55 Fall Slow-Cooker Recipes You'll Want to Make Now (2024)

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55 Fall Slow-Cooker Recipes You'll Want to Make Now (1)Colleen LudoviceUpdated: Jan. 12, 2024

    Autumn days call for comfort food. Fill your slow cooker with favorite fall ingredients to make soul-warming dinners, breakfasts and desserts.

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    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Meatball Stew

    This recipe was a lifesaver when I worked full time and needed a dinner the kids would enjoy when we got home. It is perfect to let your young ones help prepare. They can chop, peel, mix and pour. It doesn’t matter if the veggies are all different sizes—your children will still devour this fun and tasty stew. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

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    Taste of Home

    Fall Vegetable Sloppy Joes

    I make this dish in the fall and sneak grated vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture, which is especially good for children who don’t like to eat their vegetables! Just walk away and let the slow cooker do all the work. Top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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    Taste of Home

    Cabbage Barley Soup

    My neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My cabbage vegetarian soup was the clear winner. —they ate the whole pot! —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

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    Slow-Cooker German Bratwurst

    I created this old-world favorite based on a dish I had during my travels. The flavorful entree is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. I like to serve this slow-cooker bratwurst with pasta. —Gerald Hetrick, Erie, Pennsylvania

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    Pumpkin Spice Custard

    Here's a traditional slow-cooker pumpkin spice custard with some espresso powder for a latte effect. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

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    Taste of Home

    Chili Macaroni and Cheese

    What could be tastier on a cold winter day than chili or mac and cheese? Put them together and you have a terrific dish that warms you up and fills you up as well! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

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    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Jambalaya Risotto

    I love risotto, but I don’t always love the time and stirring it takes to get the creamy goodness. I found a slow-cooker risotto recipe and thought it was too good to be true. I decided to adapt a jambalaya recipe for this dish. —Angela Westra, Cambridge, Massachusetts

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    Grampa's German-Style Pot Roast

    Grampa was of German heritage and loved the old-world German recipes given to him by his mother. I made a few changes to give this recipe an updated flavor and to use my slow cooker instead of the oven. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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    Taste of Home

    Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cake

    Think slow cooker as a cake-maker for some seriously yummy dessert that is easy enough for Sunday brunch and tasty enough for Thanksgiving Day—and frees up oven space on holidays, too. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

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    Taste of Home

    Smoky Peanut Butter Chili

    I eliminated beans from my standard chili recipe and added peanut butter and peanuts just for fun. Wow, was it amazing! I tried it on my family and everyone loved it. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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    Apple Pie Steel-Cut Oatmeal

    I absolutely love this slow-cooked oatmeal. The steel-cut oats have so much flavor and texture. My family sprinkles toasted pecans on top whenever possible. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

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    12/54

    Taste of Home

    Peppered Meat Loaf

    I came up with this easy dinner one day while experimenting in the kitchen. Everyone who tries it, loves it! —Laura Burgess, Mount Vernon, South Dakota

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    Taste of Home

    Sweet Potato Chili with Turkey

    My slow-cooker chili is packed with flavor. Swapping ground turkey for ground beef lightens it up, and sweet potato puree sneaks in a healthy dose of vitamin A. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

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    Beef Roast Dinner

    Because this healthy dish is slow-cooked, you can use less expensive roasts with results as mouthwatering as the more costly cuts. Change up the veggies for variety, nutrition or to suit your tastes!—Sandra Dudley, Bemidji, Minnesota

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    Taste of Home

    Pumpkin Pie Pudding

    My husband loves anything pumpkin, and this creamy, comforting pumpkin pudding recipe is one of his favorites. We make our easy pudding all year long, but it’s especially nice in the fall. —Andrea Schaak, Bloomington, Minnesota

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    Slow-Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes

    Every year my Mom made cream cheese mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving. I tailored the recipe to my family's taste and carried on the tradition. I make them a day ahead and use my slow cooker to free up oven space for other dishes. —Ann Nolte, Tampa, Florida

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    18/54

    Slow-Cooked Bread Pudding

    This warm and hearty dessert is perfect on any cold, blustery winter evening. And the slow cooker fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma. My stomach is growling just thinking about it! —Maiah Albi, Carlsbad, California

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    19/54

    English Pub Split Pea Soup

    This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of the slow cooker, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for five hours, and come back to "soup's on." Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

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    20/54

    Taste of Home

    Corn and Broccoli in Cheese Sauce

    This veggie side dish is a solid standby. Because it’s made in a slow cooker, there’s more room in the oven for other dishes. My daughter likes to add leftover ham to hers. —Joyce Johnson, Uniontown, Ohio

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    Taste of Home

    When we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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    Cinnamon-Apple Brown Betty

    If I had to define the "Betty" of Apple Brown Betty, she'd be a smart and thrifty Southern gal with a knack for creating simple, soul-comforting desserts. In this sweet dish, spiced apples are slow-cooked between layers of cinnamon-raisin bread cubes for a wonderful twist on the traditional oven-baked classic. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona

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    Taste of Home

    Spicy Seafood Stew

    The hardest part of this quick and easy recipe is peeling and dicing the potatoes—and you can even do that the night before. Just place the potatoes in water and store them in the refrigerator overnight to speed up assembly the next day. —Bonnie Marlow, Ottoville, Ohio

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    Here’s a heartwarming meal that’s ideal for chilly days and hectic nights. Honey, beer and seasonings make the sauce different and oh-so-good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    Moist Corn Spoon Bread

    Enjoy this easy take on a southern specialty by using the convenient slow cooker. Here’s an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving, Easter or any special feast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Chai Tea

    A wonderful sweet and spicy aroma wafts from the slow cooker as this fragrant and flavorful chai tea cooks. —Crystal Jo Burns, Iliff, Colorado

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    Slow-Cooker Butter Chicken

    I spent several years in Malaysia eating a variety of Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian food. This was one of my favorite dishes! There are many versions of butter chicken, but this is similar to the Middle Eastern version I had. —Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio

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    Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Soup

    I love that I can top this creamy soup with anything my heart desires, which means I can eat it several days in a row without ever having to have it the same way twice. You can substitute fresh onions and celery in this recipe if you prefer, but using the dried version makes it easy to throw together on a weekday morning. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

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    Potluck Candied Sweet Potatoes

    To make it easier to bring this traditional southern staple to a potluck or gathering, I updated it so that it can be cooked in a slow cooker. It's hard to go wrong with candied sweet potatoes when it comes to pleasing a crowd. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

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    Hearty Slow-Cooker Breakfast Hash

    This sweet and savory hash certainly won't leave you hungry—the sausage, veggies and eggs will fill you up. The hint of maple syrup makes it all feel extra cozy. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

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    Slow-Cooker Pork and Apple Curry

    Here's a gentle curry dish that's sure to please American palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California

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    Slow-Cooker Cran-Apple Chutney

    My clan isn’t crazy for cranberries, but they can’t get enough of this delicious chutney. I recommend it for Thanksgiving as it tastes amazing paired with turkey, but it’s also good on its own. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma

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    Taste of Home

    Greek Sausage and Peppers

    This Greek sausage and peppers recipe is an old family favorite. My grandmother, mother and I make this every year for Christmas Eve. Just toss all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let the meal cook all day on low. It makes the house smell amazing and is wonderful comfort food for a chilly holiday. You can double the recipe and freeze the other portion for a hot meal in a pinch. —Debbie Vair, Wake Forest, North Carolina

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    Slow-Roasted Root Vegetables

    When she was a little girl growing up in Italy, my Aunt Virginia learned to make a dish called “Noodles and Nuts.” I tried the topping on carrots and parsnips instead of noodles and haven't looked back. —Terri Collins, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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    Taste of Home

    Brazilian Feijoada

    A co-worker's mom used to make this feijoada recipe for him and it was his favorite. So I made him my own version. Instead of sausage you can use ham hocks, or substitute lean white meat for the red meat if you prefer. —Christiane Counts, Webster, Texas

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    Taste of Home

    Mushroom Marsala with Barley

    This filling vegetarian recipe is a tasty mashup of chicken Marsala and mushroom barley soup. It’s great as a main dish, but can also be served, with or without the barley, as a side. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

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    Taste of Home

    Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili

    My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan

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    Coconut-Pecan Sweet Potatoes

    These delicious sweet potatoes cook effortlessly in the slow cooker so you can tend to other things. Coconut gives the classic a fresh twist. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma

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    Taste of Home

    Fall Garden Medley

    I like to make this recipe in the fall and winter for special occasions because it's very colorful, tasty and healthy. It's a hearty side that complements many different meat dishes. —Krystine Kercher, Lincoln, Nebraska

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    This hearty and healthy stew will warm your family right down to their toes! Serve with cornbread or rolls to soak up every last morsel. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

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    Taste of Home

    Sweet Potato Stuffing

    Mom likes to make sure there will be enough stuffing to satisfy our large family. For our holiday gatherings, she slow-cooks this tasty sweet potato dressing in addition to the traditional stuffing cooked inside the turkey. —Kelly Pollock, London, Ontario

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    Taste of Home

    Cranberry Stuffed Apples

    Cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts add a homey autumn flavor to these stuffed apples, while the slow cooker does most of the work. —Graciela Sandvigen, Rochester, New York

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    Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon

    The golden color, smooth and creamy texture, and wonderful taste of this soup make it welcome on a chilly fall day. It has a slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese, and the cinnamon really comes through. —Jackie Campbell, Stanhope, New Jersey

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    Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal

    There's nothing like a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a slow cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania

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    Apple Butter

    I make several batches of this simple and delicious homemade apple butter recipe to freeze in jars. Depending on the sweetness of the apples used, you can adjust the sugar to taste. —Betty Ruenholl, Syracuse, Nebraska

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    Autumn Pumpkin Chili

    We have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite keeper in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington

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    Cranberry BBQ Pulled Pork

    Cranberry sauce adds a yummy twist to pulled pork, and my family can't get enough of it! The pork cooks to tender perfection in the slow cooker, which also makes this dish conveniently portable. —Carrie Wiegand, Mount Pleasant, Iowa

