During the fall months between September and December, the temperature inevitably starts to drop as we see the end of the summer and welcome in the coldness of winter along with the darker nights that last much longer.
During this time of the year, we need food to maintain our body temperature and to keep us warm, there’s nothing better than cozying up on a sofa in the winter time and snacking on a hot bowl of comfort food and this is exactly why crockpots are so useful as their ability to simmer food over a long period at a low temperature can make for some piping hot meals and appetizers that are sure to keep us satisfied in the colder months.
So that you can find the best crockpot recipe for your taste preferences that is sure to keep you cozy and satisfied, we have narrowed down 33 of the most delicious crockpot recipes right here that are perfect to enjoy in the fall.
1. French Onion Soup
While usually to whip up this creamy and brothy soup you would need to stand over a pan for several hours and watch it slowly simmer, with a crockpot you can simply add in the beef broth along with the garlic, butter, fresh chives and baguette pieces and let the cooker work its magic, no stirring required.
If you are preparing this deliciously warm soup for someone who is vegetarian (see also ‘29 Best Vegetarian Soup Recipes To Make At Home‘) or you just want a healthier alternative, try using vegetable broth instead of beef to make the taste a bit lighter.
2. Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs
In the fall months, rather than eating large meals or desserts a lot of us will prefer to cozy up with a smaller bowl that is a little easier to digest while being piping hot to keep us warm.
This mixture of chicken tikka masala and meatballs does just that, developing multiple layers of flavor thanks to being in the crockpot for so long and garnished with some cilantro and Greek yogurt to even out the taste elegantly.
3. Chicken Breasts With Creamy Mustard-Leek Sauce
The creamy leek sauce in this recipe has a nice slight tinge of acidity that is rich and flavorful but also such a delight to enjoy, especially when smothered over some moist chicken that has been cooked for a few hours.
This is a deliciously flavorful chicken based dish which is certain to keep you warm and cozy in the colder months, perfect as a late evening appetizer.
4. Persian Lamb Stew
The mixture of diced lamb, crunchy walnuts and a few light spices when placed in the crockpot creates a stew that not only looks like a fall appetizer, but it tastes like one too, having a very memorable and deep rich meaty taste (see also ‘33 Easy Fall Appetizers‘).
For even more flavor, cover the tender meat with some pistachios and fresh dill to make every bite that bit more delightful.
5. Basic Pot Roast
This slight twist on the standard basic pot roast recipe makes the beef a lot more tender which allows the broth, salt and fat to be soaked up much more and elevates the flavor of this fan favorite dish to a whole new level.
Mix the pot roasts with a few vegetables to make this a deliciously light treat to enjoy during the fall months.
6. Butternut Squash Shakshuka
This one-pot wonder is a delightful brunch option that is as healthy as it is tasty.
The crockpot helps to keep the sauces and added vegetables soft and succulent while the added smattering of parsley and feta adds enough flavor to keep the mixture from ever going stale, making this dish perfect to snack on throughout the day when it’s made in one big bulk.
7. Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
A classic comfort recipe but certainly not one to be ignored, the mixture of chicken and dumplings is already a delightfully soft and tasty combination as it is, however when made using a crockpot it adds so many more layers to the flavor as the chicken can better soak up the liquid while the dumplings become a lot softer, definitely comfort food at it finest with a lot of nutritional value mixed in.
8. Slow-Cooker Chicken Pozole
This piping hot chicken recipe uses a Mexican soup that is not only packed full of flavor, but is also the definition of hearty with the mixed in cabbage, lettuce, chopped onions, radishes and lime wedges sprucing the flavor of the chicken up tremendously.
If you would prefer to get your protein from another meat, feel free to substitute the chicken for either beef, pork or even lamb.
9. Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Soup
Creamy, cheesy and packed full of deliciously crunchy and healthy greens, the crockpot allows the chicken to become so tender that it can absorb a lot of the soup and makes it so warm and juicy that it is a must try for any soup fans and can be made with little to no effort, just place the ingredients into a crockpot and come home to enjoy one of the tastiest bowls of soup out there.
10. Crockpot Cube Steak
This is definitely one of those recipes that you can throw in the crockpot and eat at your own leisure, and with how deliciously meaty and light this meal is, it certainly isn’t one you will want to miss out on especially if you’re a steak fan.
This meal is best served with mashed potatoes to add a little bit of creaminess and some veggies on the side to add that extra crunch.
11. Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken
While at first glance it can be easy to associate BBQ meat more with the summertime, this recipe peppers the extremely tender meat with a little bit of brown sugar, apple cider and vinegar to make it a little more succulent and not as messy as the summer versions, and when placed between two buns with some celator or lettuce added, you can create a soft and delicate evening appetizer that is a joy to snack on.
12. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you’ve never tried the herby, creamy goodness of a buffalo chicken dip, this recipe is the perfect excuse to try it especially with how soft and thick it is when prepared in the crockpot.
Whether you want to dip in a few pieces of garlic bread or even some breadstick to snack on casually, this delicious dip gives you endless choices.
13. Crockpot Spaghetti Casserole
Spaghetti casserole has never tasted so good in the winter than when it has come straight out of the crockpot.
This piping hot appetizer can be enjoyed as a solo mid-week meal to warm you up from the outdoors, or it can be a great way to get the family together to enjoy some familiar yet delicious food that is given multiple layers of added flavor thanks to how it is prepared.
14. Loaded Slow Cooker Potatoes
Not only does this recipe take a little less time to cook than others that use a slow cooking method, they are also an incredibly delicious appetizer that is guaranteed to please everyone since it combines such a contrast of flavors.
Bacon, cheese, green onions, all of these and more are stuffed into some soft and tender slow cooked potatoes to create a small hot dish that will leave you and your guests wanting seconds immediately.
15. Crockpot Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
Another slow cook potato recipe, but this time using mashed potatoes drizzled with a few herbs and a little bit of meat to make for the creamiest potatoes you will ever try to the point where it almost tastes like delicious melted butter.
Part of what makes this recipe so incredible is you can easily adjust how solid or creamy you want the final product to be, so feel free to experiment with this colorful and warm potato dish.
16. Slow Cooker Whole Chicken With Potatoes
This hearty dinner recipe is already a popular family favorite during the fall months when cooked in the oven, however when you prepare the chicken and potatoes this way you can miss out on the incredibly noticeable juicy flavors that can be added from using a crockpot.
Sprinkle over the chicken with some thyme and herbs to prepare the perfect winter feast for you and the family to enjoy.
17. Slow Cooker Deep-Dish Pizza
There’s no better comfort food than pizza, especially when the crust is a little softer and the center is more delicate and tasty thanks to a crockpot.
Whether you want to make a smaller pizza to enjoy later in the day or a bigger one that can be shared around the table so everyone gets a slice, this is a must try option for any pizza enthusiasts out there.
18. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Honey Lime Chicken Tacos
There is no better excuse to stay inside when the temperatures drop outside than having a taco night, and the mixture of slow cooked chicken with a spicy salsa verde sauce and vegetables all cased by a soft taco makes for one of the most delicious and healthy tacos you will ever try, perfect as a surprise for the kids during those colder months.
19. Slow Cooked Ratatouille
While ratatouille can often look incredibly appetizing and very fancy with all the colorful ingredients swirled around the dish, it can often take so much preparation and time out of your day that by the time it’s ready, you can be too exhausted to even want to eat it.
This recipe nullifies this issue by retaining all the rich textures and flavor that is only enhanced after being cooked for so long and is still incredibly healthy with a delicious mixture of summer squash, thyme leaves, tomatoes, peppers and any other healthy greens you wish to add to this crowd pleaser.
20. Slow Cooker Shrimp And Crab Bisque
While the heavier and more juicy meat is usually left for the summer, seafood is an excellent option to base meals on in the fall and colder months since it is so light and easy to digest, and that’s especially the case with this creamy seafood dish filled with shrimp and crabby goodness that makes for the perfect transition from summer to winter.
21. Tortellini Soup
Loaded with vegetables to make for a nice and nutritious appetizers, you can’t go far wrong with a cheese and creamy tortellini soup, especially when mixed in with a few chopped Italian sausage pieces.
To top it all off, there is no flour or heavy cream required, simply let the crock pot do the work and enjoy this healthy and warm appetizer at your own leisure.
22. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
The perfect way to make use of any leftover ham, not only is this piping hot soup incredibly rich in soluble fiber which helps to maintain and stabilize our blood sugar levels, it is also incredibly high in protein while being low in fat, so you won’t need to worry about any nutritional downsides when enjoying this seasoned and slightly salty but delicious split pea soup.
23. Slow Cooker Jambalaya
The tenderized chunks of chicken and andouille sausage pieces in this mixture are cut perfectly by the inclusion of shrimp that makes this recipe a Southern favorite when softened down a little bit in the crockpot.
