As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, comforting meal—especially when it’s ready and waiting for you in the crockpot. Whether you’re looking for a hearty stew, a cozy casserole, or a seasonal dessert, these fall crockpot recipes make meal prep a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, they’ll fill your home with delicious, seasonal aromas and your belly with hearty goodness. Let’s dive into these 10 easy fall crockpot recipes that will become your go-to meals this season.
1. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Nothing says fall quite like the
smooth, velvety texture of butternut squash soup. It’s a perfect balance of
sweet and savory flavors, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg to add warmth.
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 apple, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cream or coconut milk (optional)
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until
smooth.
- Stir in cream or coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal!
2. Crockpot Beef Stew
A classic comfort dish, beef stew is
a perfect fall meal. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and allows
the vegetables to soak in all the rich flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs stew beef, cubed
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Remove bay leaves and serve.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
3. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
This dish brings all the nostalgia
of homemade dumplings without the hassle. With tender chicken, savory broth,
and fluffy dumplings, it’s a fall favorite you can’t resist.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add chicken, broth, onion, celery, carrots, thyme,
salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last hour, shred the chicken and add the biscuit
dough pieces. Let them cook through.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sauté the vegetables before adding them
to the slow cooker.
4. Crockpot Pumpkin Chili
This unique twist on chili
incorporates pumpkin for a seasonal spin. It’s still hearty and spicy, but the
pumpkin adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the meat in a skillet, then transfer to the
crockpot.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Pro Tip: Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped
cilantro.
5. Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Apple cider adds a fall-inspired
sweetness to tender pulled pork. This recipe is perfect for sandwiches or as a
main dish paired with roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 8-10
hours.
- Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the
juices before serving.
Pro Tip: Serve on buns with coleslaw for a complete meal.
6. Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie
This deconstructed chicken pot pie
delivers all the comforting flavors of the classic dish without the fuss. The
slow cooker does all the work for you!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add chicken, broth, vegetables, onion, garlic, and
thyme to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken, then top with biscuit dough pieces.
Cook until biscuits are done.
Pro Tip: For a creamier filling, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream at
the end.
7. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Start your fall mornings right with
this cozy, pumpkin-spiced oatmeal. It’s a great make-ahead breakfast that will
warm you up on chilly mornings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 4 cups milk (or dairy alternative)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or overnight.
- Stir before serving, and top with nuts, raisins, or a
drizzle of syrup.
Pro Tip: Use steel-cut oats for a chewier texture.
8. Crockpot Maple-Glazed Carrots
These tender carrots with a maple
glaze are the perfect side dish for any fall meal. They’re simple to make but
pack a flavorful punch.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs baby carrots
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Place the carrots in the crockpot.
- Mix the syrup, butter, cinnamon, and salt, then pour
over the carrots.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for
extra flavor.
9. Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
This homemade cranberry sauce is
incredibly easy to make in the crockpot and pairs beautifully with any fall
meal, especially Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Pro Tip: For a citrusy twist, add some grated orange zest before
serving.
10. Crockpot Pear Crisp
Finish your fall feast with a warm
and comforting pear crisp. It’s a perfect dessert that highlights fall’s bounty
of ripe pears.
Ingredients:
- 6 ripe pears, sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Place the pears in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix the sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and
melted butter, then sprinkle over the pears.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours until the pears are tender
and the topping is golden.
Pro Tip: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent
treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ingredients in crockpot recipes?
Yes, frozen vegetables and meats can be used in most crockpot recipes. However, frozen meats may take longer to cook, so adjust the time accordingly.2. Can I leave my crockpot on while I’m not home?
Yes, crockpots are designed for safe, long cooking times. Just make sure it’s on a stable surface and away from flammable materials.3. What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot?
“Crockpot” is a brand name, but it's commonly used to refer to slow cookers in general. Both function similarly by using low heat over extended periods.Conclusion
With these 10 easy fall crockpot recipes, your autumn meals are about to become cozier, simpler, and more delicious. Whether you're a fan of savory stews, sweet desserts, or anything in between, the crockpot is your best friend this season. So, grab your ingredients, set it, and forget it—you’ll have a flavorful fall feast waiting for you!