Cooking throughout the year, and especially during the holidays, can get time-consuming. And with other priorities needing attention, such as work and family activities, saving time on meal preparation can be a life-saver.
So if you like to cook or bake but want to cut down on your time in the kitchen, using a slow cooker or Crock-Pot to cook meals can save you time. The best thing about using a slow cooker is that after you quickly prepare the ingredients, you just throw them into the cooker, let it simmer, and go about your errands!
You can actually cook both dinner and dessert in a slow cooker. Meal types that you can cook in a Crock-Pot include broccoli cheddar soup, lasagna, lemon garlic butter chicken, and pork roast. And don’t forget about mulled wine, banana bread, apple crisp, and cinnamon rolls. Here are 50 fall dinners and desserts you can make in a slow cooker.
1) Lasagna
To make this hands-off recipe, first brown the onions and beef. Then add ricotta cheese, jarred tomato sauce, and lasagna noodles. Then let simmer in the Crock-Pot all day. This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prep.
Source:
The Girl on Bloor
2) Pesto mozzarella chicken pasta
This recipe is a breeze. You need chicken breasts, butter, lemon juice, butter, and salt and pepper. Prep time is 15 minutes, and cook time is 5 hours.
Source:
The Magical Slow Cooker
3) Broccoli cheddar soup
This delicious recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep. Then leave it to slow cook for 4 hours and 30 minutes. Gather these ingredients: broccoli, chicken stock, shredded carrots, onion, nutmeg, and salt and pepper. Then combine and cook.
Source:
Wine and Glue
4) Beef bourguignon
The beef in this stew dish will almost melt in your mouth. And the hearty vegetables taste delectable in the rich sauce that features red wine, chicken broth, and soy sauce. The main ingredients are boneless beef chuck, bacon, carrots, baby potatoes, mushrooms, and red cooking wine. Prep time is 20 minutes, and then slow cook for 9 hours.
Source:
The Recipe Critic
5) Mulled wine
The holiday seasons are a great time to make this easy yet delicious recipe for mulled wine. Combine the wine with apple juice, cinnamon sticks, honey, cranberries, and star of anise. Prep time is only 5 minutes, and then put in the Crock-Pot on low for around 3 hours.
Source:
No. 2 Pencil
6) Mississippi pork roast
If you have a craving for a sweet and spicy, savory pork roast, check this out. To make it, you’ll need fresh pork roast (Smithfield Homestyle Marinated), pepperoncini peppers, au jus gravy mix, ranch seasoning, and butter. Prep time is minimal. Then cook in the slow cooker for 6 hours.
Source:
The Recipe Critic
7) Apple crisp
For a delicious dessert any time of the year, try this apple crisp recipe. The key ingredients for this dish are eight Granny Smith apples, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Prep for 15 minutes, and then cook in the slow cooker for 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Source:
Kristine’s Kitchen
8) Beef & broccoli
This beef and broccoli slow cooker recipe is yummy and easy to make. The main ingredients include flank or sirloin steak, rice, broccoli, and carrots. Prep time is about 25 minutes. Then slow cook for 5 hours.
Source:
Kitchn
9) Chocolate lava cake
This amazingly sinful chocolate lava cake dessert is made with lots and lots of chocolate, namely chocolate fudge cake mix, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and instant chocolate pudding mix. You’ll also need some eggs, milk, canola oil, and brewed coffee. Prep ingredients for 15 minutes, and then simmer in the Crock-Pot for 3 hours.
Source:
The Magical Slow Cooker
10) Lemon garlic butter chicken
If you love chicken with a lemon garlic butter flavoring, then you’re in for a treat! For this dinner classic, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs, garlic cloves, lemon, chicken broth, and a host of mouth-watering seasonings and spices. This recipe will take 10 minutes to prep and 4 hours to cook in the slow cooker.
Source:
Eatwell
11) Pot roast
This hearty, mouth-watering recipe features a comfort-food classic! Slow cooker pot roast takes 25 minutes to prepare and 8 hours to slow cook. But the effort is worth it. The main recipe ingredients include chuck roast, onion, garlic cloves, beef broth, baby Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, and olive oil.
Source:
Cooking Classy
12) Picadillo
This tasty Cuban dish combines ground beef with a scrumptious sauce that includes tomatoes, bell peppers, cumin, green olives, and spices. You’ll also need minced onions, cilantro, garlic powder, bay leaves, and a few other spices. Crock-Pot Picadillo takes 15 minutes to get ready and then just over 3 hours to simmer.
Source:
https://www.cookingclassy.com/slow-cooker-pot-roast
13) Banana bread with brown sugar glaze
Making a dessert in your slow cooker may seem strange, but you might be surprised at the taste and quality of the end product. And this recipe for slow cooking banana bread with a brown sugar glaze is to die for! Prep it in about 10 minutes, and cook between 1 ½ and 2 hours.
