75 Stress-Free Slow Cooker Recipes for Labor Day

Give yourself more time to celebrate this Labor Day with easy slow cooker recipes. Simply load up the slow cooker and enjoy the festivities!

1 / 75

Lime Chicken Tacos

Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is the perfect Crockpot cookout idea for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho

Go To Recipe

2 / 75

Slaw-Topped Beef Sliders

When I was working full time, I relied on these delicious, fast-to-fix beef sliders for simple meals. To speed prep time and avoid extra cleanup, I used bagged coleslaw mix and bottled slaw dressing. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
3 / 75

Slow-Cooker Peach Crumble

I look forward to going on our beach vacation every year, but I don’t always relish the time spent cooking for everybody. This Crockpot cookout idea (or breakfast!) gives me more time to lie in the sun and enjoy the waves. Melty ice cream is a must. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
4 / 75

BBQ Bacon Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

This simple Crockpot cookout idea tastes amazing. We prefer putting mayo on the bun and adding cheddar or Muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion. Several of us put ranch dressing on our sandwiches, too. —Jennifer Darling, Ventura, California
5 / 75

Hamburger Dip

This is hands-down the easiest dip to make, and I never have leftovers. We have used venison in place of hamburger, as well as half hamburger and half spicy sausage. Everyone enjoys this wonderful dip! —Mary Kidder, Nappanee, Indiana
6 / 75

Slow-Cooker Beef Barbacoa

I love this beef barbacoa because the meat is fall-apart tender and the sauce is smoky, slightly spicy and so flavorful. It’s an amazing alternative to ground beef tacos or even pulled pork carnitas. It’s also versatile. You can have a soft taco bar and let people make their own—or offer mouthwatering Mexican pizzas or rice bowls. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida
7 / 75

Green Chile Ribs

I like my food with a spicy kick; my wife does not. These ribs with green chiles suit her taste. For more firepower, add cayenne or jalapenos to this Crockpot cookout idea. —Guy Newton, Nederland, Colorado
8 / 75

Nacho Dip

This zesty nacho dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
9 / 75

Creamy Ranchified Potatoes

My daughter-in-law gave me this Crockpot cookout idea, and over the years, I’ve adjusted it to our tastes. It’s so nice to come home from work to a hot, tasty dish that’s ready to serve! You can use any cheese you’d like and also substitute leftover chicken or another meat for the ham. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
10 / 75

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Brining the meat overnight helps make these BBQ chicken sliders taste exceptionally good. Plus, they're so tender, they melt in your mouth. —Rachel Kunkel, Schell City, Missouri

Treat yourself to the best barbecue recipes all summer long.

11 / 75

Slow-Cooked Cajun Corn

My husband loves corn on the cob, and I love this Crockpot cookout idea because I don’t have to stand at a hot stove. We like a little spice, so the Cajun seasoning works well for us, but any spice blend works. —Audra Rorick, Lyons, Kansas
12 / 75

Simmered Smoked Links

No one can resist the sweet and spicy glaze on these bite-sized sausages. They’re effortless
to prepare, and they make a perfect party nibbler. Serve them on frilled toothpicks to make them extra fancy.
13 / 75

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

If you like spice, you'll love this slow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip. It's super cheesy and full of rich flavor, and really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
14 / 75

Italian Sirloin Beef Sandwiches

After a hectic day, our family loves coming home to the inviting smell of Italian beef wafting from our slow cooker. The broth makes a perfect au jus. —Keith Sadler, Oran, Missouri
15 / 75

Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon

Every time I take this super rich corn to a holiday potluck or work party, I leave with an empty slow cooker. This Crockpot cookout idea is decadent, homey and so worth the splurge. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia
16 / 75

Apple Pie Oatmeal Dessert

Warm and comforting oatmeal desserts bring back memories of times spent with my family around the kitchen table. I serve this dish with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a topper. —Carol Greer, Earlville, Illinois
17 / 75

"Secret's in the Sauce" BBQ Ribs

A sweet, rich sauce makes this BBQ ribs recipe so tender that the meat literally falls off the bones. And the aroma is wonderful. Yum! —Tanya Reid, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
18 / 75

