1. Pumpkin Chili
This hearty pumpkin chili combines the warmth of autumn spices with the comfort of chili, making it a perfect fall crockpot meal. It’s not only budget-friendly but also packed with nutrients.
- 1 can of pumpkin puree
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and some cornbread for a complete meal.
2. Apple Cider Pork Chops
Enjoy the flavors of fall with these delicious apple cider pork chops that cook to perfection in your crockpot. This dish is an excellent choice for a busy weeknight.
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Place the pork chops in the crockpot, top with onion, and pour the apple cider mixture over them. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
3. Creamy Mushroom Soup
This creamy mushroom soup is not only comforting but also incredibly easy to make. It’s a fantastic option for those chilly fall nights.
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add the mushrooms, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in the heavy cream right before serving for a rich, creamy texture.
4. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
These sweet potato and black bean tacos are a nutritious and filling option for busy weeknights. Plus, they are incredibly cheap to make!
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Taco shells and toppings of choice (lettuce, salsa, avocado)
Combine the sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.
5. Beef and Vegetable Stew
This classic beef and vegetable stew is a filling meal perfect for fall. You can use cheaper cuts of beef that become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.
- 1 pound beef stew meat
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is tender. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal.
6. Italian Sausage and Peppers
This easy Italian sausage and peppers dish is full of flavor and can be served over rice, pasta, or in a sandwich. It’s a great make-ahead option!
- 1 pound Italian sausage links
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add all ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve it in a sub roll for a hearty sandwich or over pasta for a filling meal.
7. Chicken and Rice Casserole
This chicken and rice casserole is a one-pot dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s creamy, comforting, and delicious!
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- Salt and pepper to taste
Layer the ingredients in the crockpot, starting with the rice, then the chicken, and finally the soup and broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Lentil Soup
This hearty lentil soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and cheap option for fall. It’s also very filling!
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
9. BBQ Chicken
This easy BBQ chicken is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served with sides. It’s a delicious option that requires minimal prep!
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Place the chicken in the crockpot, top with BBQ sauce and onion, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
10. Vegetable Curry
This vegetable curry is not only inexpensive but also packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables!
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add all ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal.
11. Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are a versatile dish that you can customize with whatever filling you have on hand. They’re easy to make and budget-friendly!
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix the rice, beans, tomatoes, and spices in a bowl. Stuff the mixture into the peppers and place them in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
12. Chicken Tortilla Soup
This chicken tortilla soup is a great way to warm up on a chilly fall night. It’s easy to make and full of flavor!
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can corn
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with tortilla chips and your favorite toppings.
13. Baked Ziti
This baked ziti is an easy and delicious meal that can feed a crowd. It’s a comforting dish that warms the soul!
- 1 pound ziti pasta, uncooked
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Layer the ingredients in the crockpot, starting with half the ziti, then marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
14. Chicken and Dumplings
This classic chicken and dumplings recipe is perfect for fall. It’s comforting, filling, and super easy to make!
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 can biscuit dough
Add the chicken, broth, soup, and vegetables to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, drop pieces of biscuit dough on top and cook until fluffy.
15. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
These sweet and sour meatballs are a delicious and easy meal option. They can be served over rice for a complete dinner.
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice or on their own as a tasty appetizer.
These fall crockpot meals are not only cheap but also incredibly convenient for busy weeknights. You can prep them in the morning, and by the time you’re back home, a delicious dinner is waiting for you!
Tips for Making Cheap Fall Crockpot Meals
- Plan Ahead: Take some time each week to plan your meals. This will help you buy only what you need and avoid food waste.
- Use Seasonal Ingredients: Fall offers a bounty of affordable produce like squash, pumpkins, and root vegetables. Incorporate these into your recipes for added flavor and nutrition.
- Batch Cook: Make larger portions of meals and freeze leftovers for those extra busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking.
- Choose Cheaper Cuts of Meat: Cuts like chicken thighs or beef chuck roast are typically cheaper and become tender when cooked slowly in the crockpot.
- Utilize Canned Goods: Stock up on canned beans, tomatoes, and soups. They are budget-friendly and can add great flavor to your meals.
More Ideas for Cheap Fall Crockpot Meals
If you’re looking for more inspiration, consider these additional recipes:
- Vegetarian Chili: Mix beans, tomatoes, and spices for a hearty meal.
- Beef Stew: Combine beef, carrots, potatoes, and broth for a classic comfort dish.
- Pork Carnitas: Slow cook pork shoulder with spices and citrus for flavorful tacos.
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: Cook oats with apples and cinnamon for a warm breakfast option.
These ideas will help you create satisfying meals that fit your budget and schedule. Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with these simple, delicious crockpot recipes!
Conclusion
These 15 cheap fall crockpot meals provide a perfect solution for busy weeknights, allowing you to serve delicious, comforting dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep time and affordable ingredients, these recipes make it easy to enjoy the flavors of the season while keeping your budget intact.
Embrace the convenience of your crockpot this fall and make mealtime stress-free, ensuring that your family can savor hearty meals even on the busiest of days.