Fall might be one of the best seasons. It’s welcomed after a well-enjoyed summer where we trade scorching hot days for brisk cool ones. We change light clothing for beautiful layers and we transform our summery barbequed meals and salads for meals that are savory and hearty.
One of the best kitchen gadgets for fall is the slow cooker. There’s something about coming home after a long hard day to a home filled with a delicious aroma that makes us dream of fall. To get you excited for fall, we have compiled a list of some of the most savory recipes you’ll surely enjoy. From soups to stews and even a few warm drinks too, you’ll be transitioning into fall tastefully and with a satisfied belly.
25. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Chili
Several things will signal the start of fall such as the release of PSLs at Starbucks or fallen leaves. In the food world, that signal is without a doubt when squash and pumpkins are ready. This warm bowl of butternut squash chili will warm your soul and fill your bellies.
This chili is filled with hearty ingredients such as cubed butternut squash, black beans, and northern beans. It has loads of seasoning to make this dish fill the air while it cooks. It’s very filling and is vegetarian-friendly, better yet, the whole family will love it.
Photos and Recipe By: SPEND WITH PENNIES24. Crock-Pot Chili And Sweet Corn Bread
If you prefer a traditional chili then you might love this recipe more. Like traditional chili, the base of this recipe is made from ground beef. Then to make it extra hearty and savory it’s filled with red kidney beans, onion, celery, and tomato sauce.
You’ll need a few bold seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce that will make this chili stand out from the rest. Along with the chili, you’ll also get a delicious must-try cornbread recipe that will pair perfectly with a warm bowl of chili.
Photos and Recipe By: THE COUNTRY COOK23. Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Following the chili trend, this recipe is far from traditional yet, is incredibly delicious. This slow cooker recipe actually combines a comfort meal like chili with another classic comfort meal like mac and cheese and transforms them into one exciting meal.
The base is made from the same ingredients as a traditional chili recipe such as ground beef, onion, garlic, crushed, and diced tomatoes but what makes this unique are the noodles. The trick is not to add them in until the last 15 minutes of cooking so they don’t turn into disgusting mush. Once your slow cooker has done its work, you’ll want to top your bowl off with ooey-gooey cheese shreds that make this recipe so irresistible.
Photos and Recipe By: COUNTRYSIDE CRAVINGS22. Slow Cooker Shepard’s Pie
Growing up, Shepard’s pie often made the meal rotations. It’s savory, comforting, and often, a crowd favorite. As an adult, I never fathomed the idea of creating Shepard’s pie in a slow cooker but this recipe proves how easy it actually is.
The base of this Shepard’s pie is made from lamb mince. It’s browned in onion then added to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. This will slow cook for at least 5 hours. Right before those 5 hours are up, you’ll want to peel and cook the potatoes to make the savory mashed potato layer. Once completed, you’ll add them to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 1-2 hours.
Photos and Recipe By: BAKING QUEEN21. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Applesauce
Nothing says Fall like warm homemade applesauce. Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t any ordinary applesauce recipe! The secret ingredient used to make this applesauce recipe unique is pumpkin puree.
This applesauce is created with a few wholesome ingredients and warm spices. The slow cooker will help the apples cook down to a soft mushy texture, perfect for applesauce! If you prefer your applesauce chunky, the recipe recommends using a potato masher. If you prefer your applesauce smoother then blend it in a food processor or blender.
Photos and Recipe By: THE REAL FOOD DIETITIANS20. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Along with chili, soups are other awesome recipes that make us dream of Autumn. Soups come in many flavors and textures that there is definitely a soup out there for everyone. Chicken noodle soup has to be one of the best soup classics.
This recipe is conveniently made in the slow cooker so that you can come home to a delicious homecooked meal with minimal effort. This recipe is made from boneless chicken breasts, chicken stock, spaghetti noodles, and enough seasoning to keep it exciting. Keep this recipe on hand because you’ll want to make it all year long.
Photos and Recipe By: DAMN DELICIOUS19. Slow Cooker Beef And Barley Soup
Another classic and timeless soup recipe is beef and barley soup. Its savory soup base and chunky pieces of beef will make you think of Fall whenever you enjoy it.
The soup base comes from beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Then you’ll fill the slow cooker with browned beef chunks, cubed carrots, and potatoes, diced celery, and loads of seasonings. The smell of it cooking will definitely make your mouth salivate in anticipation of dinner.
Photo and Recipe By: YOUR HOME BASED MOM18. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is one of my most favorite fall recipes. It’s creamy, hearty, and definitely filling. The warm flavors always remind me of Fall whenever I enjoy it.
