Fall is the best season for eating. It just is! There's tons of produce, from to , to cold-weather greens like kale that begin to appear in farmers' markets and supermarkets. But it's also just cool enough that it doesn't feel absurd to preheat the oven, or put a big pot on the stove, and make up something warm, and stick-to-your-ribs filling.
While every season has its culinary highlights, we could live pretty happily just feasting on fall foods forever. And we think these easy, fun, and filling fall recipes will prove the point! From salads that are practically meals to slow-cooker recipes that can cook unattended, while you go about your day, to casseroles and bakes that will bring everyone rushing to the table, these hearty foods are sure to delight—without too much effort! This fall salad is packed with seasonal produce! Crisp apples, hearty greens, and roasted squash. But the star of the show is the pickled pomegranate seeds.
Crisp weather means chili season! However you do it, this combination of chuck roast and ground beef, plus plenty of spices, tomatoes, and all the toppings, will be sure to inspire big smiles and filled bellies. Freshly grated Cheddar, both stirred into the batter and then sprinkled on top, where it gets toasted and just a little burnt, takes a near perfect food and makes it into something we dream about. This homemade pasta is far tastier than the storebought versions, but fresh pasta sheets make assembly easy! Shortbread is one of the sweetest fall treats.
The crumbly, buttery cookie is practically tailor-made for dipping into a hot cup of coffee or cocoa, and the sweet nutty texture is only enhanced by the addition of actual nuts. Filling, simple, delicious, and oh-so warming, it's just the thing thing when you're under the weather—or just in from being out in the weather! Easy-to-make pillows of herby boiled dough give this soup a stick-to-your-ribs quality that will make you feel satisfied for hours. Your Crock Pot or slow cooker transforms this into an easy-peasy, set-it and forget-it meal that you can start before work and enjoy when you get home.
A hint of lemon renders a fruity filling that tastes as crisp as a sun-dappled afternoon. They're equally delicious still warm, or cooled and packed up as a picnic snack. Cool weather practically demands a good beef stew.
This weeknight version is so good, your family will be demanding it on the regular! One of the things we love most about this hearty, filling weeknight soup is just how good it makes you feel. It's a great hands-off dinner that you can whip up on a weeknight and feel good eating leftovers the next day for lunch. This easy weeknight dinner is the best new way to make chicken! This update on a classic rice pilaf is packed with fall flavors.
Nutty basmati rice works best, though you're welcome to sub in your favorite grain. Summer salads get all the attention, but if we're being honest, the best time of the year for making a super fresh salad is the fall. It shouldn't be surprising that a classic French dish like Coq au Vin combines well with Cajun-style andouille sausage.
But it is surprising that it took us this long to try it! The secret to making this celebration-quality pork loin so delicious? Sear the meat in a sturdy first, to get a good char, then you roast it slowly over a bed of veggies and bread, so you don't waste any of the juices. What could be more fall—or more comforting—than meatloaf? Here, we fine-tuned every part of the recipe, so it's perfect. Ready for a chicken pot pie as good as grandma made? We've got the recipe right here.
This simple vegetable soup is surprisingly sustaining. With beans and broccolini, tomato and quinoa, it'll make a belly-filling bowl that can power you through an afternoon, or quench a serious dinner hunger. This simple fall casserole has it all: Roasted sweet potatoes with a sweet crunchy topping that you can put together in minutes and then let slowly turn into a delectable dish in the oven while you get the mains ready.
When the weather starts to dip, we love a heart fall salad. Here, we've paired slices of sweet, roasted acorn squash with baby kale and red onions and dressed the whole thing in a tahini lemon dressing that's bold enough to stand up to all these strong flavors. Stuffed with the season's best ingredients — sausage, cranberries, and wild rice — these sweet and succulent acorn squash become the perfect vessels for dinner.
They're delicious as an all-in-one healthy weeknight dinner on their own, or served up alongside a seasonal . Pair these delicious chicken thighs with rice or even a little fresh bread—you'll want something to sop up the flavorful juices. Want a veggie-packed meal that will still get the kids to clean their plates? There's nothing better than a big ol' cheesy casserole.
It'll get everyone to the table faster than you can say "dinner's ready." Served up in a big dutch oven with all the fixin's, this hearty fall stew is equally at home for a family supper or as the centerpiece to a cool-weather party. Topped with a golden, flaky crust and oozing creamy chicken and veggies, a scoop of this this pot pie on a fall day is pure heaven.
