Get Ready for the Fall Season with These Comforting Weeknight Dinners
What could be better than hearty comfort food on a cool fall evening? We love warming up the house by turning on the stove or oven and letting a filling soup burble or piling a sheet pan full of food to roast.
If you're ready to get inspired, check out this big list of our favorite fall recipes — then pick a few and put them in your weeknight rotation. You'll be glad you did!
Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey-Mustard Sauce
This easy weeknight dinner is the best new way to make chicken!
Get the recipe for Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey-Mustard Sauce.
Basmati Rice with Pecans, Cranberries, Apples, and Feta
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.
Get the recipe for Basmati Rice with Pecans, Cranberries, Apples, and Feta.
Pecan, Kale, and Parmesan Salad
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.
Get the recipe for Pecan, Kale, and Parmesan Salad.
Cajun Coq au Vin
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!
Get the recipe for Cajun Coq au Vin.
Roast Pork Loin with Fennel and Chunky Croutons
The secret to making this celebration-quality pork loin so delicious? Sear the meat in a sturdy cast iron pan 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.
Get the recipe for Roast Pork Loin with Fennel and Chunky Croutons.
The Best Easy Weeknight Meatloaf
What could be more fall—or more comforting—than meatloaf? Here, we fine-tuned every part of the recipe, so it's perfect.
Get the recipe for Easy Weeknight Meatloaf.
Our Best-Ever Chicken Pot Pie
Ready for a chicken pot pie as good as grandma made? We've got the recipe right here.
Get the recipe for Our Best-Ever Chicken Pot Pie.
Hearty Vegetable Soup with Parsley Gremolata
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.
Get the recipe for Hearty Vegetable Soup with Parsley Gremolata.
Roasted Sweet Potato Coins with Rosemary-Pecan Streusel
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.
Get the recipe for Roasted Sweet Potato Coins with Rosemary-Pecan Streusel.
Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette
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.
Get the recipe for Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette.
Sausage-and-Wild Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash
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 fall salad.
Get the recipe for Sausage-and-Wild Rice-Stuffed Acorn Squash.
Lemony Chicken Thighs
Pair these delicious chicken thighs with rice or even a little fresh bread—you'll want something to sop up the flavorful juices.
Get the recipe for Lemony Chicken Thighs.
Ground Chicken Noodle Casserole
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."
Get the recipe for Ground Chicken Noodle Casserole.
White Turkey and Poblano Chili
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.
Get the recipe for White Turkey and Poblano Chili.
Classic Chicken Pot Pie
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.
Get the recipe for Classic Chicken Pot Pie.
Easy Weeknight Salisbury Steak
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.
Get the recipe for Easy Weeknight Salisbury Steak.
Lasagna Bolognese
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.
Get the recipe for Lasagna Bolognese.
Sausage and Apple Pies
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.
Get the recipe for Sausage and Apple Pies.
Mashed Potatoes
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.
Get the recipe for Mashed Potatoes.
Roasted Curried Cauliflower and Green Beans
Make this healthy dinner the next time you're looking for a vegetarian meal. It cooks fast and is big on flavor.
Get the recipe for Roasted Curried Cauliflower and Green Beans.
Chicken Meatloaf
In the mood for comfort food? There's absolutely nothing like meatloaf. If you're trying to eat lighter, though, a classic meatloaf recipe can be a little much. This ground chicken version keeps the flavor with a healthier swap.
Get the recipe for Chicken Meatloaf.
Grilled Mushroom Panzanella with Tomato Vinaigrette
This grilled fall dish is extra delicious with a variety of different mushrooms.
Get the recipe for Grilled Mushroom Panzanella with Tomato Vinaigrette.
Classic White Chicken Chili
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.
Get the recipe for Classic White Chicken Chili.
Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Root Vegetables
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.
Get the recipe for Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Root Vegetables.
Braised Turkey Wings
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.
Get the recipe for Braised Turkey Wings.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
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.
Get the recipe for Tuna Noodle Casserole.
30-Minute Beef Stroganoff
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!
Get the recipe for 30-Minute Beef Stroganoff.
Braised Beef with Tomatoes and Onions
This fall dinner staple offers big flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture with minimal hands-on time.