Carrot and butternut squash provide this soup with a hearty flavor while a Granny Smith apple helps balance it out with its sweet and tart flavors. You’ll need a few more ingredients and several hours to make this soup come to life. Once cooked, an immersion blender will help you create a creamy texture.
Photos and Recipe By: PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: GIMME SOME OVEN17. Slow Cooker Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Squash and pumpkin have a similar flavor but they’re distinct enough that you can surely taste the difference. Try this creamy pumpkin soup to get you into the Fall spirit!
Some squash and pumpkin soup recipes are quite sweet but rest assured, this recipe is not. Pumpkin puree and several seasonings make this soup taste like fall while unsweetened coconut milk will make it extra creamy! If you’re looking for something savory to warm the soul then you’ll love this recipe.
Photos and Recipe By: CAFE JOHNSONIA16. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is another classic family meal. It’s an easy way to throw good sources of protein and vegetables all into one meal. This recipe isn’t like your traditional chicken pot pie as there isn’t a crust that surrounds the filling but serve this slow cooker chicken pot pie with a warm biscuit and you won’t even notice the difference.
The trick is to cook chicken breasts amongst the other ingredients for around 8 hours until it reaches a tender texture. Then, you’ll want to take the chicken breasts out, shred and mix back in to finish cooking.
Photos and Recipe By: I AM HOMESTEADER15. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Pull apart chicken is so easy to make with a slow cooker. You simply let the chicken cook for hours until it’s tender and easy to pull apart. Cooking chicken low and slow is also great for flavor. The chicken has a longer time period to soak up all the flavors and delicious sauce.
The other great thing about slow cooking is because of the temperature settings you can either cook it for just a couple of hours or up to a full day and the results will be great either way. Once the chicken has cooked in the scrumptious honey BBQ sauce, you’ll want to shred it using two forks then mix it around in the sauce. Serve the chicken on your favorite bun and top off with coleslaw for a crunchy bite.
Photos and Recipe By: NATASHA’S KITCHEN14. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is often enjoyed during the summer but because the flavors are warm, delicious, and exciting it can make you daydream of Fall too. By slow cooking, the meat will reach a tender texture that can easily pull apart. The flavors will fill your home with a warm and inviting scent.
This recipe walks you through how to create delicious pulled pork in the slow cooker and even provides you with a delicious sauce that the roast is bathed and cooked in. Then, once the pork is ready all you’ll have to do is shred, and then serve on a bun with your favorite barbeque sauce.
Photos and Recipe By: TIDY MOM13. Crockpot Beef Stew
One of my favorite food memories as a kid is when I wrote an “about me” profile, I once wrote, “my favorite food is my Mom’s homemade beef stew”. There was something about the stew that made me always think about home cooking, warm memories, and good food. It’s nostalgic for some, and for others, it’s simply a delicious warm meal that is especially enjoyed on a cool Autumn day.
This slow cooker recipe can be the perfect meal to enjoy with your family as you transition into the cooler months. It has loads of flavor and plenty of texture that keeps something like a stew still new and exciting.
Photos and Recipe By: JO COOKS12. Slow Cooker Vegan Curry Stew
This recipe may not be a traditional beef stew recipe but it is definitely worth trying. Curry can be used in so many dishes and can seriously enhance the flavor of a meal.
In this recipe, instead of meat, chickpeas will provide the meal with a lot of protein but don’t worry, meat-lovers will love this meal too. Along with chickpeas, in this recipe, you’ll also find chunks of sweet potato, broccoli, and quinoa. The whole family with surely love it.
Photo and Recipe By: Forkly11. Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Taco and burrito night is a lot of fun, however, generally, it does take a bit of work. In an attempt to help you save time and effort you need to try this slow cooker chicken burrito bowl recipe.
It’s savory and thrilling and better yet will be perfectly enjoyed on a brisk fall day. The great thing about this recipe is it has a lot of adaptations. If you need to make it vegetarian it’ll walk you through how to customize the recipe. Furthermore, this recipe does require you to add in additional ingredients 2-3 hours into cooking so if you’re unable to fulfill this step it will walk you through how you can cook it all day but still end up with the same result.
Photos and Recipe By: THE KITCHN10. Slow Cooker Chicken And Mushroom Stroganoff
The great thing about this slow cooker recipe is that the flavors will help you transition into fall nicely but this recipe requires minimal effort. It will only take a couple of minutes to throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker. Go about your day and you’ll have a meal ready for you and your family in no time.
This chicken and mushroom stroganoff serves nicely on a bed of noodles. Don’t be surprised when this meal gets requested time and time again.
Photos and Recipe By: THE RECIPE CRITIC9. Slow Cooker Spiked Apple Cider
When thinking about fall favorites, apple cider always comes to mind. The sweet flavor of apple mixed with the perfect flavors of cinnamon and cloves makes us think of fallen leaves and cool breezes.
This apple cider is special for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s made in a slow cooker which means you can prepare a large warm batch for a party or a fun family function. Secondly, this apple cider recipe gets a grown-up makeover and is spiked with brandy. This will quickly become your new fall favorite too.
Photos and Recipe By: WINE AND GLUE8. Crock Pot Apple Cider
If you don’t love alcoholic beverages or are seeking a family-friendly option, then you need to try this crockpot apple cider recipe. It takes on a similar approach to the previous recipe but requires a few different ingredients.
This recipe skips the brandy and premade apple cider because this recipe is completely homemade. This recipe requires not just orange slices but lemon slices too. You’ll also add sliced apples and fresh cranberries. Then to season make sure to add in cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and whole star anise. By adding water to cover all the ingredients and a bit of sweetener of your choice, the slow cooker will bring this apple cider to life.
Photos and Recipe By: LIFE MADE SWEETER7. Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Along with stew, mashed potatoes often made my top favorite food lists. There’s something about mashed potatoes that makes them so comforting. Apart from all the carbs (obviously), it’s the creamy texture, buttery, and salty flavor that makes me love them so much.
This recipe isn’t any ordinary mashed potato recipe, they’re loaded with additional exciting ingredients and conveniently made in the slow cooker. It works by allowing the potatoes to cook in the slow cooker for up to 7 hours with just broth and a few seasonings. Then you’ll add in butter and mash until they’re nice and creamy. The last step is the best part when you’ll throw in all the fun ingredients that make these loaded mashed potatoes so alluring.
Photos and Recipe By: REAL HOUSE MOMS6. Slow Cooker Harvest Chicken And Vegetables
This slow cooker meal is awesome because you get to cook the main dish and all the side dishes in one pot. The chicken and autumn vegetables will transform you right into fall.
When chicken is cooked slowly it can achieve a tender and juicy texture like no other. This recipe also uses inviting seasonings such as sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic and so much more that will complement and enhance the natural flavors of each ingredient.
Photo and Recipe By: LIFE MADE SWEETER5. Slow Cooker Fried Apples
The slow cooker can do more than just cook us delicious hearty meals or drinks that make us dream of fall, slow cookers can cook delicious desserts too. Come full circle with your slow cooker and try making these fried apples for a treat to share with your family or bring them to a party.
First, you’ll want to peel and cut apples then you’ll want to add them to the slow cooker with a bit of cornstarch. Once the apples are evenly coated you’ll add in sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, butter, and lemon juice and cook the apples until tender, it’s incredibly easy! They’ll taste great on their own or you could serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a divine treat.
Photos and Recipe By: THE DIARY OF A REAL HOUSEWIFE4. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Monkey Bread
When I think about flavors of fall, pumpkin always comes to mind. The great thing about pumpkin is that it’s a vegetable that can be used in savory meals but also in sweet dessert recipes too. This pumpkin monkey bread is a must-try this fall season.
This monkey bread recipe begins with 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. The bread achieves a pumpkin flavor from both pumpkin pie spice and canned pumpkin and has a sweet cheesecake filling that makes this bread highly addictive.
Photos and Recipe By: LIFE MADE SWEETER3. Pumpkin Overnight Oats
Your slow cooker can be a great tool for creating the perfect overnight oats. It’s an easy way to prepare a breakfast meal while you sleep, after all, mornings are too crazy to be whipping up elaborate breakfasts.
This overnight oats recipe is special because it has savory flavors of pumpkin that will have you embracing the season of Fall. You’ll want to make sure to use steel-cut oats and not mistakenly quick-cooking, instant, or rolled oats as they will cook too quickly. Pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg will give this breakfast meal an Autumn makeover.
Photos and Recipe By: WELL PLATED2. Crockpot Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler
The fun thing about cobbler is it can be made with many different ingredients. It tastes wonderful with berries but importantly, for fall, pumpkin is what shines in this recipe.
The cobbler will only need a couple of hours to cook in the slow cooker. This means you can set the dessert in the slow cooker, enjoy a wonderful meal with friends and family and have a warm dessert to indulge in after your wonderful meal.
Photo and Recipe By: MOMS WITH CROCKPOTS1. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte
As soon as summer comes to a close, pumpkin spice lattes, AKA PSLs, are all the rage. You might be tempted to run to your nearest Starbucks for a quick PSL fix but you have got to try this recipe.
The recipe proves how easy it is to make your own pumpkin spice lattes at home. Conveniently it’s made in the slow cooker which means the aroma will fill your home as it heats up. This crock pock PSL would be great to bring to a gathering or party to share.
Photos and Recipe By: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte
