These fall slow cooker recipes will add new life to everything from your weeknight meals to your movie night snacks! Leaving out the typical soups or hearty stews, we found 25 unique fall recipes that will have you using this classic kitchen appliance even more often!
Slow cookers allow you to sort of “set it and forget it” and we can all use some more of that in our day. But they can also be used to create next-level meals that will have your family begging for more. You can put together make ahead meals that just get better over time. You can deconstruct classic dishes to make easier versions in casserole form. And you might not immediately think of using your slow cooker to make a savory snack or a delicious baked good, but why not? Scroll down to see the 25 delicious recipes you aren’t making this fall, but should be.
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SLOW COOKER SWEET STUFF
Maybe you’ve tried apple butter, but pear butter is a delicious alternative that should be added to your fall recipe rotation.
If you have leftover cranberries from Thanksgiving, try this Cranberry Apple French Toast in your slow cooker. It’s the perfect way to use them up and make an easy breakfast that is sure to please the family!
Not many people think about making drinks in their slow cooker, but this hot chocolate recipe will have you rethinking the way you can use this trusty appliance.
SLOW COOKER MAKE AHEAD RECIPES
Need to update your family pasta night? Serve this short rib ragu over gnocchi and take your pasta dinner to another level!
Snacks in the slow cooker? Yes, this fiesta ranch snack mix can be easily made and will provide snacks for family movie night or the busy week ahead.
Using your crock pot to make Italian beef sandwich meat is a genius move. You won’t have to scramble to make your work from home lunch between all of those Zoom meetings, it will be ready to go.
SLOW COOKER EASY DINNER IDEAS
This hearty and healthy slow cooker kofta recipe is fantastic with some rice or bread to soak up all that delicious sauce! Or you can eat it on its own to keep it paleo and whole 30.
Most people don’t attempt to make pies in a crock pot, but they should try this chicken pot pie recipe! It’s so much easier for a weeknight dinner without the fuss of a perfect crust.
Who is making an entire pork tenderloin recipe in their crock pot with only 5 ingredients? These ladies are! And bonus points because it’s also healthy.
Want to make stuffed cabbage without trying to roll delicate cabbage leaves full of filling? Make a stuffed cabbage casserole in the crock pot that is effortless and just as tasty!
Did you know that you can throw your uncooked pasta noodles in your slow cooker? Just add them in with your sauce and other ingredients for a delicious spaghetti dinner. Here is the easiest crockpot spaghetti recipe.
Everyone needs a good meatloaf recipe, and this one will be ready as soon as you get home! Putting together this crockpot meatloaf recipe is even easier than normal because it uses dried stuffing mix in place of breadcrumbs, and your seasonings are already mixed in!
MORE SLOW COOKER MEAL IDEAS
Ok, yes you have made chili in your crock pot. You’ve seen a million recipes. But you haven’t tasted anything quite like this autumn recipe for chicken apple cider chili. It’s the perfect fall addition to your slow cooker repertoire.
The idea of cooking salmon in the slow cooker might surprise you, but it’s actually a great way to keep the moisture in your fish. You can throw in a bag of frozen stir fry veggies and your sauce, and you’ll have an easy and healthy salmon dinner! Check out this recipe for savory salmon with Asian vegetables.
Have you made stuffing in your crockpot? Yes, we know it’s stuffing and is typically “stuffed” in a turkey or chicken, but there’s not enough room in the bird for the amount you’ll need to keep your family happy. Why not cook a large batch with this slow cooker stuffing recipe so you’ll have plenty of everyone’s favorite fall side dish.
MAXIMIZE LEFTOVER FOODS
If you have leftover chicken and aren’t sure what to make, the tastiest option is these chicken enchiladas. Fill tortillas with cooked chicken and other ingredients you have on hand, place in your slow cooker, cover with sauce and enjoy in 60 minutes!
So many fall recipes call for chicken or vegetable broth, so why not have your slow cooker make it for you! You can save some scraps from cooking a chicken or vegetables, and put together a healthy broth that you can freeze and use in your cooking throughout the season.
SLOW COOKER DESSERTS
Can’t think about making dessert because your main dishes take too much time and attention? You can still have a sweet ending to your meal with these easy chocolate brownies with peanut butter chips. Just whisk together all your ingredients and add them to a parchment lined slow cooker for an easy, hands off dessert.
Baking cheesecake in the slow cooker is actually a foolproof method that creates a smooth filing and helps to minimize cracks. Low and slow is the key! Try this pumpkin cheesecake recipe that will wow your guests or family this holiday!
Creating your own chocolate candy is a fun holiday activity with the kids. Use your slow cooker to melt together chocolate and your other favorite ingredients for a delicious custom candy treat!
SLOW COOKER BAKING
Fall is full of busy mornings and getting back to the grind, so why not cook breakfast while you sleep? This overnight crockpot breakfast casserole will be ready when you wake up – what a delicious way to save time in the morning!
You can bake more than dessert in your crock pot! This recipe for slow cooker sweet potatoes is the perfect way to cook “baked” potatoes while your oven is working on another part of your meal.
Once you bake bread in your slow cooker, you will want to make your own soft, fresh bread every week! Try this slow cooker bread recipe for fuss-free free bread baking.
You don’t have to use an oven to make a pizza? That’s right. Here is a slow cooker pizza recipe that is fluffy and delicious. The only hard part about it will be if you have to share.
SLOW COOKER SCENTS
Don’t feel like cooking at all, but want your house to smell like the foods of fall? Try making this fragrant fall recipe for cinnamon and orange potpourri in your crock pot.
