5 Frugal Fall Crockpot Recipes for Cozy Comfort on a Budget

As the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a meal simmering away in the crockpot.

Slow cookers are a frugal cook's best friend, especially when it comes to creating hearty, budget-friendly meals that warm both the body and soul. Read Instant Pot Vs. Crock-Pot: Which is Better? for more information.

With just a few inexpensive ingredients, you can prepare a delicious feast that feeds the whole family. Here are five frugal fall crockpot recipes that are perfect for the season.

1. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin isn’t just for pie—it’s also a fantastic addition to chili, adding a subtle sweetness and a boost of nutrition. This pumpkin chili is a perfect example of how to stretch your ingredients and create a filling, healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat, then transfer to the crockpot.
2. Add all other ingredients to the crockpot and stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream or shredded cheese if desired.

2. Crockpot Harvest Vegetable Stew

This hearty vegetable stew is packed with the flavors of fall, featuring seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and potatoes. It’s an excellent way to use up any leftover vegetables, making it as frugal as it is filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 3 medium potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place all the vegetables in the crockpot.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and seasonings.
3. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.
4. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

3. Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Start your morning off right with a warm bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal. This recipe is perfect for those chilly fall mornings, and it’s incredibly easy on the wallet. Plus, you can make it the night before and wake up to a delicious breakfast ready to go.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups milk (or a non-dairy alternative)
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Add all ingredients to the crockpot and stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours overnight.
4. In the morning, stir the oatmeal, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. Serve hot.

4. Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing

This recipe combines tender chicken with savory stuffing and vegetables for a comforting meal that’s sure to please. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, as it makes good use of pantry staples and affordable ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix the stuffing, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream.
3. Spread the stuffing mixture over the chicken breasts.
4. Add the frozen vegetables on top and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad.

5. Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork

This fall-inspired pulled pork recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or easy entertaining. The apple cider adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tender pork, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and frugal.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pound pork shoulder or pork butt
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Buns or rolls for serving

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
3. Place the pork in the crockpot and pour the apple cider and apple cider vinegar over it.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
5. Remove the pork from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the juices.
6. Serve on buns or rolls with your favorite toppings, like coleslaw or pickles.

Conclusion

These five frugal fall crockpot recipes are not only delicious and comforting but also incredibly easy on the budget. By using affordable, seasonal ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, you can create hearty meals that feed your family without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re looking for a warm breakfast, a cozy dinner, or a meal that can simmer away all day, these recipes are perfect for embracing the flavors of fall.

Next, read Where to Buy a Crockpot & How to Choose the Best Model.