Save These Simple Recipes for Busy Fall Evenings
Juggling back-to-school schedules, it's-n0-longer-summer workloads, and heading-into-the-holidays social calendars can be complicated. But that doesn't mean dinner has to be.
You can have hearty, warming meals that taste great, don't cost a fortune, and aren't that hard to make. In fact, that's how we make our recipes! Figuring out what's for dinner every night is an endless problem—so we try to help by making recipes that you'll want to make — and your family will want to eat — over and over. And we've packed these recipes with the kinds of ingredients—fresh mushrooms, green cabbage, ripe squash, crunchy pecans — that are in season, and that you want to eat right now. That way, dinner is a joy instead of a chore, and you can relax, knowing your family is fed and happy.
Get more seasonal cooking ideas from Country Living:
Chicken Marsala
A creamy, rich, Marsala sauce with seared mushrooms and onions covering tender chicken is good any time, but especially in the fall. It's warming, tasty, and fast!
Get the recipe for Chicken Marsala.
Sausage, Potato, and Cabbage Soup
What better food is there on a blustery fall day, besides soup? This rustic version is long on flavor, but it doesn't have a lot of complicated steps.
Get the recipe for Sausage, Potato, and Cabbage Soup.
Pumpkin-Gorgonzola Ravioli
This pasta dish packs in plenty of fresh fall flavor! You can use canned pumpkin, or follow the instructions to make fresh pumpkin puree!
Get the recipe for Pumpkin-Gorgonzola Ravioli.
Mushroom Pot Pie with Scallion Drop Biscuits
Fall is casserole season, so why not whip up this easy casserole and serve it with a simple side salad?
Get the recipe for Mushroom Pot Pie with Scallion Drop Biscuits.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
As soon as back-to-school season kicks into gear, we start loading up the slow cooker with this delicious weeknight stew. It's filling, it's warming, and it's ready when you get home!
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
The Ultimate Two-Beef Chili
There's no denying it: Autumn is chili season. This hearty version doubles up on the beef (both ground and chuck) for extra flavor.
Get the recipe for Two-Beef Chili.
Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken and Cabbage
Winner, winner! This particular one-pan chicken dinner is a main dish and a side all at once. And the sauce is extra yummy.
Get the recipe for Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken and Cabbage.
Pasta Carbonara
This classic, simple, hearty dinner is the perfect fall dinner! It's rich and warming. It's also delicious—between the bacon and the eggs, it's almost like breakfast for dinner!
Get the recipe for Pasta Carbonara.
Gnudi with Brown Butter Sauce
When we're ready for an extra-decadent treat, we reach for this recipe. Toasted pine nuts and brown butter cover these "pasta" balls that are like ravioli without the wrapper.
Get the recipe for Gnudi with Brown Butter Sauce.
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.
Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey-Mustard Sauce
Toasty pecans will fill the house with an absolutely beguiling smell in this cool-weather must-have dish!
Get the recipe for Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey-Mustard Sauce.
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.
Pecan, Kale, and Parmesan Salad
The best time of the year for salad is fall. There, we said it.
Get the recipe for Pecan, Kale, and Parmesan Salad.
Cajun Coq au Vin
Craving a saucy, slow-cooked chicken dish on a cold Sunday evening? This is the one we'll be making.
Get the recipe for Cajun Coq au Vin.
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.
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.
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.
Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette
When the weather starts to dip, we love a hearty 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Salisbury Steak.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Basmati Rice with Pecans, Cranberries, Apples, and Feta
This sweet side dish is packed with fall flavors. Pair it with your favorite protein, or make it the center of vegetarian dinner!
Get the recipe for Basmati Rice with Pecans, Cranberries, Apples, and Feta.
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.
You Might Also Like
