As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm, comforting meal. And what better way to do that than with a slow cooker? The humble crockpot is a staple of many home cooks’ arsenals, and for good reason: it’s easy to use, allows for hands-off cooking, and can produce some truly delicious results.
In this article, we’ll explore the rich flavors and aromas of fall, as embodied in 20 cozy crockpot recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From hearty stews and braises to sweet treats and comforting breakfast dishes, these recipes showcase the best of what a slow cooker can do. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out with your crockpot, there’s something here for everyone.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
This slow cooker recipe is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. With its rich, comforting flavor and velvety texture, this butternut squash soup will become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh sage leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine squash, butter, onion, and garlic.
2. Pour in chicken broth and cover the cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.
6. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh sage leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Apple Cider Beef Stew
This autumn-inspired recipe combines tender beef, sweet apples, and rich flavors in a comforting stew perfect for a chilly day. Let your crockpot do the work as you come home to a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 large red potato, peeled and cubed (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add beef, onion, garlic, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the crockpot.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. If using potato, add it during the last hour of cooking.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal with Pecans
Start your day with a comforting bowl of oatmeal infused with the warm spices of fall, topped with crunchy pecans. This simple and satisfying recipe is perfect for chilly mornings.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the oats, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid.
3. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
4. Top with chopped pecans and a pinch of ground ginger (if using).
5. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Maple Glazed Pork Loin with Sweet Potatoes
Tender pork loin and sweet potatoes come together in perfect harmony with a rich maple glaze. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork loin
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, honey, and mustard.
3. Season pork loin with salt and pepper. Brush the glaze all over the pork, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast pork loin in the oven for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Toss sweet potatoes halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning.
7. Let pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: approximately 45-60 minutes
Autumn Harvest Chicken and Wild Rice
Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this hearty and savory dish, featuring tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and a medley of fall spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups cooked wild rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
4. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the mixed vegetables, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in cooked wild rice and browned chicken. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
Spiced Pear and Cranberry Sauce
This sweet and tangy sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your holiday table. With the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, it’s sure to become a new family tradition.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and chopped (such as Bartlett or Anjou)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, pear, sugar, orange juice, and water.
2. Add the cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and allspice to the mixture.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cranberries have popped and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Pot Roast
This hearty pot roast recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the earthiness of mushrooms, all wrapped up in a tender beef roast. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 pound beef chuck roast
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the onions and mushrooms in olive oil over medium-low heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 30 minutes).
3. Season the roast with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the roast in a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add the cooked onion and mushroom mixture on top of the roast.
5. Pour in the beef broth, making sure the roast is covered.
6. Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
Warm up with a deliciously different twist on traditional chili! This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili is a perfect blend of fall flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) pumpkin puree
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the pumpkin puree, red kidney beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Apple Butter BBQ Pulled Pork
Elevate your pulled pork game with the sweet and tangy combination of apple butter and BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup apple butter
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together apple butter, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker and spoon the apple butter mixture evenly over the top of the pork.
4. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Use two forks to pull the pork apart into bite-sized pieces.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Cinnamon Apple Steel Cut Oats
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious bowl of steel cut oats infused with the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples. This recipe is perfect for a chilly morning or a quick breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup steel cut oats
– 4 cups water or milk (or combination)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 medium apple, diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– Optional: brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for topping
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a boil.
2. Add the steel cut oats and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid.
3. Stir in the cinnamon and salt.
4. Add the butter and stir until melted.
5. Fold in the diced apple.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the apple is tender.
7. Serve warm, topped with your preferred sweetener (if desired).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Savory Herb Turkey Breast with Gravy
Elevate your turkey game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe, perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey breast, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. While the turkey is cooking, make the gravy by whisking together chicken broth and flour in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
7. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours (depending on the size of your turkey breast).
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew
This hearty stew is a delicious blend of roasted sweet potatoes and black beans, simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large pot, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add black beans, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors meld together.
5. Stir in roasted sweet potatoes and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Crockpot Mulled Wine Poached Pears
Transform pears into a sweet and aromatic treat by slow-cooking them in mulled wine and spices. This recipe is perfect for a cozy evening or as a unique dessert for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
– 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel, core, and halve the pears.
2. In a Crockpot, combine wine, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, orange juice, honey, and cloves.
3. Add the pear halves to the Crockpot, making sure they are covered by the mulled wine mixture.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with a cinnamon stick and a drizzle of honey if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Balsamic Fig and Chicken Thighs
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this easy and flavorful recipe, featuring tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich balsamic fig glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup fig jam
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together fig jam, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them in a shallow baking dish lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the fig-balsamic glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pumpkin and Sausage Pasta Sauce
A rich and flavorful pasta sauce that combines the warmth of roasted pumpkin with the savory taste of Italian sausage.
Ingredients:
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss pumpkin with 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in roasted pumpkin, chicken broth, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
A sweet and savory recipe that’s perfect for a busy day. This slow cooker dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, garlic, and thyme.
2. Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat with the honey mixture.
3. Add mixed vegetables on top of the chicken.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Autumn Lentil and Kale Soup
Warm up with this hearty and comforting soup, perfect for the fall season. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of lentils and kale with aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
Transform your brunch or dessert game with this mouthwatering Caramel Apple Bread Pudding recipe, featuring tender apples, gooey caramel, and a crunchy bread crust.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine bread, apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour over the bread mixture and toss until bread is evenly coated.
4. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Experience the savory flavors of rosemary and garlic combined with fluffy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, heavy cream or milk, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they’re smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time:
– 20 minutes for boiling the potatoes
– 5-10 minutes for mashing the potatoes
Slow Cooker Spiced Hot Chocolate
Warm up with a rich and comforting cup of Slow Cooker Spiced Hot Chocolate on chilly days. This recipe is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or as a special holiday drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
– 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and salt.
2. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved.
3. Cook on Low for 2-3 hours or High for 1 hour.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as desired.
5. If using, stir in chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips until melted.
6. Serve hot, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (Low) or 1 hour (High)
Summary
Get cozy this fall with these 20 comforting crockpot recipes! From soups to stews, and from breakfast to dinner, these slow-cooked meals are sure to warm your heart and belly. Try Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup, Crockpot Apple Cider Beef Stew, or Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal with Pecans for a delicious start to the day. For a hearty dinner, opt for Maple Glazed Pork Loin with Sweet Potatoes or Autumn Harvest Chicken and Wild Rice. And don’t forget the sweet treats, like Spiced Pear and Cranberry Sauce or Caramel Apple Bread Pudding. These recipes are sure to become new fall favorites!
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