45 Slow Cooker Recipes For Better Fall Days
The fall season offers many charms, but it also brings about dropping temperatures that leave us craving hot, hearty meals that can take a long time to prepare. Maybe you love to cook, but just don't have the time you need to create a big meal every weeknight. Perhaps you don't care for cooking all that much, but you do want an amazing dish to come home to after a busy day of work. Whichever camp you fall into, you'll love these slow-cooker meals perfect for busy autumn nights.
All you'll need to do is throw some ingredients into your slow cooker before you leave the house. In the end, you can come home to an amazing dinner that took very little effort. Put together some sides (or don't!) and you'll have dinner on the table within minutes. Best of all, these aren't just your average slow-cooker soups or other standard recipes. We've pulled together a few inventive options that you likely didn't even know you could make in your slow cooker, and there are options for every autumn night, regardless of what you're craving.
1. Slow Cooker French Toast
Have a hankering for breakfast food? You can enjoy breakfast for dinner in a flash, thanks to this French toast recipe using your slow cooker. You'll want to set your brioche bread to soak in a mixture of custard, brown sugar, orange zest, and nutmeg in the morning (or the night before you want it). Then, when your lunch break rolls around, turn on your slow cooker and let it do its thing. The result is a super-flavorful, golden, rich French toast that's ready and waiting for all your favorite toppings.
Recipe: Slow Cooker French Toast
2. Slow Cooker Persian Peach and Chicken Stew
This sweet-and-sour dish combines fresh peaches and chicken for a delicious and easy stew that's a far cry from your standard beef stew with carrots and potatoes. A burst of flavor is made possible via a combination of spices such as turmeric, coriander, cumin, and cardamom, while pomegranate molasses and lime juice add extra notes of flavor to the harmony. Eat this stew as-is or serve alongside rice for an extra-filling meal that'll hit the spot.
3. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
French onion soup looks impressive, sure — but there's no need to labor over your stove to put an amazing bowl of this crowd-favorite soup on the table. With a little slicing, dicing, and waiting for your slow cooker to do all of the work, you can turn out a delicious batch of French onion soup in only 10 minutes of prep time, and just over 5 hours of cooking time. After the soup is finished, all you need to do is broil your toast and top the soup with cheese.
Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
4. Slow Cooker Carnitas
Described as the "south-of-the-border version of pulled pork," carnitas is an absolute must for any Mexican-inspired feast. However, roasting your pork low and slow in the oven requires you to stick around the house and keep an eye on the cooking process. If you just don't have time for that but are still craving some delicious Mexican eats, let your slow cooker do the hard work for you this autumn. This recipe cooks your pork to fall-apart, melt-in-your-mouth perfection in 4 hours.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas
5. Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
If your go-to takeout order is sesame chicken, you'll love this super-easy slow-cooker recipe. Just throw your chicken breasts and sauce ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do its thing for a few hours. When you come back, your chicken will be ready to shred and you can use the cooking liquid to create a thickened, delicious sauce. Serve your sesame chicken with rice or noodles for a complete and easy meal.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
6. Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast
Whether you're hosting an autumn dinner party or just want a delicious, elegant meal after a busy day, consider this slow cooker pork loin recipe. Easy, but with spectacular results, the recipe produces a perfectly-cooked pork loin that's ready for serving alongside your favorite side dishes. You'll need to brown the pork loin ahead of popping it into your slow cooker, but that's basically all the work you'll have to do — unless you decide to also make a savory gravy with the pan juices afterward, which we highly recommend.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin Roast
7. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
There's no need to spend money on Indian takeout the next time you're craving butter chicken during a busy week. Just put your slow cooker to work and come home to find this favorite dish ready and waiting. This is literally one of those slow-cooker recipes that simply allows you to dump all of the ingredients into your slow cooker, mix it up, and forget about it. All you have to do afterward is come back later to your ready-to-eat butter chicken.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
8. Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken
Whether you're serving it on a bun or all on its own, barbecue chicken makes a delicious dinner any season. This slow-cooker recipe shows you how to make your own barbecue sauce, which you use to drench your chicken thighs, before letting it all simmer together for 4 hours. You only need about 15 minutes of prep time to piece it together and then you're ready to chow down. Open up a pack of potato rolls and a bag of chips, and dinner's ready.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken
9. Slow Cooker Barbecue Brisket
If you've already had your fair share of slow-cooker barbecue chicken (it is a pretty easy and popular slow-cooker recipe, to be honest) and you want to level up your barbecue game without any hassle, you'll want to try this slow cooker barbecue brisket recipe. Requiring only a handful of ingredients and just over 6 hours, it results in a tender, succulent brisket swimming in a smoky, tomato-based barbecue sauce.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbecue Brisket
10. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Move over, standard red chili. Whether you're laying off the red meat or just want something new in your rotation of soups and stews, this slow cooker white chicken chili recipe fits the bill. It swaps out traditional beef for chicken breasts, kidney beans for cannellini beans, and tomatoes for corn. Best of all, it adds in a whole lot of extra flavor thanks to jalapeños, lime juice, and green chiles. This may just become your favorite overall chili recipe for good.
