 calories, 6.6 g fat (3.6 g sat), 38 g carbs, 5.1 mg sodium, 4 g carbs, 22.8 g sugar, 2.8 g protein

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Chicken Tacos with Avocado-Cilantro Sauce

Tender chicken is the perfect base for these tacos' tangy, creamy cilantro sauce.

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Per serving: 382 calories, 13 g fat (2 g sat), 40 g carbs, 1075 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 24 g protein

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Summer Beef Stew

Stews typically have serious winter vibes, but the zucchini, bell pepper, basil, and other vibrant veggies in this one keep it light and summer-friendly. Buy cubed stew beef, or cut up a pot roast for this simple stew.

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Per serving: 487 calories, 18 g fat (6 g sat), 14 g carbs, 687 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 69 g protein

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Greek Chicken

This herby, citrusy chicken pairs so well with a dollop of tart yogurt and a pita that you'll think you're in the Mediterranean.

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Per serving: 452 calorie, 36 g fat (9 g sat), 4 g carbs, 899 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 26 g protein

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Fire-Roasted Tomato Shrimp Tacos

Easy, breezy, and beautifully light (see what I did there?), this healthy take on tacos is a party of flavors in your mouth. The fire-roasted tomato sauce is subtle, but really makes a difference.

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Per serving: 115 calories, 2.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 5 g carbs, 2.5 g sugar, 240 mg sodium, 1.5 g fiber, 14 g protein

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Zesty Pork and Slaw Sandwiches

Go ahead, have yourself some North Carolina-style BBQ without having to travel the distance. Serve this up with baked beans as a side dish, and you're good to go.

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Per serving: 572 calories, 26.5 g fat (7 g saturated), 39 g carbs, 684 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 41 g protein

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Easy Crock-Pot Chicken and Black Bean Taco Salad

Just toss chicken, beans, and salsa into the slow cooker, press start, and four hours later you've got the makings for a simple—yet delish—meal.

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Per serving: 390 calories, 9 g fat, 2o g carbs, 1 g sugar, 521 mg sodium, 8 g fiber, 34 g protein

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Vegetarian Slow-Cooker Lentil Sloppy Joes Over Spaghetti Squash

These are like all those summer camp sloppy Joes, just with a bit more fiber, no meat, and a lot less of a mess. If you'd rather a sandwich, stir some BBQ sauce into the lentil mixture and serve it up on a roll instead.

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Per serving: 358 calories, 3.1 g fat, 69.7 g carbs, 11.9 g sugar, 13.7 g fiber, 16 g protein

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Slow-Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken

This Whole-30-approved BBQ dish tastes like sweet summertime. After making the fruity sauce, all you have to do is add everything to the Crock Pot and let it do the rest. And if you're not doing the Whole30, we suggest using this as a filling for summer chicken sandwiches.

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Per serving: 225 calories, 15 g fat, 10 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 389 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 30 g protein

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Slow-Cooker Zucchini Ziti

Pasta? In a Crock Pot? It's officially a thing. This makes a simple weeknight dinner, but works even better as a side dish for your next summer BBQ.

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Per serving: 272 calories, 7 g fat (3 g saturated), 38 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 196 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 15 g protein

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Slow-Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Fact: You should always have a quick, simple (and healthy) recipe you can depend on to please every mouth at the table, and this is it.

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Per serving: 223 calories, 11 g fat (2 g saturated), 19 g carbs, 17 g sugar, 525 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 14 g protein

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Smoky Pulled Brisket Biscuits

Craving some Southern cooking? These slow-cooker sammies are just what you need at your next cookout.

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Per serving: 659 calories, 21 g fat (6 g saturated), 53 g carbs, 113 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 66 g protein

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Honey-Lime Pork with Pineapple Slaw

Slow-cooked pork is perfect with bright lime juice and chunks of fresh pineapple in these festive burrito bowls.

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Per serving: 375 calories, 10.5 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 36 g carbs, 895 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 35 g protein

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Slow-Cooker Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Low-carb, paleo, and Whole30-compliant, this tasty dish is a superb source of brain-boosting omega-3s.

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Per serving: 321 calories, 12.7 g fat (2.1 g saturated), 1.8 g carbs, 0.4 g sugar, 177.8 mg sodium, 0.4 g fiber, 50.8 g protein

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Slow-Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Time to say "see-ya" to the sauté pan. These fajitas are straight fire, and require zero time near the stove's heat.

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Per serving: 364 calories, 19 g fat (4 g saturated), 29 g carbs, 5 g sugar, 480 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 21 g protein

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Slow-Cooked Summer Beef Casserole

Crisp veggies, garlic, and a light sprinkling of Parm make this once-winter dish a comfy go-to even during high temps.

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Per serving: 305 calories, 13 g fat (3 g saturated), 11 g carbs, 2 g sugar, 487 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 30 g protein

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Slow-Cooker Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Everyone at summer family gatherings will ooh and ahh over these cheesy meatballs.

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Per serving: 255 calories, 14 g fat (5 g saturated), 1.8 g carbs, 3 g sugar, 153 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 21 g protein

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Corn and Potato Chowder

You'll want to devour this heart-healthy bowl, made summery thanks to bright corn. Easily make it meat-free by nixing the chorizo and using veggie broth instead.

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Per serving: 311 calories, 12 g fat (4 g saturated), 37 g carbs, 600 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 15 g protein

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Slow-Cooker Chicken Caprese

The basil-y flavor of this creamy chicken recipe is absurdly cozy—because sometimes you need comfort food in the summer, too.

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Per serving: 255 calories, 10.2 g fat (3.9 g saturated), 9 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 193.9 mg sodium, 1.9 g fiber, 31.1 g protein

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Chipotle Beef Tacos with Pico de Gallo

These spicy, protein-packed tortillas make Taco Tuesday a no-brainer, even on the busiest of weeks.

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Per serving: 440 calories, 11.5 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 36 g carbs, 840 mg sodium, 6 g fiber, 48 g protein

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Tomato Basil Soup

Fresh summer tomatoes work wonders in this flavorful tomato basil recipe.

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Per serving: 219 calories, 11 g fat (5 g saturated), 22 g carbs, 11 g sugar, 1023 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 1o g protein

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Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Making your favorite takeout dish at home is easy with this slow cooker recipe. They're flavored with soy sauce, garlic, honey, and ketchup. Add a little brown sugar to really push them over the edge.

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Per serving: 260 calories, 11 g fat (5 g saturated), 11 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 600 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 28 g protein

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Crock-Pot Slawghetti

Spaghetti just got a summer-appropriate makeover with this low-carb, paleo, and Whole30-compliant recipe.

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Per serving: 260 calories, 3.8 g fat (1.7 g saturated), 22 g carbs, 2.2 g sugar, 591.4 mg sodium, 3 g fiber, 27.6 g protein