This dinner classic has been a mainstay on American tables since the late 1800s. And for good reason! It's delicious, easy to make, and oh-so comforting. Serve it up tonight with some mashed potatoes and peas.
This delicious casserole is the ultimate fall-weather feast. It's a great option if you need to feed a crowd or you're looking for a recipe that makes great leftovers. This delicious fall dinner is as easy as, well, pie! Try apples in a different kind of pie by going savory! They add tons texture and flavor to this seasonal dish.
Mashed potatoes are so good that they're never out of place. Whether you're making a huge Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, or simply a fall weeknight meat-and-potatoes meal, if mashed potatoes are on the table you'll see big smiles. Make this healthy dinner the next time you're looking for a vegetarian meal.
It cooks fast and is big on flavor. In the mood for comfort food? There's absolutely nothing like meatloaf. If you're trying to eat lighter, though, a can be a little much.
This ground chicken version keeps the flavor with a healthier swap. This grilled fall dish is extra delicious with a variety of different mushrooms. Nothing says fall quite like chili night! Ground chicken and cannellini beans keep things light and healthy, while hatch chiles, jalapeños, and plenty of spices adds all the flavor you could want.
This flavorful roast is worthy of an autumn Sunday night supper but is delicious any time you're craving the comfort of a homecooked meal. This Southern dish is just bursting with flavor. You often find them dressed in a light sauce that flavors the bed of rice they're set in.
There's never a bad time of year for this old-school pantry-staple classic, but the fall may be the best time to enjoy its hearty, stick-to-your-ribs flavors. Now you can enjoy this classic comfort food any night of the week. It's quick and easy to whip up on a busy autumn evening! This fall dinner staple offers big flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture with minimal hands-on time.
These super simple pantry upgrades will have folks begging for the recipe. It's a fun side for Thanksgiving or any autumn dinner table. This hearty Southern soup is a great addition to your autumn weeknight meal rotation! Give pizza night a big fall boost with this smokey, savory dish.
Shaved pumpkin is melt-in-your-mouth good, and pairs well with onion, chorizo, and sharp Cheddar cheese. Crispy, gooey, and absolutely comforting, chicken Parmesan is one of those restaurant dishes that is sneakily easy to make at home. So if you're craving it, why not give this recipe a whirl? This flavorful chicken recipe is well worth the prep.
Best served on chilly autumn weekends, we recommend having a good crusty bread nearby for sopping up the juices. Put the jar of red sauce down. A can of pumpkin, some pine nuts, and a few herbs are all you need to create the perfect fall pasta.
How easy is that? When roasted under a broiler, tender broccolini yields a sweet, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with salty capers and a touch of crushed red pepper. We love this as an easy side for any fall meal. This country dish is as hearty as it is simple, and it'll keep you nice and warm on a crisp autumn night.
Fall is for comfort food, and there's little more comforting than these easy, delicious meatballs. A little fresh garlic, some butter, and about eight minutes in the oven, and you've turned your bread into something incredible. This slow cooker classic is so hearty, you won't even notice the lack of meat.
It's a delicious option for vegetarian chili night! A simple seared pork chop topped with a delicious sauce made with white wine, crème fraîche, and a bit of Dijon is just what date night called for. Healthy comfort food does exist! This staple serves up ample creamy gooeyness, while a stealthy vegetable (puréed cauliflower!) provides a vitamin and fiber boost. Good news: This impressive-looking savory pancake is actually quite simple to make.
Pair it with a side salad to complete your breakfast-inspired meal. This rich French stew is pot-licking delicious and just begging to be made on a fall evening. Be sure to use a drinkable dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc (don't worry, it doesn't have to be expensive!), instead of cooking wine.
Here's an easy chicken dinner for you! Pro tip: Flatten the chicken when you prep it to help it to cook faster, ensuring that it cooks through without drying out. This dish just screams fall! Fresh apple cider sweetens up this hearty dinner. If you love autumn squash, you'll love this easy side dish.
Flavored with whole-grain mustard, red wine vinegar, and fresh parsley, this is hands down one of the most delicious ways to enjoy . Vitamin-packed Broccolini is an ingenious hybrid between broccoli and Chinese broccoli. Throw it on a sheet pan with some herbs and chicken and you've got a delicious and healthy dinner.