Recipe: Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
11. Slow Cooker Al Pastor
A slow cooker is ideal for preparing large cuts of meat like pork butt or shoulder, as the lengthy cooking process ensures the result is tender. For al pastor, add chunks of pineapple, pork shoulder or butt, chipotle peppers, and assorted seasonings to a slow cooker and cook on high.
Once the meat is done, shred it with a fork and serve it with more pineapple, fresh cilantro, and tortillas for an easy taco night. There are endless ways to customize this hearty dish as the temperatures start to cool.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Al Pastor
12. Creamy Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken
Start by searing chicken breasts in a skillet to get a nice crust and a deep golden color. Then add them to the slow cooker with a lemon garlic broth and chunks of cream cheese. Cook the meat on high or low depending on your time constraints, until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve this creamy, rich chicken dish with pasta or a side of rice for the ultimate comfort food. Don't forget a sprinkle of chopped parsley leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.
Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken
13. Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Create a savory blend of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and red pepper flakes in the slow cooker, then toss in the flank steak with a coating of cornstarch and shredded carrots, and cook until the meat is tender. As a leaner cut, flank steak can be rather tough if incorrectly prepared, making it an excellent candidate for slow cooking.
Pair Mongolian beef with steamed rice, and garnish the top with green onions and sesame seeds for a warm and nourishing beef-driven meal.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
14. Slow Cooker Birria
Birria is a prime option for a slow cooker meal, because the meat braises in a savory sauce, eventually becoming a rich broth. This recipe requires several hours of cooking and consists of beef chuck roast, beef short ribs, onion, tomato, chilies (guajillo, árbol, and ancho), and seasonings like cinnamon and cumin.
Once the meat is tender, shred it, and blend the remaining contents to make a consomé. Serve the flavor-packed meat with rice or in a taco, with consomé for dipping or to add to the meat for extra juiciness.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Birria
15. Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
Cashew chicken may be your go-to takeout order, but it's equally delicious prepared in a slow cooker. Coat cubed chicken breast with flour and brown it in a pan, then add it to the slow cooker with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, chili sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and red pepper. Cook it for 2 to 3 hours on low, adding the cashews near the end.
Serve this cashew chicken garnished with sesame seeds and green onions on a bed of rice or noodles for a warming meal this fall.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
16. Slow Cooker Rump Roast
This set-it-and-forget-it recipe can be prepared the night before or the morning of the day you're serving it. Season the meat, then add it to a slow cooker with potatoes, carrots, garlic, balsamic vinegar, thyme, rosemary, and beef broth. Once the beef is tender, shred it with a fork and serve it with the root vegetables.
Apart from being an excellent way to cook this cut of meat to perfection, the potatoes and carrots soak up juices, making them buttery soft and flavorful. It's everything we love about heartier fall meals.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Rump Roast
17. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
If you're seeking a recipe for entertaining, try Buffalo chicken dip. This creamy dish combines chicken breasts, cream cheese, blue cheese dressing, Buffalo wing sauce, and cheddar cheese, with decadent results. Cook it low and slow, or on a higher setting if you want it on the table faster.
Garnish this cheesy dip with crumbled blue cheese and scallions if desired. Serve it with your favorite scooping edible, such as assorted crudités, chips, or crackers. Invite a crowd to dig into this shredded chicken and melted cheese delight.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
18. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
On a cool day, it's hard to beat a creamy bowl of pasta. Alfredo is popular with good reason, and preparing it in a slow cooker makes it even more enticing.
