We’re hitting that part of the summer when it starts to get really HOT. I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand turning my oven on when it’s hot out. I’m trying to keep my air conditioning bill low. So, in this post I’m going to share summer meal hacks to keep the oven off.
SUMMER MEAL HACKS TO KEEP THE OVEN OFF
We use our ovens so often during the rest of the year that it feels tough to keep them off in the summer. These tips will help you feed your family without turning on that house heating oven.
Psst… By the way, I have a brand-new freebie for you with 45 oven-free summer meal ideas! You can grab your FREE copy here!
I know your first thought might just be to order take-out when it’s so hot out. But friend, fight that urge!
The easiest way to save money on food is to make it yourself. These tips will totally help you!
GRILL IT UP
It’s already hot out, you might as well cook out there!
Cooking out is a great way to keep the heat out.
And your grill isn’t just for meat. I know when you think of grilling you probably think burgers and hot dogs or maybe grilled chicken.
But veggies like squash, eggplant, green beans, sweet potatoes (and of course corn on the cob) are delicious on the grill too.
Even fruits like pineapple and watermelon are delicious on the grill.
COOK IN THE SLOW COOKER
Oh, the slow cooker, how I love you. You’re easy, you make everything taste good, and you don’t heat up the house.
I know we usually think of winter meals in the slow cooker, but there are so many delicious summertime meals that can be made in there as well.
My easy shredded chicken is perfect for any season. I love to use it for summer tacos.
Or you could dump some salsa in and make salsa chicken. Just serve it over some rice.
Slow cooker beef is also great in the summer time. This slow cooker steak fajita recipe is one of my favorites.
You could also do a summer soup like corn chowder. Yum!
INSTANT POT
With so many things going on over the summer, it can be a little challenging to actually get around to pulling out the slow cooker in time. Luckily, there’s an Instant pot for that!
I love making this Instant pot Pulled Pork and these Instant pot Stuffed Peppers.
You can basically use your Instant Pot for anything. I just check Pinterest for whatever recipe I’m looking for, and it hasn’t failed me yet.
USE YOUR STOVE TOP
Your stove top doesn’t heat up your kitchen the way your oven does. So go ahead and use it.
This is great news if you’re a fan of one pan skillet dinners.
I love making ground turkey for tacos or taco salad on the stove.
Of course, pasta is another easy and delicious stove top favorite.
And don’t forget about breakfast for dinner!
EAT IT COLD
There are so many delicious summertime meals that can simply be served cold.
I love making a big salad in the summer and topping it with cold leftover chicken.
Pasta salads, wraps, sandwiches, or even homemade sushi – there are so many cold food options!
I usually make a large batch of pasta salad to last us as a side dish for several nights.
KEEP YOUR OVEN OFF
I hope these 5 summer meal hacks to keep your oven off help you keep your family fed and your house cool all summer long. Make good use of your other cooking methods like your grill, slow cooker, Instant Pot, and stove top. And don’t forget that you can just serve food cold too! Enjoy!
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