35 Flavorful Fall Slow Cooker Recipes Perfect for Chilly Nights
These warming meals are sure to soothe the soul.
Our best fall slow cooker recipes are perfect for warming yourself on a cool autumn night. This collection includes delicious comfort-food favorites, like pumpkin bread (yes, from your slow cooker) and spiced chili, along with healthy recipes and global dishes featuring classic autumn flavors. These warming meals are sure to soothe the soul.
Old-Fashioned Beef Stew
There are few meals as comforting as a hearty bowl of beef stew. This easy fall slow cooker recipe requires only five ingredients (plus water) and comes together in minutes. All you have to do is wait patiently while the beef, potatoes, and carrots stew to tender perfection.
Slow Cooker Indian-Inspired Chicken Stew
Ground ginger and curry powder give this slow cooker stew recipe its warming touch. Any chicken cut would do well, but chicken thighs hold up best the mix of chickpeas and diced tomatoes. Serve it with a side of rice, or for even more fall flavor, try serving it on a bed of sweet potato farro.
Slow Cooker Pecan Pie
This Southern sugar pie is a staple for fall feasts, and our slow cooker recipe saves space in your oven without cutting corners on flavor. Two cups of toasted pecans provide the crunch for this soft and sugary pie. For a crispier top, slip the pie into the broiler for three to four minutes before serving.
Short Rib Goulash
This fall slow cooker recipe is our new take on classic beef and tomato goulash. Short ribs are cooked low and slow until they're fall-off-the-bone tender. We've swapped butternut squash for the classic tomato. Serve the finished dish over egg noodles. As one BHG home cook shares, "This is the most wonderful stew and will make your house smell like a home-cooking wonderland."
Slow Cooker Lentils Bolognese
Brown lentils take the place of meat in this vegetarian fall slow cooker recipe's version of a Bolognese sauce. The lentils pick up flavor as they cook slowly alongside onions, chopped tomatoes, and sliced carrots. Serve the sauce over your choice of spaghetti, noodles, or strands of spaghetti squash.
Beef and Carrot Ragu
A handful of carrots and tomatoes slow-cook all day with tender beef short ribs for a mouthwatering fall dinner. Don't fail to add the red wine, as it will really develop rich flavor in the classic Italian-inspired sauce.
Cider-Poached Pears in the Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker
The aromas of these slow cooker poached pears are warmer and sweeter than any scented candle could produce. Crushed cardamom pods, chopped crystallized ginger, and a whole cinnamon stick steep in a broth of apple cider and honey to perfume the pears with the ultimate fall scents. Serve the pears warm with a dollop of vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt and chopped pistachios to add a savory crunch.
Game-Day Chili
Everyone knows chili is great football-weather food. In this fall slow cooker recipe, chopped plums and dark chocolate take rich chili beyond the tailgate into a hearty, delicious meal. Subtle hints of sweetness mingle with spicy red pepper and smoky paprika for a fired-up flavor you'll love, whether you're a football fan or not.
Meatball Sandwiches
Whether you're hosting a fall football party or just looking for some easy weeknight meal prep, these saucy meatball sandwiches fit the bill. Place homemade meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker until they're tender and flavorful. Serve on crusty hoagie buns topped with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Pumpkin, Chickpea, and Red Lentil Stew
Say hello to autumn with this savory pumpkin stew. A fresh pumpkin (or winter squash) and red lentils combine for a slow cooker recipe that vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will enjoy. For a crunchy finish, top your bowl with some peanuts.
Maple-Mustard Turkey Thighs
Savor an early taste of Thanksgiving with these sweet, tangy, and savory turkey thighs made with ease in the slow cooker. Coarse-grain brown mustard balances the sweetness of the maple syrup. Layer new potatoes at the bottom of the slow cooker and they'll soak up flavor for a fuss-free side.
Chicken-Chile Stew with Beans
Nothing says fall quite like a big bowl of chili. Try this saucy stew made with chicken thighs, navy beans, chiles, and pumpkin. We've spiced up the broth with fresh and dried peppers, garlic, cocoa powder, and paprika. A touch of honey is the secret to balancing all the flavors.
Bourbon Citrus Sipper
The trick to this boozy fall drink is to let the cider simmer in a slow cooker for two to four hours. To spice up the citrus and cider, the recipe uses whole cloves and cinnamon sticks with a sprinkle of anise seeds. The bourbon isn't added until just before serving, so you can easily omit it for a fall mocktail everyone can enjoy.
Zesty Bean Posole
A traditional soup made popular in Mexico, this posole recipe is a perfect fall slow cooker meal. Instead of the usual meat and hominy combo, we've paired the puffed corn with red beans. Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and you've got a vegetarian-friendly dinner on your table.
Fire-Roasted Tomato and Italian Sausage Grinders
Dish out the hearty flavors your family craves when cold weather sets in. Start this fall slow cooker dinner recipe in the morning and stuff the sandwiches just before serving. For an extra touch, broil a little provolone for a topping, and save the leftover sauce for dipping.
Pasta with Eggplant Sauce
Brimming with hot Italian sausage and sweet, tender eggplant, this easy slow cooker recipe simmers gently for hours while you're away. Ladle the sauce over cooked pasta for a fragrant, flavor-packed "welcome home." Serve with a glass of red wine and you'll be set for a cozy night in.