Get the recipe for Braised Beef with Tomatoes and Onions.
Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese
These super simple pantry upgrades will have folks begging for the recipe. It's a fun side for Thanksgiving or any autumn dinner table.
Get the recipe for Ritzy Ranch Mac ’n’ Cheese.
Easy Weeknight Chicken and Dumplings
This hearty Southern soup is a great addition to your autumn weeknight meal rotation!
Get the recipe for Easy Weeknight Chicken and Dumplings.
Pumpkin-Chorizo Pizza
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.
Get the recipe for Pumpkin-Chorizo Pizza.
Crispy Chicken Parmesan
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?
Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Parmesan.
Roast Chicken with Tarragon-Braised Fennel
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.
Get the recipe for Roast Chicken with Tarragon-Braised Fennel.
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata
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?
Get the recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata.
Broiled Broccolini and Capers
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.
Get the recipe for Broiled Broccolini and Capers.
Classic French Onion Soup
This country dish is as hearty as it is simple, and it'll keep you nice and warm on a crisp autumn night.
Get the recipe for Classic French Onion Soup.
Slow Cooker Spinach-and-Parmesan Meatballs
Fall is for comfort food, and there's little more comforting than these easy, delicious meatballs.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Spinach-and-Parmesan Meatballs.
Parsley-Garlic Bread
A little fresh garlic, some butter, and about eight minutes in the oven, and you've turned your bread into something incredible.
Get the recipe for Parsley-Garlic Bread.
Chili with Grains and Beans
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!
Get the recipe for Chili with Grains and Beans.
Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms
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.
Get the recipe for Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms.
Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese
Healthy comfort food does exist! This staple serves up ample creamy gooeyness, while a stealthy vegetable (puréed cauliflower!) provides a vitamin and fiber boost.
Get the recipe for Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese.
Roasted Mushroom and Bacon Dutch Baby
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.
Get the recipe for Roasted Mushroom and Bacon Dutch Baby.
White Wine Coq Au Vin
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.
Get the recipe for White Wine Coq Au Vin.
Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Tomatoes
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.
Get the recipe for Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Tomatoes.
Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Pink Lady Apples
This dish just screams fall! Fresh apple cider sweetens up this hearty dinner.
Get the recipe for Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Pink Lady Apples.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette
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 butternut squash.
Get the recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette.
Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Roasted Broccolini
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.
Get the recipe for Lemon-Rosemary Chicken with Roasted Broccolini.
Sweet and Smoky Cedar-Planked Salmon
This smoked salmon—seasoned with brown sugar, paprika, and lemon zest—is big enough to feed a crowd.
Get the recipe for Sweet and Smoky Cedar-Planked Salmon.
Crispy Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Rosemary
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.
Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Rosemary.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
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.
Get the recipe for Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.
Roasted Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
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.
Get the recipe for Roasted Hasselback Sweet Potatoes.
Rotisserie Chicken and Potato Chowder
A hearty soup 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!
Get the recipe for Rotisserie Chicken and Potato Chowder.
Potato Gnocchi with Pork Ragù
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.
Get the recipe for Potato Gnocchi with Pork Ragù.
Spiced Grit-Fried Chicken Cutlets
Southerners will love every last bite of this easy chicken dinner. It will easily become one of your favorite weeknight meals.
Get the recipe for Spiced Grit-Fried Chicken Cutlets.
Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus
This might just be the ultimate fall sheet pan dinner. A chili-garlic sauce gives this one-pan dinner a kick, but it can also be served on the side for those who don't love some spicy heat.
Get the recipe for Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus.
Strip Steak with Lemon Mashed Potatoes
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 easy weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe for Strip Steak with Lemon Mashed Potatoes.
Sausage & Grits Lasagna
Even the biggest appetites will be satisfied with this cheesy casserole. It's comfort food at its finest.
Get the recipe for Sausage & Grits Lasagna.
Polenta Cakes with Sautéed Mushrooms
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!
Get the recipe for Polenta Cakes with Sautéed Mushrooms.
Lamb Chops with Roasted Potatoes and Radishes
We love a classic meat and potatoes dinner during the colder months. A mint and feta mixture adds a fresh bite to these lamb chops.
