10 Fall Slow Cooker Recipes for Cozy Meals This Season

September 11, 2024

Courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen

Fall is the perfect season for comforting, warm meals — and a great moment to fire up the slow cooker. With all the veggies and fruit crowding farmer’s markets this season, there are tons of fuss-free fall slow cooker recipes that are also bursting with flavor and good nutrition. Plus, the set-it-and-forget-it nature of slow cooker meals means you can cross “make dinner” off your weeknight to-do list.

One of the best things about fall produce is its nutritional value. Many of the fruits and vegetables available during this season are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help boost your immune system during the colder months. For example, butternut squash is high in vitamin A and potassium, which can help promote healthy skin and lower blood pressure. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of potassium, as well as vitamin C and fiber. Apples, another fall favorite, are loaded with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and boost heart health.

Here are 10 delicious and healthy fall slow cooker recipes that will warm you up from the inside out.

1. Crockpot Beef Stew

This classic comfort food meal is perfect for a chilly fall night. Made with budget-friendly chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, and celery, this stew is packed with protein and fiber. Plus, the slow cooking process tenderizes the meat and allows all the flavors to meld together.

Try this recipe from Well Plated.

2. Soy Maple-Glazed Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

This sweet and savory dish is a great way to use up those sweet potatoes you picked up at the farmer’s market. The delicious soy maple glaze requires just 5 ingredients but packs in the flavor. Use olive oil instead of butter in this dish to make it dairy free.

Try this recipe from 100 Days of Real Food.

3. Crockpot Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for a healthy and filling meal. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, while carrots and celery add a boost of vitamins and minerals. Adding a little turmeric to the mix gives this soup an extra burst of flavor and color, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits.

Try this recipe from Pinch of Yum.

4. Pumpkin Chicken Crockpot Chili

This fall-inspired chili is perfect for a cozy night in. The pumpkin adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess, while the chicken and beans provide plenty of protein and fiber. Plus, the spices used in this recipe, such as chili powder and cumin, can help boost your metabolism and aid in digestion.

Try this recipe from Bucket List Tummy.

5. Butternut Squash, Chickpea, and Lentil Moroccan Stew

This flavorful stew is perfect for a vegetarian meal. Chickpeas and lentils provide protein and fiber, while butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness. Top it with a squeeze of lemon and some chopped cilantro to brighten the flavor.

Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

6. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup

Nothing screams fall like pumpkin, which, along with being sweet and delicious, is also high in vitamin A and fiber. Coconut milk adds a touch of creaminess, and the fresh ginger has antioxidant benefits. Serve it as a starter, or alongside a salad for a veggie-rich meal.

Try this recipe from Detoxinista.

7. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Pulled Pork Tacos

Make taco night extra special with this recipe. Slow cooking makes the pulled pork so tender, while the butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness. Serve it with warmed corn tortillas, or pile the pork, squash, and your favorite taco toppings over a bed of greens.

Try this recipe from Well Plated.

8. Slow Cooker Black Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili

You can never have too many hearty chili recipes in the fall. The turkey and black beans provide plenty of protein and fiber, while the sweet pumpkin gives this bowl a decidedly autumnal feel. With only 15 minutes of prep, you could make this one in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner ready for everyone to devour.

Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

9. Crock Pot Thai Chicken Soup

Who needs takeout when you have this simple slow cooker recipe? Throw everything in the cooker in 10 minutes, set it for 8 to 10 hours, and you’ll be rewarded with complex flavor and a hearty one-bowl meal. Stir in coconut milk, lime juice, and rice noodles at the very end and grab a spoon.

Try this recipe from The Endless Meal.

10. Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash and apples, two fall faves, join forces in this hearty plant-based soup. Coconut milk lends creaminess, and there’s a touch of cayenne for a hint of spice. You could also drizzle on some sriracha before serving for an additional pop of color and heat, if you like. This soup freezes well, too, so stash some in single-serve containers in the freezer for the benefit of future-you.

Try this recipe from Well Plated.