Apple-Buttered Sweet Potatoes
Tart Granny Smith apples and sweet potatoes combine for a slow cooker side dish that screams fall. Bathed in a decadent sauce of apple butter—you can make your own—whipping cream, and pumpkin pie spice, this fall recipe is a medley of cozy autumn flavors.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin-Cinnamon Rolls
Made right in your slow cooker, this fall bread recipe produces perfectly fluffy sweet rolls. If pumpkin spice lattes are your go-to drink once cold weather hits, you'll definitely love the latte variation of these pumpkin-cinnamon rolls, which includes an espresso-flavor drizzle rather than the classic cream-cheese icing. For the ultimate indulgent fall combination, pair these rolls with an actual PSL.
Fast or Slow White Chicken Chili
For a variation on chili night, try this creamy fall slow cooker recipe. White chili combines chicken, cannellini beans, corn, and fresh poblano chiles in a bowl of goodness. If you're in a crunch for time, you can quickly make this chicken recipe within only 12 minutes in your trusty pressure cooker.
Sweet-and-Hot Nuts
The aroma alone of these spiced nuts is enough to make you want to create this fall slow cooker recipe all year. Make a big batch of this slow cooker appetizer to keep on hand for game nights or for a quick snack during a busy workday.
Philippine Chicken Adobo with Smashed Sweet Potatoes
For a touch of fall, instead of serving this chicken adobo on the usual bed of rice (though you could have that too), we've paired the traditional Filipino recipe with sweet potatoes. The creamy sweet potatoes and pungent onion sauce make this easy meal an autumn feast to remember.
Slow Cooker Spiced Pumpkin Butter
This slow cooker pumpkin recipe is fall in a jar (and thankfully, it makes four jars). For a creamy blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and maple syrup, spread the sweet, smooth mixture on toast or add a dollop on your oatmeal.
Slow-Cooker Pumpkin-Blueberry Bread
It's hardly fall without a buttered slice of homemade pumpkin bread. We've dressed up this slow cooker recipe with juicy blueberries and a crunchy pecan topping. The moist bread is deluxe enough for brunch or dessert, but we totally understand if you eat it as a midday snack.
Cajun-Seasoned Vegetarian Gumbo
All you need to do for this easy fall slow cooker vegetarian recipe is dump some canned veggies, beans, and frozen okra into your pot. A few hours later, you've got a delicious meatless gumbo ready for eating. Serve it with rice to round out your meal.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte
No list of fall slow cooker recipes would be complete without the ultimate fall beverage, the pumpkin spiced latte. Our version lets you skip the line at the coffee shop and enjoy this fall treat anytime. For a completely dairy-free drink, leave off the whipped-cream topping, or swap it with homemade sweet cashew cream.
Lentil Soup with Beef and Red Pepper
This two-step fall slow cooker recipe for beef and lentil soup is a dump dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Add the vegetables, spices, and steak, and let your slow cooker work its magic. Try freezing the leftover soup so you'll have another meal ready at a moment's notice.
Related: Hearty Slow Cooker Soups, Stews, and Chilis
Lamb Birria with Barley and Dried Plums
A few things set this flavorful slow cooker stew recipe apart from the rest. A can of fire roasted tomatoes, dried plums, and ground chile peppers ensure each bowl is full of flavor. Serve the dish with crispy tortilla strips and fresh lime wedges.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Farrotto
If you've never had farro before, it's a hearty grain with slightly chewy texture and nutty flavor. As it cooks in the slow cooker, it absorbs the flavor of chicken broth, pumpkin, white wine, and Parmesan. Finish the dish with peas, toasted walnuts, and fresh sage.
Simplified Chicken Korma
In addition to boneless, skinless chicken thighs, this slow cooker dinner is filled with sweet potatoes, onion, coconut milk, and ginger. Round out the bowl with warm seasonings like turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and garlic.
Slow Cooker Banana Bread
Yes, you can make banana bread in your slow cooker. It's the perfect fall baking recipe because you can customize it any way you like. We've included variations for Chocolate-Walnut, Chia-Spiced, and Pecan-Bourbon.
Coconut Rice Pudding with Berries in the Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker
Cool fall nights are the perfect time to whip up a batch of creamy coconut rice pudding. Sweeten the dessert with honey or maple syrup and serve it with shredded coconut and fresh berries.
Slow Cooker Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles are often served for breakfast or brunch. This fall slow cooker recipe is the perfect way to entertain a crowd. Whip up the base and let each guest top their own with things like tomatoes, sour cream, cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips.
Slow Cooker Beer and Cheddar Fondue
If you're hosting a fall gathering, this easy fondue recipe is sure to be a hit. You'll need just six ingredients to make it including two types of cheese. Serve it with veggies, bread, pretzel sticks, sausage pieces, and more.
Slow Cooker French Toast Bread Pudding
A sweet bread, like challah or Hawaiian rolls, is the best base for bread pudding. From there, cook the slow cooker dessert with vanilla, milk, eggs, and sugar. Finish each bowl with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Cook all the classic pot pie fillings in your slow cooker including carrots, chicken, mushrooms, and peas. For the flaky crust, we're topping the finished dish with baked pie crust pieces.
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