Time to let your slow cooker take the spotlight. When the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than tossing a few ingredients into the pot, walking away, and coming back to a dinner that’s ready to go. These recipes bring those cozy, fall vibes without any of the stress or effort. From hearty stews to rich, saucy meals, your slow cooker will handle it all.
Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork with a touch of apple flavor, slow-cooked until it’s tender and perfect for piling onto sandwiches. Add a crisp slaw on top, and you’ve got yourself a great fall meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Kabocha Squash Chili
This vegetarian chili uses kabocha squash to bring a nutty, slightly sweet flavor, making it hearty and filling without the meat. Perfect for those crisp fall days when you want something comforting but different.
Get the Recipe: Kabocha Squash Chili
Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork
Sweet and tangy pulled pork that practically cooks itself, ready to be served over polenta, in tacos, or however you like it. A great recipe for when you want something tasty with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Balsamic Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
Rich, slow-cooked short ribs in a deep, savory sauce that’s perfect for tossing with pasta or spooning over mashed potatoes. This is comfort food done right, without any of the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
Slow Cooker Tri Tip
This tri-tip roast cooks low and slow, resulting in tender, flavorful beef that’s great for family dinners. With just a few ingredients and some herbs, you’ll have an easy yet impressive meal that everyone will ask for again.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tri Tip
Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork
Tender pork slow-cooked with garlic and citrus, bringing bold, fresh flavors to your table. Serve it with rice, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s great for shaking up your usual dinner routine. Just set it, let it do its thing, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork
Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops
These pork chops come out tender, juicy, and drenched in a savory gravy with bacon, onions, and garlic. Perfect for those days when you want a no-hassle, cozy dinner that delivers big on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops
Crock Pot Baked Ziti
Classic comfort with zero stress. This cheesy baked ziti comes together in your slow cooker with just 10 minutes of prep, making it a great pick for busy weeknights when you still want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Baked Ziti
Easy Whole30 Pot Roast
A pot roast that cooks itself? Yes, please. Just toss in beef, carrots, potatoes, and a few seasonings, and let your slow cooker handle the rest. Perfect for when you want something hearty without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Whole30 Pot Roast (Slow Cooker)
Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine
Bring a little Moroccan flair to your dinner with this lamb tagine. Packed with spices, dried apricots, and dates, it’s a dish that feels fancy without the work. Great for those chilly nights when you’re craving something different.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine
Easy Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Pasta
Creamy, saucy chicken pasta made with minimal effort. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and come home to tender chicken in a rich sauce of cream cheese, white wine, and herbs, all ready to be served over pasta.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Pasta
Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili
This steak chili simmers all day, turning cheaper cuts into melt-in-your-mouth bites. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for those cooler fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Meaty Slow Cooker Steak Chili
Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
Ground beef, potatoes, and veggies come together in this budget-friendly stew. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. You’ll walk in the door to a great, ready-to-eat meal that hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Sausages, veggies, and marinara come together for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or whatever else you’ve got on hand. Great for a busy night or a weekend get-together.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
Easy Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Chili meets mac and cheese, and they become best friends in your slow cooker. This dish is hearty, cheesy, and comforting, making it perfect for family dinners when you want to keep things easy but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Beef Shank Stew
Beef shank, veggies, and herbs simmer together to make a stew that’s both simple and satisfying. This one’s a great go-to for chilly evenings when you want something hearty without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Beef Shank Stew
Crockpot Chicken Stew
A no-fuss chicken stew that’s loaded with protein and veggies. Throw it all together in less than 20 minutes and let your slow cooker take care of the rest. Perfect for an easy, comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Stew
Slow Cooker Thai Curried Chicken Soup
Chicken, veggies, and Thai curry come together for a soup that’s a little spicy, a little creamy, and totally satisfying. Great for warming up on a cool evening without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Curried Chicken Soup
Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup with Kale
Beans, veggies, and greens make this soup a great way to eat well without breaking the bank. Toss everything in the slow cooker, and you’re all set for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup with Kale
Crock Pot Apple Balsamic Chicken
Chicken cooked with apples and balsamic vinegar, creating a balance of savory and sweet that’s perfect for fall. Just set it up in the morning, and come home to an easy, tasty dinner that’s ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Apple Balsamic Chicken
Slow Cooker London Broil With Potatoes and Carrots
London broil gets a slow-cooked upgrade, making it extra tender and juicy. Paired with potatoes and carrots, it’s a great all-in-one meal that you can set and forget, perfect for those days when you want something hearty but easy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker London Broil With Potatoes and Carrots
Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup
Creamy, cheesy, and with a little kick, this Cajun potato soup brings some spice to your slow cooker game. Andouille sausage adds extra flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners that need a little something extra.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Creamy, comforting, and packed with Tex-Mex spices, this chicken chili is one you’ll want to keep on repeat. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a great meal that’s perfect for game days, gatherings, or just a cozy dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers
Savory bratwurst, tender onions, and sweet peppers all simmer together, creating a meal that’s easy to throw together and even easier to enjoy. A great pick for busy nights or weekend get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Bratwurst with Onions and Peppers
Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Beef slowly braised in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for serving over pasta. This is the kind of meal that tastes like you spent all day cooking, but really, your slow cooker did all the work. Great for a lazy Sunday dinner that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Sunday Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.