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    Taste of Home

    Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider

    Spiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter’s chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive holiday cookies at your next gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    Chicken with Apple-Chardonnay Gravy

    I create all my own recipes by experimenting with various ingredients in the kitchen. I love this savory slow cooker chicken dish because it's easy, affordable and fills the house with awesome aromas that make your mouth water.—Theresa Retelle, Appleton, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    North African Chicken and Rice

    I’m always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooked Pumpkin Apple Cobbler

    This spiced cobbler with apples and cranberries is sure to please all of your holiday guests. It is perfect for fall but can be made year-round since it uses fresh or frozen cranberries. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Apple Cider

    There's no last-minute rush before the party when you simmer this slow-cooker apple cider. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico

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    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Grits

    Since moving to the South, I have come to love grits! I also adore my slow cooker, and I worked to find a way to make perfect grits without stirring on the stovetop. I knew this slow-cooker grits recipe was a winner when my mother-in-law overheard someone at a church potluck say that it just wasn't right that a Midwesterner could make such good grits! —Tacy Fleury, Clinton, South Carolina

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    Originally Published: August 31, 2020

    55 Fall Slow-Cooker Recipes You'll Want to Make Now (2024)

    FAQs

    What is best to cook in a slow cooker? ›

    The Best Foods to Cook in Your Slow Cooker
    • Long-Cooking Cuts of Meat. Tough cuts of meat that turn out meltingly tender when cooked low and slow are made for this appliance. ...
    • Whole Chicken & Chicken Thighs. ...
    • Soups, Stews & Chilis. ...
    • Dips.
    Jan 6, 2020

    What is the difference between slow cook high and slow cook low? ›

    Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low. However, for all-day cooking or for less-tender cuts, you may want to use the low setting.

    How do you imitate a slow cooker? ›

    To mimic a slow cooker, you can use a dutch oven or covered casserole dish in a very low oven preheated to 200° Fahrenheit (United States) or 95° Celsius. Some new wall ovens and ranges include a preset “slow cook” function, then automatically switch to “keep warm” when the cooking time is over.

    What goes in slow cooker first? ›

    Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

    What is the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot? ›

    However, Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, while most slow cookers have a metal pot. As with a lot of cooking appliances, the biggest difference comes from the distribution of heat.

    Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

    The only difference between the HIGH and LOW setting on a slow cooker is the amount of time it takes to reach the simmer point, or temperature at which the contents of the appliance are being cooked at. The LOW setting takes longer than the HIGH setting.

    How long can you leave a slow cooker on low? ›

    Slow cooker recipes are often designed for an eight-hour cook so that the food is ready when you return home after a long day. Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it.

    What are the three settings on a slow cooker? ›

    On all CrockPot units you have usually three temperature settings. I for Low, II for High and the last symbol (it may be in the form of "squiggly lines" that look like SS) is the Warm setting.

    Can I use a Crockpot instead of a slow cooker? ›

    A slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing, essentially. A slow cooker is an appliance of which there are lots of brands. Crockpot is one brand of slow cooker. Crockpot popularized slow cookers when they launched their version in the 1970s.

    Can you put raw ingredients in a slow cooker? ›

    Technically you can cook raw meat in a slow cooker, but it's tricky and requires a bit of preparation in order for it to be really worth it. If you simply pop some raw meat in your slow cooker, it won't have a chance to brown, which adds some much-needed flavor and cuts down on plenty of unappealing grease.

    How do I get the best results from a slow cooker? ›

    Reduce liquid when using a slow cooker

    It should just cover the meat and vegetables. Don't overfill your slow cooker, or it may start leaking out the top, and the food won't cook so well. Half to two-thirds full is ideal – certainly no more than three-quarters.

    Why put paper towel under crockpot lid? ›

    The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and prevent any condensation from dripping back onto the food. Be sure to reach for a good-quality, sturdy paper towel that can absorb moisture effectively without falling apart.

    Why putting a tea towel over a slow cooker? ›

    Try putting a tea towel over the top of the slow cooker before replacing the lid. This absorbs the excess moisture, thickening the dish and deepening its flavours. The cloth can be replaced with a fresh one when needed, but usually one tea towel during the final couple of hours will do the trick.

    Why put foil under the lid of a slow cooker? ›

    The heat bounces off from the lid and allows your food to cook faster. Also, you will not lose any of the steam that usually evaporates.

    Can you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

    Can you put meat straight into a slow cooker? Meat can be added directly unseared and not browned. However, browning meat and caramelising the beef is a great way to add depth of flavour and improve the visual appearance of the final dish.

    What are slow cookers best for? ›

    Slow cookers are great for cooking cheaper cuts like beef brisket, pork shoulder, lamb shoulder and chicken thighs. You can also use less meat, as slow cooking really extracts a meaty flavour that permeates the whole dish. Bulk up with vegetables instead.

    What's the point of a slow cooker? ›

    Delivers maximum flavour through the long and slow cooking process. Tenderises meat and other ingredients and keeps the dish deliciously succulent. Easy to use, add your ingredients, set the required temperature and time, and that's it!

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