Better Homes And Gardens Fall Slow Cooker Recipes

Beef and Carrot Ragu

Credit: Andy Lyons

Our best fall slow cooker recipes are perfect for warming yourself up on a cool autumn night. This collection of recipes offers delicious comfort food favorites, like pumpkin bread (yes, from your slow cooker) and spiced chili, plus healthy slow cooker recipes and global dishes featuring classic autumn flavors. These fall slow cooker meals and recipes are sure to soothe the soul.

Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Fast and Slow Old-Fashioned Beef Stew

Credit: Jason Donnelly

There are few meals as comforting as a hearty bowl of beef stew. This easy fall slow cooker recipe requires only five ingredients (plus water) and comes together in minutes. All you've got to do is patiently wait while the beef, potatoes, and carrots stew to tender perfection.

Slow Cooker Indian-Inspired Chicken Stew

Slow-Cooker Indian Chicken Stew

Credit: Blaine Moats

Ground ginger and curry powder give this fall slow cooker stew recipe its warming touch. Any chicken cut would do well in this slow cooker concoction, but chicken thighs hold up best in this stew of chickpeas and diced tomatoes. Serve it with a side of rice or try serving it on a bed of our slow cooker sweet potato farro recipe for even more fall flavor.

Buy It: Hamilton Beach Programmable 6-Quart Slow Cooker ($90, Bed Bath & Beyond)

Slow Cooker Pecan Pie

Slow Cooker Pecan Pie on blue table

Credit: Karla Conrad

This Southern sugar pie is a staple for fall feasts, and our slow cooker recipe saves space in your oven without cutting corners on flavor. Two cups of toasted pecans provide the crunch for this soft and sugary pie. For a crispier top, broil the pie 3 to 4 minutes before serving.

Slow Cooker Lentils Bolognese

dish of spaghetti with Lentils Bolognese

Credit: Jacob Fox

Brown lentils take the place of meat in this vegetarian fall slow cooker recipe version of a Bolognese. The lentils pick up flavor as they slowly cook alongside onions, chopped tomatoes, and sliced carrots. Serve over your choice of usual spaghetti noodles or strands of spaghetti squash.

Beef and Carrot Ragu

Credit: Andy Lyons

A handful of carrots and tomatoes slow-cook with tender beef short ribs all day for a mouthwatering fall dinner recipe. Make sure to use the red wine in this slow cooker recipe so you can really develop some rich flavor in the classic Italian-inspired sauce.

Cider-Poached Pears in the Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker

Cider-Poached Pears

Credit: Jacob Fox

The aromas of this poached pear slow cooker recipe are warmer and sweeter than any candle could produce. Crushed cardamom pods, chopped crystallized ginger, and a whole cinnamon stick steep in a broth of apple cider and honey to perfume the pears with the ultimate fall scents. Serve the pears warm with a dollop of vanilla-flavor Greek yogurt and chopped pistachios to add a savory crunch to this sweet fall slow cooker dessert.

Buy It: Good & Gather Crystallized Ginger ($6, Target)

Game-Day Chili

Game Day Chili

Credit: Andy Lyons

Everyone knows chili is great football-weather food. Here, chopped plums and dark chocolate take rich chili beyond the tailgate into a delicious fall slow cooker meal. Subtle hints of sweetness mingle with spicy red pepper and smoky paprika for a fired-up flavor you'll love whether you're a football fan or not.

Pumpkin, Chickpea, and Red Lentil Stew

Credit: Blaine Moats

Say hello to autumn with this savory pumpkin stew. A fresh pie pumpkin (or winter squash) and red lentils combine for a fall slow cooker recipe that vegetarians and meat-eaters alike will enjoy. Top your bowl with some peanuts for a crunchy finish.

Maple-Mustard Turkey Thighs

maple-mustard-sauced turkey thighs

Credit: Jacob Fox

Savor an early taste of Thanksgiving with these sweet, tangy, and savory turkey thighs made in the slow cooker with ease. Coarse-grain brown mustard balances out the sweetness of the maple syrup in this tasty slow cooker turkey recipe. Bonus: New potatoes layered at the bottom of the slow cooker soak up flavor for an instant, fuss-free side.

Bourbon Citrus Sipper

Bourbon-Citrus Sipper

Credit: Andy Lyons

The trick to this boozy fall treat is to let the cider simmer in a slow cooker for 2 to 4 hours. This slow cooker cocktail recipe uses whole cloves and cinnamon sticks with a sprinkle of anise seeds to spice up the liquid. The bourbon isn't added until just before serving, so it's easy to omit for a fall mocktail recipe everyone can enjoy.

Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Credit: Jason Donnelly

This twist on a classic fall recipe makes a playful side dish for any autumn gathering. In place of pork chops and applesauce, this fall slow cooker side dish recipe uses pork sausage and chopped apples to add flavor to dried bread cubes and sliced green onions. Line the slow cooker with a disposable slow cooker liner for easy cleanup once this stuffing is done. Serve in the crock or transfer to a casserole dish for prettier presentation.

Buy It: Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners ($4, Target)

Fig-Orange Breakfast Barley

Credit: Blaine Moats

Prep this fall slow cooker breakfast the night before and set your slow cooker to low so you can wake up to a warming bowl of fall flavors the next morning. Barley is a nutrient-dense grain and, alongside the fresh orange juice and dried figs in this recipe, is a great way to fuel up in the morning before a fun-filled fall day. Slice fresh oranges on top for some added freshness.

Fire-Roasted Tomato and Italian Sausage Grinders

Credit: Blaine Moats

Dish out the hearty flavors your family craves when cold weather sets in. Start this fall slow cooker dinner recipe in the morning and stuff the sandwiches just before supper. (And broiling a little provolone over the top is always a good idea.) Save the leftover sauce for dipping.

Pistachio-Cranberry-Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Pistachio-Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Dried cranberries and orange zest add a fresh burst of autumn to this fall slow cooker side dish recipe. Adding goat cheese at the end of cooking creates a creamy texture, while the mixture of panko bread crumbs and chopped pistachio nuts adds a satisfying crunch. Simply top with extra cranberries and serve.

Fragrant Garam Masala Chicken Stew with Peas and Potatoes

Fragrant Garam Masala Chicken with Peas and Carrots

Credit: Andy Lyons

Need a slow cooker meal packed with seasonal flavors and some international flair? This warm-spice slow cooker stew for fall fills the bill. The garam masala and ginger coat the chicken in this hearty slow cooker stew that makes even the most blustery days cozier.

Pasta with Eggplant Sauce

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

Brimming with hot Italian sausage and sweet, tender eggplant, this easy slow cooker recipe simmers gently for hours while you're away. Ladle sauce over cooked pasta for a fragrant, flavor-packed "welcome home." Serve with a glass of red wine and you'll be set for a cozy night in.

Apple-Buttered Sweet Potatoes

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Tart Granny Smith apples and sweet potatoes combine for a slow cooker side dish that screams fall. Bathed in a decadent sauce of apple butter (make your own!), whipping cream, and pumpkin pie spice, this fall slow cooker recipe is a medley of cozy autumn flavors.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin-Cinnamon Rolls

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Made right in your slow cooker, this fall bread recipe produces perfectly fluffy sweet rolls. If pumpkin spice lattes (PSLs) are your go-to drink once fall hits, you'll definitely love the latte variation of these slow cooker pumpkin-cinnamon rolls, which includes an espresso-flavor drizzle instead of cream cheese icing. Pair these sweet rolls with an actual PSL for the ultimate indulgent fall combo.

