7 Must-Try Fall Crockpot Recipes for the Perfect Autumn Dinner

As the crisp air of fall settles in and the leaves begin to change, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty meal simmering away in your crockpot. Crockpot meals are perfect for autumn – they are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for cozying up with after a long day. If you’re looking for delicious, comforting recipes that embrace the flavors of the season, these must-try fall crockpot recipes will help you create the perfect autumn dinner.

1. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Nothing says fall quite like the earthy sweetness of butternut squash. This creamy, velvety soup is packed with roasted squash, onions, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg for a cozy dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Pumpkin seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the butternut squash, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and seasonings to your crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the squash is tender.
3. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender.
4. Stir in coconut milk if you prefer a creamier texture, and garnish with pumpkin seeds before serving.

2. Autumn Harvest Beef Stew

Fall calls for hearty stews, and this beef stew made with seasonal root vegetables is the epitome of comfort. Tender beef chunks, potatoes, carrots, and parsnips come together with a rich broth that will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into cubes)
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 parsnips, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef cubes on all sides.
2. Add the browned beef, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, onion, garlic, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to your crockpot.
3. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.

3. Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash

For a vegetarian option that celebrates the flavors of fall, try this maple-glazed acorn squash. It’s sweet, savory, and a beautiful addition to your autumn dinner spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squashes (halved and seeds removed)
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Although this recipe is for the crockpot, you can start by roasting the squash slightly to enhance its flavor.
2. Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash with olive oil and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, just until the squash starts to soften.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Transfer the partially roasted squash to your crockpot, cut-side up.
5. Brush the maple syrup mixture over the squash.
6. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the squash is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving, if desired.

4. Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

This pumpkin chili is a fall twist on a classic favorite. Packed with black beans, ground beef, and pumpkin puree, this dish combines warmth and seasonal flavors for a unique and delicious dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess fat.
2. Add the browned beef, black beans, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, onion, garlic, and spices to your crockpot.
3. Stir to combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor.

5. Cranberry Chicken

This sweet and tangy cranberry chicken is the perfect autumn dish, combining the seasonal tartness of cranberries with tender chicken thighs. Serve with mashed potatoes or wild rice for a complete fall meal.

Ingredients:

• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and honey.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve with your favorite fall sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

6. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

This sweet potato and black bean stew is a hearty, nutritious, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for fall. With a blend of spices and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, it’s a great option for a comforting vegetarian meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the broth mixture over the vegetables in the crockpot and stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors are well blended.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.

7. Harvest Chicken and Rice

This hearty and wholesome harvest chicken and rice dish is perfect for a cozy fall dinner. Packed with vegetables, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, it’s a one-pot meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup brown rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup celery (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add the brown rice, chicken broth, butternut squash, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
3. Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper over the ingredients in the crockpot.
4. Stir to combine everything well.
5. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.
7. Once the rice and vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and mix everything together.

Wrap Up

These must-try fall crockpot recipes are perfect for the season, providing you with easy and flavorful meals that make dinnertime a breeze. Whether you’re craving the hearty warmth of a beef stew, the sweet and savory flavors of apple cider pulled pork, or the comforting creaminess of butternut squash soup, these dishes will bring the taste of autumn straight to your table.

Enjoy the cozy, comforting meals of fall with these delicious crockpot recipes!