7 fall crock pot recipes

October 16, 2023

Fall is the perfect time to break out the crock pot – filling your home with the warmth and the scents of fall. Not only does it make it easier to make a delicious meal without having to stay in the kitchen all day, but it’s also a great way to take advantage of all the delicious seasonal produce. Whether you're craving savory soups, tender meats or sweet treats, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and make the transition into fall a delicious one. So, dust off your crock pot and get ready to savor the flavors of the season.

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This soup is a treat for your taste buds - creamy, full of flavor and with an amazing texture. The combination of chicken, vegetables and wild rice makes it incredibly delicious and filling.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Prep and Layer: Begin by layering your ingredients in the crockpot. Start with the chicken breasts at the bottom, followed by the wild rice, diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, celery and mushrooms.
2. Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt and pepper evenly over the ingredients in the pot.
3. Carefully pour in the chicken broth. Ensure that it covers all the ingredients.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Place the bay leaves on top, cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich, creamy consistency.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir to combine. Remove the bay leaves and serve.

Apple Cider Pulled Pork

The apple cider sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the pork, while the spices bring out the richness of the pork. This recipe is perfect for any fall dinner and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs. pork shoulder
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place the pork in the crock-pot, season with salt, pepper and cinnamon.
2. Add the onion, apple cider, and BBQ sauce.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
4. Shred the pork and serve on buns.

Chili Mac and Cheese

This is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines two comforting classics: chili and creamy mac and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (15.25 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (16 oz) package elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, onion and bell pepper until beef is cooked through and vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Drain fat, if desired.
2. Transfer beef mixture into crock pot. Add in water, diced tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Add in corn, black beans and macaroni. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until macaroni is cooked through.
5. Once cooked, stir in shredded cheese and let it melt. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy butternut squash soup is a delicious and comforting fall dish. Made with simple, fresh ingredients, this healthy and satisfying vegetarian soup will soon become a fall staple in your kitchen. This soup is easy to make and can be served on its own or with a side of crusty bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
•  1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients (except cream) in the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then blend until smooth.
3. Stir in the cream if desired at the end.

Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes

This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich, comforting notes of maple syrup, creating a side dish that's perfect for Thanksgiving or any chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in your crock pot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes in the crock pot, ensuring they're evenly coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even glazing.
5. Once done, garnish with chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.

Spiced Apple Butter

Spiced Apple Butter is a delicious autumn spread made with fresh apples and great way to add a touch of flavor to any dish. The result is a thick, flavorful spread that is perfect for a topping on toast, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal and even ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 12 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the crock pot. Cook on low for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally. Blend until smooth, then refrigerate in jars.

Apple Crisp

This is a classic comfort dessert that is easy to make and delicious to eat. Its’s the perfect way to enjoy the sweet taste of apples with a crunchy and cinnamon-sugar topping.

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples (peeled and diced)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup uncooked oats
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Directions:

1. Place the diced apples in the bottom of a greased slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract.
3. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples.
4. In the same bowl, mix the flour, oats and melted butter until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
6. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the apples are tender.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

No matter which of these delicious fall crock pot meals you choose, you’ll be sure to have a warm and comforting meal that’s perfect for those fall days. So, break out your crock pot and get cooking!