21 September Slow Cooker Recipes You Haven’t Thought of In Years

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September feels like the right time to bring the slow cooker back into rotation. Old favorites that haven’t been made in years suddenly taste perfect on cool evenings. These hearty, make-ahead meals save time while filling the house with comforting aromas. From soups to stews and even spreads, here are 21 slow cooker recipes made for busy autumn days.

Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

A plate of cheesy beef and potato casserole garnished with herbs, served with a fork. A potato, greenery, and a slow cooker are visible in the background.
Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Layers of potatoes, beef, and cheese make Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin perfect for cooler nights. The slow cooker melts everything into a creamy, hearty dish. Prep it earlier in the day and let it cook until dinnertime. This recipe works well for family meals or weekend gatherings. Serve with a simple green salad to round it out.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider

Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

For gatherings or quiet evenings, Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider warms everyone up. Apples and spices cook together for hours until the flavor deepens. The slow cooker keeps it ready to serve all afternoon. It’s a make-ahead recipe that feels like an old-fashioned family staple. Ladle it into mugs alongside cookies or rolls.
Get the Recipe: Non-Alcoholic Apple CIder

Turmeric Lentil Soup

A pot of veggie lentil soup, filled with vegetables and lentils.
Turmeric Lentil Soup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

When evenings turn cool, Turmeric Lentil Soup brings comfort to the table. Lentils soften into a creamy base while turmeric gives color and warmth. It’s simple to prep and perfect to portion ahead for weekday meals. This hearty soup keeps well in the fridge for lunches or dinners. Pair it with naan or flatbread for a complete plate.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Lentil Soup

Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin Butter. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Nothing feels more autumn than a batch of Crockpot Pumpkin Butter bubbling away. Pumpkin and spices slowly cook down into a thick spread you can make ahead. Use it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or spoon it into baking recipes. The slow cooker makes the process hands-off while you handle your day. Keep jars in the fridge to enjoy all season.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Butter

Apple Butter

Apple Butter . Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Spiced apples simmer into Crockpot Apple Butter, filling the kitchen with fall aromas. The slow cooker does the work while you go about your day. This recipe turns surplus apples into a rich spread that lasts for weeks. It’s a practical, make-ahead option for September breakfasts. Spread it on pancakes, biscuits, or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter

Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sunday dinners feel complete with Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. The meatballs cook slowly until juicy, soaking up rich tomato flavor. This recipe is make-ahead friendly and ideal for weeknights. It’s a hearty meal for cooler evenings that pairs well with pasta. Leftovers double as subs or lunch bowls.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Slow Cooker Cajun Bean Soup

A bowl of hearty bean and sausage stew with carrots and tomatoes, placed on a woven mat next to a spoon and a cloth napkin.
Slow Cooker Cajun Bean Soup. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Cooler weather calls for a bowl of Slow Cooker Cajun Bean Soup. Beans and spices simmer for hours until the broth is thick and flavorful. This hearty soup makes a great make-ahead meal for the week. It brings back the feel of old fall recipes with every spoonful. Add cornbread on the side to complete dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini

A white plate with creamy tortellini, shredded chicken, spinach, and diced tomatoes. A fork and a small bowl of grated cheese are on the side.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Busy weekdays feel easier with Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini ready at dinnertime. Chicken simmers in broth before mixing with cheesy tortellini for a hearty meal. This make-ahead recipe works well on cooler September nights. Prep in the morning and forget about it until dinner. Serve with garlic bread for a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Tortellini

Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions

A plate with shredded beef over white rice, accompanied by sautéed broccoli and carrots. Garlic and onions are visible in the background.
Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Old-fashioned comfort comes through in Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions. Steak cooks slowly with onions until fork-tender and rich. It’s a hearty dinner made for chilly September evenings. The recipe takes only minutes to set up in the morning. Pair it with mashed potatoes for a full plate.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Braised Steak and Onions

Venison Stew

Venison stew in a red pot with a wooden spoon.
Venison Stew. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Cool weather makes Hearty Venison Stew an easy choice for busy September nights. The slow cooker blends tender meat with potatoes and carrots into a filling bowl. This old fall favorite saves time because you can prep it in minutes. Let it simmer all day and come home to a ready meal. Serve it with bread for a hearty finish.
Get the Recipe: Venison Stew

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Carnitas tacos on a blue plate.
Slow Cooker Carnitas. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Tender meat in Slow Cooker Carnitas makes fall evenings simple. The pork cooks low and slow until it shreds easily for tacos or burritos. This hearty dish fits right into busy September schedules. Prep it ahead and let the slow cooker handle the rest. Leftovers turn into quick lunches for the week.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Carnitas

Crock Pot Creamed Corn with Bacon

Bowl of corn with salt and pepper shaker beside it.
Crock Pot Creamed Corn with Bacon. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Sweet corn and smoky bacon blend in Crock Pot Creamed Corn with Bacon, a side worth keeping on repeat. The slow cooker makes it hands-off while flavors meld together. This recipe feels like an old favorite that fits cooler evenings. Make it ahead for family meals or gatherings. Pair it with roasted chicken or pork chops.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Creamed Corn with Bacon

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Pork chop topped with onion gravy on a white plate.
Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

With just minutes of prep, Crock Pot Pork Chops turn tender and ready by dinnertime. The slow cooker locks in flavor as they simmer all day. This hearty dinner works well for busy September evenings. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes to round it out. It feels like a recipe handed down through generations.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Onions take center stage in Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs, a twist on a comfort food classic. They simmer in broth until the sauce is rich and flavorful. This hearty recipe fits perfectly into cool September nights. Prep takes only minutes, making it great for busy days. Add bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bright and tangy Tomato Lime Chicken makes dinner easy on hectic September nights. The chicken cooks until tender while citrus and tomato bring a fresh kick. It’s a hearty yet light option that works for lunches too. This recipe is simple to make ahead and ready when you are. Serve with rice or tortillas for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tomato Lime Chicken

Slow Cooker Thai Pork

Image shows Slow Cooker Thai Pork on a bed of rice on a white plate with sliced carrots and green onion on top of it.
Slow Cooker Thai Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bold flavors shine in Slow Cooker Thai Pork, an easy weeknight option. Pork simmers in spices until juicy and tender. It’s hearty enough for family dinners on cool evenings. The recipe sets up quickly in the morning and cooks all day. Serve it over rice or noodles to stretch it further.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Pork

Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Slow cooker apple BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with apple carrot raisin slaw.
Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A seasonal spin shows up in Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Pork simmers slowly with apples and barbecue sauce until tender. This hearty dish fits right into autumn schedules. It’s make-ahead friendly for weeknights or casual weekends. Serve on rolls with slaw or pickles.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Apple Pulled Pork Sandwiches

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Slow cooker cranberry sauce with orange and cinnamon.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Homemade Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce brings fall flavor to the table. Cranberries cook down until thick and glossy in just a few hours. This simple make-ahead recipe saves time during busy September days. It keeps well and serves warm or chilled. Use it with turkey, pork, or chicken.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Mexican shredded beef bowls with plantains, rice and beans and peppers.
Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Dinner feels fresh again with Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls. Beef cooks low and slow until it pulls apart easily. This hearty recipe is ideal for make-ahead meals on cool nights. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or as salads. Leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Tongs holding shredded barbeque pork over a white bowl with more pork inside.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Families love the ease of Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. The pork cooks for hours until it shreds easily into juicy sandwiches. This make-ahead recipe is an old fall favorite for busy households. Serve it with coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a full meal. Leftovers pack well for weekday lunches.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Close-up of a ladle holding a hearty soup with visible chunks of tomato, cabbage, ground meat, and grains in broth.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Classic flavors shine in Cabbage Roll Soup, an easier take on a family favorite. The slow cooker blends beef, rice, and cabbage into a warming bowl. This hearty soup is perfect for cooler weather and busy September evenings. Make it ahead and let it simmer all day. Serve with bread for a filling finish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

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Sarita Harbour has been stretching her food dollars to feed her family for over 30 years. As a former banker and current freelance writer, she's written boatloads of articles about budgeting, homesteading, gardening, personal finance and more. Her food-related articles have been widely syndicated through AP and MSN. Look for her food features at NBC, The Seattle Times, Yahoo! Life, Chowhound, Tasting Table and MSN.

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