Easy to prepare and fused with multiple deep and rich layers of delicious flavors, don’t forget to top this meal off with some onions, green peppers and celery to give the broth an even deeper and more refreshing taste.
24. Nacho Soup
Many of us enjoy the crunchy sensation of nachos in the summertime, especially when paired up with a delicious dip, however by using a crockpot you can enjoy the flavor of nachos in an easy and comforting soup, making for the perfect transition to the winter time.
Packed full of beef and veggies, the rich and layered flavors of this soup are incredibly unique and is a great way to incorporate a summer favorite food into a warm and healthy bowl for the colder months of the year.
25. Slow Cooker Lentil And Quinoa Chili
This vegetarian dish is excellent when you want something quick and easy to snack on in the middle of a busy week that has a slight bit of a kick to its flavor to keep you warm but also refreshed when venturing into the cold outdoors.
Top off the chili with some Greek yogurt and a little cheese to make this recipe even lighter and refreshing, perfect as a small afternoon snack that benefits so much from the long and low temperatures of the crockpot.
26. Slow Cooker Beer Cheese Soup
This delicious dessert is exactly what it sounds like, an elegant mixture of sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese and a splash of beer to make a steaming warm soup that goes so well with some crusty bread dipped in.
While you can mix in any of your favorite alcohol into this mix, beer gives this soup a warm and comforting taste that is so nice to sip on when curled up watching a movie or binging a tv series.
27. Slow Cooker Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
We all love to snack on some crunchy biscuits in the colder seasons since they are such a delightful delicacy, however when paired with some beautiful chicken pot pie that is filled with flavors thanks to the slow-cooking preparation, it makes for a delicious pie recipe filled with greens that even the kids won’t shy away from.
28. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying some delicious and gooey beef stroganoff, it is a fantastic, hearty and healthy family friendly meal that has a meaty taste which elegantly fuses with the creamy stroganoff sauce which is a mix between gravy and cream cheese.
If you have a lot of mouths to feed and don’t want to leave anyone disappointed, you can’t go wrong with this delicious beef recipe that will keep you warm and satisfied in the fall.
29. Slow Cooker Angel Pork Chops
The reason angel pork chops get their name is because of the angel hair pasta they are mixed with which helps make them a bit softer and more delicate to chew and bite into for when you don’t want a meal that’s too thick or hefty on a chillier day.
The crockpot in this recipe is used for both the meat and the creamy sauce which creates an incredible mixture of flavors that is so delightful on the tongue and a must try for those who prefer the succulent taste of pork to other meats.
30. Butternut Squash
Many of us love the creamy and sweet taste of butternut squash that is such a delight to sip on when the wind is bustling outside and the temperatures drop, however it can often be a nuisance to take the time to peel, cut and chop the ingredients just to start preparing it.
A crockpot is the perfect solution, not only does it remove the need for any cutting, it makes the squash a lot smoother and mitigates the risk of it being too thick or a little too sickly which it can be when rushed in the oven.
31. Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
The last few months of the year are undoubtedly busy, there’s presents to buy, family to visit and a lot of tv to catch up on, which is what makes these beautiful slow cooked sprouts so optimal since they are literally an all in one recipe.
Insert some balsamic vinegar, brussel sprouts, unsalted butter and kosher salt in the crockpot along with some parmesan cheese, and let the slow cooker do the hard work for you.
32. Milk And Honey Corn On The Cob
This incredible dessert tastes as incredible as it sounds, a sweet and sticky mixture that compliments the slow cooked corn so well allowing it to absorb all the sweet and savory flavors that makes this such an excellent evening appetizer, especially with a little bit of added coconut milk for that extra hint of sweetness.
33. Crockpot Bacon Macaroni And Cheese
While bacon may not always be considered ‘comfort food’ in the traditional sense, when slow cooked and mixed with some gooey mac and cheese, it becomes far more savory and creamy which elevates the flavor of this fan favorite food and gives it a taste far more suited for the fall.
Frequently Asked Question
Can Crockpots Be Left To Cook Overnight?
All types of slow cooker are designed to be left on a low to medium heat for hours at a time so if you plan on letting a dish heat up while you sleep, then this is perfectly fine and won’t be anything to worry about.
It’s always advised to never keep the temperature on high overnight however as this can easily burn the food, so a medium and preferably low heat is the better option.
Summary
There’s no better time to enjoy some warm and delicious meals than in the fall months, so dust off the crockpot and try a few of these recipes all packed full of flavor that you and the family are sure to enjoy in those chillier months.
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