10 Crockpot Fall Recipes to Warm Your Heart and Home

Fall is my favorite time of year to dust off my crockpot and fill the house with the cozy aromas of slow-cooked meals. There’s something so comforting about walking through the door after a crisp autumn day to the smell of a hearty stew or a rich chili simmering away. 

As a home cook, I love how the crockpot does all the heavy lifting, letting me enjoy the season’s best flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Today, I’m sharing ten crockpot fall recipes that have become staples in my home. 

These dishes are packed with seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, apples, and warm spices, and they’re perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Read Also: Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes for Family

Why Crockpot Recipes Are Perfect for Fall

The beauty of a crockpot lies in its simplicity. You toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. ,

Fall is the ideal season for slow cooking because the cooler weather calls for hearty, soul-warming dishes. Plus, with the holidays creeping up, who doesn’t want to save time in the kitchen? 

These recipes highlight the best of fall—think butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and rich broths—and they’re crowd-pleasers that even picky eaters will love.

Read Also: Easy Healthy Crockpot Chili Recipe

1. Crockpot Pumpkin Spice Chili

I stumbled upon this pumpkin chili recipe a few years ago, and it’s been a fall favorite ever since. The pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the smoky spices and tender ground beef. It’s a unique twist on classic chili that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add the beef, pumpkin puree, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices to the crockpot.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Season with salt and pepper before serving. Top with sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Pro Tip: This chili freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for those chilly November nights.

Read Also: Bushs White Chicken Chili Recipe

2. Crockpot Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin

Nothing screams fall like the sweet, tangy aroma of apple cider simmering with tender pork tenderloin. This recipe is a go-to for Sunday dinners when I want something impressive but effortless. The apples and onions caramelize in the crockpot, creating a sauce that’s perfect over mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
  2. Place the apples and onion in the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Set the pork on top and sprinkle with brown sugar.
  4. Pour the apple cider over everything.
  5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
  6. Slice or shred the pork and serve with the apples and onions, drizzling the sauce over the top.

Pro Tip: For a thicker sauce, blend the cooked apples and onion with an immersion blender.

Read Also: Pork and Apple Skillet Recipe

3. Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy butternut squash soup is like fall in a bowl. It’s velvety, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with a chunk of crusty bread. I love making this when I’m hosting friends—it’s so easy to prep, and everyone always asks for seconds.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add the butternut squash, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth to the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the squash is soft.
  3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Pro Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch.

Read Also: Lentil and Vegetable Soup Recipe

4. Crockpot Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole is a must-have for my Thanksgiving table, but it’s so good I make it all fall long. The maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness, and the pecan topping gives it that perfect crunch.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place the sweet potatoes in the crockpot.
  2. Mix the maple syrup, butter, brown+sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
  3. Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes and stir to coat.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Mash the potatoes slightly, then top with pecans and mini marshmallows (if using).
  6. Cover and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the marshmallows are melted.

Pro Tip: If you want a crispier topping, transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes.

Read Also: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowls Recipe

5. Crockpot Easy Marry Me Chicken

I tried the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe in my crockpot, and let me tell you, it lives up to the hype. The creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes is so good, it might just inspire a proposal! This dish is perfect for a cozy fall date night.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the crockpot.
  2. Mix the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
  3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Pro Tip: For a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Read Also: Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe

6. Crockpot Beef and Barley Stew

This beef and barley stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly fall evenings. The barley adds a hearty, nutty texture, and the slow-cooked beef melts in your mouth. It’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Season the beef chuck with salt and pepper and brown in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer to the crockpot.
  2. Add the pearl barley, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and stir.
  4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
  5. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of red wine to the stew for extra depth of flavor.

Read Also: Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

7. Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This chicken and wild rice soup is creamy, hearty, and packed with fall veggies. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I need something comforting after a long day. The wild rice gives it a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, and rosemary in the crockpot.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and stir.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender.
  4. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crockpot.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk.

Read Also: Chicken Chesapeake Recipe

8. Crockpot Spiced Apple Butter

This apple butter is a fall staple in my house. It’s sweet, spiced, and perfect for spreading on toast or gifting to friends. The crockpot makes it so easy to turn apples into this rich, velvety spread.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place the apples in the crockpot.
  2. Mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice in a bowl.
  3. Pour the sugar mixture over the apples and stir to coat.
  4. Cook on low for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft.
  5. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract and cook on low for an additional 2 hours.
  7. Store in jars in the fridge or can for longer storage.

Pro Tip: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor.

Read Also: Crab Apple Jelly Recipe

9. Crockpot Harvest Vegetable Stew

This vegetarian vegetable stew is packed with fall produce like sweet potatoes and kale. It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect for meatless Mondays. I love how the flavors come together after a long, slow cook.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir to combine.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Pro Tip: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Read Also: Kale and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

10. Crockpot Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal

This oatmeal recipe is like waking up to fall in a bowl. The apples and cinnamon make your kitchen smell amazing, and it’s a hearty breakfast that keeps you full all morning.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add the steel-cut oats, apples, milk, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the crockpot.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or overnight.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract before serving.
  5. Top with chopped nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Pro Tip: Spray the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Read Also: Amish Apple Cake Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I make these crockpot recipes ahead of time?

Absolutely! All these recipes are great for meal prep. You can prepare the ingredients the night before, store them in the crockpot insert in the fridge, and pop it in to cook the next day. Most of these dishes also reheat well, so you can make them a day or two in advance.

2. Are these recipes freezer-friendly?

Yes, every single one of these recipes freezes beautifully. I recommend portioning them into freezer-safe containers for easy reheating. The chili, soups, and stew are especially great for freezing—just leave out the cream in the soups until you’re ready to reheat.

3. Can I use a different protein in these recipes?

Definitely! Swap ground beef for ground turkey in the chili, or try chicken thighs instead of pork tenderloin. The flavors are versatile enough to work with different proteins.

4. How do I adjust these recipes for a smaller crockpot?

If you have a smaller crockpot (like a 3-quart model), halve the ingredients but keep the cooking times the same. Check for doneness a bit earlier, as smaller volumes can cook faster.

5. Can I make these recipes vegetarian?

Yes! For the chili, skip the ground beef and add more beans or lentils. For the pork and chicken dishes, try using tofu or portobello mushrooms. The soup, stew, casserole, apple butter, and oatmeal are already vegetarian-friendly or easily adaptable.

Final Thoughts

These ten crockpot fall recipes have been lifesavers in my kitchen, bringing warmth and comfort to my family’s table all season long. From the spicy kick of the pumpkin chili to the sweet, indulgent apple butter, there’s something here for every fall craving. I love how these dishes let me embrace the season’s flavors without spending all day cooking. Grab your crockpot, stock up on fall ingredients, and give these recipes a try. I’d love to hear which one becomes your new favorite!

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