13 Slow Cooker Meals When You’re Too Hot and Too Tired to Try
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Some days are just too hot and too exhausting to cook over a stove. That’s where these slow cooker meals come in: hands-off, low-effort, and no heating up the kitchen. They make mealtime easier, cooler, and way less exhausting on days when trying just feels like too much.
Baby Back Ribs
These slow cooker baby back ribs come out sticky, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth tender with hardly any effort. Just add a simple rub and glaze, then let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you stay cool. It’s a low-effort way to get that BBQ flavor without heating up the kitchen or standing over a grill.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs
Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Cheesy ranch chicken is creamy, flavorful, and comes together with nothing more than a few ingredients and a slow cooker. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, smothered in melted cheese and ranch goodness. When the heat outside is brutal and motivation is low, this dish still gets dinner done.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Salsa chicken is one of the easiest slow cooker meals out there, but it never sacrifices flavor. Just toss in chicken breasts and salsa, then let it cook into tender, juicy perfection you can shred for tacos, bowls, or wraps. It’s a no-brainer when it’s too hot to think about cooking, but dinner still needs to happen.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker
Beef and Broccoli
Skip the stovetop and let the slow cooker handle this takeout favorite. The beef gets perfectly tender in a savory garlic-ginger sauce, and the broccoli gets tossed in right before serving for just the right texture. It’s a better-than-takeout option that doesn’t heat up the kitchen or wear you out.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Broccoli
Taco Soup
Taco soup in the slow cooker is the kind of meal that takes almost no thought but delivers big on comfort. Loaded with protein, spice, and just enough veggies, it simmers into a cozy, flavorful bowl while you do literally anything else. It’s the answer for nights when you’re way too tired to cook but still want something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup
Rump Roast
This slow cooker rump roast is rich, tender, and full of flavor without needing any extra work. It simmers low and slow all day, soaking up the herbs and spices until it’s fall-apart delicious. On days when it’s too hot to cook and energy is at zero, this hearty dinner practically makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast
Beef Stew
This slow-cooker beef stew brings all the comfort of a home-cooked classic without the usual work. Chunks of beef and hearty veggies simmer together in a savory broth that builds flavor all day. It’s the perfect option when it’s too hot to cook but you still want something that feels warm, delicious, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Paprikash in the slow cooker is rich, saucy, and exactly what you need when you can’t deal with a complicated dinner. It’s full of paprika flavor and simmers into a creamy, comforting dish that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. Just serve it over noodles or rice and call it a night.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Beef Stroganoff
This slow cooker beef stroganoff turns out creamy, savory, and totally delicious with minimal effort. The beef softens up all day in a mushroom-rich sauce that’s perfect over noodles or rice. On nights when cooking feels like too much, this comfort food classic always comes through.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff
Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
Slow-cooked beef shank is a hearty, hands-off meal that turns tough cuts into tender bites full of flavor. It slowly cooks in herbs and aromatics, making every bite rich and satisfying without a minute of stovetop time. Ideal for when it’s just too hot to cook, but you still want a dinner that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
Beef Barbacoa
Beef barbacoa is spicy, juicy, and packed with flavor that develops while the slow cooker does all the work. It’s versatile enough for tacos, bowls, or meal prep, and it’s nearly effortless to make. This one’s a lifesaver for hot, exhausting days when real cooking is just not happening.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa
Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
This crockpot shepherd’s pie is a lighter take on the classic, made with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes, but just as filling. The slow cooker layers it all together, ground beef, veggies, and mash, while you get through your day. It’s an easy, wholesome dinner that requires no oven and no extra brainpower.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew
Grandma’s offal stew might be old-school, but it’s as practical as it is flavorful. The slow cooker breaks down tougher cuts like heart and kidney into a rich, hearty stew packed with nutrients. It’s the kind of meal that honors tradition while saving your energy on hot or hectic days.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Hearty Offal Stew
