As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, home-cooked meal. Fall is the perfect time to dust off that crockpot and let it work its magic, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas and saving you precious time.
Hearty Soups and Stews
Comfort foods are perfect for fall, and crockpot soups and stews deliver that cozy feeling. Here are some hearty options to try.
1. 15 Bean Soup
15 Bean Soup combines various beans, smoked sausage, and vegetables. Serve with cornbread or a crusty loaf.
2. Beef and Guinness Stew
Beef and Guinness Stew features tender beef chunks in rich, dark beer broth. Carrots, potatoes, and onions add depth. Use fresh parsley for garnish.
3. Crockpot Lamb Stew
Crockpot Lamb Stew offers tender lamb with root vegetables. Season with rosemary and thyme. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
4. Creamy White Chicken Chili
Creamy White Chicken Chili includes shredded chicken, white beans, and green chilies. Add cream cheese for extra richness. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
5. Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sausage Tortellini Soup combines Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and spinach. Use chicken broth for the base. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
6. Cheesy Potato Soup
Cheesy Potato Soup blends potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy chicken. Add green onions for a burst of freshness. Serve with warm bread.
7. Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash
Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash features ground turkey, cubed squash, and black beans. Season with cumin and chili powder. Top with avocado and sour cream.
Comforting Chicken Dishes
Fall brings the perfect opportunity to enjoy cozy comfort food, and chicken dishes made in a crockpot are among my favorites. Here are some of the most comforting chicken recipes to try this fall.
8. Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Marsala
Creamy Chicken Marsala combines tender chicken breasts with mushrooms in a rich, creamy Marsala wine sauce. The slow cooking enhances the flavors, making every bite delicious. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
9. Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Crack Chicken is a delightful mix of shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy chicken. It’s creamy, savory, and addictive. This dish works perfectly in sandwiches, wraps, or even as a dip with crackers.
10. Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
Chicken and Noodles is a classic comfort food. This dish features tender pieces of chicken, wide egg noodles, and a flavorful broth that’s both soothing and satisfying. Simple yet heartwarming, it’s perfect for a chilly fall evening.
11. Smothered Chicken Recipe
This Smothered Chicken recipe includes chicken breasts cooked in a creamy gravy with onions and spices. Each bite is rich and flavorful. Pair with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious gravy.
12. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas deliver a Tex-Mex flavor that’s a crowd-pleaser. Shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and cheese come together in a soft tortilla, providing a riveting blend of tastes and textures. Easy to put together, it offers a satisfying meal.
13. Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore features chicken thighs simmered in a tomato-based sauce with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Traditional yet accessible, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve with rice or crusty bread to enjoy every bit of the sauce.
14. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and Dumplings is a Southern classic that offers pure comfort. This dish combines chicken, vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a thick, savory broth. Each element melds together, creating a meal that’s both robust and comforting.
15. Chicken & Sweet Potato Curry
Chicken & Sweet Potato Curry combines tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and a variety of spices in a flavorful curry sauce. It’s a warm and spicy dish that’s perfect for fall. Serve with rice or naan bread to soak up the aromatic sauce.
Savory Beef Recipes
Beef dishes bring rich and hearty flavors perfect for fall dinners. These crockpot meals offer effortless preparation and mouthwatering results.
16. Easy Crock Pot Beef Roast
This dish features tender beef roast slow-cooked with vegetables. Choose a 3-pound chuck roast for the best flavor and texture. Add carrots, potatoes, and onions for a complete meal. Season with garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Let it cook on low for 8 hours to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
17. Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak offers a comforting and savory option. Use 1.5 pounds of ground beef and mix with breadcrumbs, an egg, and chopped onions. Shape into patties and brown them in a skillet first. Then, place them in the crockpot with a rich mushroom gravy made from beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low for 6 hours for tender, flavorful steaks.
18. Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff provides a creamy, indulgent meal. Use 2 pounds of beef stew meat, which holds up well during slow cooking. Sauté onions and mushrooms before adding to the crockpot. Mix in beef broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it cook on low for 7 hours. Add sour cream and cooked egg noodles before serving for a classic finish.
19. Sausage and Bean Casserole
Sausage and Bean Casserole is a hearty, filling meal perfect for fall. Combine sausages with beans, tomatoes, carrots, and celery in the crockpot. Season with bay leaves, thyme, and garlic for a delicious dish. Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the tasty sauce.
