Welcome “Crock-tober!” Favorite Fall Slow Cooker Recipes that are High Protein & Weight Watcher Friendly:

Welcome to Crock-tober! October is the perfect time to embrace all things slow-cooked and hearty. As the weather cools, there's nothing better than coming home to the comforting aromas of a warm, delicious meal made in your crockpot. In the spirit of Crock-tober, I’ve gathered some of my favorite high-protein, Weight Watchers-friendly crockpot recipes that are perfect for fall.

These meals are not only easy to prepare, but are also packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied. Whether you're looking for a comforting soup, stuffed peppers, or a flavorful turkey chili, these recipes are family-approved, simple to make, and perfectly suited for your Weight Watchers goals. I love recipes that are easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights — especially when they can be made in a slow cooker.

Today, I’m excited to share some of my favorite fall-inspired meals and a festive cocktail that will help you enjoy the season without going over your points. These recipes are simple, family-approved, and include Weight Watchers-friendly points, making it easy to indulge in fall flavors while staying on track.

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

When the weather starts to cool, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of chili. This turkey chili is full of flavor, high in protein, and low in points. It’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding the family on a busy weeknight. Serve with optional toppings like non-fat Greek yogurt or reduced-fat shredded cheese. This slow cooker turkey chili is around 4-6 Weight Watchers points per serving, depending on toppings.

Stacey’s Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can diced tomatoes (with green chilies for a little kick)

1 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 bell pepper, chopped

2 tbsp chili powder

1 can of sweet corn, drained

1 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and transfer it to the slow cooker.

Add the beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and bell pepper.

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic Italian dish, and the slow cooker version makes it easy to prepare a flavorful meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner and only takes a few minutes to throw together in the morning. While you can make it with chicken breasts as well, I highly recommend the boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most flavor. You can serve this over pasta or spaghetti squash for a low carb option!

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 can crushed tomatoes

1 small onion, sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

1/4 cup dry red wine

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

Add the crushed tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, oregano, basil, and mushrooms.

Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.

Serve with whole wheat pasta or over zucchini noodles for a low-point meal.

This dish comes in at 3-5 Weight Watchers points per serving.

Crokpot Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are an easy way to enjoy a flavorful, low-carb meal, and the slow cooker makes them even simpler. These turkey-stuffed peppers are a great fall dinner option, bursting with flavor and filling enough to satisfy the whole family.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)

• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella (or cheddar cheese)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground turkey until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

2. Stir in the cooked quinoa (or rice), diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

3. Stuff each pepper with the turkey mixture and place them in the slow cooker.

4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the peppers are tender.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella over the peppers during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Each serving is around 4-5 Weight Watchers points, depending on the size of the peppers and the amount of cheese used.

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Nothing says fall like my mama’s homemade Italian minestrone soup. While this isn’t her exact recipe, this light and hearty soup is very close and is perfect for fall! Packed with vegetables, beans, and a light tomato broth, it’s a great low-point option for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 1/2 cup small whole wheat pasta (optional)

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Spinach or kale (optional, added at the end)

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients (except for pasta and spinach) to the slow cooker and stir to combine.

2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

3. If adding pasta, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

4. Stir in spinach or kale just before serving for added nutrients.

This Minestrone Soup is around 3-4 Weight Watchers points per serving (without the pasta), making it a filling, healthy choice for fall!

Stacey’s Lightened-Up Fall Sangria

Cheers! What’s better than a glass of sangria to celebrate the flavors of fall? This lighter version is packed with apples, oranges, and cinnamon, but with fewer calories and points than traditional sangria.

Stacey’s Lightened-Up Fall Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of dry red wine (like Cabernet, Merlot, or Pinot Noir)

• 1 cup light apple cider

• 1/2 cup club soda

• 1/4 cup brandy or apple brandy (optional)

• 1 apple, thinly sliced

• 1 orange, thinly sliced

• 2-4 cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the wine, apple cider, brandy (if using), apple slices, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks.

2. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.

3. Before serving, add club soda to give the sangria a light fizz.

4. Serve chilled, and garnish with extra apple slices or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.

This lightened-up sangria is around 4-5 Weight Watchers points per glass, depending on how much brandy and sweetener you use.

These fall-inspired recipes are perfect for creating cozy, family-friendly meals while sticking to your Weight Watchers plan. Whether you’re in the mood for hearty slow-cooked dinners like turkey chili or turkey-stuffed peppers, a comforting minestrone soup, or a refreshing fall sangria, these dishes will help you enjoy all the flavors of fall without the guilt. So eat up, and drink up, and enjoy all the flavors that fall has to offer!

Cheers!

Stacey