Slow Cooker Calico Beans

With so many folks moving to meatless or healthier food choices, I decided to remove the meat from the original Crockpot cookout idea but turn up the flavor. The savory veggie blend balances the sweetness of the baked beans. —David Dixon, Shaker Heights, OH
19 / 75

Slow-Cooker Mexican Dip

My husband and I love to entertain, and we make this hearty seven-ingredient Mexican dip often. Using our slow cooker leaves us free to share quality time with our guests. After all, isn't that the purpose of a party? —Heather Courtney, Ames, Iowa
20 / 75

Slow-Cooked Broccoli

This family-favorite Crockpot cookout idea is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That’s a tremendous help when I’m prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee
21 / 75

Slow-Cooked Blueberry Grunt

If you love blueberries, then you can't go wrong with this easy dessert. For a special treat, serve it warm with vanilla ice cream. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
22 / 75

Midnight Caribbean Pork Sandwiches

This easy Crockpot cookout idea has a nice depth of flavor—savory, sweet, piquant, subtle and sublime. They’re worth the wait. —Elizabeth Bennett, Mill Creek, Washington
23 / 75

Five-Cheese Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience—I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and cleanup are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
24 / 75

Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken

I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
25 / 75

Easy Beans & Potatoes with Bacon

I created thisCrockpot cookout idea because I love the combination of green beans with bacon. It’s smart when company is coming because you can start the side dish in the slow cooker and continue preparing the rest of the dinner—or visit with your guests! —Barbara Brittain, Santee, California
26 / 75

Warm Rocky Road Cake

When it's warm, this reminds me of super moist lava cake. And until I made this, I didn't think a slow-cooker cake could be so attractive. It's a real winner. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
27 / 75

Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken

Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable main dish. It's easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware

These healthy Labor Day recipes are fresh and full of flavor.

28 / 75

Corn Chip Chili Cheese Dip

After trying to create a Mexican soup, I ended up with this outstanding Crockpot cookout idea. My husband and two young children love it, and so do guests at football game days or family gatherings. —Sandra Fick, Lincoln, Nebraska
29 / 75

Baby Back Ribs

Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
30 / 75

Slow-Cooker Apple Pudding Cake

A satisfying dessert like this is a superb treat on a chilly night. It has three layers—apples, cake and sauce—and I like to serve it in a bowl. It's comfort food for the soul. —Ellen Schroeder, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
31 / 75

Shredded Steak Sandwiches

I received this Crockpot cookout idea when I was a newlywed, and it’s been a favorite since then. The saucy steak barbecue makes a quick meal served on sliced buns or even over rice, potatoes or buttered noodles. —Lee Deneau, Lansing, Michigan. Next, check out our collection of quick and easy Labor Day recipes.
32 / 75

Marinated Chicken Wings

I've made these nicely flavored chicken wings many times for get-togethers. They're so moist and tender—I always get lots of compliments and many requests for the recipe. —Janie Botting, Sultan, Washington
33 / 75

Pork Burritos

As a working mother, I depend on my slow cooker to help feed my family. We all love the spicy but slightly sweet flavor of these tender burritos. —Kelly Gengler, Theresa, Wisconsin
34 / 75

Scalloped Taters

This creamy, comforting Crockpot cookout idea tastes marvelous with almost any main dish and is a snap to assemble with frozen hash browns. It’s a good way to make potatoes when your oven is busy with other dishes. —Lucinda Wolker, Somerset, Pennsylvania
35 / 75

Carolina-Style Pork Barbecue

I am originally from North Carolina and this recipe is a favorite. My husband swears my authentic Carolina ’cue is the best barbecue he’s ever eaten! —Kathryn Ransom Williams, Sparks, Nevada
36 / 75

Green Chile Beef Burritos

Recipes that are leaner in fat and calories—like this one for beef burritos—helped me lose 30 pounds! The meat is so tender and delicious. —Shirley Davidson, Thornton, Colorado
37 / 75

Caribbean Chipotle Pork Sliders

Our favorite pulled pork sliders combine the heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw. The robust flavors make this Crockpot cookout idea a big hit with guests. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
38 / 75

Chocolate Pudding Cake

This rich, chocolate pudding cake is one of my favorites. I like to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whenever I take it to parties, everybody wants the recipe. —Paige Arnette, Lawrenceville, Georgia
39 / 75

Sweet and Savory Ribs

My husband, Randy, and I love barbecue ribs, but with our busy schedules, we rarely have time to fire up the grill. So we let the slow cooker do the work for us. By the time we get home from work, the ribs are tender, juicy and ready to devour.—Kandy Bingham, Green River, Wyoming
40 / 75

Slow-Cooked Smokies

I like to include this Crockpot cookout idea on all my appetizer buffets since they’re popular with both children and adults. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
41 / 75

German Potato Salad with Sausage

Hearty and saucy, this potato salad is an old family recipe that was updated using cream of potato soup to ease preparation. Despite the “salad” name, this is a hot and filling dish that brings comfort food to the supper. The sausage and sauerkraut give it a special zip. —Teresa McGill, Trotwood, Ohio
42 / 75

Very Vanilla Slow-Cooker Cheesecake

Cinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
43 / 75

Contest-Winning Bavarian Meatball Hoagies

When my husband is not manning the grill, I count on my slow cooker. This Crockpot cookout idea is just one reason why. They’re a guaranteed crowd pleaser when I serve them as a party appetizer or spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese for irresistible sandwiches. —Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia
44 / 75

Sweet-and-Sour Chicken Wings

These slow cooker wings are a fun appetizer for gatherings. I sometimes like to serve the saucy chicken over rice as a main dish. Either way you do it, these Asian-inspired wings will be a hit! —June Eberhardt, Marysville, California
45 / 75

Potluck Macaroni and Cheese

You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
46 / 75

Slow-Cooker Berry Cobbler

I adapted my mom’s yummy cobbler recipe for slow cooking. With the hot summers here in Arizona, we can still enjoy this comforting Crockpot cookout idea, and I don’t have to turn on the oven. —Karen Jarocki, Yuma, Arizona
47 / 75

Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

These slow-cooker French dip sandwiches make a standout addition to any buffet line. Make sure to have plenty of small cups of broth for everyone to grab. Dipping perfection! —Holly Neuharth, Mesa, Arizona
48 / 75

Farm-Style BBQ Ribs

Inspiration struck when I saw a recipe similar to this one in a newspaper. My version was an instant hit with my husband and our friends. It got even better when I discovered how easy it is to make in the slow cooker. —Bette Jo Welton, Eugene, OR

If you’re craving something charred, these Labor Day grilling recipes are your best bet.

49 / 75

Slow-Cooked Beef Enchiladas

Enchiladas get a beefy boost of goodness from slow-cooked roast. When the meat is done, assemble with tortillas and bake. Top with lettuce and tomatoes if desired. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
50 / 75

Creamy Artichoke Dip

My sister Teresa got this Crockpot cookout idea from a friend and she passed it along. It’s loaded with cheese, artichokes and just the right amount of jalapenos for a crowd-pleasing flavor. —Mary Spencer, Greendale, Wisconsin
51 / 75

Chocolate Espresso Lava Cake

When a chocolate craving hits, I whip up this cake my aunt inspired. It’s gooey and saucy but not crazy sweet. It’s also potluck-perfect. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
52 / 75

BBQ Brats

In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin
53 / 75

Hearty Slow-Cooker Chili

When it’s time to build my zesty chili, I combine everything the night before. In the morning, I load the slow cooker and let it do the work. It’s one of my favorite Crockpot cookout ideas. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio
54 / 75

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

My husband is a huge fan of pulled pork sandwiches, so my sister shared this incredibly easy recipe with me. At potlucks and family dinners, nobody can get enough of this root beer-braised version. —Carolyn Palm, Radcliff, Kentucky
55 / 75

Elvis' Pudding Cake

I love the flavors of peanut butter and banana together, and this slow-cooker pudding cake is just like eating an Elvis sandwich, only sweeter! Banana chips add a surprisingly crunchy texture; find them near the dried fruit in your grocery store. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
56 / 75

Creamed Corn

Five ingredients are all you’ll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It’s wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try this Crockpot cookout idea on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, Missouri
57 / 75

Crazy Delicious Baby Back Ribs

My husband craves a good ribs recipe, so we cook them multiple ways. This low and slow method with a tangy sauce is the best we’ve found. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
58 / 75

Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings

I love the convenience of slow-cooker recipes for get-togethers. Start these sweet and sour chicken wings a few hours ahead of time and you'll have fantastic appetizers ready when your guests arrive. —Ida Tuey, South Lyon, Michigan
59 / 75

Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese

This Crockpot cookout idea is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
60 / 75

Apple Butterscotch Crisp

I give this classic dessert a rich twist with butterscotch pudding. The warm apple filling bubbles to perfection in a mini slow cooker. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia
61 / 75

Beef & Veggie Sloppy Joes

I’m always looking for ways to serve my family healthy and delicious food, so after I started experimenting with my favorite veggies and ground beef. I came up with this Crockpot cookout idea that my three kids actually request! This healthy take on sloppy joes reminds me of my own childhood. —Megan Niebuhr, Yakima Washington
62 / 75

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this Crock-Pot BBQ chicken is my most treasured. If you enjoy your BBQ sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington
63 / 75

Chili Coney Dogs

From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
64 / 75

Chicken Sliders with Sesame Slaw

Everyone loves barbecue chicken sliders. My Crockpot cookout idea has an Asian twist, with spicy, tangy flavors. At our potlucks, they quickly vanish. —Priscilla Yee, Concord, California
65 / 75

Minister's Delight

A friend gave me this recipe several years ago. She said a local minister's wife fixed it every Sunday, so she named it accordingly. —Mary Ann Potter, Blue Springs, Missouri
66 / 75

Smoky Baked Beans

They’ll be standing in line for this saucy bean recipe full of that hard-to-capture campfire flavor. A combination of colorful calico beans, it makes a lovely looking side dish with many a summer entree. —Lynne German, Cumming, Georgia
67 / 75

Fabulous Fajitas

I’ve enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for new recipes to try, I suggest this Crockpot cookout idea. It’s wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota
68 / 75

Slow-Cooked Pizza Casserole

A friend from church gave me the recipe for this satisfying slow-cooked casserole. It's always one of the first dishes emptied at potlucks, and it can easily be adapted to personal tastes. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
69 / 75

Calico Cowboy Beans

This cowboy beans recipe is tradition when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls’ weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin
70 / 75

Butterscotch Fruit Dip

If you like the sweetness of butterscotch chips, you'll enjoy this warm rum-flavored fruit dip. I serve it with apple and pear wedges. It holds up for up to two hours in the slow cooker. —Jeaune Hadl Van Meter, Lexington, Kentucky
71 / 75

Beef Barbecue

We like to keep our freezer stocked with plenty of beef roasts. When we’re not in the mood for pot roast, I fix this Crockpot cookout idea. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I’m at work. The meat cooks in a tasty sauce while I’m at work. Then I just shred the beef and serve it on rolls.
—Karen Walker
Sterling, Virginia
72 / 75

Barbecue Brats & Peppers

We live in brat country, and this barbecue-style recipe feeds a crowd. The sauce gives it a welcome change from the same old grilled bratwurst. — Maria Zrucky, Kronenwetter, Wisconsin
73 / 75

Tangy Barbecue Wings

I took this Crockpot cookout idea to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
74 / 75

Mini Teriyaki Turkey Sandwiches

Preparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a slow cooker. Serving them on lightly-toasted sweet dinner rolls is perfection made easy.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio
75 / 75

Tender Beef Brisket

A touch of sugar mellows the flavorful sauce that's drizzled over this brisket. The original recipe came to me from a friend. I revised it for the slow cooker. —Sondra Morrow, Mesa, Arizona.

Caroline Stanko
Caroline has been with Taste of Home for the past seven years, working in both print and digital. After starting as an intern for the magazine and special interest publication teams, Caroline was hired as the third-ever digital editor for Taste of Home. Since then, she has researched, written and edited content on just about every topic the site covers, including cooking techniques, buzzy food news, gift guides and many, many recipe collections. Caroline also acts as the editorial lead for video, working with the Test Kitchen, videographers and social media team to produce videos from start to finish. When she’s not tip-tapping on a keyboard, Caroline is probably mixing up a killer cocktail, reading a dog-eared library book or cooking up a multi-course feast (sometimes all at once). Though she technically lives in Milwaukee, there is a 50/50 chance Caroline is in Chicago or southwest Michigan visiting her close-knit family.