67 Stress-Free Slow Cooker Recipes for Labor Day

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: We save our forks after dinner so we can enjoy this yummy old-fashioned peach crumble dessert. It’s delicious, so easy to make and wonderful with ice cream. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: With four small children at home, I need quick yet filling meals. This family-favorite BBQ chicken sandwich filling is a cinch to make. For a spicier taste, eliminate the ketchup and increase the amount of salsa to 1 cup. —Leticia Lewis, Kennewick, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: Even after seven years, my family still asks for this tasty potato and bacon dish. Try it once and I'll bet your family will be hooked, too. —Lynn Ireland, Lebanon, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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.

From the Recipe Creator: If you like spice, you'll love this dip. It's super cheesy and full of rich flavor, and it really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: If you need to feed a hungry crowd, you can't go wrong with steak sandwiches. They're easy to make and rich with the flavors of Italy. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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.

From the Recipe Creator: The combination of spices is key to this slow-cooked pork—it's my family's favorite burrito filling. The aroma that fills the air as the pork slowly simmers is like a Mexican restaurant. A perfect recipe for tailgate parties. —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe came from my Aunt Vera. She loved sweets, and this was one of her favorites. It's a terrific way to warm up on a chilly day.

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: To me, there is nothing better than a simple, elegant cheesecake where the vanilla takes center stage. And when I'm feeling decadent, I'll add the rich chocolate ganache topping. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: I combined several recipes to come up with this one. It's very versatile. Sometimes I use other fruits depending on what is available or on hand. —Edna Woodard, Fredericksburg, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: These hot sandwiches make a standout addition to any buffet line. Make sure to have plenty of small cups of broth for everyone to grab. It's dipping perfection! —Holly Neuharth, Mesa, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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 Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Everyone who tries this dessert falls in love with it. Using a slow cooker liner makes cleanup a breeze. —Latona Dwyer, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: A comforting casserole with mass appeal is just what you need when cooking for a crowd. For added convenience, it stays warm in a slow cooker. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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