Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Labor Day Supper: A Hearty, Budget-Friendly Way to Celebrate

Why This Recipe Is an Absolute Keeper

Before we dive into the method, here’s why this Poor Man’s Labor Day Supper will become a favorite in your kitchen:

Simple ingredients. Beef slider patties, sauerkraut, onion, mustard, and broth. That’s it.
Feeds a crowd. Six generous servings make it perfect for families and gatherings.
Set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work while you relax.
Tender and flavorful. The beef becomes fall-apart tender as it simmers.
Tangy and savory. The sauerkraut and mustard add a delicious tanginess.
Budget-friendly. All the ingredients are affordable and easy to find.
Minimal cleanup. One slow cooker, one cutting board. That’s it.
Crowd-pleasing. Everyone loves this savory, tangy beef.
Perfect for Labor Day, weeknights, and family dinners. It’s that versatile.
Great for leftovers. Tastes even better the next day.
Uses frozen beef straight from the freezer.No thawing needed.

The Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

Frozen raw beef slider patties – 2 pounds
Canned sauerkraut – 24 ounces, drained lightly
Yellow onion – 1 medium, thinly sliced
Yellow mustard – 2 tablespoons
Beef broth – ½ cup

Step-by-Step Instructions (The Short Version)

Lightly grease the slow cooker insert if desired. Spread the frozen beef slider patties in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Scatter the sliced onion over the beef, then spread the sauerkraut evenly across the top.
Stir the mustard into the beef broth, then pour it over the sauerkraut layer.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is fully cooked and tender and the onions are soft.
Gently spoon the beef, sauerkraut, onions, and juices onto plates and serve hot with potatoes, noodles, or bread.

How to Serve It Like a Pro

This supper is delicious on its own, but a few simple sides make it a complete meal:

With mashed potatoes – The ultimate pairing. Creamy potatoes soak up all that savory broth.
With egg noodles – Wide noodles are perfect for catching every drop of juice.
With crusty bread – For soaking up every last bit of the delicious broth.
With a side salad – A crisp green salad cuts through the tanginess.
With pickles – Adds extra tang and crunch.
With a dollop of sour cream – Adds creaminess and balances the tang.
With fresh parsley – Adds brightness and color.
With a cold beer – The perfect Labor Day pairing.

Variations & Swaps (Because Life Happens)

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:

Make It with Different Meat
Use frozen beef patties, hamburger patties, or even pork chops instead of slider patties.

Make It with Different Sauerkraut
Use fresh sauerkraut or Bavarian-style sauerkraut for a different flavor.

Make It with Different Mustard
Use Dijon mustard, spicy brown mustard, or whole-grain mustard for a different tang.

Make It with Onions
Use red onions or shallots instead of yellow onions.

Make It with Garlic
Add 2–3 cloves of minced garlic for extra savory depth.

Make It with Caraway Seeds
Add 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds for a classic sauerkraut flavor.

Make It with Apples
Add sliced apples for a sweet-tangy contrast.

Make It with Beer
Replace the beef broth with a light beer for extra depth.

Make It with Bacon
Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky twist.

Make It in the Oven
If you don’t have a slow cooker, bake in a covered Dutch oven at 325°F for 2–2½ hours.

Pro Tips for Absolute Success

After making this supper multiple times (because it’s so easy and delicious), here are my best tips:

Use frozen beef straight from the freezer.No need to thaw — it cooks perfectly in the slow cooker.
Drain the sauerkraut lightly. Leave a little liquid for flavor, but don’t add all the brine.
Spread the sauerkraut evenly. This ensures the flavor is distributed throughout.
Stir the mustard into the broth. This prevents clumps and ensures even distribution.
Don’t lift the lid during cooking. The heat and moisture need to stay consistent.
Check for tenderness. The beef should be tender and the onions soft.
Serve with plenty of juices. The broth is delicious — don’t waste it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes. Frozen beef patties, hamburger patties, or pork chops all work well.

Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned?
Yes. Fresh sauerkraut works beautifully. Drain it lightly before adding.

Can I use a different mustard?
Yes. Dijon, spicy brown, or whole-grain mustard are great alternatives.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This dish actually tastes even better the next day. Cool, refrigerate, and reheat gently.

How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.

Why is my beef tough?
It likely needs more time. Cook until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Carrots, celery, or potatoes are great additions.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
See the oven variation above. A covered Dutch oven at 325°F works beautifully.

Can I use fresh onions?
Yes. Fresh onions are recommended for the best flavor.

The Beauty of Simple, Celebratory Cooking

There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm, savory, tangy beef supper that comes together with almost no effort. It’s the kind of food that makes people happy — the kind that celebrates the simple pleasures of good food and good company.

This Poor Man’s Labor Day Supper is a celebration of all those things — simplicity, flavor, and the joy of gathering around the table.

It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it is reliable, crowd-pleasing, and delicious. And isn’t that what great holiday cooking is all about?

So keep frozen beef slider patties, sauerkraut, onions, mustard, and beef broth in your kitchen. And when you need a hearty, satisfying meal that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, you’ll know exactly what to make.

Final Verdict

Rating: 5 out of 5
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 3–7 hours
Yield: 6 servings
Cleanup: Minimal (one slow cooker + one cutting board)
Leftover potential: Excellent — reheats beautifully
Best for: Labor Day, weeknight dinners, and family meals