Fast or Slow White Chicken Chili

pot of white chicken chili

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Switch up chili night with this creamy slow cooker recipe. This white chicken chili combines cannellini beans, corn, and fresh poblano chiles in a bowl of goodness. If you're in a crunch for time and didn't have time to get the ingredients into the slow cooker before work, you can quickly make this fall slow cooker chicken recipe with only 12 minutes in your trusty pressure cooker.

Caramel-Pear Pudding Cake

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Cake in a slow cooker? Yes, please! Warm cinnamon flavors the sweet caramel and dried pears (or apples) in this fall slow cooker dessert recipe. Avoid inverting this pudding cake onto another dish for serving to keep the delicious sauce from the pan intact.

Sweet-and-Hot Nuts

Sweet Hot Nuts

Credit: Scott Little

The aroma alone that comes from making spiced nuts is enough to want to make this fall slow cooker recipe all year. Make a big batch of this slow cooker appetizer to keep on hand for game nights or when you need a quick snack during a busy workday.

Philippine Chicken Adobo with Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Credit: Karla Conrad

Instead of serving with the usual bed of rice (though you could have that too!), we've paired this traditional recipe from the Philippines with sweet potatoes for a touch of fall. The creamy sweet potatoes and pungent onion sauce make this easy fall slow cooker meal an autumn feast to remember.

Hot German-Style Potato Salad

Credit: Blaine Moats

If Oktoberfest leaves you craving this tangy-sweet German classic, we hope you'll remember two things: 1) This slow cooker version is saucy, filling, and wonderfully hands-off. 2) Slow cookers have a high setting if you just can't wait. It's the perfect fall slow cooker side for when the weather's too cool for chilled potato salad.

Pork Roast and Harvest Vegetables

Credit: Andy Lyons

For a perfect slow cooker roast recipe, it's all about the sauce. Our rustic fall take on pork roast features a sweet and savory broth of apple juice and beef bouillon. A bounty of harvest vegetables completes this healthy slow cooker recipe.

Slow Cooker Spiced Pumpkin Butter

Credit: Jason Donnelly

This slow cooker pumpkin recipe is fall in a jar. And thankfully, it makes four jars! Spread this sweet and smooth mixture on toast or add a dollop on your oatmeal for a creamy blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and maple syrup.

Slow-Cooker Pumpkin-Blueberry Bread

Slow Cooker Pumpkin-Blueberry Bread

Credit: Karla Conrad

It's hardly fall without a buttered slice of homemade pumpkin bread. We dressed up this slow cooker bread recipe with juicy blueberries and a crunchy pecan topping. This moist bread is deluxe enough for brunch or dessert, but we totally understand if you eat it as a midday snack.

Lamb Meatball Stew

Credit: Jacob Fox

Sure, there are lots of slow cooker stew recipes out there, but just one look at this lamb stew makes it clear it was made for fall. Pomegranate seeds and Swiss chard add beautiful color—and great flavor—to this slow cooker dinner recipe. Top individually portioned bowls with snipped fresh mint and pomegranate seeds along with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Cajun-Seasoned Vegetarian Gumbo

Credit: Jason Donnelly

All you need to do for this easy fall slow cooker vegetarian recipe is dump some canned veggies, beans, and frozen okra into your pot. A few hours later, you've got a delicious meatless gumbo ready for eating. Serve with hot cooked rice to round out your fall meal.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte

Credit: Matthew Clark

No list of fall slow cooker recipes would be complete without the ultimate fall beverage, the PSL! Our dairy-free slow cooker pumpkin spice latte recipe lets you skip the line at the coffee shop and enjoy this fall treat anytime. Skip the whipped cream topping—or swap it with a homemade sweet cashew cream—to keep this recipe dairy-free.

Lentil Soup with Beef and Red Pepper

Credit: Karla Conrad

This two-step fall slow cooker soup recipe is a dump dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Add the veggies, spices, and steak, and let your slow cooker work its magic. Try freezing leftover soup so you'll have another meal ready at a moment's notice.

Related: Hearty Slow Cooker Soups, Stews, and Chilis

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