12 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes Perfect for Chilly Fall Nights
There's nothing like having a fully cooked meal waiting for you at dinnertime.
The slow cooker has totally earned its spot on the kitchen counter—especially once fall rolls around. When the air turns crisp and you’re craving something warm and comforting, there’s nothing better than coming home to a meal that’s been simmering all day. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, you can toss everything in, go about your day, and return to dinner that’s perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Because everything cooks low and slow, the results are always rich, cozy, and satisfying—just right for chilly evenings. Got an Instant Pot? You can use it as a slow cooker too—just make sure you’ve got the right lid so your meal doesn’t get too watery. To make the season even easier (and tastier), we’ve rounded up our favorite slow cooker recipes your whole crew will love.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
This vegetarian slow-cooked mac and cheese only takes 2 1/2 hours to pull together so it's the perfect option if you don't remember until midday that you forgot to start dinner and your afternoon in swamped!
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese.
Slow-Cooker Chicken & Dumplings
After a day of slow simmering, dumplings are added in the last hour giving you time to have a glass of wine, queue up your favorite show, and then sit down to a delicious dinner.
Get the recipe for Slow-Cooker Chicken & Dumplings.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
While browning the meat might feel like an extra step it really gives this stew and added boost of flavor. Be sure to season it liberally at every step.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
Slow Cooker Ribs
Ribs aren't just for summer! When the weather is chilly throw a batch in the slow cooker then finish them off in the oven (or brave the cold and use the grill). Either way you can serve them while you watch football or the World Series alongside a steaming bowl of mashed potatoes. Now that's a meal!
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Ribs.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Creamy, rich, tangy, and oh so satisfying this slow cooker recipe features tender chunks of beef and loads of mushrooms. A perfect stick to your ribs meal.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff.
Slow Cooker Potato Soup
This healthier spin on a fall classic skips the heavy cream, relying instead on fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for vibrant, balanced flavor.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Potato Soup.
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect after a day, or Friday night, at the big game, this soup is chock full of healthy veg, tender chicken, and soft egg noodles and cooks while you are cheering on the home team.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Carrots and Onion
Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a Sunday Supper with family and friends.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Carrots and Onion.
Slow Cooker Spinach-and-Parmesan Meatballs
These easy meatballs are browned in the oven and then slow cooked in marinara until they're absolutely tender and perfect.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Spinach-and-Parmesan Meatballs.
Chili with Grains and Beans
Packed with toothsome wheat berries, hearty beans and kicky poblano peppers, this chili is so flavorful you may not notice it's missing the meat. Let it burble away in the pot all day until you're ready to eat.
Get the recipe for Chili with Grains and Beans.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This hearty soup is a Mexican-inspired favorite, made easy.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Slow Cooker Roast Beef Sandwiches
Your slow cooker does all the work for these tender roast beef sandwiches. Add a tablespoon of horseradish or wasabi to the mayo for a little extra kick.
Ger the recipe for Slow Cooker Roast Beef Sandwiches.
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