Whisk heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning in the slow cooker, then add chicken breasts and butter. Cook for a few hours, then remove the chicken and shred it. Toss the pasta in with the sauce and more cheese, then finish by stirring in the shredded meat. Garnish the chicken Alfredo pasta with parsley and parmesan, and dig in.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
19. Slow Cooker Cornish Hens and Orzo
Cornish hen might not be on your menu every night, but this is the perfect way to have it regularly. Stuff the hens with aromatics, then slow-cook them with butter, water, white wine, lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme. After a few hours, remove the birds and stir the orzo into the sauce, before replacing the poultry.
If you're undecided between risotto and pasta, orzo is an excellent option. This slow cooker recipe is an easy way to cook a whole bird and obtain tender and juicy results.
20. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
Enchiladas are the ultimate casserole dish, and this slow cooker chicken enchilada soup recipe highlights everything we love. In this version, add chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, chilies, corn, stock, and seasonings to a slow cooker, and cook it for several hours. Once the chicken is done, shred the meat and stir in cream cheese, pepper jack, and cheddar until they melt.
Serve this velvety enchilada soup with avocado, cilantro, and corn chips for crunch. This hearty soup is the type of meal that makes us long for cooler temperatures.
21. Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwich
Fans of Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches needn't venture out into the cool fall days to buy one. Instead, sear beef chuck roast in a pan to brown, then add it to a slow cooker along with giardiniera, herbs, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and beef broth. Cook until the meat starts falling apart, then shred it and add it back to the jus.
Assemble this Italian beef sandwich by loading the meat and bell peppers into a hoagie roll. Dip the sandwich into jus or spoon it over the top.
22. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Add sautéed onions, chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, broth, spices, lime, and fresh cilantro to a slow cooker on high, until the chicken is done. Shred the breasts, then add the meat back to the flavor-packed broth to serve.
Experiment with toppings here — anything you'd want to add to a chicken tortilla wrap is fair game. Tortilla strips, sliced avocado, and more fresh cilantro are a must, and a dollop of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce would taste great too.
23. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
To prepare this Southern classic in a slow cooker, add chicken thighs, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, herbs, and chicken broth to the pot on high. Partially bake bite-sized biscuits (Pillsbury makes refrigerated dough that will save you time). Next, shred the chicken meat and add a cornstarch slurry, evaporated milk, and the biscuits into the slow cooker for another hour.
Finish by adding spinach to the broth, then serve this hearty meal piping hot. Chicken and dumplings is a timeless pairing that warms us up with its home-cooked comforts.
24. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
No one will be annoyed if mac and cheese is for dinner, and this slow cooker version simplifies the process. Add uncooked macaroni, milk, assorted cheeses (cheddar and American, in this case), spices (mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne), and butter to the slow cooker. Cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally to enhance the velvety texture.
To serve, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley leaves. Take advantage of fall produce and experiment by adding pumpkin or squash puree to the sauce.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
25. Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
There's nothing better than a hot morning meal in the cooler fall months, and this slow cooker breakfast casserole ensures it will be ready by the time you wake up. Whisk together eggs, milk, and your choice of seasonings. Layer potatoes in the slow cooker and add half of the egg mixture, onions, sausage, and cheese on top. Add the remaining potatoes, then the remaining egg mixture and ingredients, and cook on high.
Serve the casserole warm with any extra sauce or garnish.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
26. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
A hearty minestrone is an obvious meal to enjoy as fall rolls around, and this slow-cooker version is easy and requires minimal effort. Add tomatoes, broth, carrots, celery, onion, herbs, and seasonings to the pot and cook on high. Add an assortment of canned beans and pasta, and finish cooking the soup to let the flavors meld together.
Extra spinach leaves add a splash of green, and fresh grated parmesan takes this minestrone into decadence. Serve it with a crusty piece of bread for a nourishing meal to warm you up.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
27. Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb
If you love lamb but are intimidated about cooking it, pop a leg of lamb into a slow cooker and let the appliance do its magic. Season the meat with salt, pepper, dried herbs, fresh rosemary, and garlic, and add onions, stock, and butter to the pot. Cook on high overnight or all day, and you'll be rewarded with deliciously tender lamb meat.