Get the recipe for Lamb Chops with Roasted Potatoes and Radishes.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Fennel
Planning a fall dinner party? Everyone at the table will be wowed with this gourmet-style pork plate.
Get the recipe for Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Fennel.
Southwest Shrimp & Grits
You just can't go wrong with this beloved Southern staple. Everyone will be licking their bowl clean.
Get the recipe for Southwest Shrimp & Grits.
Savory Pumpkin Soup with Spice Shake
This spiced pumpkin soup on a chilly fall day is nothing short of perfection.
Get the recipe for Savory Pumpkin Soup with Spice Shake.
Farro-and-Acorn Squash Salad
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!
Get the recipe for Farro-and-Acorn Squash Salad.
Marinated Mushroom-and-Charred Broccolini Salad
Lemon zest, olive oil, and red pepper flakes add delicious flavor to this vegan salad. Serve it alongside any fall dinner.
Get the recipe for Marinated Mushroom-and-Charred Broccolini Salad.
Wild Rice-and-Cider-Cranberry Pilaf
This bright and beautiful dish will look oh-so-festive as a holiday side. Whether for Thanksgiving or a weeknight family dinner, this side dish recipe is a keeper.
Get the recipe for Wild Rice-and-Cider-Cranberry Pilaf.
Cider-Braised Chicken-and-Fennel Panzanella
Forget your same old chicken dinner and whip up this crowd-pleasing meal. It's a great option for fall dinner parties and special occasions.
Get the recipe for Cider-Braised Chicken-and-Fennel Panzanella.
Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork with Sweet and Spicy Sauce
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.
Get the recipe for Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork with Sweet and Spicy Sauce.
Chorizo and Manchego Crostini
Hosting a fall dinner party? Be sure to serve this easy and crowd pleasing appetizer.
Get the recipe for Chorizo and Manchego Crostini.
Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie
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!
Get the recipe for Stovetop Chicken Pot Pie.
Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup
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.
Get the recipe for Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup.
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken
Super easy fall dinner alert! Make store-bought ravioli taste homemade with fresh herbs, seasoned asparagus, and pan-seared chicken.
Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Ravioli with Seared Chicken.
Seafood and Sausage Stew
Choose your favorite white fish—such as cod, halibut, or bass—to complement the andouille sausage, shrimp, and mussels in this comforting fall stew.
Get the recipe for Seafood and Sausage Stew.
Crispy Chicken with Roasted Carrots and Couscous
The secret to these crispy chicken thighs is to bake them in the oven first, and then finish in a hot, oiled skillet.
Get the recipe for Crispy Chicken with Roasted Carrots and Couscous.
Creamy Mac-and-Cheese Chicken Soup
Who says you have to choose between these classic comfort foods? Whip up this indulgent mashup and get the best of both.
Get the recipe for Creamy Mac-and-Cheese Chicken Soup.
Roasted Parmesan Chicken and Tomatoes
Dijon mustard adds a tangy bite to this panko-crusted chicken breast. This family-friendly chicken dinner is sure to be a favorite.
Get the recipe for Roasted Parmesan Chicken and Tomatoes.
Ginger Garlic Chicken Ramen
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.
Get the recipe for Ginger Garlic Chicken Ramen.
Squash Casserole
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.
Get the recipe for Squash Casserole.
Chicken Meatball and Vegetable Noodle Soup
Replace traditional pasta with spiralized vegetable noodles to make this healthy dinner.
Get the recipe for Chicken Meatball and Vegetable Noodle Soup.
Skillet Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Apples
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.
Get the recipe for Skillet Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Apples.
Butternut Squash-Apricot Chicken Noodle Curry
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.
Get the recipe for Butternut Squash-Apricot Chicken Noodle Curry.
Butternut Squash and Chicken Chili
Give your chili an autumn twist with butternut squash! Add an extra-spicy kick with jalapeños and green chiles.
Get the recipe for Butternut Squash and Chicken Chili.
Pierogies with Sausage, Cabbage & Pear
This quick and easy autumn dish comes together in just 25 minutes! The freshly sliced pears add delicious flavor and sweetness.
Get the recipe for Pierogies with Sausage, Cabbage & Pear.
Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms & Collards
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.
Get the recipe for Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms & Collards.
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