6 Fall Crockpot Dinners that make weeknights effortless and delicious

6 Fall Crockpot Dinners That Make Weeknights Effortless and Delicious

As the crisp fall air rolls in and the sun begins to set a little earlier, nothing sounds better than a warm, hearty dinner ready to greet you at the end of a long day. Fall is the season for cozy sweaters, pumpkin-scented candles, and comfort food—and what better way to bring it all together than with a trusty crockpot? Whether you’re coming home from work, juggling back-to-school routines, or simply want something warm and delicious waiting for you, these easy fall crockpot dinner recipes will make your weeknights practically effortless.

Growing up, fall always meant the return of comforting slow cooker meals bubbling away in the kitchen—Chili Saturdays, Chicken and Dumplings on chilly Tuesdays, and my mom’s famous Beef Stew simmering all Sunday afternoon. Inspired by those cozy traditions, I’ve put together a collection of six delicious crockpot dinners that will warm your home, fill your belly, and make weeknight cooking as simple as “set it and forget it.”

1. Hearty Crockpot Chili

There’s something magical about a pot of chili slow-cooking all day long. The flavors deepen, the spices meld, and the whole house smells amazing. This Crockpot Chili recipe is packed with protein, flavor, and just the right amount of heat. It’s perfect for game day, lazy Sundays, or weeknight dinners with cornbread on the side.

Ingredients:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 3 tbsp chili powder (divided)
  • 15.5 oz kidney beans
  • 15.5 oz chili hot beans
  • 29 oz diced tomatoes
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tbsp garlic powder
  • ½ tbsp salt

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
  2. Add ground beef and 1 tablespoon of chili powder. Cook until browned.
  3. Transfer mixture to the crockpot.
  4. Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
  5. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
  6. Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Why You’ll Love It:
This chili is rich, meaty, and slightly spicy. It’s freezer-friendly, meal-prep approved, and even better the next day!

2. Sweet & Savory Grape Jelly Meatballs

Yes, grape jelly and BBQ sauce sound like an odd couple, but once you try this three-ingredient wonder, you’ll be hooked. These Grape Jelly Meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers, and your crockpot does all the heavy lifting.

Ingredients:

  • 18 oz BBQ sauce
  • 18 oz grape jelly
  • 32 oz frozen meatballs

Instructions:

  1. Add grape jelly and BBQ sauce to your crockpot. Stir to combine.
  2. Add frozen meatballs and stir until coated.
  3. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
  4. Serve warm as a main dish or appetizer.

Why You’ll Love It:
With only 3 ingredients, this is the ultimate quick crockpot recipe. Sweet, sticky, and savory—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

3. Cozy Chicken and Dumplings

Creamy, comforting, and filled with tender chicken and vegetables, this Chicken and Dumplings crockpot recipe is like a hug in a bowl. Using pre-made biscuits keeps things easy, but the end result tastes completely homemade.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 22.6 oz cream of chicken soup (family-size can)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp chicken bouillon
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 can Grands refrigerated biscuits (8-count)

Instructions:

  1. Add chicken, veggies, cream of chicken soup, water, and seasonings to the crockpot.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked.
  3. Shred chicken with two forks and return it to the pot.
  4. Cut biscuits into quarters and add to the crockpot.
  5. Add frozen peas. Stir gently.
  6. Cook on HIGH for an additional hour, or until biscuits are cooked through.

Why You’ll Love It:
It’s a classic Southern comfort food made easier. Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds!

4. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you’re craving something with a little kick, this Chicken Tortilla Soup delivers spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors in every bite. It’s loaded with Tex-Mex favorites like corn, black beans, and green chiles—plus it’s perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
  • 4 oz diced green chiles
  • 15.5 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 15.25 oz whole kernel corn, drained
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups grated Mexican cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Tortilla strips or chips
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients except cheese, cream, and tortilla strips into the crockpot.
  2. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.
  3. Shred the chicken and stir in the cheese and cream.
  4. Cook on HIGH for 15–20 more minutes.
  5. Serve with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro.

Why You’ll Love It:
Creamy, spicy, and filling—this soup is perfect for chilly nights. Bonus: it makes great leftovers!

5. Classic Crockpot Beef Stew

A hearty beef stew is a must-have during the fall. This version is packed with tender beef, chunky vegetables, and rich, savory broth. It’s a complete one-pot meal and ideal for Sunday dinner or batch cooking.

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 lbs beef stew meat
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 5–6 medium potatoes, chopped
  • 4 carrots, chopped
  • 1 packet dry onion soup mix
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 32 oz beef broth
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 3 bay leaves
  • ¼ cup flour

Instructions:

  1. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in a skillet if desired (optional but adds flavor).
  2. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
  3. Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours.
  4. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Why You’ll Love It:
This slow cooker beef stew is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. It’s savory, rich, and perfect with a slice of crusty bread.

6. Ranch Pork Chops with Potatoes

These Ranch Pork Chops are savory, buttery, and unbelievably easy. The crockpot infuses the chops with flavor and keeps them tender while the potatoes soak up all the delicious juices.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning (divided)
  • 4 tbsp softened butter
  • 4–6 bone-in pork chops
  • 2 lbs baby potatoes, quartered
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Rub 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning onto pork chops.
  2. Place potatoes in the crockpot and season with remaining ranch seasoning.
  3. Add chicken broth and butter on top.
  4. Layer pork chops on top of potatoes.
  5. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  6. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Why You’ll Love It:
This is a simple one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy fall weeknights. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.

Why Crockpot Dinners Are Perfect for Fall

Fall is busy. Between school, sports, work, and everything in between, dinner can often feel like a chore. These slow cooker recipes help take the pressure off. With just a little morning prep, you can come home to a warm, fully cooked meal that smells like you’ve been in the kitchen all day.

Crockpot meals are also great for:

  • Meal planning and leftovers
  • Budget-friendly family dinners
  • Feeding a crowd or holiday potlucks
  • Keeping

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