On The Table

A collection of knowledge-based articles to inspire overall wellness.

Simple & Easy Crockpot & Instant Pot Fall Recipes

Searching for simple and easy fall recipes? Find crockpot, pressure cooker, and instant pot autumn recipes for all levels here!

Simple & Easy Crockpot & Instant Pot Fall Recipes

Fall brings a lot of fun times, but it is also the start of back-to-school days.

Instant pot fall recipes and crockpot fall recipes are just the tickets for busy weeknights leading into winter. Easy pressure cooker recipes perfect that "set it and forget it" mentality and leave more time for loved ones during autumn days. 

Read on for the top eight crockpot fall recipes for anyone who loves autumn cooking! 

Crockpot Fall Recipes

When the days get shorter, no one wants to prepare a recipe that takes ages to make. Quick fall recipes, especially crockpot ones, are both crowd-pleasing and awesome for creating an autumn feeling.

For fall, the following recipes make busy weeknights a breeze. 

Chili for When It's Chilly 

Just the word "chili" makes things feel cozier, right? Extremely versatile and easy to make vegetarian or vegan, chili is high-protein and healthy.

Swapping beans for meat will not change the protein content too much. It is also a great choice for adding fiber to the diet. 

Game Day Black Bean Chili Dip

Speaking of chili… What screams fall more than a black bean chili dip as a delicious and healthy tailgate recipe? A slow cooker is a convenient and portable way to bring health to the tailgate party.

Really, this crock-pot recipe is also easy to throw together and easier to enjoy. Also, no matter which team wins, the dip is a touchdown for all parties!

Ingredients:

• 1, 15-ounce can black beans
• 4 ounces light cream cheese
• 1 cup part-skim shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup of salsa
• 1 taco packet

Instructions:

1. Rinse, drain, and lightly mash the black beans.

2. Add beans to crockpot, along with the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, and taco packet.

3. Turn crockpot to low and stir in an hour. Stir to combine and continue to heat until the cheese is fully melted.

4. Set to warm and top with optional green onion and jalapeño.

Fall-Colored Fajitas

Simply add red, yellow, and orange bell peppers to crockpot fajitas to make them an autumn-themed dream. Fresh salsa and seasonings lend flavor to the dish while also adding to the beautiful hues.

Whether low or high heat, this delicious dish is ready in just a few hours. 

Beef Stew for Fall Nights 

The ingredient list of beef stew may scare one away. However, a few minutes of preparation in the beginning saves a lot of time down the line.

The red potatoes, warm browns of mushrooms, and tasty herbs and seasonings like garlic make this the dish of the season.

Stuffed "Pumpkin" Peppers

Simply carve the front of a bell pepper with small, shallow incisions to give it a Halloween vibe. Stuffed peppers will look just like jack-o-lanterns on the street once done! Fun and full of nutrients, these peppers are both a trick and a treat. 

Cozy Crockpot Oats

Dinner is great, but breakfast is even better! Easy to batch cook in bulk, overnight oats are perfect for fall days.

Adding apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg will turn it into an apple pie flavor while pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, plus maple syrup will give it a pumpkin pie vibe. 

Sloppy Joes with Sneaky Fall Veggies

While not an ordinary slow cooker recipe, sloppy joes can in fact be prepared in a slow cooker. Sloppy joes are also versatile, as they can be prepared with leaner meats to cut down on overall fat and calorie content. 

While the in-season carrot and cauliflower deserve recognition, sloppy joes can "hide" veggies for those pickier eaters. 

Chicken Cacciatore That's Quite the Fall Catch

Chicken breasts are no stranger to a crockpot and can be flavored in countless ways. If needing a slow cooker chicken recipe sure to please, this chicken cacciatore recipe is it!

The deep, warm flavors are perfect to cozy up to on a crisp fall day. 

Beef Stroganoff to Turn On the Warmth

When the cool air arrives, beef stroganoff is satisfyingly warm comfort food. While this one-pot beef stroganoff is already a simple recipe to throw together, the use of a slow cooker can simplify the process even more! 

Most beef stroganoff recipes are also often heavy in calories and fat. This version, however, is only 350 calories while packing 26 grams of protein per one hearty serving! 

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 16 oz cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 1 lb steak tips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup port wine
• 4 cups beef stock, low sodium (or beef broth)
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 8 oz egg noodles, dry
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions: 

1. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or pan. Add beef, browning 3 to 4 minutes on each side, and add to slow cooker.

2. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until soft and browned.

3. Whisk port wine and flour together in a small bowl. Pour mixture, along with the beef broth and mustard, in the slow cooker.

4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.

5. Uncover the slow cooker and stir in sour cream until blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Turn off slow cooker and fold in cooked egg noodles until coated. Serve and enjoy while warm.

Autumn Instant Pot & Pressure Cooker Recipes

Pressure cookers take pressure off of the cook to make dinner in a flash on fall nights. Finding protein-packed and fiber-filled recipes is crucial to keeping hungry friends and family feeling full during autumn outings and adventures. 

Ready in almost an instant, these recipes are ready for the fall season!

Leaves-Are-Falling Lentil Soup

When school starts and it is back-to-work, too, this lentil instant pot soup recipe is a seasonal favorite. Carrots and garlic are seasonal foods of both summer and fall, making these ingredients great for the seasonal transition. 

Beyond being packed with nutrients, lentils provide protein and help promote a feeling of fullness during fall days. 

Chana Masala for Fall 

Authentic and perfect for autumn, chana masala is made of chickpeas and a collection of spices. It is packed with fiber and protein and contains the cozy, colorful flavors of ginger and garlic.

Cumin Basmati Rice In No Time

Cumin basmati rice is made with only four ingredients and leaves lots of extra time for other fun fall activities. The spice cumin makes this rice unique from other recipes!

The best part is that it is ready in just 30 minutes and can easily be customized with other spices and herbs (like bay leaves or cinnamon). Use as a side dish and pair with a veggie and protein source, such as a slow-cooked pot roast, for a balanced meal. 

A Final Word on Fall and Autumn Recipes

Feeding a crowd or meal prepping during the fall can feel chaotic. Easy autumn recipes made with a crockpot, instant pot, or pressure cooker can take the stress away and leave more time for fun.

Really, these few fall tricks make preparing the perfect meal a treat!