25 Tasty & Easy Fall Dinners to Keep You Warm & Cozy This Season
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Fall is my favourite time of year. Warm sweaters, cool crisp weather, changing leaves, and of course making hearty & comforting meals for my family.
To help you embrace the pumpkin spice season, we’ve compiled a list of 25 cozy & easy fall dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. From comforting soups and stews to savory casseroles and one-pan dishes, these recipes celebrate the best of autumn’s flavors.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook, a kitchen novice, or a busy parent, you’ll find these dishes simple to prepare and guaranteed to bring warmth and happy bellies to your table. Let’s dive into a season of delicious dinners.
1. One-Pan Butternut Squash Penne
One pan meals are a lifesaver any time of year and some of my favorite fall recipes. You can enjoy the bounty of fall with this One-Pan Butternut Squash Penne.
It’s light, healthy, and deliciously satisfying, perfect for those cozy autumn evenings. Butternut squash adds beautiful color, texture, nutrition, and flavor, making this dish a standout dinner option as the days grow shorter and cooler.
Get the recipe: One-Pan Butternut Squash Penne
2. Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops With Butternut Squash
In our household we often eat pork with applesauce. This is leftover nostalgia from my childhood, as pork chop dinners were never without this sweet sauce.
Which is why we love this Pork Chops with Apples and Butternut Squash recipe. An easy weeknight dinner, it brings the best of fall flavors to your dinner table in one easy skillet dish.
Sweet apples, savory butternut squash, fresh rosemary, and juicy bone-in pork chops create a magical balance between sweet and savory. Perfect for a cozy weeknight or a special occasion, this healthy, gluten-free meal will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the recipe: Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops with Butternut Squash
3. Morrocan Carrot Lentil Soup
Is there anything that says Fall more than soup? I think not.
Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup is a flavor-packed, meatless Fall soup option that combines cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon with creamy carrots and red lentils.
This filling, healthy soup is perfect for any time of year and freezes beautifully for easy, future meals. I like to have a few containers on hand for quick meals on the go.
The rich, warm spices and wholesome ingredients make it a standout, whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a salad and crusty bread. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and brimming with vitamins and protein— ideal for a quick, nutritious lunch or dinner!
Get the recipe: Morrocan Carrot Lentil Soup
⭐️ Try more easy dinner recipes this week!
4. Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken
While pumpkin spice tends to get all the glory, I think maple syrup is the queen of the season. Maple syrup is true to my Canadian heart, and makes this Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken a winning and delicious dinner.
It’s a sweet and savory one-skillet recipe perfect for fall dinners. The combination of maple syrup and mustard creates a deliciously tangy sauce that coats the chicken breasts beautifully.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy dish is also ideal for busy weeknights. Add some easy pumpkin cinnamon rolls for a wonderful fall dessert.
Get the recipe: Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken
5. Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner
I didn’t know I needed Sheet Pan Dinners in my life until I had kids, and 20 different activities I had to run my kids around to all at the same time. Why do ALL the activities, parties, school events happen at different places at the same time?
But this Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner quick and easy one-pan meal is perfect for those busy weeknights. It combines juicy chicken apple sausage, sweet potatoes, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and roasted shallots for a burst of fall flavors.
With minimal cleanup (YES!) and wholesome ingredients, this dish is not only delicious but also healthy and ideal for meal prep or larger groups.
Get the recipe: Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner
6. Easy Sweet Potato Turmeric Soup with Coconut Milk
While I do appreciate a good fall squash soup, sometimes I’m looking for something a little different. Which is where this Sweet Potato Turmeric Soup with Coconut Milk comes in.
Featuring warming spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, this creamy soup offers anti-inflammatory benefits and hearty comfort. The sweet potatoes and onions add depth, while the coconut milk creates a velvety texture.
Perfect for those on special diets, it also happens to be free of gluten, soy, nuts, grains, and dairy. And if you use veggie stock, vegan as well.
Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Turmeric Soup with Coconut Milk
Check out these fun salad side dishes you can make year round
7. Easy Thai Shrimp Curry Recipe
While Thai Shrimp Curry may not be the first thing you think of for Fall, it’s something I crave all year round. It’s light enough for summer, and hearty enough for a fall dinner.
The warming spices are comforting and fun for the taste buds. Just add some rice for a delicious complete meal.
Get the recipe: Easy Thai Shrimp Curry
8. Turkey Bolognese
Turkey and fall go together like PB&J.
If you’re needing to use up some of those Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, Turkey Bolognese is a unique & delicious take on this classic Italian pasta dish.
It’s chock full of veggies, super comforting and we recommend sprinkling fresh Parmesan all over it.
