These kid-friendly summer slow cooker recipes are perfect for hot nights when you can’t stand to turn on the oven or stove, busy weekdays when you’re short on time trying to juggle everything, weekends when you are making the most of that warm weather and summer gatherings.

So let’s keep the kitchen cool and our families fed with these summer slow cooker meals.

Family Friendly Summer Slow Cooker Meals

One of the issues my family tend to have with slow cooker food is it all tends to be a bit orange. Very often it is tomato-based ingredients that do that, so I have tried to share some of the more diverse summer dishes that we make on a regular basis. I don’t have the patience for slow cooker meals that are prep-heavy or require pre-browning (unless it makes a massive difference to the look and taste).

Slow Cooker Ham

Slow cooker ham is an all year round recipe for me. I cook it in Coke, Dr Pepper, Ginger beer or Appletiser depending on what I have in the pantry. I don’t always glaze it either. In the summer I serve with new potatoes and a massive salad. The leftovers never last long and are perfect for picnic lunches.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

So this is my pulled pork recipe and I cook it in the Instapot or the slow cooker. The timings for the slow cooker really are low and slow, so on low for 8 hours or medium for 6. If you want to make your own BBQ sauce then this date BBQ sauce is delicious.

Slow cooker Doner Kebab

This slow cooker doner kebab is my most popular recipe and there is a reason for it – It is delicious, simple and the slow cooker does all the hard work. Serve with pitta breads and a salad and you are all set for a delicious summer meal.

Slow Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups

We love Korean-style food and have found that when introducing kids to new flavours, wraps make it easier. If you have hungry teens then wholemeal wraps are a great addition to these Asian Chicken Lettuce Cups. We have also made this with beansprouts when I don’t have water chestnuts in the house, I just add them before serving. Oh and Aldi do frozen chicken breasts that you can cook from frozen and they work so well in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders

I have to admit it took me a while to realise what sausages to use in place of Italian sausage in these Slow Cooker Italian Sausage Grinders as it isn’t something we get in the UK. These are delicious made with chipolatas – both Heck and Aldi Sell delicious Italian Chicken ones, which I think cook much better in a slow cooker (less fat).

Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes

Yes, you can cook Jacket Potatoes in the slow cooker and they are perfect for all year round. I love them for using up any leftovers from earlier in the week. Just imagine these topped with pulled pork or any of the other recipes here.

Gingery Slow Cooker Chicken with Cabbage Slaw

This Gingery Slow Cooker Chicken with Cabbage Slaw is made with chicken thighs, so is great value for money and they become so tender when cooked. The red cabbage coldslaw is great for introducing the crunchy texture to kids as it isn’t overly oniony (it is made with spring onions) and it is super quick to make.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Slow Cooker Meatballs (no Pre-Browning!)

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Orzo

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Chorizo Orzo will become one of your family favourites. It is comforting and delicious. I substitute the double cream for low-fat creme fresh.

Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo

What I love about these Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo is just how versatile they are – Big Family, then use a large pork shoulder joint. For smaller families, you can cook this with a pork fillet. It is a flavourful meal which can be bulked out with rice.

Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos

Whilst we are talking about pork, these Slow Cooker Korean Pork Tacos are brilliant for a family. I find that Korean food has a delightful sweetness that kids seem to love. We regularly have Korean beef tacos and the picked cucumber from that recipe would be a great addition here.

Pepper, Date and Harissa Tagine

This Pepper, date and harissa tagine is brilliant for the gluts of summer vegetables perfect with courgettes and I have made this with frozen butternut squash before and trust me you do not even realise it is meat-free. Serve with couscous. and flatbreads. It screams summer.

Slow Cooker Summer Vegetable and Butter Bean Stew

Think you don’t like butter beans? Well, you haven’t been introduced to the Bold Bean Co, they will transform your opinion. This bejewelled slow cooker summer vegetable and butter bean stew is a wonderfully filling warn salad and the juice is just crying out to be met with a crusty baguette.

Slow Cooker Zesty Fajita Bites

It took me a long time to find a slow cooker fajita recipe that wasn’t too liquidy. These Zesty Fajita Bites still have cooking liquor left at the end, but you remove it and then shred the chicken. So they have the familiar flavours of fajitas but are a little extra. If you have any leftover chicken it is great served as a quesadilla with some cheese!

