12 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Fall Days

Fall is the perfect time to embrace comforting, hearty meals that require little effort, and using a slow cooker is the easiest way to achieve this. These recipes are designed to simplify your busy days, allowing you to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving a cozy soup, a filling stew, or a flavorful chicken dish, slow cookers help bring out rich flavors while offering flexible cooking times that fit into your hectic schedule.

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Beef Stew

Beef stew is a classic fall comfort food, and the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy. To make this dish, combine stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, and beef broth in your slow cooker. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary, then season with salt and pepper. Let the stew cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together. The long cooking time ensures that the beef is cooked to perfection and the vegetables are soft without losing their texture. This recipe is great for busy fall days, as you can prepare everything the night before, and when you return home, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal waiting for you.

This beef stew is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a great option for those chilly evenings when you want something filling and comforting but do not have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other things while it slowly develops rich flavors. The versatility of this recipe is also a bonus; it can be adjusted to your taste by adding different vegetables or herbs. The slow-cooked beef stew is an all-in-one dish that pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Slow Cooker Chili

Chili is a perfect choice for fall, and the slow cooker version makes it easy to enjoy a flavorful dish with little effort. Start by combining ground beef, kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and a touch of brown sugar to balance the spice. Stir everything together in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making the chili rich and satisfying. Once ready, you’ll have a hearty meal that can feed a crowd without requiring much preparation.

What makes slow cooker chili such a great fall recipe is its flexibility. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, whether you like it mild or with a bit of a kick. It’s also easy to make in large batches, making it ideal for meal prepping or feeding a group. Additionally, chili is perfect for topping with your favorite condiments like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Serve it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for the ultimate fall comfort food experience.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup is light yet hearty, making it a perfect option for fall when you’re craving something filling but not too heavy. The recipe calls for chicken breasts, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and a blend of spices like cumin and chili powder. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks and stir it back into the soup for added flavor. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, and its light yet savory flavor makes it a great addition to any fall meal rotation.

What makes chicken tortilla soup an excellent slow cooker recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. The soup is also great for customizing with toppings such as crispy tortilla strips, avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. The slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy to prepare. Simply throw everything in, let it cook, and you’ll have a delicious soup ready to serve with little effort.

Potato Leek Soup

Potato leek soup is a rich, creamy dish that’s perfect for chilly fall days. To make it, you’ll need leeks, potatoes, garlic, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Begin by sautéing the leeks and garlic to bring out their sweetness before adding them to the slow cooker along with the potatoes and broth. Cook on low for about 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. The final touch is adding heavy cream to create a smooth and creamy texture. Once the soup is ready, use an immersion blender to purée it until it’s velvety and smooth, creating the perfect comforting fall dish.

The slow cooker is ideal for making potato leek soup because it allows the flavors to develop gradually. As the leeks and garlic soften, they infuse the broth with a deep, savory taste that complements the creamy potatoes perfectly. This soup is easy to prepare and doesn’t require constant attention, which makes it a perfect dish for a busy fall day. You can also customize the soup by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or adding a little shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a satisfying meal.

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a fantastic slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for fall when you want something hearty and flavorful with minimal effort. For this recipe, you’ll need pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, onions, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors. Simply place everything in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 8 hours. The slow cooking process breaks down the pork, making it incredibly tender and easy to shred with just a fork. Once done, you can serve the pulled pork on buns with your favorite toppings or pair it with roasted vegetables for a full meal.

What makes pulled pork a great option for fall is that it’s perfect for both casual family meals and more festive gatherings. It’s easy to prepare in bulk, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. The pork can be served in various ways, from sandwiches to tacos or even over a bed of rice for a different spin. Whether you’re hosting a football game day or simply looking for a no-fuss dinner, pulled pork is a go-to slow cooker recipe that delivers in both flavor and convenience.

Vegetarian Lentil Stew

For a healthy and filling meal, try a vegetarian lentil stew made in the slow cooker. This recipe calls for lentils, carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a blend of herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The lentils absorb the flavors of the broth and vegetables, creating a rich and satisfying stew that’s perfect for a busy fall day. The stew is packed with fiber and plant-based protein, making it a nutritious option for anyone looking for a hearty vegetarian meal.