Source:
Averie Cooks
14) French onion soup
For a detailed recipe to make French onion soup in your slow cooker, click here. You’ll need onions, unsalted butter, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, beef broth, and balsamic vinegar. And, if desired, you can throw in some brandy as well.
Source:
Joe Lingeman via The Kitchn
15) Cinnamon rolls
If you like to bake but want to cut down on your time in the kitchen, try this slow cooker cinnamon roll recipe. You’ll need whole milk, any instant yeast, an egg, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, confectioners’ sugar, and pure maple syrup. Prep time is 30 minutes, and cook time is 2 hours.
Source:
Sally’s Baking Addiction
16) Raspberry chocolate chip French toast casserole
You can make this breakfast or brunch dish for your entire family using a Crock-Pot. To make raspberry chocolate chip French toast casserole, you’ll need challah or brioche bread, raspberries, dark chocolate chips, eggs, vanilla, milk, and sugar. It only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 2 hours and 10 minutes to cook.
Source:
Savory Nothings
17) Butternut squash, kale & quinoa stew
Get your Vitamin A and C by eating this delectable dish and love every minute of it. You can make this butternut squash, kale, and quinoa stew recipe in your slow cooker in just over 4 hours on high. The main ingredients include butternut squash, onions, smoked paprika, garlic cloves, tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Source:
Real Food Whole Life
18) Minestrone soup
This classic dish features yellow onion, large carrots, celery ribs, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, baby spinach, crusty bread, and BUSH’S cannellini beans and red kidney beans, plus a host of herbs and spices. It takes 15 minutes to get ready, plus 5-7 hours of cooking time in your slow cooker on low.
Source:
Chelsea’s Messy Apron
19) Spaghetti
You can cook spaghetti in your Crock-Pot with just 5 minutes of prep time and 6 hours of hands-free cook time. You’ll need ground beef, spaghetti, Parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley, an egg, garlic cloves, salt, and red pepper flakes. Plus, for the sauce, you’ll need some tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, chicken broth, and other asserted herbs and spices.
Source:
Parker Feierbach via Delish
20) Chili
This hearty chili recipe takes 15 minutes to prepare and about 6 hours to cook in the Crock-Pot. It’s the perfect dinner to make to warm up a cold night. Key ingredients for this recipe include ground beef, tomato paste, onion, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, garlic cloves, and assorted herbs and spices.
Source:
Parker Feierbach via Delish
21) Chicken cacciatore
Slow cooker chicken cacciatore is delicious and easy to make in the slow cooker. You’ll need chicken thighs, bell peppers, Bella mushrooms, garlic cloves, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, cooked linguine, capers, and some herbs and spices. It takes 10 minutes to prep and just over 6 hours to slow cook.
Source:
Parker Feierbach via Delish
22) Corned beef & cabbage
This traditional dish features beef, cabbage, veggies, and herbs and spices. To make slow cooker corned beef and cabbage, gather large carrots, celery stalks, a medium yellow onion, baby potatoes, corned beef brisket, green cabbage, bay leaves, and additional herbs and spices. Then prep (30 minutes) and let cook for 6 hours.
Source:
Ethan Calabrese via Delish
23) Mac & Cheese
This recipe makes cooking homemade macaroni and cheese a breeze. It takes 10 minutes to prep, and then you leave it to simmer for 3 hours. Key ingredients include elbow macaroni, butter, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, evaporate milk, whole milk, salt, and other spices.
Source:
Kat Wirsing via Delish
24) Chicken thighs
This slow cooker recipe is sure to please your family. All you’ll need is 15 minutes of prep time, and then you can leave it to cook for just over 6 hours. For this dish, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs, extra virgin olive oil, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic cloves, minced ginger, lime, cooked rice, Sriracha, and salt and pepper.
Source:
Ethan Calabrese via Delish
25) Short ribs
This fall-off-the-bone short ribs slow cooker recipe is extremely flavorful. And it will take you only 25 minutes to prepare it. Then leave it for about 9 ½ hours, and you’ll be in for a treat. Key ingredients for this recipe includes bone-in beef short ribs, soy sauce, light brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, carrots, onion, garlic cloves, and cooked short grain white rice.
Source:
Parker Feierbach via Delish
26) Chicken & dumplings
This home-style favorite is sure to warm up the coldest day. This scrumptious dish includes boneless skinless chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, peas, carrots, celery, garlic, and biscuits, among other ingredients. Prep for 10 minutes, and then let it slow cook for just over 4 hours.
