Give the Grill a Break! 10 Crock-Pot Recipes For Your Family's Next Cookout

While one of the great perks of Spring and Summer entertaining is access to a grill, there's something to be said for advance preparation. Whether you're hosting or attending an outdoor cookout or barbecue, go easy on yourself by eliciting the help of your Crock-Pot. Yes, you heard us right! While it's typically associated with heartier fare, your slow cooker can also be a great way to prep flavorful barbecue or picnic essentials for warm-weather gatherings. Here, 10 of our kid-friendly favorites!

01
Slow-Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork
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Slow-Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork

In a fraction of the active prep time that it would take to make on the grill, this Apple Cider Pulled Pork is delicious on a bun with a green salad or coleslaw. Source: Gimme Some Oven

02
Slow-Cooker Curried Chicken Salad
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Slow-Cooker Curried Chicken Salad

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma's The New Slow Cooker, this
Curried Chicken Salad is easy to make and serve. Source: Flickr user Einahpets32

03
Tangy Sloppy Joes
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Tangy Sloppy Joes

With only a few ingredients, these sloppy joes from Budget Gourmet Mom are on the table and ready for noshing after a day of cooking slow and low, thanks to your Crock-Pot. And leftovers do double duty as lunch the next day. Source: Budget Gourmet Mom

04
Slow-Cooker Chipotle Beef Tacos With Cabbage and Radish Slaw
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Slow-Cooker Chipotle Beef Tacos With Cabbage and Radish Slaw

Mexican may not be the first genre that comes to mind when coming up with a cookout menu, but these Chipotle Beef Tacos would make a great main dish for our outdoor party. Source: Jose Picayo for Real Simple

05
Chicken Caesar Sandwich
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Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Caesar Salad Sandwiches make an unexpected, but welcome addition to most any barbecue. Source: Sweet Treats and More

06
Barbecue Ribs in the Crock-Pot
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Barbecue Ribs in the Crock-Pot

Talk about easy: these Crock-Pot Ribs require just five ingredients! Source: Flickr user tkd540

07
Slow-Cooker Southwestern Quinoa
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Slow-Cooker Southwestern Quinoa

While we generally associate slow-cooker meals with heartier fare, this Southwestern Quinoa is light and bright and makes a yummy side dish alongside barbecued chicken, burgers, or ribs. Source: Betty Crocker

08
Crock-Pot Baked Beans
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Crock-Pot Baked Beans

After 10-plus hours of simmering in the slow cooker, we can pretty much guarantee that these baked beans will have the best depth of flavor of any you've ever made. Source: How Sweet It Is

09
Slow-Cooker Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
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Slow-Cooker Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Kids and parents alike will delight in this light and lovely Lemon Poppy Seed Cake from Real Simple — no oven required! Source: Anson Smart for Real Simple

10
Triple Chocolate Brownies
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Triple Chocolate Brownies

Whip up a batch of ooey, gooey Triple Chocolate Brownies the Martha Stewart way — in your Crock-Pot! Source: Martha Stewart