This smoked salmon—seasoned with brown sugar, paprika, and lemon zest—is big enough to feed a crowd. Can you guess the secret to getting these irresistible thighs extra crispy? A second skillet placed on top, and weighted down with soup cans keeps as much of the skins as possible pressed against the hot pan. Apples, hazelnuts, and Brussels sprouts make for a winning combination in this autumn salad.
It's a decidedly different take on classic fall Brussels sprouts dishes. You've had roasted sweet potatoes, but we bet you haven't had them like this. Maple syrup and thyme deepen the flavors in this traditional fall dish.
A will warm you right up, even on the chilliest days of autumn. Plus, this chowder reheats well for lunch leftovers—if you have any left, that is! Impress your dinner guests with a big bowl of homemade gnocchi and an unforgettable meat sauce. It's a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in your own kitchen.
Southerners will love every last bite of this . It will easily become one of your favorite weeknight meals. This might just be the ultimate fall sheet pan dinner.
A chili-garlic sauce gives this a kick, but it can also be served on the side for those who don't love some spicy heat. You can't go wrong with a plate of meat and potatoes. Although this dish looks plenty impressive, it comes together in just 30 minutes flat, which is ideal for an .
Even the biggest appetites will be satisfied with this . It's at its finest. Switch your dinner menu up this week by including these polenta cakes! Made with a generous amount of white Cheddar cheese, this dish is irresistible.
Everyone will be asking for seconds! We love a classic meat and potatoes dinner during the colder months. A mint and feta mixture adds a fresh bite to these . Planning a ? Everyone at the table will be wowed with this gourmet-style pork plate.
You just can't go wrong with this beloved Southern staple. Everyone will be licking their bowl clean. This spiced on a chilly fall day is nothing short of perfection.
This vegetarian salad pairs well with any main dish, or is delicious all on its own. With acorn squash, hazelnuts, and pomegranate seeds, this salad is just about as fall as it gets! Lemon zest, olive oil, and red pepper flakes add delicious flavor to this vegan salad. Serve it alongside any fall dinner.
This bright and beautiful dish will look oh-so-festive as a . Whether for Thanksgiving or a weeknight family dinner, this side dish recipe is a keeper. Forget your same old and whip up this crowd-pleasing meal.
It's a great option for fall dinner parties and special occasions. Looking for an easy recipe for your tailgating crowd? Let your oven do all the work roasting this succulent pulled pork. And don't forget the sweet and spicy sauce—it's mouthwatering.
Hosting a ? Be sure to serve this easy and . Take the hassle out of chicken pot pie by whipping up this recipe that uses pre-made biscuits. This is fall comfort food at its quickest and easiest! We've got the ultimate fall soup recipe.
Be sure to not shred your chicken too thin when making this classic soup recipe—the larger the pieces, the more flavor you'll have in each bite. Super easy fall dinner alert! Make store-bought ravioli taste homemade with fresh herbs, seasoned asparagus, and pan-seared chicken. Choose your favorite white fish—such as cod, halibut, or bass—to complement the andouille sausage, shrimp, and mussels in this comforting fall stew.
The secret to these crispy chicken thighs is to bake them in the oven first, and then finish in a hot, oiled skillet. Who says you have to choose between these classic comfort foods? Whip up this indulgent mashup and get the best of both. Dijon mustard adds a tangy bite to this panko-crusted chicken breast.
This family-friendly chicken dinner is sure to be a favorite. A warm ramen dish is just what you need on a cool evening! It's packed with veggies, tons of flavor, and it's easy to make with packaged ramen. Who says you have to wait for Thanksgiving to serve a squash casserole? It's creamy, it's cheesy, it's covered in buttery cracker crumbs.
Serve this delicious fall side all season long. Replace traditional pasta with spiralized vegetable noodles to make this healthy dinner. The only cookware you need to whip up this 30-minute autumn dinner is a cast iron skillet.
With shredded Brussels Sprouts and sliced apple, this dish is big on seasonal flavor. Add some spice and heat to your autumn dinner menu! Curry and chili powder tone down the sweetness from the ingredients like dried apricots and coconut milk. Give your chili an autumn twist with butternut squash! Add an extra-spicy kick with jalapeños and green chiles.
This quick and easy autumn dish comes together in just 25 minutes! The freshly sliced pears add delicious flavor and sweetness. This meatless dish is the definition of comfort food, and you won't even miss the meat. Creamy polenta is topped with mushrooms, veggies, and plenty of cheese.
.
