Our Halloween slow-cooker recipes make the night easier with set-it-and-forget-it dinners like pumpkin chili, hearty stews and tender, pulled meats.
1/19
Pumpkin Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 192 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/19
Shredded Beef Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
Make a taco bar or burrito bar for your next party! Set out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream, plus chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions and tomatoes. For a variation, I mix in a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 379 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
3/19
Slow-Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
About 3 meatballs with 3/4 cup sauce: 250 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1116mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
4/19
Chicken with Sugar Pumpkins & Apricots
From the Recipe Creator:
When we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 cup pumpkin: 318 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 376mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
5/19
Best Ever Roast Beef
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best roast beef recipe ever, and it’s great for family dinners! Cube leftover meat and save any extra sauce; they’ll add new flavor to basic fried rice. —Caroline Flynn, Troy, New York
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 1/4 cup gravy: 324 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
6/19
Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
From the Recipe Creator:
Slow-cooker chicken and dumplings are an easy weeknight comfort food, and my kids adore them! If you'd like, omit oregano and marjoram and substitute cream of chicken soup with herbs. —Marjorie Molloy, Panama City, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 281 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1073mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
7/19
Autumn Pumpkin Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
We have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite keeper in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 281 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
8/19
Slow-Cooker German Bratwurst
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this old-world favorite based on a dish I had during my travels. The flavorful entree is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. I like to serve this slow-cooker bratwurst with pasta. —Gerald Hetrick, Erie, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 445 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1424mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
9/19
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tagine with Pumpkin
From the Recipe Creator:
I first discovered tagines—Moroccan stews—when my oldest son was a baby, and I've loved them ever since. I used a slow cooker for my first version and since I'm a mom with two active boys, that has stayed my preferred method. The pumpkin mixture is supposed to be thick, but if you like a thinner consistency, stir in chicken broth. —Necia Blundy, Bothell, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 10g fiber), 28g protein.
10/19
Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti
From the Recipe Creator:
I don't know one family that doesn't have some crazy, hectic evening. This recipe is a quick and easy fix for a busy weeknight dinner. —Christy Addison, Clarksville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 379 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
11/19
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I love that I can top this creamy soup with anything my heart desires, which means I can eat it several days in a row without ever having to have it the same way twice. You can substitute fresh onions and celery in this recipe if you prefer, but using the dried version makes it easy to throw together on a weekday morning. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 215 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 637mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
12/19
Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon
From the Recipe Creator:
I’d wanted to make boeuf bourguignon (beef Burgundy) ever since I got one of Julia Child’s cookbooks, but I wanted to find a way to fix it in a slow cooker. My slow-cooker boeuf bourguignon is still rich, hearty and delicious, but there's no need to watch it on the stovetop or in the oven. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup beef mixture (calculated without noodles): 289 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
13/19
Butternut Squash with Whole Grains
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh thyme really shines in this hearty slow-cooked side dish featuring tender butternut squash, nutritious whole grain pilaf and vitamin-packed baby spinach. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 97 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 252mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
14/19
Pumpkin-Lentil Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 244 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 11g fiber), 15g protein.
15/19
Pulled Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
Our pulled pork recipe uses a slow cooker to produce flavorful and juicy meat. When it's done cooking, shred the pork shoulder, toss it with barbecue sauce and serve it on sandwiches. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 309 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
16/19
Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Much of the work for this soup can be done in advance, and it keeps all day in the slow cooker. The recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd. Once you’ve tried it, try mixing it up—add sage or savory with the thyme, or replace the thyme with nutmeg. For a vegan version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. —Jennifer Machado, Alta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 124 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
17/19
Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash
From the Recipe Creator:
Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up this goulash recipe. Even the macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 315 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 915mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein.
18/19
Slow-Cooker Short Ribs
From the Recipe Creator:
These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 251 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
19/19
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Swapping ground turkey for ground beef lightens up this chili. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 243 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
Halloween Slow-Cooker Recipes FAQ
What easy Halloween slow-cooker recipes are kid-friendly?
Creamy slow-cooked soups and tender shredded meat for tacos are kid-friendly and appealing to grown-ups. Set out a festive toppings bar with olive eyeballs, bat-shaped tortilla chips and green or orange-tinted sour cream, and let everyone craft their own meal. Slow-cooker chili recipes are great for gatherings and can be served plain, over spaghetti (worms) or over hot dogs for classic chili dogs.
Can I make Halloween desserts in a slow cooker?
Festive Halloween desserts, like apple butterscotch crisp or a pumpkin cranberry bread pudding, are a great way to make dessert in a slow cooker. If you need to warm up after a busy night of trick-or-treating, make a batch of warm spiced cider punch or slow-cooker hot chocolate.
What are the best savory Halloween recipes for crowds?
The best savory Halloween recipes for crowds, like slow-cooker chili, soup or stew, make big batches, hold up well and are easy to serve. Beyond the slow cooker, make some festive and flavorful Halloween appetizers for your party, like roasted pumpkin nachos and beet hummus.
