13 Crockpot Fall Recipes Cozy Weeknight Dinners Updated for 2025

As the leaves turn and a crisp chill fills the air, do you find yourself craving warm, hearty, home-cooked meals? The kind of stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that defines the autumn season?

Between busy work schedules, school activities, and weekend plans, spending hours over a hot stove feels like a luxury you just don’t have. You want those cozy, flavorful dinners, but you need them to be simple, with minimal effort and easy cleanup. It’s the classic fall dilemma: the desire for comfort food clashes with the reality of a packed calendar.

The solution is simpler than you think. The best crockpot fall recipes transform simple ingredients into hearty, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Slow cookers excel at making tender roasts, rich stews, and comforting soups, making them the ideal appliance for cozy autumn dinners on busy weeknights. These are my family’s tried-and-true favorites, curated for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavors, perfect for busy families like yours.

Craving Cozy Fall Dinners Without Spending Hours in the Kitchen?

As the days get shorter and cooler, nothing beats coming home to the aroma of a delicious, slow-cooked meal. The slow cooker, or Crock-Pot, is the unsung hero of the autumn kitchen. It’s the “set it and forget it” solution that delivers comforting, home-cooked dinners with very little hands-on time, making your busiest weeknights feel a little more relaxed and a lot more flavorful.

Why Your Slow Cooker is a Fall Essential

Using a slow cooker in the fall allows for deep flavor development in soups and stews, tenderizes tougher cuts of meat perfectly, simplifies cleanup with one-pot meals, and frees up valuable oven space during holiday cooking. It’s the ultimate tool for effortless, cozy meals.

• Deep Flavor Development: The low and slow cooking method allows the flavors of your ingredients to meld together over hours, creating a richness and depth that’s hard to replicate on the stovetop.
• Fall-Apart Tender Meats: Tougher, more affordable cuts of meat like chuck roast or pork shoulder become incredibly tender and juicy after hours in the crockpot.
• One-Pot Wonder: Most recipes are made entirely in the slow cooker insert, meaning you have only one pot to clean. What could be better on a busy weeknight?
• Frees Up Your Oven: Especially as we head into the holiday season, having your slow cooker handle the main course frees up precious oven space for side dishes or desserts.
• “Set It and Forget It” Convenience: The greatest benefit of all! You can assemble your meal in the morning, go about your day, and come home to a perfectly cooked dinner.

Pro-Tip: A popular hack among seasoned crockpot users is to use slow cooker liners. They make cleanup almost non-existent—just lift out the liner and toss it!

13 Cozy Crockpot Fall Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Ready to embrace the coziest season of the year? Here are 13 of the best, most comforting, and straightforward slow cooker recipes to get you through autumn. These recipes have been selected for their reliability and use of common pantry staples, making them accessible for everyone from beginner to intermediate home cooks. From hearty beef chilis to the creamiest mac and cheese, there’s a delicious meal here for every craving.

1. Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili

This classic crockpot chili is a thick, hearty, and deeply flavorful meal that’s perfect for a chilly fall evening or a game day gathering.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (browned), 1 onion (chopped), 2 cans kidney beans (rinsed), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can tomato sauce, 3 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin.
• Instructions:
  1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  3. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Pro-Tip: For a deeper, smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Browning the beef before adding it is an optional step that significantly boosts the flavor.

Pin this classic chili recipe for a perfect game day meal!

2. Creamy White Chicken Chili

This white chicken chili offers a creamy, satisfying, and lighter alternative to traditional beef chili, packed with tender chicken and mild green chilies.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cans Great Northern beans (rinsed), 1 can chopped green chilies, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp cumin, 8 oz cream cheese (softened).
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken, onion, beans, chilies, broth, and cumin in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  3. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
  4. Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and creamy. Serve warm.

Pro-Tip: To prevent curdling, cut the cream cheese into cubes and whisk it in thoroughly during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This ensures a silky smooth texture.

Save this creamy chili recipe for your next cozy night in!

3. Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast

The ultimate Sunday dinner, this recipe produces a fall-apart tender pot roast with perfectly cooked vegetables and a savory gravy, all from one pot.

• Ingredients: 3-4 lb beef chuck roast, 1 lb baby potatoes, 4 large carrots (chopped), 1 large onion (sliced), 2 cups beef broth, 1 packet onion soup mix, 2 tbsp olive oil.
• Instructions:
  1. Sear the chuck roast in olive oil on all sides in a skillet (optional, but recommended).
  2. Place onions, potatoes, and carrots in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Place the roast on top of the vegetables.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth and onion soup mix; pour over the roast.
  5. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours until the meat is fork-tender.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip searing the roast! It only takes a few extra minutes but creates a deep, caramelized flavor (the Maillard reaction) that you can’t get from just slow cooking.