Serve the meat with mashed potatoes to round out this cool-weather classic with a comforting touch.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Leg of Lamb
28. Slow Cooker Beer Brats
This German-inspired Midwestern classic offers all the cozy vibes you'd want from a meat-forward dish. Sear bratwurst in a skillet to brown, then add the sausages to a slow cooker with sauerkraut, potatoes, onions, and spices. (Don't forget the mustard seed!) Top the contents with German lager, and cook on low overnight or all day.
Get ready for the warm fragrance wafting out of the pot. Serve the tender potatoes, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and onions with a root vegetable puree to soak up the juices.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Beer Brats
29. Slow Cooker Chicken Pho
Pho is a staple in the fall, and this slow-cooker chicken version requires just 5 minutes to prep. Combine chicken, aromatics, and assorted spices (star anise, cloves, and coriander) in the pot and cook. Prep the noodles on the side, shred the chicken once it's ready, and serve all the components ladled into a bowl.
Garnish the bowl with fresh basil, mint, and bean sprouts for an herbaceous kick. Sriracha or hoisin are other great toppers, and a squeeze of lime juice keeps the homey pho nice and bright.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Pho
30. Slow Cooker Corned Beef
Corned beef is an Irish-American classic, and this slow cooker recipe makes preparing it extra simple. Place a piece of brisket in the slow cooker along with seasonings, onions, carrots, and potatoes, and pour a can of lager over everything. Cook on low overnight or throughout the day, then add the cabbage and keep cooking on high until it's tender. Serve brisket slices with the savory vegetables.
Although this meal shows up regularly around St. Patrick's Day, its hearty nature makes it a chilly fall day classic.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Corned Beef
31. Slow Cooker Peach Butter
If you had an abundant peach harvest, this slow cooker peach butter recipe will transform any extra fruit into a delightful spread. Add chopped peaches, sugar, pink peppercorns, salt, and lemon zest to a slow cooker. Let the steam escape while reducing the fruit into a soft syrupy concoction.
Once the mixture cools, puree it with lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency. Spread it on toast or add a dollop to yogurt and granola for breakfast. For a savory take, use it as glaze for a grilled chicken recipe.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Peach Butter
32. Slow Cooker Chicken Pozole Verde
Pozole verde is a hearty traditional Mexican soup recipe that incorporates various ingredients depending on the desired style. For this recipe, broil various peppers, onions, and tomatillos to char and soften them. Remove the skins, and pulse to blend. Add the mixture to the slow cooker along with the chicken, broth, and spices, and cook until the meat is tender.
Stir in some hominy, then serve with radish, cilantro, lime, and avocado, as well as any other toppings you want to feature, such as sliced chili peppers for heat.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Pozole Verde
33. Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken Thighs
This curry recipe amps up the flavor. Brown chicken thighs in a skillet, then add them with aromatics to the slow cooker with coconut milk, broth, fish sauce, and sugar. Cook until the meat is falling apart, then toss in some spinach.
Serve this fragrant curry with steamed white rice for a cool-weather meal that feels like a warm hug. Garnish with extra cilantro sprigs, green onions, and lime juice for a bright contrast. Cook this all day on low, or increase the heat for quicker results.
34. Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Tinga
This easy Mexican chicken tinga recipe consists of chicken breast, broth, onion, garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo, and oregano. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low or high until the meat is tender, then shred it to serve.
This tasty chicken is ideal as a tortilla filling, along with cilantro, cotija cheese, and onion. Alternatively, serve the chipotle-flavored meat with rice and beans for a filling meal that is just as delicious the following day.
35. Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna
Lasagna is a comfort food by all definitions, and it is sure to improve any day. For this vegetarian recipe, start by sautéeing vegetables in a frying pan and preparing a creamy cheese mixture. Assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker, starting with a layer of canned tomatoes, lasagna noodles, sautéed vegetables, and cheese, continuing until all ingredients are in the pot.
Set it and forget it, then come back to this warm and savory cheesy vegetarian lasagna ready to serve. Add shredded basil leaves to top it off.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna
36. Slow Cooker Barbacoa
Barbacoa is a Mexican slow-cooked specialty that results in decadently tender meat that melts in your mouth. Toast the spices and chilies, sauté some garlic, and simmer the ingredients for the adobo sauce. Blend the mixture, and then add the broth, beef chuck roast, and sauce to the pot, wrapping the meat in banana leaves. Cook overnight or all day until the meat is tender, then shred it and season to taste.
