Easy Crockpot Recipes for Chilly Nights

When the temperatures start to dip and cozy nights in become more tempting than ever, there’s nothing better than coming home to the smell of something warm and delicious simmering away. Crockpot meals are a fall essential — they’re easy, affordable, and make your whole apartment smell amazing. Here are a few of our favorite budget-friendly slow cooker recipes perfect for chilly Madison nights.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

The ultimate comfort bowl.

• You’ll need: 1 lb chicken breast, 1 cup uncooked wild rice, 3 carrots (chopped), 3 celery stalks (chopped), 1 small onion (diced), 6 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp thyme, salt, and pepper.
• How to make it: Add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Shred the chicken before serving and stir in a splash of cream for extra richness.

2. Creamy Mac & Cheese

A classic that never disappoints.

• You’ll need: 16 oz elbow macaroni, 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend), 2 cups milk, 1 can evaporated milk, ¼ cup butter, and salt to taste.
• How to make it: Boil the pasta until just underdone, then mix all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring once or twice until creamy and melty.

3. Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos

Set it and forget it — perfect for busy weeknights.

• You’ll need: 1 lb chicken breast, 1 jar salsa verde, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder.
• How to make it: Cook on low for 6 hours, then shred the chicken and serve in tortillas with avocado, lime, and fresh cilantro.

4. Hearty Beef & Potato Stew

A cozy classic that fills you up.

• You’ll need: 1 lb stew beef, 3 potatoes (cubed), 2 carrots (sliced), 1 onion (chopped), 3 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp tomato paste, salt, pepper, and thyme.
• How to make it: Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is tender. Serve with crusty bread for dunking.

5. Warm Apple Crisp

Because dessert deserves a turn in the crockpot too.

• You’ll need: 5 sliced apples, ½ cup oats, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup butter (melted), 1 tsp cinnamon.
• How to make it: Layer the apples in the crockpot, mix the topping ingredients, and sprinkle over the apples. Cook on low for 3 hours until bubbly and golden.

Cozy Up & Enjoy

These simple slow cooker recipes make weeknight dinners easy — and fill your apartment with that irresistible “home-cooked” aroma. So grab your favorite blanket, queue up a good movie, and let your crockpot do the work. Dinner (and comfort) are served.