Cowboy Brisket

There are loads of recipes for Beef tacos out there, but oh my Cowboy Brisket is something special. Alas, you can’t get cowboy rub in the UK, but you can make your own and it is worth it. You can get a flat cut of brisket at your local butchers or just pick up a brisket joint at the supermarket. You can transform any leftovers into a chilli or top your jacket potatoes with it.

Slow Cooker Barbecue Chickpeas

One of our local cafes serves coronation chickpeas, which is what made me look into this Slow Cooker Barbecue Chickpea recipe. I have yet to come up with a slow-cooker coronation chickpea recipe, but we love this one. Perfect for meat-free Mondays.

Slow Cooker Bean Chilli

I am not one for browning things before putting them in the slow cooker, I mean who has time for that? So with this Slow cooker bean chilli recipe, I used to use frozen onions (which are already pre-cooked). Now I am onion and garlic-free, I use the greens of Spring onion and asafoetida (which is an Indian spice that kinds of tastes like onion). Also, my top tip is a can of mixed beans is a great addition, that way you get a mix of loads of different beans.

Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni

Pasta in the slow cooker? Yes! This Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni is a recipe that an Aussie friend sent me a fair few years back when I was looking for slow cooker recipes. It is a great one-pot meal for when everyone is busy doing their own thing and they can grab a bowl full when they get in. Much less cheese than my favourite Mac n Cheese, which somehow makes is more summery!

Indian-Spiced Chicken and Cauliflower

What I love about this Indian-Spiced Chicken and Cauliflower dish is that you can just leave out the meat and not feel as though it is missing anything. Instead of a small head of cauliflower, use a large one.

Tip: If you have younger or spice-averse children then coconut yogurt is a godsend.

Slow Cooker Peri Peri Style Chicken – A Nandos Dupe

Your teenagers will love this delicious Nando’s Dupe Slow Cooker Peri Peri Style Chicken. Again this is an all-year-round meal for for us and it is so versatile. The recipe uses a whole chicken, but I have made this with skinless breasts and thighs and skipped the oven roasting at the end. I have also made it with chicken drumsticks and rather than pop in the oven I have finished the corn on the cob and skinned chicken in the air fryer.

Slow-cooked Lamb Gyros

Lamb when slow-cooked is just amazing. These Slow-cooked lamb gyros are melt-in-the-mouth delicious and perfect for a summer meal. You will have plenty left over for later and it freezes well – Trust me I know.

Slow Cooker Satay Chicken Wraps

This slow cooker satay chicken wrap is a real family favourite. Simple to make with store cupboard ingredients and one that is delicious hot or cold.

Slow Cooker Feta and Tomato Pasta

I think we have all seen the viral Feta and Tomato Pasta, but this is a slow-cooker version. My top tip for this is it is worth separating the pasta at the end and using a stick blender to smooth out the sauce. So as you cook the pasta separately anyway, I used the slow cooker to make the sauce rather than pick out all the pasta shapes.

Apricot Chipotle Pork Ribs

Slow Cooker Dal

I am a massive fan of River Cottage and their slow cooker Dal is one recipe I return to again and again. There is something comforting about dal and even in the summer, I love it. The boys were weaned on dal and naans, so feel the same.

Why Slow Cooker Meals Are Perfect for Winter and Families:

Slow cooker recipes are ideal for families during the winter months because:

1. They’re Convenient: Throw the ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready-made meal.
2. They’re Nutritious: Many recipes feature wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
3. They’re Cost-Effective: Slow cooking often uses affordable ingredients and turns tougher cuts of meat into tender, flavorful dishes.
4. They Encourage Togetherness: Nothing brings a family together like sharing a hearty, homemade meal.

The Ultimate List of Family-Friendly Winter Slow Cooker Recipes:

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew – A hearty classic with tender beef, potatoes, and carrots, perfect for warming up after a snowy day.