Vegetarian lentil stew is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste. You can add additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or even toss in some chopped kale for extra greens. The slow cooker does all the work, making it easy to prepare in advance, so you can come home to a warm, healthy meal. Serve the stew with a slice of warm, crusty bread for the ultimate fall comfort food experience. This recipe is not only nutritious but also budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone looking to eat well without breaking the bank.

Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup

Beef and vegetable soup is another hearty and comforting meal perfect for fall. This recipe requires beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, celery, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and beef broth. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, season with herbs like thyme and bay leaves, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The beef becomes tender and infuses the broth with rich flavors while the vegetables soften and contribute to the soup’s heartiness. This dish is the epitome of fall comfort food, filling you up with minimal effort.

One of the best things about this slow cooker beef and vegetable soup is its versatility. You can swap out the vegetables based on what you have available or prefer, such as adding parsnips, turnips, or even sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor. The slow cooking method ensures that every ingredient is infused with flavor, and the result is a nourishing, wholesome meal. It’s a great option for meal prepping too, as the soup keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it easy to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pork Roast

For a sweet and savory dish, slow cooker apple cider pork roast is perfect for fall. You’ll need a pork roast, apple cider, garlic, onion, cinnamon, and a little maple syrup to create a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. Start by placing the pork roast into the slow cooker with all the other ingredients, and cook on low for 7-8 hours. The apple cider reduces down into a sweet glaze that coats the pork, making it incredibly tender and full of flavor. The slow cooking process ensures the pork absorbs all the sweet, spiced flavors, making it a wonderful fall meal.

This dish is a great choice for fall because of its deep, autumnal flavors. The apple cider and cinnamon create a cozy, warming aroma in your home, and the pork roast becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth. It’s an excellent recipe for special occasions or a comforting family meal, and it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side of cranberry sauce. The best part is that the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a classic fall dish that’s made even easier in the slow cooker. To make these, you’ll need bell peppers, ground beef or turkey, rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a mix of herbs and spices like oregano and basil. Start by cooking the ground meat with onions and garlic, then mix it with cooked rice and tomatoes. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place them in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and the peppers will become tender while the stuffing infuses with flavor.

What makes stuffed peppers such a great slow cooker recipe is how customizable they are. You can switch up the protein, using ground chicken or even beans for a vegetarian version. The rice soaks up all the delicious flavors from the sauce and herbs, creating a well-rounded meal in one dish. Stuffed peppers are also an excellent option for meal prep, as they store well and make for a delicious, easy-to-reheat lunch or dinner.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are a quintessential comfort food, and making them in the slow cooker simplifies the process. You’ll need chicken breasts or thighs, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and a mix of herbs like thyme and rosemary. Start by adding the chicken and vegetables to the slow cooker along with the broth and seasonings. Let it cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the dumplings made from flour, butter, and baking powder, letting them cook in the flavorful broth.

This dish is perfect for fall because of its creamy, comforting nature. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, and the dumplings soak up all the delicious flavors from the broth. The slow cooker makes it so easy to prepare, and the result is a hearty meal that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to make. You can even make it ahead of time and reheat the leftovers, making it a great option for a busy weeknight or a family gathering.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

For a delicious Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for fall, try slow-cooker baked ziti. This dish requires ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, ground beef or sausage, and garlic. Brown the ground meat and garlic before mixing it with the marinara sauce, then layer the pasta, sauce, and cheeses in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, and the pasta absorbs all the flavors, becoming perfectly tender while the cheese melts into the sauce. This is a fantastic no-fuss meal that can feed a large family or group.

Slow-cooker baked ziti is great for fall because it’s hearty, comforting, and can be easily customized to your preferences. You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or use different types of meat, or even make it vegetarian by leaving out the sausage or beef. This dish is perfect for those days when you want a filling, flavorful meal without spending much time in the kitchen. It’s also a great make-ahead dish that stores well for leftovers, so you can enjoy it on busy days later in the week.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup

Nothing says fall like pumpkin, and this slow cooker pumpkin soup is the perfect way to enjoy the seasonal flavor. To make it, you’ll need canned pumpkin, vegetable broth, onions, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, and heavy cream. Sauté the onions and garlic, then add them to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours until everything is soft and the flavors have blended together. Once the soup is done, use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth and creamy.

This soup is rich and velvety, making it an ideal comfort food for cool fall nights. The pumpkin gives it a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s easy to make in advance and reheat, making it a great option for meal prepping. Plus, the soup is versatile; add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of roasted seeds, or even some crispy bacon bits for extra texture and flavor.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.