Your kids will even gobble it up in no time. Try more family friendly dinner ideas.
Get the recipe: Turkey Bolognese
9. Sheet Pan Kielbasa with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
Sheet pan kielbasa with sweet potatoes and green beans is a flavorful, all-in-one meal that is so perfect for busy weeknights.
The smoked sausage infuses the veggies with rich flavor while everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze.
Enjoy this easy dinner on its own or serve it with a green salad, rice, or buttered egg noodles. The recipe is super flexible, just substitute whatever sausages, vegetables, or spices you have on hand or prefer.
Another meal bites the dust.
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Kielbasa with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
10. Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Meal
Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Meal is a healthy, delicious, and satisfying dinner that’s incredibly easy to make. Succulent chicken with crispy, flavorful skin pairs perfectly with tender, herb-infused vegetables.
Just prep everything, pop it in the oven, and let it cook while you relax.
The combination of fresh and dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary brings out the best in both the chicken and veggies, making this a go-to meal for any night of the week.
Just add an apple pie for a tasty dessert for a complete fall feast.
Get the recipe: Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Meal
11. Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup
Tis the season for squash in all it’s varities.
Cozy and easy to make, this Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup is full of veggies and high in protein.
With flavors reminiscent of a classic Tuscan soup, it’s perfect for family dinners and meal prepping for the work week.
We prefer a little heat, so use spicy Italian sausage but the mild also pairs beautifully with tender butternut squash, white beans, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that reheats well and keeps you warm all season long.
Get the recipe: Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup
12. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Apple
I’ll often cook up a batch of brussels sprouts with thick sliced bacon as a Thanksgiving side dish, but the addition of apple adds that extra Fall touch. While most of my family isn’t as big of a fan of brussels sprouts as I am, they will actually eat this dish and ask for more.
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apple is a flavorful side dish perfect for weeknight dinners and holiday celebrations. Add this to your collection of fall recipes.
The crisp Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, and sweet-tart Granny Smith apples create a delicious blend of textures and tastes.
Inspired by a local restaurant favorite, this simple yet tasty dish has become a staple in our home. With just a few ingredients like Brussels sprouts, bacon, apples, and onion, you can enjoy a nutritious and delightful side that pairs well with any meal.
Get the recipe: Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Apple
13. Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up Casserole
Transform classic chicken pot pie into a fun and irresistible Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up Casserole, prepped in just 15 minutes.
Last night, I hit a home run with the family by serving this for dinner—they all scraped their plates clean.
The biscuits mixed throughout the casserole were a huge hit. With shredded chicken, biscuit pieces, and mixed veggies, casseroles are a complete and delicious cozy fall recipe perfect for those hectic nights when you need something quick and satisfying.
Get the recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up Casserole
14. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
Creamy pumpkin pasta sauce is the stuff your fall pasta dreams are made of.
This quick and easy sauce features canned pumpkin (not the pie type), sage, nutmeg, garlic, onion, a touch of cream, and crumbled sweet Italian sausage, creating a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
It clings to your pasta, making every bite delicious, and is ideal for a cozy fall meal or anytime you have extra pureed pumpkin on hand. Rich, creamy pasta dishes ready in about 30 minutes, this sauce is a tasty change from traditional tomato sauce and offers a nutritious boost with its beta-carotene-packed pumpkin.
Switch up the pasta for different look. I think bowtie, fusili, shells or even ravioli pasta would look and taste great.
Get the recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
15. Fall Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples
It’s the Fall Season Y’all! Fall Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples captures what I think is the essence of autumn in one bowl.
This plant-based delight blends the comforting taste of roasted squash with the chewy texture of farro and the sweetness of fresh apples and dried cranberries.
Whether served warm or cold, it’s a healthy and satisfying dish that brings a burst of fall flavors to your table. A great option for a side dish or a main meal, this salad is also great for meal prep, making it a colorful & versatile favorite for any occasion.
Get the recipe: Fall Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples
16. Tater Tot Turkey Casserole
One of my work mates introduced me to tater tot poutine to use up the turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. So good….. Which is why I couldn’t resist trying this Tater Tot Turkey Casserole.
Tater tots are nostalgic for my family, comfort food at it’s finest.
Not only that but it’s a delicious one-pan meal loaded with protein, veggies, cheddar cheese and potatoes that the whole family will love. An easy weeknight casserole too for the parenting win! More easy casserole recipes here
Get the recipe: Tater Tot Turkey Casserole
17. Old Fashioned Beef Stew
I start to crave stew once the weather dips, and I have to bring out my warmer sweaters.
