18 Best Slow Cooker Recipes to Make for Crocktober
Celebrate cozy season all month long.
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
It's October and that can only mean one thing... okay, it can mean a lot of things since Halloween is approaching and there's apple picking and such. But those are just one-day activities. Do you know what's all month long, though? Crocktober! That's right, it's the month-long celebration where you break out your slow cooker and make delicious Crock-Pot recipes to welcome cozy season.
Fine, fine, Crocktober isn't an official holiday. But after scrolling through these easy slow cooker recipes, you will most certainly want it to become one. Before you petition your local government officials, though, you might want to make a few first as proof. You'll find plenty of family meals that work on busy weekdays, so you can just set it and forget it until everyone needs to eat.
You'll also find lots of tailgate food, because October also means peak football season. Whether you're actually going to the game or inviting friends over for a game day feast, you'll practically forget about the score when you can snack on queso or buffalo chicken dip for hours. Bonus: It'll keep them warm the entire time! So the question isn't whether or not you'll celebrate Crocktober. The question is what recipe will you start with to kick off the month-long feast? Decisions, decisions...
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
A bowl of comfort is just a few steps away! Just throw everything in your slow cooker to simmer for a few hours, then top with store-bought canned biscuits for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spinach artichoke dip is never a bad idea, especially when you've got friends coming over to watch the game. Cream cheese, pepper jack, parmesan, and feta all come together create the creamiest, most flavorful snack.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
The secret to these wonderfully messy sandwiches is in the sauce, a balance of sweet and tangy. A slow cooker gives it all the time it needs to deepen in flavor, caramelize, and get even more delicious.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes recipe.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
You don't need a grill for barbecue chicken. This easy, hands-free option makes saucy, smoky shredded chicken a cinch. Top sandwiches, nachos, salads, you name it!
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe.
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
A couple of shortcut ingredients make this soup as easy as can be. Use frozen broccoli, cream of celery soup, and a hunk of Velveeta to cut prep time down to just five minutes.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Beef stew is one of those recipes that should take hours to simmer, so you get the most flavorful, tender meat. Why not let your slow cooker do the work for you, so you can come home to a warm, cozy meal?
Get the Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe.
Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese
Making mac and cheese from scratch is even easier than using the boxed kind if you use your slow cooker. You get an extra gooey mix of cheddar, gouda, and American cheese with five minutes of prep.
Get the Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.
Slow Cooker Bolognese
This hearty Italian meat sauce goes with just about any type of noodle and you can also use it for lasagna. It makes an extra big batch, so you can freeze some for another meal, too.
Get the Slow Cooker Bolognese recipe.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
There are endless shredded pork recipes you can make from just one batch in your handy appliance. Make sandwiches, tacos, nachos, or all of the above!
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken is always a winner come game day. Use store-bought rotisserie chicken and you're ten minutes of prep away (plus two hours of simmering) from snacking.
Get the Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Chili
The hardest part of the warmer months of the year is waiting until it's cold enough to make your first batch of chili. It's finally here! Making it in the slow cooker allows the flavors to deepen even more.
Get the Slow Cooker Chili recipe.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Get at ton of Tex-Mex flavor without a ton of work. As Ree says, "You literally throw everything in, turn it on, then go live your life until it's done."
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Applesauce is the perfect after-school snack particularly in the fall during apple season. It also makes an excellent side dish to pork! Make a big batch and enjoy it for days to come.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Speaking of a dish to go with applesauce, how about perfectly tender pork chops smothered with a rich onion gravy? That can be all made right in your slow cooker, too.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Pork Chops recipe.
Slow Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches
Once you try Ree's drip beef sandwiches, you'll never go back to store-bought sandwiches again. The meat comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of slow cooking.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Drip Beef Sandwiches recipe.
Queso Dip
Ree says "Queso is not really optional in our house: It's an essential part of every get-together." Sound familiar to your life? Then sling a batch in your slow cooker this weekend!
Get the Queso Dip recipe.
Slow Cooker Ribs
When the grill isn't an option, you can still make smoky, sweet, sticky ribs! You can make your own BBQ sauce or take a shortcut and used your favorite bottled brand.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Ribs recipe.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
If you want proof that there's no such thing as too much chili come fall, this is it! This lighter version is still warm and cozy with just the right amount of heat to satisfy everyone.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili recipe.
Try the Best New Pumpkin Spice Products for 2026
Ree Once Made Dolly Parton’s ‘Cuppa Cuppa’ Cake
Cauliflower Soup
Hamburger Casserole