2. Chicken and Dumplings – Comfort food at its finest, featuring fluffy dumplings and tender chicken.

3. Pot Roast – Juicy and flavorful, served with vegetables and a rich gravy.

4. White Chicken Chili – A creamy, protein-packed chili the kids will love.

5. Lentil Soup – Nutritious and filling, perfect for Meatless Mondays.

6. Lasagna Soup – All the flavours of lasagna in a fun, slurpable form.

7. Ham and Potato Soup – Creamy, savoury, and loved by all ages.

8. Chicken Tortilla Soup – A zesty favourite topped with crispy tortilla strips.

9. Butternut Squash Soup – Velvety and spiced just right for cosy evenings.

10. French Onion Soup – Sweet, caramelized onions topped with cheesy croutons.

11. Beef Stroganoff – Tender beef and mushrooms in a creamy sauce served over noodles.

12. Split Pea Soup – A simple, hearty dish loaded with flavour.

13. Chicken Cacciatore – Italian comfort food simmered to perfection.

14. Minestrone Soup – A vegetable-packed, family-friendly favourite.

15. Sausage and Bean Stew – Hearty and robust, perfect for ravenous appetites.

16. Corn Chowder – A creamy, sweet, and savoury winter treat.

17. Chicken and Rice – A one-pot meal that’s simple yet satisfying.

18. Stuffed Pepper Soup – All the deliciousness of stuffed peppers in a bowl.

19. Turkey and Wild Rice Soup – A post-holiday favourite to use up leftover turkey but also perfect with chicken.

20. BBQ Pulled Pork – A versatile recipe for sandwiches, sliders, or tacos.

Why Your Family Will Love These Recipes:

• Variety: From creamy soups to hearty stews and casseroles, there’s something to suit every palate.
• Ease of Preparation: These recipes require minimal prep and are perfect for busy parents.
• Customization: Many of these dishes can be adjusted to include your family’s favorite ingredients.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Slow Cooker:

• Plan Ahead: Prep ingredients the night before for even easier mornings.
• Batch Cooking: Double recipes to freeze leftovers for future meals.
• Get the Kids Involved: Have them help with measuring, stirring, or choosing the week’s menu.

Winter is the perfect time to embrace the simplicity and comfort of slow cooker meals. These 20 recipes are not only delicious but also make family dinners stress-free and enjoyable. So, dust off your slow cooker, grab some cosy blankets, and get ready to savour the best of winter cooking with your loved ones!

Which recipe are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this post with fellow busy families looking for winter meal inspiration!

With energy bills on the rise, many families are rethinking how they cook at home. Two of the most popular kitchen appliances right now are the slow cooker and the electric pressure cooker (like the Instant Pot). Both promise convenience, delicious meals, and in many cases, lower running costs compared to ovens. But which is more energy efficient—and which is right for your family kitchen?

The Main Difference

The key difference between slow cooking and pressure cooking lies in time and temperature. A slow cooker uses low heat over a long period, often 6 to 8 hours, to break down tough cuts of meat and create rich flavours. A pressure cooker, on the other hand, cooks food under high pressure, drastically reducing cooking times—meals that take all day in a slow cooker can be pressure-cooked in under an hour.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency isn’t just about wattage, it’s about total energy use over time. A slow cooker typically runs at 150 to 300 watts, but because it’s on for many hours, its total consumption can be higher than expected. A modern electric pressure cooker might use 700 to 1000 watts, but it’s only running for a short time. In many cases, this makes pressure cooking the more energy-efficient option.

Compared with ovens—which can run at 2000 to 3000 watts—both slow cookers and pressure cookers are far more efficient.

Cooking Results

Both appliances shine with certain dishes. Slow cookers are ideal for stews, soups, and pot roasts, where long cooking times enhance flavour development and create tender meats. Pressure cookers excel with beans, lentils, grains, and tough cuts of meat like beef brisket, pork shoulder, and lamb shank—transforming them into tender, flavourful meals in a fraction of the time.

Flavour and Texture

Slow cooking is famous for its deep, rich flavours and fall-apart textures. The downside is that vegetables can sometimes become mushy with long cook times. Pressure cooking, by locking in steam and cooking quickly, often preserves more nutrients and fresher flavours. For the best results, many families use both: a slow cooker for all-day dishes and a pressure cooker when dinner needs to be on the table fast.

Family Use Cases

Both appliances suit different lifestyles. If you’re out of the house all day, a slow cooker is a safe, low-heat way to come home to a ready meal. If your evenings are hectic but you want a home-cooked dinner, an electric pressure cooker is invaluable—it can cook a curry, pot roast, or beans in under an hour. Many modern models, like the Instant Pot, also function as rice cookers, yogurt makers, and even air fryers, adding extra versatility.

Safety and Raw Meat

A quick note on food safety: while it’s fine to cook raw meat in a slow cooker, it’s recommended to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Some people prefer to brown meat first for both safety and flavour. With pressure cookers, meat reaches high temperatures quickly, reducing safety concerns and speeding up cooking times.

