12 Fall Slow Cooker Recipes Everyone Will Love

When Fall Finds Its Way to Your Kitchen

There’s something about that first cool evening of fall that makes you crave cozy sweaters, fuzzy socks, and a home filled with the smell of something warm and comforting simmering away. You know that moment — when the leaves start to turn, the air feels crisp, and suddenly your slow cooker feels like your best friend again.

If you’re like most busy couples, weeknights can be a scramble between work, errands, and figuring out dinner. The good news? These fall slow cooker recipes were made for people just like you — simple to prep, packed with seasonal flavor, and hearty enough to make everyone at the table happy.

Whether you’re craving something sweet and spiced, rich and savory, or healthy and wholesome, you’ll find the perfect match here. So grab your slow cooker, light a fall candle, and let’s dive into twelve cozy dishes that taste like autumn in every bite.

For more crockpot inspiration this season, check out these more crockpot fall recipes packed with easy comfort-food favorites.

Why Fall Slow Cooker Recipes Make Life So Much Easier

Slow cooking is the ultimate hands-off method for creating rich, deeply flavored meals without standing over the stove. You toss in your ingredients, set it, and hours later — dinner’s ready.

Here’s why your slow cooker deserves a permanent spot on the counter this season:

• Less Stress: No last-minute cooking chaos — everything’s ready when you walk in the door.
• Deeper Flavors: Low, slow heat brings out the natural sweetness of root veggies and spices.
• Budget-Friendly: You can use affordable cuts of meat and seasonal produce like squash, pumpkin, and apples.
• Healthier Choices: Homemade meals mean less sodium, sugar, and processed ingredients.

Now, let’s explore twelve mouthwatering fall slow cooker recipes that turn ordinary weeknights into cozy nights in.

1. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

Serves: 6 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 hr | Calories: ~320 per serving

This twist on classic chili brings a subtle sweetness from pumpkin puree that pairs perfectly with smoky chili spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in a skillet until no longer pink; drain fat.
2. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Serve topped with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrition Tip: Pumpkin adds fiber and vitamin A, turning this hearty dish into a wholesome comfort meal.

2. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Serves: 4 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 7 hr | Calories: ~260 per bowl

Start your chilly morning with this warm, naturally sweet breakfast that practically makes itself overnight.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, diced
• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 4 cups almond milk (or regular milk)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low overnight (7 hours).
3. Stir before serving and top with walnuts or extra apple slices.

Nutrition Tip: Steel-cut oats release energy slowly, keeping you full through busy mornings.

3. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Serves: 6 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 hr | Calories: ~180 per cup

This velvety soup captures the soul of fall — naturally sweet, creamy, and perfectly spiced.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place squash, onions, carrots, and broth into your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
3. Blend until smooth; stir in coconut milk and nutmeg.

Nutrition Tip: Low in calories, high in vitamin A — a perfect immune boost for cold weather.

4. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Serves: 6 | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 8 hr | Calories: ~400 per serving

Nothing says cozy quite like a hearty beef stew simmered to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme, 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Brown beef cubes briefly for extra flavor.
2. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker.
3. Cook on low 8 hours or high 4 hours.
4. Remove bay leaf and serve warm.

Nutrition Tip: Packed with protein and potassium, this is comfort food that keeps you strong.

5. Maple Glazed Carrots

Serves: 5 | Prep: 5 min | Cook: 4 hr | Calories: ~150 per cup

A simple side that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a Thanksgiving-worthy addition.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby carrots
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low 4 hours until tender and glossy.

Nutrition Tip: Carrots deliver beta carotene — great for eye health and skin glow.

6. Apple Cider Pulled Pork

Serves: 8 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 8 hr | Calories: ~350 per sandwich

Sweet apple cider meets tender pork shoulder for a flavor-packed fall feast.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 sliced onion
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Add pork, cider, and onion to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low 8 hours.
3. Shred pork, mix with BBQ sauce, and serve on toasted buns.

Nutrition Tip: Use whole-grain buns for extra fiber and a healthier balance.

7. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Serves: 6 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 hr | Calories: ~310 per serving

Creamy, hearty, and comforting — this soup tastes like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast
• ½ cup wild rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Combine everything except milk in slow cooker.
2. Cook on low 6 hours.
3. Shred chicken, stir in milk, and heat another 15 minutes.