Easy Weeknight Favorites
Busy weeknights need simple, delicious meals that are hassle-free. These easy crockpot dinners fit the bill perfectly for any fall evening.
20. 4-Ingredient Ravioli Lasagna
This 4-Ingredient Ravioli Lasagna transforms traditional lasagna into an effortless weeknight meal. I use frozen ravioli, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and parmesan for a satisfying dish. The crockpot does all the work, cooking the layers to perfection.
21. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes bring a nostalgic favorite to the crockpot. Ground beef, tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce create a tangy, savory filling. I serve these on toasted buns with a side of coleslaw.
22. Pizza Casserole
Pizza Casserole gives all the flavors of pizza with a fraction of the effort. I combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. The crockpot melds these ingredients into a cheesy, comforting dinner.
23. Bourbon Chicken
Bourbon Chicken combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce. Brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and bourbon create a rich, flavorful base. I let the crockpot infuse these flavors throughout the chicken, serving it over rice.
Vegetarian Option
Fall brings an array of warm, hearty meals that vegetarians can enjoy. Crockpots are perfect for creating flavorful, comforting vegetarian dishes.
24. Copycat Trader Joe’s Vegetarian Harvest Chili
Trader Joe’s Vegetarian Harvest Chili captures autumn’s essence in a crockpot. This recipe combines hearty vegetables with savory spices, creating a rich and satisfying dish. Ingredients like kidney beans, butternut squash, and tomatoes blend seamlessly with spices like cumin and paprika, resulting in a vegetarian chili that’s bursting with flavor. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld, enhancing the depth of taste.
Serving this chili with warm cornbread or crusty bread is ideal. For extra creaminess, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This dish not only warms the body but also nurtures the soul, making it a must-have for cozy fall evenings.
Additional Fall Crockpot Dinners
I’ve gathered even more delicious fall crockpot dinner ideas to keep you cozy and satisfied throughout the season. Here are three more mouthwatering options to add to your recipe collection:
25. Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew
This hearty dish combines butternut squash, lentils, and a blend of spices for a warm and comforting meal. The rich, earthy flavors make it perfect for cooler fall evenings. Combine diced butternut squash, dry lentils, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric in your crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the ingredients are tender and the flavors meld together. Serve the stew with crusty bread for a satisfying dinner.
26. Maple Glazed Turkey Breast
A sweet and savory dish, this maple glazed turkey breast is ideal for autumn meals. Place turkey breast in the crockpot and cover it with a mixture of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Cook on low for 6-7 hours until the turkey is tender and flavorful. The glaze caramelizes, giving the turkey a delightful sweetness. Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete fall meal.
27. Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes
This vegetarian chili features sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of spices to create a hearty and nutritious meal. Combine cubed sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the vegetables are tender and the chili is thick and flavorful. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream for added richness.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Meals
Achieving the ideal crockpot meal involves a balance of proper preparation, flavor adjustment, and effective storage. Here are some guidelines to make your fall dishes even more delightful.
Prepping Ingredients for Slow Cooking
Cut ingredients uniformly. Ensure meats and vegetables are of similar size to cook evenly. Brown meats first, if desired, to enhance flavor. Layer ingredients correctly: place denser items like root vegetables at the bottom and delicate items on top.
Adjusting Flavors for Crockpot Cooking
Use less liquid. Slow cooking retains more moisture, so adjust liquid quantities accordingly. Add dairy near the end. If using milk or cheese, stir them in during the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling. Season gradually. Enhance flavors at the end with fresh herbs or additional seasoning.
Storing and Reheating Crockpot Leftovers
Cool leftovers promptly. Refrigerate within two hours to maintain freshness. Store in airtight containers. This prevents absorption of other fridge odors and maintains taste. Reheat gently. Use a microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Conclusion
Fall is the perfect time to embrace the warmth and comfort of crockpot dinners. With a variety of recipes ranging from hearty soups and stews to savory beef and chicken dishes, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The ease of crockpot cooking not only saves time but also fills the home with delightful aromas, making meal prep a joy.
Whether you’re looking for vegetarian options or easy weeknight meals, these cozy fall recipes offer a delicious and hassle-free way to enjoy the season. So, grab your crockpot and start cooking up some comforting meals that will make your fall evenings even cozier.