Source:
Ethan Calabrese via Delish
27) Potatoes
Once you make this recipe in your Crock-Pot, you may never was to make it any other way again! To start, you’ll need baby potatoes, shredded cheddar, garlic cloves, bacon, green onions, paprika, kosher salt, ground black pepper, sour cream, and cooking spray. Prep time is 15 minutes, and cook time is 5 hours.
Source:
Chelsea Lupkin via Delish
28) White chicken chili
The texture of this dish is exquisite. The recipe features chicken broth, white beans, boneless skinless chicken breasts, green chiles, yellow onion, garlic cloves, jalapeno, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and corn. Plus, you can top it off with sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and/or lime wedges. And it only takes 15 minutes of prep work; then you leave it to cook for just over 3 hours.
Source:
Parker Feierbach via Delish
29) Broccoli cheddar chicken casserole
This broccoli cheddar chicken casserole slow cooker recipe is amazing. And we’re sure you’ll love how it tastes. To make this in your slow cooker, gather the following ingredients: boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 large onion, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, dried oregano, Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1 head broccoli, egg noodles, butter, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, crushed Ritz crackers, freshly chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes. It preps in 10 minutes and slow cooks for 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Source:
Brad Holland via Delish
30) Garlic-Parmesan Chicken
To prep this amazingly delish recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Gather skin-on chicken thighs, baby red potatoes, garlic cloves, fresh thyme, and freshly grated Parmesan. Then prep (takes about 15 minutes) and let slow cook for 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Source:
Ethan Calabrese via Delish
31) Pork chops
Getting pork chops to turn out flavorful can sometimes be challenging. But this slow cooker pork chop recipe is the perfect solution. You’ll need boneless pork chops, peaches, red onion, fresh thyme, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cooked white rice, and assorted herbs and spices. Prep (for 15 minutes) and let cook for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Source:
Ethan Calabrese via Delish
32) Scalloped Potatoes
Want a break from mashed and roasted potatoes. Here’s a great alternative: scalloped potatoes. You can slow cook them in 4 hours and 45 minutes. You’ll need russet potatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, paprika, nutmeg, fresh thyme leaves, freshly chopped rosemary, garlic powder, freshly grated Parmesan, shredded Gruyère, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Source:
Jon Boulton via Delish
33) Chicken noodle soup
This hearty dish is perfect for winter, or really any time of year. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare, and then you can leave it in the Crock-Pot to simmer for just over 6 ½ hours. You’ll need these ingredients: boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 large onion, carrots, celery, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, garlic cloves, bay leaf, Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, chicken broth, and egg noodles.
Source:
Ethan Calabrese via Delish
34) Chicken enchilada soup
Another favorite soup dish is chicken enchilada. This slow cooker recipe features boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, red enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and crushed tortilla chips. Prep time is 15 minutes, and slow cook time is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Source:
Alexa Payesko via Delish
35) Chicken tikka masala
This chicken tikka masala Crock-Pot recipe is bursting with flavor. And it only takes 15 minutes to prep. Then leave it to slow cook for 4 hours and 30 minutes. Before you begin to prep the dish, you’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts, plan Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, ginger, garam masala, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and rice or naan, plus assorted herbs and spices.
Source:
Chelsea Lupkin via Delish
36) Chicken tortilla soup
Your family will love this slow-cooked chicken tortilla soup recipe. You can even save some for leftovers, as it lasts up to five days in the fridge. The main ingredients of this yummy dish are boneless skinless chicken breasts, black beans, corn, bell peppers, white onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, chicken broth, and corn tortillas. It’ll take 15 minutes to prepare and 5 hours and 15 minutes to slow cook.
Source:
Parker Feierbach via Delish
37) Chili mac ‘n cheese
Put a twist in your normal mac ‘n cheese dish by adding in chili. It’ll only take 20 minutes to prepare. Then set it in the slow cooker and let cook for 6 hours and 30 minutes. This scrumptious recipe features ground beef, red bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and small pasta.
Source:
Judy Kim via Delish
38) Balsamic chicken
The taste of baby red potatoes, chicken breast, and balsamic vinegar marinade is beyond delightful. This slow cooker balsamic chicken recipe calls for Brussels sprouts, baby red potatoes, boneless skinless chicken breasts, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, grainy Dijon mustard, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic cloves, and freshly chopped parsley. Prep takes about 20 minutes, and cooking time in the Crock-Pot takes 5 hours and 20 minutes.
Source:
Jonathan Boulton via Delish
39) Butternut squash soup
This Crock-Pot butternut squash soup recipe is perfect for nights when you have little time to cook. Spend 10 minutes prepping, and then let it simmer in the Crock-Pot for 4 hours and 20 minutes. You’ll need these ingredients: butternut squash, onion, carrot, garlic cloves, thyme, sage, chicken (or vegetable) broth, Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne, heavy cream, and freshly chopped parsley.
Source:
Kat Wirsing
40) Bolognese
While this slow cooker Bolognese recipe needs a little extra effort that involves the stovetop, it’s worth it! In total, prep time is 20 minutes. Slow cook time is 6 hours and 20 minutes. This tasty recipe features ground beef, carrots, celery, garlic, onion, tomato paste, dry red wine, and crushed tomatoes.
Source:
Parker Feierbach via Delish
41) Garlicky mashed potatoes
Just in time for the holidays, these garlicky mashed potatoes are easy to make in the Crock-Pot. Ingredients include baby potatoes, butter, garlic cloves, water, Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, sour cream, milk, oregano, dried rosemary, and chives. Prep is 15 minutes, and total cook time is 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Source:
Parker Feierbach via Delish
42) Butter chicken
It’s amazing that a slow cooker can produce something so taste. And this butter chicken recipe is flavored to perfection. The main ingredients for this dish include boneless skinless chicken breast, onion, jalapenos, Greek yogurt, dices tomatoes, heavy cream, basmati rice, and cilantro. Preparation takes 15 minutes, and total cook time is 7 hours and 15 minutes.
Source:
Chelsea Lupkin via Delish
43) Sweet potato casserole
Whether you make this sweet potato casserole dish for the holidays or any time of the year, your family will love it. It’ll take 25 minutes to prep and 4 hours and 25 minutes in the slow cooker. To start, you’ll need cooking spray, sweet potatoes, melted butter, packed brown sugar, water, ground cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, Kosher salt, mini marshmallows, and whole pecans.
Source:
Jon Boulton via Delish
44) Au gratin
This mouth-watering recipe produces creamy potatoes that you can prep in just 15 minutes. Total time in the slow cooker will be 3 hours and 15 minutes. Features ingredients in this au gratin recipe include Russet potatoes, butter, flour, whole milk, garlic power, and grated white cheddar and Parmesan.
Source:
Alexa Payesko
45) Chicken Alfredo
This slow cooker chicken Alfredo recipe produces a creamy, rich taste. You’ll need to gather these ingredients to start: boneless skinless chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, rigatoni, freshly grated Parmesan, and freshly chopped parsley. Prep only takes 10 minutes. Cook time takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Source:
Parker Feierbach via Delish
46) French dip
If you love tender, moist French dip, then this is the recipe for you. To make it in the slow cooker, you’ll need beef chuck roast, beef broth, water, soy sauce, onion, garlic cloves, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, and black pepper. You need 15 minutes to prep, and then leave it in the slow cooker for 6 hours and 20 minutes. To make the sandwiches, you’ll also need, hoagie rolls, slice provolone, parsley, and butter.
Source:
Jonathan Boulton via Delish
47) Cheesy chicken broccoli soup
Soup can’t get much better than a soothing bowl of cheesy chicken broccoli soup. This Crock-Pot recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth, peeled baby potatoes, broccoli, onion, Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, flour, heavy cream, shredded Cheddar, grated Parmesan, and sour cream. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and cook time totals 7 hours.
Source:
Charlie Gillette via Delish
48) Balsamic pot roast
Give your pot roast a twist with some Balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, dry red wine, extra virgin olive oil, and chicken broth. You’ll also need boneless chuck roast, garlic cloves, onion, carrots, Yukon gold potatoes, and assorted herbs and spices. Prep time is only 15 minutes, and then you can leave it simmering in the slow cooker for 8 hours and 15 minutes.
Source:
Judy Kim via Delish
[49) Chicken Marsala
The great thing of slow cooking chicken is that it brings out all of the magnificent flavors in each dish. This Crock-Pot chicken Marsala dish calls for cooking spray, boneless skinless chicken breasts, Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, mushrooms, garlic cloves, marsala wine (or chicken broth), water, cornstarch, heavy cream, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges. It’ll take about 15 minutes to prep and 5 hours and 35 minutes in the Crock-Pot.
Source:
Brandon Bales via Delish
50) Stuffing
Labeled as no-stress stuffing, this recipe is perfect for the slow cooker. It takes 15 minutes to prep and 4 hours and 15 minutes in the slow cooker. Gather these ingredients before starting: cooking spray, butter, celery, onion, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, sage, eggs, chicken broth, Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, stale bread, and parsley.
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Source:
Alexa Payesko via Delish
It’s amazing that a slow cooker or Crock-Pot can produce meals that taste even better than something you cook on the stove or in the oven. The slow cookers seems to cook recipes to perfection, all with little effort on your part.
Most slow cooker recipes, like the ones listed here, take little prep time. Then you just turn on the slow cooker, let the food cook, and come back when it’s done. Occasionally, some recipes require some extra effort, but most are just that simple.
So when you need more time away from the kitchen, try some of these Crock-Pot recipes. Your family will thank you!