23 Crockpot Fall Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Introduction

When the weather cools and schedules fill up, nothing beats coming home to a warm, hearty meal ready and waiting for you. Crockpot dinners are a lifesaver on busy fall weeknights – they deliver fantastic flavor with minimal hands-on time. These 23 fall-inspired crockpot recipes bring comfort and convenience together, making it easy to serve up meals your family will love, even on the busiest evenings.

Why Crockpot Fall Dinners Are a Weeknight Game Changer

Slow cooker recipes are key for effortless autumn dinners – just set and forget, and return to a home filled with tantalizing aromas. Fall ingredients like sweet potatoes, apples, squash, and savory herbs shine in these dishes, creating meals that are both nourishing and deeply satisfying. No need to sacrifice flavor for simplicity: these recipes make impressive, home-cooked dinners attainable, no matter how packed your schedule is.

How to Get the Most Out of Crockpot Fall Recipes

With a bit of planning, crockpot dinners can anchor your weekly meal prep. Many ingredients can be pre-chopped or even frozen ahead of time. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker before you leave for work, and dinner will be ready when you return. These recipes are also great for making generous portions—perfect for leftovers or freezing for future meals.

23 Crockpot Fall Dinners for Busy Weeknights

Here are 23 comforting, crowd-pleasing crockpot recipes featuring autumn’s best flavors:

1. Crockpot Beef Stew – Tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and savory herbs simmered to perfection.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – Creamy, cozy, and packed with autumn vegetables.
3. Pulled Pork with Apples – Sweet apples and onions pair perfectly with slow-cooked pork shoulder.
4. Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry – A vegetarian dish full of warm spices and rich flavor.
5. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili – Lean ground turkey, beans, and classic chili spices for a lighter comfort food fix.
6. Pot Roast with Root Vegetables – A fall classic: melt-in-your-mouth beef and hearty veggies.
7. Maple Glazed Chicken Thighs – Chicken slow-cooked in maple syrup, Dijon, and garlic for sweet-savory goodness.
8. Stuffed Pepper Soup – All the flavors of stuffed peppers in a warm, ready-to-eat soup.
9. Autumn Harvest Vegetable Stew – Loaded with squash, sweet potatoes, and kale.
10. Apple Cider Pulled Chicken – Juicy, shredded chicken with the tart sweetness of apple cider.
11. Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup – All the beloved flavors of lasagna in easy soup form.
12. Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup – Hearty and full of that classic zuppa toscana flavor.
13. Pumpkin Chicken Chili – Creamy pumpkin adds a seasonal twist to white chicken chili.
14. Crockpot BBQ Ribs – Fall-off-the-bone tender with smoky barbecue sauce.
15. Moroccan Lamb Stew – Spiced lamb, chickpeas, prunes, and warm autumn spices.
16. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Enchiladas – A healthy, vegetarian take on a Mexican favorite.
17. Harvest Chicken and Quinoa – Packed with cranberries, apples, sweet potatoes, and lean chicken.
18. Hearty Bean and Ham Soup – A comforting classic with plenty of smoky, savory depth.
19. Pork and Pumpkin Stew – Earthy pumpkin, sweet corn, and juicy pork in a savory broth.
20. Tomato Basil Chicken – Tomatoes, garlic, and basil create an aromatic, flavorful sauce for tender chicken.
21. Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie – A simplified twist on the traditional favorite.
22. Creamy Tuscan Chicken – Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy cheese make this a showstopper.
23. Vegetable Barley Stew – Hearty barley, fall veggies, and savory broth for ultimate comfort.

Ingredients will vary for each recipe, but common staples for these fall slow cooker dinners include:
– Beef or chicken breasts/thighs
– Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash
– Canned beans, tomatoes, or pumpkin puree
– Broth or stock
– Aromatics: onions, garlic, ginger
– Herbs and spices such as thyme, sage, bay leaves, chili powder, cinnamon
– Apples or apple cider for a touch of fall sweetness
– Grains like rice, barley, or quinoa
– Optional garnishes: fresh herbs, shredded cheese, sour cream, toasted nuts

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these recipes to automatically generate an organized shopping list—with all ingredients sorted by store section—making grocery trips quick, efficient, and hassle-free.

General Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Prep and chop your ingredients as needed.
2. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker, layering meat at the bottom for even cooking.
3. Pour over your chosen liquid (broth, sauce, cider, etc.) and season with herbs and spices.
4. Cover and cook on low (for 6-8 hours) or high (for 3-4 hours), depending on your recipe and desired tenderness.
5. Finish with garnishes or mix-ins as directed. Serve hot!

Weekly Meal Planning

Crockpot dinners are tailor made for weekly meal prep—batch cook and enjoy leftovers or freeze portions for later. Save and schedule your favorites to plan out your week and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients from each meal.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically tally ingredient quantities across all planned dinners
• Organize shopping lists by grocery section for easy shopping
• Eliminate duplicate purchases and missed ingredients
• Streamline weekly meal prep for stress-free weeknights

Pro tip: Schedule several crockpot meals each week to see where ingredients overlap and reduce food waste through smart bulk shopping.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time (per recipe): 10–25 minutes
Cook Time (per recipe): 3–8 hours (varies based on recipe and setting)
Total Time: Set and forget—perfect for letting the slow cooker do the work while you manage your day!

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Bring the warmth and comfort of fall to your busy weeknights with these 23 crockpot dinners—your family and schedule will thank you!