Final Thoughts

So, which is more energy efficient: slow cooker or pressure cooker? While both use less energy than a standard oven, the electric pressure cooker usually comes out ahead thanks to its shorter cooking times. That said, each has its place in a family kitchen—slow cookers are unbeatable for hands-off cooking and rich stews, while pressure cookers are perfect for quick, nutritious meals after a busy day. For many households, having both appliances means the best of both worlds.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!

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I came home raving about them and the boys were keen to try them.  We decided and made a delicious and simple Chicken Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Traybake. With two growing tween/teen boys’, I am a big fan of food that we can prepare and cook as a family and also leaves empty plates.  I have to say that Richmond Chicken Sausages really ticked that box for me.

With 30% less fat and 20% fewer calories and a fabulous taste, I can see that they are going to be a big hit in our house. They are perfect for substituting regular sausages in any meal and would be fab on a BBQ too.

Richmond showcased 3 family recipes with the chicken recipes and I was really impressed with how versatile the chicken sausages were. I particularly loved the bangers and mash.  It would be so easy to make lots of family favourites with them and we are keen to try them out on the BBQ, but typically the weather changed so instead we made a midweek family favorite.

Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Traybake is one of our summer regulars.  Perfect with new potatoes and any seasonal vegetables.  I have used peppers and onions here, but it is equally as delicious with sweet potatoes, squash, courgette, and carrots.  I love this Chicken Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Traybake as I can pop it all in either the air fryer or oven and then get on with other things, plus everyone loves it. We also tend to spice up our traybake depending on what herbs we have growing in the garden and if we need a little heat. It is delicious with rosemary, sage or oregano and if using tomatoes then basil works wonderfully.  If you are feeling unsure of how much to add then there is nothing wrong with using a dried herb mix such as Italian or even chilli and garlic.

This mouthwatering mix of chicken sausage, fresh vegetables, potatoes, and spices is easily made in one pan and full of hearty, healthy goodness. Just chop it, toss it and roast it! Voila, your delicious dinner is done. And as a bonus, your home smells amazing. Making a perfect midweek meal.

Mini (aged 11) made this pretty much on his own and commented on how amazing it all smelled when cooking.  He is really sensitive when it comes to smell, so this delighted me.

Chicken Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Traybake

Ingredients:

•  Richmond Chicken Sausages uncooked and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb. new potatoes halved
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 red  pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow  pepper, chopped
• 1  red  onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed chili, optional

How to make Chicken Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Traybake

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees centigrade.  Chop the peppers. The secret to a good tray bake is to try and cut your pieces all of a similar size so that they cook evenly.

Tip: When cutting your onion on leave the roots as it helps stop you crying – just ask Mini, it works! 

Cut sausage into 1-inch chunks  – I like to cut them on an angle with a really sharp knife.

Coat a large tray with a drizzle of oil.  Combine raw sausage pieces, potatoes, peppers, onion and garlic in the tray. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed chilli flakes, if desired. Spread ingredients out in a single layer.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until sausage is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.

This is such a fab midweek meal and you can also cook it in the slow cooker, add all the ingredients and cook on low for 8 hours or medium for 4 hours.

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Chicken Sausage and Roasted Vegetable Traybake

Course Main

Keyword chicken, family, potatoes, traybake

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• Richmond Chicken Sausages uncooked and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb. new potatoes halved
• 1 green pepper chopped
• 1 red  pepper chopped
• 1 yellow  pepper chopped
• 1  red  onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed chili  optional

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 200 degrees centigrade 
• Cut sausage into 1-inch chunks  - I like to cut them on an angle with a really sharp knife.
• Coat a large tray with a drizzle of oil. 
• Combine raw sausage pieces, potatoes, peppers, onion and garlic in the tray. Drizzle with olive oil. 
• Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed chilli flakes, if desired.
• Spread ingredients out in a single layer.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until sausage is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.

Richmond Chicken Sausages

Disclosure: This is a paid collaboration with Richmond Chicken Sausages.

Having your coffee in the crockpot is great, as it means that you do not have to stand in the kitchen making cup after cup of coffee, instead, you can ladle it out and just add the cream and garnish and then allow people to get more as and when they need it.

Crockpot Caramel Latte Recipe

How to make Crockpot Caramel Lattes

 

I have never been one for cooking lots of different meals, which is possibly why I insisted we all eat together.  Eating together is one of the highlights of my day.  I am passionate about cooking with my boys and teaching them about healthy nutritious food and preparing our meals together is a great way to do that.  But more than that I love the conversations we have when we are together in the kitchen.

Slow cooker Jacket Potatoes with Clover

Just because we all need to eat at separate times, doesn’t mean that my standards slip, instead, I have adapted and provide something that I know we will all enjoy, still be healthy and no contain artificial ingredients and also taste great even two hours later.  Clover recently got in touch and asked me to share with you how we use Clover in everyday life and share with you a simple recipe and I thought this was the perfect time to share with you how I deal with those nights when I need to feed my family at all different times.

One of my favorite meals for nights when we are all eating separately is Jacket potatoes with Clover, cheese and beans.  I am a big fan of slow cooker jacket potatoes and making them couldn’t be any easier.  I clean the potatoes, prick them with a foil and wrap each of them individually in tin foil before placing them in my slow cooker for eight hours on low or four hours on high.

It is such a great meal as the boys can each pretty much serve themselves now.  I make sure the cheese is all grated and the beans just ready to warm up and the beauty of Clover is that is has a fab buttery taste, but can spread straight from the fridge. Clover is the first major UK spread that has absolutely no artificial ingredients and is simply made with buttermilk, which means that Clover has half the saturated fat of butter and simply made with fewer ingredients.

As a mum, it has always been really important to me to feed the boys as healthy as I can.  I want them to grow up thinking that convenience foods are frozen chopped onions and peppers rather than ready meals.  Once of my big concerns has alway been about artificial additives and I love that Clover has absolutely no artificial ingredients, plus it is suitable for spreading, cooking, baking, freezing and frying on a low to medium heat, oh and you can buy it everywhere!

Crock pot jacket potatoes with the delicious buttery taste of Clover with absolutely #NothingArtificial is one of our favorite mid-week meals.  The boys can grab theirs and then me and MadDad can eat ours when both of the boys are at youth club.  It is a simple, but healthy meal that satisfies them and me.

I would love to know how you deal with multiple mealtimes.  Do you have any favorite recipes that can be suitable for people eating at different times?

This is my Mum’s recipe and it is a family favorite with both the boys and even better it is frugal too as it uses up the chicken carcass for making the stock.  You could make it suitable for vegetarians by using vegetable stock and removing the chicken.   If you do not have much chicken then a broth pack is a great way of bulking it out and I have to say I love adding pearl barley to mine.

It reminds me of dinner round the table when I was growing up and there was always a fight for the extra dumplings my mum made!

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Grandma’s Chicken Soupy Stew

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• Chicken Carcass
• Leftover roast chicken
• Vegetables
• Suet
• Self raising flour

Instructions

• Place the chicken carcass in a slow cooker and cover with boiling water.
• If you have any leek or carrot tops then add them too and cook on low overnight.
• Strain the liquid and if you want pick off any meat from the bones.
• Allow the stock to cool and remove fat from the top.
• Place the stock in to the slow cooker and add chopped up vegetables. This one had carrots, swede, parsnip, leeks and onions.
• Add chicken.
• Cook for 4 hours on high in a slow cooker or 8 hours on low.
• For the Dumplings (this makes 8)
• g of vegetable suet and 200g of self raising floor in a bowl.
• Make a well in the middle and add water, mixing with a butter knife until it comes together.
• Form loosely into 8 portions
• For a crispy top cook in the oven uncovered for 20 minutes.
• For a soft top leave on high in the slow cooker for 30 minutes.

Perfect for cold winter evenings.  I guarantee empty bowls for this meal!  It also freezes well and is great warmed up and you can blend the leftovers to make a smooth soup perfect for flasks.

There are numerous ways to make this chicken soup, but the best stock and broth is made by cooking the chicken carcass. I do this in the instant pot overnight more often than not at the moment. This way you get a really clear chicken stock and then I strip all the chicken meat off. If there isn’t a lot of meat on the chicken, then add additional chicken breasts or chicken thighs to the pot (but bone-in does create the most flavour). As you are double cooking the tender chicken is amazing. There is a reason why chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food.

This type of stew is great for adding potatoes, but I prefer waxy ones, as I don’t like them to break up and cloud the broth, so simmer the soup and do not allow it to come to a rolling boil. This is a watery soup/stew, we don’t add flour as again this will cloud the stock. I serve it with crispy dumplings or crusty bread.