Be the hero of the parking lot with these slow-cooker tailgate recipes. Full bellies and warm bones are a must on those fall game days!
1/35
Taco Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 342 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
2/35
Nacho Dip
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
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 143 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 484mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
3/35
Barbecue Chicken Sliders
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
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 424 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 993mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
4/35
Cranberry Sauerkraut Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
I tried these meatballs at a birthday party for a friend, and now I make them all the time. They are super easy to make and perfect for a potluck or a Sunday afternoon football game. —Lisa Castelli, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball with about 1 tablespoon sauce: 76 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/35
Chuck Roast Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love Tex-Mex food with all the fixings. Cooking the meat in the slow cooker makes prepping the toppings a breeze. We love to make this for parties, keeping the filling warm in the slow cooker and serving the various toppings in bowls so the guests can build their own! —Rebecca Yankovich, Springfield, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup cooked meat mixture: 307 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 829mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
6/35
Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 282mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
7/35
Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to give classic mac and cheese a seasonal twist that feels both comforting and modern. Creamy pumpkin puree blends right into the sauce for extra richness, while a drizzle of sage brown butter adds cozy fall flavor. It’s the perfect make-ahead comfort dish that looks elegant enough for a dinner party but still tastes like home. —Lauren Wagner, Joliet, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 541 calories, 26g fat (15g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein.
8/35
Italian Beef Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
With only a few ingredients, this roast beef is a snap to throw together. And after cooking all day, the meat is wonderfully tender. —Lauren Adamson, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
9/35
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
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 of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip (calculated without chips): 167 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 348mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
10/35
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 402 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1181mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
11/35
French Onion Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe takes your basic roast and elevates the flavors with cozy, onion-soup-inspired ingredients for a heartwarming meal. My family loves to enjoy this one on a cold night! —Amber McBride, Grain Valley, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 473 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 869mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 40g protein.
12/35
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves Buffalo chicken wings, but the frying makes them unhealthy. This recipe takes out some of the fat yet lets us enjoy the same amazing taste. —Terri McKenzie, Wilmington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 398 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 2212mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
13/35
Cheeseburger Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
This fun dip recipe uses ingredients that I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 157 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
14/35
Ranch Chicken Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
When my grandson was younger, we joked that nothing could make ranch chicken taste better. Then one day Avery’s eyes lit up and he suggested we fry it! Our fried chicken burger was born. You won’t believe how good these little sliders are. —Tamara Hire, Decatur, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 sliders: 705 calories, 40g fat (12g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1299mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
15/35
Slow-Cooker Baby Back Ribs
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 382 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 952mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
16/35
Healthy Greek Bean Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
This crowd-pleasing appetizer is healthy to boot! Folks will love to eat their veggies when they can dip them in this zesty, fresh alternative to hummus. —Kelly Silvers, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 86 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/35
Slow-Cooker Peach Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
This three-ingredient peach cobbler is made easy with your slow cooker. The soft and sweet cake has your house smelling divine. Be sure to top it with vanilla ice cream! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 453 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 538mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
18/35
Honey and Ale Pulled Chicken Sliders
From the Recipe Creator:
Score big with your guests with a little bit of sweet heat! This recipe works well for a football party—the extra liquid in the slow cooker keeps the chicken nice and juicy all day long. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 224 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
19/35
Slow-Cooked Cranberry Hot Wings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry wings remind me of all the wonderful celebrations and parties we’ve had through the years. My daughter’s friends can’t get enough of these wings. —Noreen McCormick Danek, Cromwell, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 71 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0g fiber), 5g protein.
20/35
Coney Island Hot Dogs
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 chili dog: 371 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 992mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
21/35
Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
A slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 570 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
22/35
Southwestern Pulled Pork Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
As a different take on crostini, these apps are fantastic for tailgating and casual parties alike. —Randy Cartwright, Linden, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 121 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 362mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
23/35
Slow-Cooked Peach Salsa
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a winner over store-bought versions. I give my co-workers several jars throughout the year as a special treat. —Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
24/35
Pizza Dip with Ground Beef
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this dip for my daughter's pizza-themed birthday party. It was an instant hit, and I've continued to take it along to other gatherings. Everyone loves it! —Stephanie Gates, Waterloo, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip: 68 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
25/35
Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 282mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
26/35
Slow-Cooker Chicken Alfredo
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooker chicken Alfredo dish feeds a crowd—and makes perfect lunch leftovers the next day. —Maggie Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 560 calories, 28g fat (16g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
27/35
Sweet & Spicy Party Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend served this at a party years ago, and I modified the recipe. Apple, peach and apricot preserves make these meatballs sweet and fruity. The addition of Sriracha chili sauce and red pepper flakes adds a spicy heat that makes them irresistible. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 75 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
28/35
Bacon Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
I've tried assorted appetizers before, but this one is a surefire people-pleaser. The thick bacon cheese dip has lots of flavor and keeps my guests happily munching as long as it lasts. I serve it with tortilla chips or sliced French bread. —Suzanne Whitaker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 261 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
29/35
Bacon-Ranch Spinach Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
During the hectic holiday season, my slow cooker works overtime. I fill it with a savory bacon dip and watch everyone line up for a helping. Keep the recipe in mind for tailgating, too. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 195 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
30/35
Shredded Turkey Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy and simple slow-cooked sandwich gets its flavor from bottled beer and onion soup mix. In total, it only takes five ingredients to make the recipe! —Jacki Knuth, Owatonna, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 294 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
31/35
Root Beer Pulled Pork Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
I count on my slow cooker to do the honors when I have a house full of summer guests. Teenagers especially love DIY nachos. Try cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda if you’re not into root beer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 391 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
32/35
Crock-Pot Lava Cake
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
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 215 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 254mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
33/35
Italian Appetizer Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
Store-bought spaghetti sauce speeds up the preparation of these homemade meatball appetizers. Leftovers make terrific sub sandwiches. —Rene McCrory, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 67 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 264mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
34/35
Tangy Barbecue Wings
From the Recipe Creator:
I took these slow-cooked wings to work, and they vanished before I even got a bite! The tangy sauce is lip-smacking good. —Sherry Pitzer, Troy, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 wing (2 sections): 178 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
35/35
Slow-Cooker Bananas Foster
From the Recipe Creator:
The flavors of caramel, rum and walnut naturally complement fresh bananas in this version of a dessert classic. It's my go-to choice for any family get-together. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without ice cream or pound cake): 462 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
