food
By Katherine Gillen
•
Published Sep 3, 2021
Additional reporting by
Lindsay Champion
When fall arrives, that means there's pumpkins to pick, leaves to rake and Halloween candy to eat. So instead of wasting precious time in front of the stove, whip up these slow cooker and Crockpot recipes made with hearty, seasonal ingredients. From soups to chili to roast chicken and even autumnal desserts, these dishes basically cook themselves—now, who’s coming over for Crockpot apple crisp?
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
1. Slow Cooker Whole Chicken With Potatoes
Surprise, you can cook an entire bird in a Crockpot and it’ll taste just as delicious as if it were made in an oven.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
2. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Soup
You could bundle up and go outside. But we have a better idea: Make this cozy slow cooker soup.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
3. Slow Cooker Pasta E fa*gioli Soup
For a mini trip to the Tuscan countryside, all you have to do is bust out your Crockpot. The secret to a super flavorful soup? Parmesan rind in the broth.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
4. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Normally, this soup requires standing over the stove caramelizing onions for the better part of an hour. This version cooks for hours on its own—no stirring required. (And the results? Ooh la la.)
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
5. Slow Cooker Chicken Potpie Soup
The whole family is going to be instantly hooked. Lucky for you, it requires just five minutes of prep.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
6. Cheater’s Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Julia Child might not have approved, but it turns out your Crockpot is the ideal appliance for making this flavorful French dish.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
7. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Meatballs
We love meatballs. We love chicken tikka masala. So we thought, why not combine the two and let our slow cooker do the hard work?
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
8. Slow Cooker French-dip Sandwiches
They’re so melt-in-your-mouth tender, they’re totally worth the wait.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
9. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast With Orange And Herbs
Go ahead, break out that Crockpot on a holiday. It’ll free up the oven for all those Thanksgiving sides.
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Photo: Jon Cospito/Styling: Erin McDowell
10. Slow Cooker Spiked Cinnamon Lattes
Oh, you’re not making big-batch hot co*cktails in your Crockpot? Now’s the time to start.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
11. Slow Cooker Deep-dish Pizza
Step away from the takeout menu.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
12. Slow Cooker Garlic-herb Mashed Cauliflower
Mmm, they taste just like the best mashed potatoes (but without so many carbs).
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
13. Slow Cooker Cranberry Hot Toddy
Planning a holiday party but don’t want to play bartender? We know what drink you should serve.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
14. Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells
Pasta filled with cheese is pretty great on its own, but when it cooks itself in your Crockpot? That’s even better.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
15. Slow Cooker Monkey Bread
Admittedly, baking isn’t the easiest task, but when it’s all taken care of in the slow cooker, anyone can do it.
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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
16. Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Takeout, shmakeout. This is better than any restaurant meal (and you made it yourself!).
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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
17. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
Use them in tacos. Don’t forget the hot sauce.
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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
18. Slow Cooker Chicken Piccata
Serve it with rice, a salad or, our personal favorite, pasta.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
19. Slow Cooker Baked Beans
The longer they cook, the better they taste.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
20. Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole
It’ll be ready just as your brunch guests arrive.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
21. Slow Cooker Mediterranean Frittata
Oh, six people are coming over for breakfast? No prob.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
22. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Give Taco Tuesday a makeover with your star player, the Crockpot.
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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL
23. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
It sounds complicated, but it’s deceptively simple to make.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
24. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Will it cure your cold? The jury’s out on that question, but it will definitely soothe your soul.
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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
25. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
Is it possible to have a crush on a sandwich? Because we’re definitely swooning over this guy.
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26. Slow Cooker Honey Buffalo Meatballs
Make a huge batch and eat them all week.
27. Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks
They’re even tastier when you serve them wrapped in foil.
28. Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Behold, a satisfying side that goes with everything from fish to pork and requires almost no effort to make.
29. Crockpot Braised Red Wine Short Ribs With Cheddar Potato Pierogi
Further proof that wine (and pierogi) makes everything better.
30. Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Here’s what to do with your fall farmers market haul.
31. Slow Cooker Eggplant Parmesan
It’s a filling, cool-weather favorite as-is, but make it in your Crockpot and you’re winning dinnertime.
32. Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup
Added benefit: It’ll make your house smell incredible.
33. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Save this for game night—or don’t; we won’t stop you.
34. Slow Cooker Maple Chipotle Pork With Cheesy Polenta
You had us at “maple chipotle pork” and again at “cheesy polenta.” Who knew your Crockpot could be so fancy?
35. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Peanut Butter Chicken Soup
Transform your Halloween decorations into dinner. The peanut butter sounds unusual, but it adds a ton of rich flavor and a creamy texture.
36. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
The ultimate rainy day dinner. (Bonus: It’s vegan.)
37. Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup With Sausage And Kale
Our motto: Pasta makes everything better. (Just add it at the end so it doesn’t turn to mush in your Crockpot.)
38. Slow Cooker Black Bean Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Just as filling as regular chili but a little bit more nutritious.
39. Crockpot Mac And Cheese
Have you ever seen anything more beautiful? Cream of chicken soup is the secret to its velvety texture.
40. Crockpot Beer Cheese Dip
Guess who’s coming to your Saturday game watch? (Spoiler: It’s your slow cooker.)
41. Slow Cooker Chicken Pumpkin Curry
Reason no. 594 to stock up on canned pumpkin.
42. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Wait, you can make dessert in your Crockpot too? This is genius.
43. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
It’s so creamy and luxurious, no one will know it’s dairy-free—or that it took you no effort to make.
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Katherine Gillen
Senior Food Editor
Katherine Gillenis PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City...
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Lindsay Champion
Freelance Editor
From 2015-2020 Lindsay Champion held the role of Food and Wellness Director. She continues to write for PureWow as a Freelance Editor.
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