14 Comforting Slow Cooker Recipes for Fall
These 14 slow cooker recipes are made with seasonal ingredients and warming flavors that suit cooler fall days.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Fall cooking often centers on warm, filling meals that use root vegetables, spices, and slow-simmered ingredients. These slow cooker recipes are selected for their comforting taste, ease of preparation, and seasonal relevance. They include a variety of meats, stews, soups, and plant-based options suitable for everyday meals.
1. Beef Stew
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This dish combines chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions with beef broth and herbs. The meat becomes tender over several hours of slow cooking. The broth thickens slightly as it cooks, creating a rich and hearty meal. It is often served with bread or over rice.
2. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
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This soup is made with chicken, wild rice, celery, carrots, and a light creamy base. The slow cooker allows the flavors to blend gradually while the rice softens. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often used for their tenderness. It is a filling dish that works well for lunch or dinner.
3. Pulled Pork
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Boneless pork shoulder is cooked in a mixture of spices, vinegar, and sometimes barbecue sauce until it is easy to shred. The meat is served on buns or with sides like slaw or mashed potatoes. Cooking it low and slow ensures the pork stays moist. This recipe is commonly used for casual gatherings or family dinners.
4. Butternut Squash Soup
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Chopped butternut squash, onion, garlic, and broth are cooked until soft and then blended into a smooth soup. Sometimes apples or carrots are added for extra sweetness. The texture becomes creamy without the need for heavy cream. It is often topped with pumpkin seeds or a swirl of yogurt.
5. Chili Con Carne
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Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, onions, and chili spices are cooked together over several hours. The slow heat helps the flavors deepen and the beans soften. This recipe is adaptable, allowing for extra vegetables or different types of beans. It is served with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.
6. Pot Roast
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A beef roast is cooked with potatoes, carrots, onions, and broth until fork-tender. The juices thicken into a flavorful gravy. It is a complete meal made in one pot. Leftovers can be used for sandwiches or served with noodles the next day.
7. Stuffed Peppers
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Bell peppers are filled with a mix of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasoning. They are placed in the slow cooker with a small amount of broth or tomato sauce. The slow cooking softens the peppers while the filling stays moist. It is a balanced dish with vegetables, grains, and protein in each portion.
8. Pumpkin Oatmeal
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Steel-cut oats are cooked overnight with pumpkin purée, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the morning, the texture is thick and smooth with a mild pumpkin flavor. It can be sweetened with maple syrup or brown sugar. This recipe is often used for easy fall breakfasts.
9. Creamy Potato Soup
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Potatoes, onions, garlic, and broth are cooked until soft, then blended with milk or cream. Bacon, cheese, and chives are common toppings. The soup has a thick, smooth texture that makes it ideal for cold weather. It can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and skipping the bacon.
10. Lentil Stew
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Lentils are cooked with tomatoes, carrots, celery, and spices to make a thick, plant-based stew. The dish is high in protein and fiber. It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated throughout the week. It is commonly served with bread or over rice.
11. Apple Butter
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Peeled and chopped apples are slow-cooked with sugar, cinnamon, and cloves until very soft. The mixture is then blended into a thick spread. It can be stored in jars and used on toast, pancakes, or yogurt. The long cooking time helps the flavors deepen and the sugars concentrate.
12. Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
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Ground turkey, sweet potatoes, beans, and spices are combined for a lighter take on classic chili. The sweet potatoes soften and absorb the spices while adding natural sweetness. It is a good source of lean protein and fiber. The slow cooker brings out a rich flavor without needing added fats.
13. Macaroni and Cheese
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Uncooked pasta is added directly to the slow cooker along with milk, cheese, and butter. It cooks slowly into a creamy dish with minimal effort. Stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking. Extra cheese can be added at the end for a thicker texture.
14. Chicken Curry
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Boneless chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and curry spices are cooked until tender. Coconut milk is added near the end to create a creamy sauce. The dish is often served with rice or flatbread. Slow cooking allows the spices to fully infuse the meat and sauce.