There’s something so comforting to coming home to a bowl of hearty Old Fashioned Beef Stew. Plus it’s ingredients are all things my kids will eat, which I appreciate after a long work day, and don’t have the patience for whining.
Tender beef, carrots, celery, onions and potatoes in a rich, beefy gravy – a one-pot meal with everyday ingredients. Just absolutely the best.
Get the recipe: Old Fashioned Beef Stew
18. Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly fall evenings.
This creamy, herby soup is loaded with vegetables, whole milk, and cream, but what makes it extra special are the bursts of sweet and tart dried cranberries.
It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas, adding a festive touch with flecks of green herbs and red cranberries. Nutritious, filling, and freezer-friendly, this soup is the ultimate comfort food for any holiday event.
Get the recipe: Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
19. Salmon Kale Salad
When I had my backyard garden I was always looking for recipes to use up the abundant Kale that grew there all season long until it snowed.
This Salmon Kale Salad is the perfect fall harvest salad for this. It’s made with fresh kale, apples, parmesan cheese, salmon, roasted potatoes and green beans, drizzled in an easy tahini dressing.
For an even quicker meal on the go, I would use canned salmon, and meal prep the potatoes ahead of time.
Get the recipe: Salmon Kale Salad
20. Easy Stovetop White Chicken Chili
Super Creamy White Chicken Chili is the tastiest, coziest stovetop chili you need for fall and winter. Chili is my youngest Miss S’s favorite. We take it camping, and eat it on vacations and honestly year round.
This version is made with flavorful chicken thighs, hearty cannellini beans, mild green chilies, and whole-kernel corn. Perfect for cold nights, it’s lighter than traditional beef chili and incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can double the batch and enjoy it anytime you need a comforting meal.
Get the recipe: Easy Stovetop White Chicken Chili
21. Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Made with lean ground turkey, red bell pepper, and pineapple chunks in a homemade sauce, these meatballs are a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
This nostalgic recipe, often called “Hawaiian meatballs,” is a crowd-pleaser.
Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, these meatballs are baked, not fried, and free from refined sugar, making them a nutritious and delicious option for the whole family.
Get the recipe: Baked Sweet and Sour Meatballs
22. Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
Easy sheet-pan dinners are some of my favorite fall dinner ideas.
Growing up, meat and potatoes were a thing in our household, eaten at least 3-4 times a week and just seasoned with salt and pepper.
But this budget friendly Baked Chicken Leg Quarters with potatoes takes meal time up a flavourful notch. An all-in-one meal ideal for a romantic date night at home or a filling family dinner, this dish is simple to prepare and easy on the wallet.
Just whip up a quick marinade for the chicken and potatoes, toss everything on a sheet pan, and let the oven do the work while you relax.
This gluten-free, customizable recipe is also great for feeding the whole family, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal without the fuss.
Get the recipe: Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
23. Butternut Squash Curry
This Butternut Squash Curry is the ultimate cozy and comforting meal. Bursting with hearty, savory, and robust flavors, this one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and leftovers.
Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s vegan & gluten free as written, easy to prepare and features strong, bold flavors that get even better the next day.
Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized with additional proteins like chicken, beef or sausage if you prefer.
Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Curry
24. Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta
Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta is the epitome of comfort food.
Slow-cooked braised beef in a hearty Italian tomato garlic sauce sits atop creamy polenta, rich with butter and nutty parmesan cheese.
This dish is perfect for Sunday gatherings. Easy to make at home, it combines lean beef, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic and basil, onions, and a touch of carrot for a mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Get the recipe: Italian Braised Beef Ragu with Parmesan Polenta
25. German Pork Loin Roast with Sauerkraut Recipe
German Pork Loin Roast with Sauerkraut is a traditional South German/Austrian recipe that’s delicious and easy to make.
This authentic dish uses a Dutch oven to create the juiciest, most tender pork loin. In Tyrol, Austria pork and sauerkraut are a classic pairing, and families there even make their own fermented sauerkraut each year.
This recipe combines seasoned pork with onions, seared and then roasted alongside flavorful sauerkraut, resulting in a mouthwatering meal perfect for any occasion.
Get the recipe: German Pork Loin Roast with Sauerkraut Recipe
Final Thoughts: Quick Fall Dinner Ideas
We hope these 25 cozy fall recipes bring warmth and joy to your dinner table this season. From delicious dinners to comfort food meals, these dishes are designed to keep you cozy and satisfied.
Whether you’re in the mood for hearty soups, comforting casseroles, or easy one pan or sheet pan meals, these these best fall recipes are perfect for your weeknight rotation. Each one is easy to make and full of fall flavors. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy these delightful meals with your loved ones.
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