Nutrition Tip: Wild rice adds protein and antioxidants while keeping calories in check.

8. Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Serves: 6 | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 8 hr | Calories: ~420 per serving

A timeless classic made easier — tender beef, soft potatoes, and that savory aroma that fills your home.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs chuck roast
• 4 potatoes, halved
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp rosemary

Instructions:

1. Season and sear beef for 3 minutes per side.
2. Layer vegetables in the cooker, add roast, then pour broth over top.
3. Cook on low 8 hours.

Nutrition Tip: Add extra carrots and skip gravy for a lighter version with fewer calories.

9. Harvest Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

Serves: 4 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 6 hr | Calories: ~330 per plate

A colorful, naturally sweet dish that celebrates everything you love about fall.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low 6 hours.
3. Drizzle extra honey before serving.

Nutrition Tip: Sweet potatoes provide complex carbs and vitamin C — perfect fuel for your day.

10. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

Serves: 6 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 3 hr | Calories: ~280 per serving

This dessert tastes like the essence of autumn — gooey, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat crumble.

Ingredients:

• 5 apples, sliced
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Mix apples with cinnamon and sugar; place in cooker.
2. Top with oats and butter.
3. Cook on low 3 hours.

Nutrition Tip: Use less sugar and add crushed walnuts for extra omega-3s.

11. Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Serves: 5 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 4 hr | Calories: ~450 per serving

When you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this creamy Alfredo hits the spot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta, cooked

Instructions:

1. Add chicken, cream, and garlic to slow cooker.
2. Cook on low 4 hours.
3. Stir in Parmesan and cooked pasta.

Nutrition Tip: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce calories without losing flavor.

12. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte

Serves: 4 | Prep: 5 min | Cook: 2 hr | Calories: ~190 per cup

Skip the drive-thru and make your favorite fall drink at home — cheaper, creamier, and just as cozy.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups milk
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup sugar (or maple syrup)
• 1 tbsp pumpkin spice
• 1 cup brewed coffee

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Nutrition Tip: Try oat milk for a dairy-free, lower-fat version with added creaminess.

Tips for Getting the Best Out of Your Fall Slow Cooker Recipes

1. Layer smartly: Put firm veggies (like potatoes) on the bottom, and delicate ones (like peas or spinach) on top.
2. Avoid overfilling: Keep your slow cooker two-thirds full for even cooking.
3. Don’t peek too often: Lifting the lid can extend cooking time by 30 minutes or more.
4. Brown meats first: It locks in juices and boosts flavor depth.
5. Batch cooking: Make extra portions and freeze them for quick weekday dinners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too much liquid: Slow cooking doesn’t allow much evaporation, so less is more.
• Using high heat too often: Low and slow gives you tender, flavorful results.
• Neglecting seasoning: Always taste before serving and adjust salt or spices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Slow Cooker Recipes

What are the best meats for slow cooking?
Tougher cuts like chuck roast, pork shoulder, or chicken thighs work beautifully because they soften and absorb flavor during long cooking times.

Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes, but thaw meats first to ensure even cooking and proper food safety.

How can I make my slow cooker meals healthier?
Use low-sodium broth, lean proteins, and plenty of veggies. You can also replace cream with Greek yogurt for creaminess without the fat.

How long can leftovers last?
Most dishes keep 3–4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I convert these to an Instant Pot recipe?
Absolutely! Reduce the cook time by about 70% and follow Instant Pot liquid guidelines.

Wrapping Up – Bring the Taste of Fall Home

Fall is all about warmth, connection, and slowing down — and your slow cooker makes that easy. These fall slow cooker recipes let you enjoy rich flavors, seasonal ingredients, and relaxed evenings without hours of prep. Whether it’s a weekday chili, a lazy Sunday pot roast, or a spiced dessert that makes your home smell heavenly, every dish here invites you to savor the season one bite at a time.

So this weekend, pull your slow cooker from the cabinet, grab some apples and pumpkins, and let dinner cook itself while you enjoy the cozy side of autumn. You’ve got all the recipes you need — now it’s time to make your kitchen smell like fall.

Want to explore even more slow-cooked comfort classics? Browse these best Crock-Pot recipes for creative takes from seasoned home cooks.

Ready to get started? Pick one of these fall slow cooker recipes tonight, press “start,” and let the magic happen.