Use the meat to stuff a burrito or tacos, or serve it with vegetables and rice for a heartwarming meal.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa
37. Slow Cooker London Broil
Start by searing a London broil steak in a pan, then add it to a slow cooker with a mixture of broth, Worcestershire sauce, red wine, garlic, onion powder, and butter. Cook on low until the meat is tender, and you're ready to serve up this hearty dish.
Add potatoes or vegetables to the slow cooker to simplify it further, or prep a separate side dish. The simple marinade infuses rich flavors into the meat, without having to soak it prior to cooking.
Recipe: Slow Cooker London Broil
38. Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
This trendy dish follows a straightforward recipe that can be even simpler thanks to a slow cooker. Add chicken breasts or thighs to the pot along with ranch seasoning and packaged gravy mix. Add jarred pepperoncini with its juice, as well as plenty of butter. Cook the meat, then shred it in the pot and serve it with the gravy.
Mashed potatoes take this Mississippi chicken into comfort-food territory, or use the flavorful meat as a sandwich filler when you want an easy-yet-warm dinner.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
39. Slow Cooker Chicken Ribollita
This traditional Tuscan meal was once just a humble dish, but modern-day diners have discovered its allure. This version is gluten-free and swaps bread with chicken, making it a high-protein option to keep you going in the colder months.
Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pot, along with shredded chicken, beans, seasonings, broth, water, and crushed tomatoes. Cook on high, then add some kale and parsley to wilt, before serving this nourishing meal in a bowl with grated parmesan.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Ribollita
40. Slow Cooker Baked Beans
A flavor-packed bowl of baked beans offers all the nourishment and savory goodness you could want. This recipe consists of assorted canned beans (black, navy, and kidney), bacon for salty umami notes, and a blend of barbecue sauce, molasses, gochujang, vinegar, and brown sugar. Cook the beans and bacon for a few hours in the sauce, then season and serve.
Baked beans are a perfect component for a hearty fall breakfast, or enjoy them with rice and vegetables as an easy weeknight dinner.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans
41. Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Dip
A creamy bowl of spinach and artichoke dip is a favorite for entertaining, and this recipe makes it easy to whip up. Mix together spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mozzarella, parmesan, onion, garlic, cream, and red wine vinegar, then add it to a slow cooker. Cook until the cheese is melted, stirring occasionally to ensure the mixture remains combined.
Serve this up with a plate of crudités, chips, crispy pita bread, and your favorite crackers for an easy appetizer your guests will love.
42. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is a nourishing fall-season favorite that can be prepared as a vegetarian meal, or not. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, potatoes, and garlic to a slow cooker along with the peas, broth, and seasonings. Stir and cook on high or low depending on your schedule — there's nothing quite like coming home on a chilly night to a hearty bowl of soup!
To serve, garnish with parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and chunks of cooked ham if desired.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
43. Slow Cooker Cajun-Boiled Peanuts
Try making this tasty, salty snack in a slow cooker. Add raw peanuts in the shell to the pot, along with Cajun seasoning, salt, garlic granules, and red pepper flakes. Pour boiling water over the top and a splash of liquid smoke for flavor. Cook on high overnight or all day, then drain off the water to dry the peanuts and salt them again if desired.
While you can't keep these peanuts for a long time, they make the perfect snack to enjoy on a brisk fall day.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun-Boiled Peanuts
44. Slow Cooker Cream Corn
Add canned corn, milk, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker, and top the mixture with chunks of cream cheese and butter. Cook on high until the mixture is smooth and blended, then garnish this lusciously creamy corn with fresh parsley or your choice of herbs.
This makes an excellent side dish for other comfort-food favorites or grilled meat, creating a wholesome meal that will warm you right up.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Cream Corn
45. Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja
This Cuban classic is an obvious contender for a slow cooker, as flank steak requires a lengthy cooking time to tenderize to perfection. Sear the steak, then add it to the slow cooker with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, olives, capers, and seasonings. Cook on high, then shred the meat and let it cook a bit longer in the juices.
Serve this richly flavored meat as a taco filler, or with a mound of rice and extra sauce.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja