15 Slow Cooker Recipes That Save The Day When It’s Too Hot to Cook

When it’s blazing hot and the idea of turning on the oven sounds like a punishment, slow cooker recipes come to the rescue. These low-effort dishes keep the kitchen cool, require almost no hands-on time, and still deliver big on flavor. Perfect for hectic days, heatwaves, or just avoiding the rush meltdown, these slow cooker recipes truly save the day.

Baby Back Ribs

These slow cooker baby back ribs are the ultimate fix when it’s too hot to turn on the oven, but you still want fall-off-the-bone perfection. Just five minutes of prep, and the slow cooker handles the rest while you stay cool and relaxed. The result is tender, juicy ribs coated in a sticky-sweet glaze that packs big flavor without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Baby Back Ribs

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

When it’s too hot to hang out by the stove, this slow cooker spinach and artichoke dip comes to the rescue with rich, creamy goodness and barely any effort. Just toss everything in, let it do its thing, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy crowd-pleaser ready to scoop and share. It’s the kind of hands-off win that makes summer entertaining so much easier.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Beef Barbacoa

This slow cooker beef barbacoa saves the day when cooking sounds unbearable, but you still want something bold and filling. All it takes is a quick prep, and the slow cooker transforms beef into tender, juicy perfection infused with spicy, tangy flavors. It’s an easy win for tacos, bowls, or salads that taste like they took way more work than they did.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Salsa chicken made in the slow cooker is a summertime lifesaver when it’s too hot to cook and you still need something delicious and filling. Just chicken and salsa go in, and what comes out is juicy, flavorful meat that’s perfect for tacos, salads, or burrito bowls. It’s a quick prep, zero-stress dinner that stretches across meals without heating up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken in Slow Cooker

Italian Beef

This slow cooker Italian beef is the kind of low-effort, high-payoff recipe that shines on sweltering days when the last thing you want is a hot stove. The meat gets fall-apart tender while soaking up bold Italian flavors, with zero babysitting required. Serve it on a sandwich or over grains for a delicious, stress-free dinner that practically cooks itself.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Skip the boiling water and stovetop hassle; these slow cooker mashed potatoes make comfort food possible even when the heat is unbearable. Just dump everything in and walk away while they cook to fluffy, creamy perfection. With garlicky goodness and rich flavor, this is one cozy side that saves the day without heating up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Rump Roast

A hot summer night is no match for this slow cooker rump roast that delivers big, savory flavor with almost no effort. Toss in a few ingredients, walk away, and come back to a melt-in-your-mouth roast perfect for piling on plates without the oven ever turning on. It’s one of those meals that feels special but still lets you stay cool and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Rump Roast

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This slow cooker beef and broccoli is the answer when takeout sounds tempting but the kitchen feels like a sauna. Toss everything in one pot and get tender meat, crisp broccoli, and a garlicky soy sauce that hits all the right notes. It’s full-on flavor with a cool, effortless cooking method that keeps dinnertime simple.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Beef Stew

Slow cooker beef stew brings all the hearty, comforting flavors you crave, without standing over a hot stove. Everything simmers low and slow into a rich, savory bowl of goodness while you go about your day, far from the heat. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic meal even when it’s way too hot to cook the usual way.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Beef Stroganoff

When it’s too warm to mess with pots and pans, this slow cooker beef stroganoff keeps things easy while still delivering that creamy, savory flavor you love. Just toss in the ingredients and let it slowly build bold flavor without heating up the kitchen. It’s comfort food made cool, convenient, and totally stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash in the slow cooker is the easy fix for craving something rich and cozy on a hot day without turning up the heat. The chicken gets tender in a velvety paprika sauce while you stay cool and hands-off. It’s a surprisingly simple way to serve up bold Hungarian flavor without sweating over a single burner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

This cheesy ranch chicken comes together in the slow cooker with almost no effort, making it the ultimate dinner solution when it’s too hot to cook. The chicken turns out juicy and tender, smothered in a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s a lazy-day hero that keeps things cool and easy while still tasting like a total win.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Chicken

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

When you want comfort in a bowl but can’t bear to fire up the stove, this slow cooker taco soup comes through with big, bold flavor and zero kitchen heat. Loaded with meat, veggies, and spices, it cooks low and slow into a hearty, one-pot meal. Just set it and forget it, no sweating, no babysitting, just delicious results.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

This shepherd’s pie with cauliflower mash is a full-on dinner made in the crockpot, perfect for when it’s too hot to cook but you still want something hearty. The layers of ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mash all slow-cook into cozy comfort without any oven time. It’s a smart, stress-free way to serve up a filling meal on warm days.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker

Let the slow cooker handle the heavy lifting with this beef shank recipe, ideal for days when the weather is hot but your cravings are strong. The beef becomes ultra tender, soaking up savory herbs and rich flavor while you stay far from the stove. Pair it with a quick mash and you’ve got a filling dinner without breaking a sweat.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker