Cozy Crockpot Meals for Chilly Nights: Easy Fall Favorites

When the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, nothing beats cozy crockpot meals for chilly nights. I remember one fall evening, my son Jake came home from school, his cheeks rosy from the cold, and the smell of my slow cooker chili filled the house. He declared it the best dinner ever, and I couldn't agree more. Let’s dive into some easy fall favorites that will warm your heart and home.

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re perfect for busy weeknights.
• You can set it and forget it, making meal prep a breeze.
• The flavors deepen as they cook, creating a delicious dish.
• They’re great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Pure Comfort

Crockpot meals are pure comfort food. They bring families together around the table, filling your home with delightful aromas that make everyone feel at ease. Plus, they’re perfect for those chilly nights when you just want to snuggle up with a warm bowl of goodness.

What You Need

• 1 1 lb ground beef – or ground turkey for a lighter option
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth
• 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – for a flavorful kick
• 1 1 bell pepper, diced – any color works well
• 2 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes – with juice for extra flavor
• 1 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – or black beans for a different taste
• 1 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained – sweet corn adds a nice texture
• 2 2 tbsp chili powder – adjust to taste for spice
• 1 1 tsp cumin – for warmth
• to taste Salt and pepper to taste – season to your preference

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 6 hours | Total: 6 hours 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prep ingredients the night before.

Steps to Make It

1. Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, and let it cool slightly before adding it to your crockpot.
2. Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the crockpot. The vibrant colors will brighten your dish and the aromas will start to mingle beautifully.
3. Now, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, kidney beans, and corn. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. The mixture should look hearty and inviting.
4. Sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin, then season with salt and pepper. Give it another good stir, ensuring all the spices are evenly distributed. You want every bite to be flavorful.
5. Cover the crockpot and set it to low. Let it cook for about 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
6. Once done, give it a final stir and taste to adjust any seasoning. Serve it hot, and watch as everyone digs in, their faces lighting up with delight.

Make It Perfect

• For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
• Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or over rice.

Mix It Up

• Try adding different beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

💡 For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest.

FAQs

Conclusion

Cozy crockpot meals for chilly nights are a lifesaver, especially as the weather gets colder. This easy fall favorite is sure to become a staple in your home, bringing warmth and joy to your dinner table. So gather your loved ones, serve up a bowl, and enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn.

Cozy Crockpot Meals for Chilly Nights Easy Fall Favorites

This cozy crockpot chili features ground beef, vegetables, beans, and spices slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights, with a rich blend of flavors that deepen as the dish simmers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 6 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
• 1 large yellow onion diced – adds sweetness and depth
• 2 cloves garlic minced – for a flavorful kick
• 1 bell pepper diced – any color works well
• 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes with juice for extra flavor
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans drained and rinsed – or black beans for a different taste
• 1 can (15 oz) corn drained – sweet corn adds a nice texture
• 2 tbsp chili powder adjust to taste for spice
• 1 tsp cumin for warmth
• to taste salt and pepper season to your preference

Equipment

• Skillet
• Crockpot

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly.
2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the crockpot.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, kidney beans, and corn. Stir to combine flavors.
4. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin, season with salt and pepper, then stir well.
5. Cover crockpot and cook on low for about 6 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors melded.
6. Stir and taste to adjust seasoning before serving hot.