Perfect for a Sunday dinner! Pin this pot roast recipe now.

4. Mississippi Pot Roast

This viral recipe is famous for a reason; it’s an incredibly simple, 5-ingredient roast that delivers a uniquely zesty and savory flavor you won’t forget.

• Ingredients: 3-4 lb chuck roast, 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, 1 packet onion soup mix, 1 stick unsalted butter, 5-6 pepperoncini peppers.
• Instructions:
  1. Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and onion soup mix over the top.
  3. Place the stick of butter on top of the roast.
  4. Arrange the pepperoncini peppers around the roast.
  5. Cook on LOW for 8 hours. No extra liquid is needed.
  6. Shred the beef and serve on rolls or over mashed potatoes.

Pro-Tip: The pepperoncini peppers add a tangy flavor, not heat. You can add a splash of the pepperoncini juice for extra zest. Trust the process—it seems strange, but it’s delicious!

Try the pot roast everyone’s talking about! Save this recipe.

5. Cozy Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

This is the ultimate comfort food made easy, creating a creamy chicken stew topped with fluffy biscuit dumplings using a simple shortcut.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 cans cream of chicken soup, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, 1 can refrigerated biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands!).
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker. Pour soup and broth over the top.
  2. Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
  3. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the crockpot. Stir in the frozen vegetables.
  4. Cut each biscuit into quarters and drop them on top of the chicken mixture.
  5. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 45-60 minutes, or until dumplings are cooked through.

Pro-Tip: For fluffy dumplings, try not to lift the lid while they are cooking for the final hour. This traps the steam and helps them cook perfectly.

The ultimate comfort food! Pin this Chicken and Dumplings recipe.

6. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

This soup is the essence of fall in a bowl—a silky smooth, creamy, and healthy soup that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to make.

• Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and cubed), 1 apple (cored and chopped), 1 small onion (chopped), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 can full-fat coconut milk.
• Instructions:
  1. Add butternut squash, apple, onion, broth, and turmeric to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until squash is very tender.
  3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth right in the crockpot.
  4. Stir in the coconut milk until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro-Tip: For a touch of warmth and spice, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of nutmeg along with the turmeric. Toasting some pumpkin seeds to sprinkle on top before serving adds a wonderful crunch.

Healthy and delicious! Save this seasonal soup recipe.

7. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This is a “dump-and-go” recipe for perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful pulled pork that’s incredibly versatile for sandwiches, tacos, or salads.

• Ingredients: 4 lb pork shoulder, 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika.
• Instructions:
  1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and paprika. Pour over the pork.
  3. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours.
  4. Remove the pork, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker to toss with the juices.

Lesson Learned: Pork shoulder (or Boston butt) is the best cut for pulled pork because its fat content keeps the meat moist and tender during the long cooking time. Don’t trim too much of the fat off before cooking.

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Pin this pulled pork recipe.

8. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

This recipe makes classic French onion soup easier than ever by caramelizing the onions effortlessly in the slow cooker, resulting in a rich, savory broth.

• Ingredients: 4 large yellow onions (thinly sliced), 4 tbsp butter (melted), 6 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional), slices of crusty bread, 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Toss the sliced onions with melted butter in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours, stirring once or twice if possible, until onions are deeply caramelized and brown.
  3. Stir in the beef broth and wine. Cook on HIGH for another 1-2 hours.
  4. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a slice of bread and a generous amount of cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pro-Tip: The key to this recipe is patience. Letting the onions caramelize low and slow for the full time is what develops the incredibly deep, rich flavor that makes this soup famous.

Bring the bistro home! Save this elegant soup recipe.

9. Crockpot Salisbury Steak

This nostalgic comfort food classic features tender ground beef patties simmered in a rich mushroom and onion gravy, perfect served over mashed potatoes.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs lean ground beef, 1 packet onion soup mix, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 packet brown gravy mix, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 cup beef broth.
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, and egg. Form into 4-6 oval patties.
  2. Brown patties in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Place in the slow cooker.
  3. In the same bowl, whisk together the mushroom soup, gravy mix, mushrooms, and beef broth. Pour over the patties.
  4. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Lesson Learned: Browning the patties before adding them to the slow cooker is crucial. It locks in the juices, helps the patties hold their shape, and adds a significant layer of flavor to the final dish and gravy.

A nostalgic classic made easy! Pin this Salisbury Steak recipe.

10. Creamiest Crockpot Mac and Cheese

This foolproof recipe creates the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and comforting mac and cheese with minimal effort—no boiling pasta separately!

• Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni (uncooked), 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 8 oz Velveeta (cubed), 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, 1.5 cups whole milk, 4 tbsp butter (cubed).
• Instructions:
  1. Grease the inside of the slow cooker.
  2. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir well.
  3. Cook on LOW for 2.5-3 hours, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. Do not overcook.
  4. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Pro-Tip: Using a combination of a good melting cheese like Velveeta and a flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar gives you the best of both worlds: ultimate creaminess and a rich, cheesy taste. Resist the urge to use pre-shredded cheese, as its anti-caking agents can make the sauce gritty.

The cheesiest ever! Save this ultimate Mac and Cheese recipe.

11. Hearty Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

This vegetarian soup is a healthy, hearty, and budget-friendly meal that’s packed with plant-based protein and earthy flavors.

• Ingredients: 1.5 cups brown or green lentils (rinsed), 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained), 2 tsp dried thyme.
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until lentils are tender.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Pro-Tip: For a brighter flavor, stir in a splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. This simple step wakens up all the earthy flavors of the soup.

Healthy and hearty! Pin this vegetarian soup recipe.

12. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

This is the ultimate comfort soup made simple, a classic, warming chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather.

• Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 8 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 3 cups uncooked egg noodles.
• Instructions:
  1. Place chicken, onion, carrots, celery, broth, and thyme in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  3. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
  4. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles, turn cooker to HIGH, and cook for another 20-30 minutes until noodles are tender.

Lesson Learned: Don’t add the noodles at the beginning! They will turn to mush over the long cooking time. Adding them at the very end ensures they are perfectly cooked and hold their texture.

The perfect remedy for a chilly day! Pin this classic soup.

13. Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Yes, you can make dessert in your crockpot! This is an incredibly easy, warm, and sweet dessert that combines apple pie filling and cake mix for a magical result.

• Ingredients: 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling, 1 box yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup butter (melted), 1/2 cup caramel sauce for topping.
• Instructions:
  1. Grease the inside of the slow cooker.
  2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly on the bottom.
  3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apples.
  4. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Do not stir.
  5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is set.
  6. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro-Tip: For a better texture and to prevent the lid’s condensation from making the top soggy, place a layer of paper towels under the lid before closing it. This absorbs the excess moisture.

The easiest dessert you’ll ever make! Pin this dump cake recipe.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Crockpot Fall Recipes

• Embrace “Set It & Forget It”: The biggest advantage is minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy fall schedules.
• Low and Slow = Flavor: Slow cooking excels at developing deep, rich flavors and making tougher cuts of meat incredibly tender.
• One-Pot Wonder: Most recipes require only the slow cooker, drastically simplifying cleanup.
• Perfect for Fall Flavors: The crockpot is ideal for quintessential autumn dishes like chilis, stews, pot roasts, and seasonal soups.
• Don’t Forget Dessert: Your slow cooker can even make warm, comforting desserts like dump cakes and apple crisps, freeing up your oven.

People Also Ask About Crockpot Fall Recipes

Can I put frozen meat in a slow cooker?

It’s not recommended to put frozen meat in a slow cooker. For food safety, frozen meat can spend too long in the “danger zone” (40-140°F) where bacteria multiply. It’s best to thaw meat completely in the refrigerator before adding it to your crockpot to ensure it cooks evenly and safely.

Do I need to brown meat before putting it in the crockpot?

While not always required, browning meat before slow cooking is highly recommended. This process, called the Maillard reaction, creates a deep, caramelized flavor and a better texture that you can’t achieve by slow cooking alone. It’s an extra step that’s worth the effort for dishes like pot roast and Salisbury steak.

How can I prevent my slow cooker meals from being watery?

Slow cookers trap a lot of moisture, so you can often reduce the liquid called for in a recipe by about one-third. If your dish is still too watery at the end of cooking, you can remove the lid for the last 30-60 minutes on HIGH heat to let it reduce, or stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Can I prepare my crockpot meal the night before?

Yes, this is a great time-saving trick! You can chop all your vegetables and assemble the ingredients (except for dairy, which should be added later) in the removable slow cooker insert. Cover it and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just place the insert in the heating base and turn it on.

Final Thoughts

With these recipes in your collection, you’re ready to embrace a season of cozy, delicious, and stress-free dinners. Your slow cooker is the secret weapon to enjoying flavorful, home-cooked meals even on the most hectic of days. Let it do the work while you enjoy everything that the beautiful autumn season has to offer.

Which of these crockpot fall recipes are you most excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below