There’s just something about fall that makes a cozy Sunday at home feel extra special. The leaves are changing, the temps are dropping, and the comfort food cravings are real. Between sports practices, weekend errands, and trying to slow down before a busy week ahead, the last thing most of us want to do is spend hours in the kitchen.
That’s where the slow cooker comes in — the real MVP of fall cooking. A little prep in the morning and by the time the day winds down, your home smells amazing and dinner is ready. Whether you’re hosting family, watching football, or just soaking in a quiet Sunday, here are a few comforting slow cooker recipes that hit the spot every time.
1. Classic Pot Roast with Carrots & Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with a timeless favorite.
Ingredients:
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3–4 lb chuck roast
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1 packet onion soup mix
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4–5 carrots, chopped
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4–5 small potatoes, halved
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2 cups beef broth
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Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Directions:
Add roast to the slow cooker and surround it with carrots and potatoes. Sprinkle the soup mix on top and pour in the broth. Cook on low for 8–10 hours until tender. Shred, serve, and watch it disappear.
2. Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
The coziest bowl of comfort — and it reheats beautifully for weekday lunches.
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breast
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1 cup uncooked wild rice
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1 cup chopped carrots
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1 cup chopped celery
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1 small onion, diced
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
Directions:
Combine everything except the cream in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, then shred the chicken and stir in the cream before serving. Top with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.
3. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Perfect for football Sundays or easy entertaining.
Ingredients:
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3–4 lb pork shoulder
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1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
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1 cup root beer or cola (for extra flavor and tenderness)
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Brioche buns + coleslaw for serving
Directions:
Add the pork and root beer to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours, drain excess liquid, shred, and mix in BBQ sauce. Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw for that perfect sweet-and-savory bite.
4. Apple Crisp (Yes, in the Slow Cooker!)
Because dessert deserves an easy Sunday, too.
Ingredients:
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6 apples, peeled and sliced
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¾ cup brown sugar
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¾ cup oats
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½ cup flour
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½ cup butter, melted
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1 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
Place apples in the slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients and sprinkle over top. Cook on low for 3–4 hours, until apples are tender and topping is golden. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall treat.
5. Cheesy Broccoli & Potato Soup
A creamy, comforting classic that’s kid-friendly and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients:
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4 cups broccoli florets
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3–4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
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1 cup milk or cream
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Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Directions:
Add broccoli, potatoes, onion, and broth to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours until vegetables are tender. Use an immersion blender to blend slightly for a creamy texture, then stir in cheese and milk. Serve with extra cheese and crusty bread.
6. Southwest Chicken & Black Bean Soup
A flavorful, slightly spicy soup that’s hearty enough for a meal on its own.
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken breast
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1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can corn, drained
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1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro for topping
Directions:
Add all ingredients except toppings to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, then shred the chicken. Serve hot with optional cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
7. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A comforting classic that pairs beautifully with grilled cheese or crusty bread.
Ingredients:
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2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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1 tsp dried basil (or ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Add tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, sugar, and dried basil to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, then blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in cream and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of cream before serving.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something hearty and homemade, Slow Cooker Sundays are the perfect way to make fall weekends feel a little more relaxed — and a lot more delicious.
So, pull out that slow cooker, set it, forget it, and let your home fill with the kind of warmth only comfort food can bring.
