18 The Best & Easy Fall Dinner Ideas

As the autumn season sets in and the weather begins to cool down, there’s nothing better than settling down to a warm, hearty meal that captures the essence of fall. From comfort food classics to quick and easy dinners, these 18 fall dinner ideas will keep you satisfied and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or planning a cozy weekend meal, these recipes have you covered.

1. Creamy Pumpkin and Sausage Casserole

This delicious casserole combines the richness of pumpkin with the savory taste of sausage. It’s a hearty dish that brings out the best of fall’s flavors.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground sausage
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned.
3. Mix pumpkin puree, heavy cream, garlic, and half the shredded cheese in a large bowl.
4. Add the cooked sausage to the mixture, then transfer everything to a greased casserole dish.
5. Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, savory delight.

2. Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy butternut squash soup is perfect for chilly fall nights. It’s simple, filling, and packed with the earthy sweetness of squash.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the cubed butternut squash and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. Puree the soup using an immersion blender, then stir in the heavy cream.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
6. Serve with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of toasted seeds.

3. Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables

Roasting chicken with root vegetables is a simple yet satisfying way to celebrate the season’s produce.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 potatoes, quartered
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, quartered
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and rosemary to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Place the chicken in a roasting pan, and surround it with the vegetables.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and vegetables, then season with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
4. Roast for 1 hour until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
5. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

4. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This beef stew is a fall classic, and with the help of a slow cooker, it’s also incredibly easy to make.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 hours (in slow cooker)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Steps:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine, then set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8 hours.
3. After cooking, adjust the seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

5. Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter

This pumpkin ravioli dish is a great way to elevate your weeknight dinner with minimal effort.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 package of pumpkin ravioli
• 4 tbsp butter
• 6 fresh sage leaves
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Steps:

1. Cook the ravioli according to the package instructions.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the sage leaves and cook until the butter is browned and the sage is crispy.
4. Toss the cooked ravioli in the sage butter and serve with freshly grated Parmesan.

6. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

These sweet potato and black bean enchiladas are hearty, nutritious, and full of bold flavors.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, black beans, and half of the enchilada sauce.
3. Roll the mixture into the tortillas, then place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

This cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is the ultimate fall comfort food, combining tender broccoli, creamy rice, and melted cheese in one irresistible dish.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, and milk.
3. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve hot and enjoy this rich, creamy casserole.

8. Pumpkin Chili

Nothing warms you up like a bowl of pumpkin chili, a unique twist on the classic dish with the addition of pumpkin for a subtle sweetness.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can of kidney beans
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the chili to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or green onions.

9. Stuffed Acorn Squash

This stuffed acorn squash is a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, filled with a savory stuffing of quinoa, cranberries, and pecans.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squashes, halved, and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and cinnamon to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Drizzle the acorn squash halves with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
3. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes.
4. In the meantime, mix the cooked quinoa, cranberries, and pecans in a bowl.
5. Once the squash is roasted, stuff each half with the quinoa mixture and return to the oven for 10 minutes.
6. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

10. One-pan sausage and Brussels Sprouts

For an easy, healthy, and delicious fall meal, this one-pan sausage and Brussels sprouts recipe is a winner.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the sliced sausage and halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Spread everything on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Serve immediately for a quick and flavorful meal.

11. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

A fall twist on the classic, this sweet potato shepherd’s pie is hearty, nutritious, and packed with flavor.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 cup peas
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Steps:

1. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with a little butter and salt.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat with the onion and carrot until browned.
3. Add the peas, beef broth, and thyme, and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the top.
5. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden.
6. Serve hot for a filling and comforting meal.

12. Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff

This creamy beef and mushroom stroganoff is a comforting dish perfect for a cool fall evening.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced thin
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package of egg noodles

Steps:

1. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the beef until browned, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onions and mushrooms until tender.
4. Add the beef broth, bring to a simmer, then stir in the sour cream.
5. Return the beef to the pan, and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve the beef stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles.

13. Chicken and Dumplings

This chicken and dumplings recipe is the ultimate fall comfort food, with tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a savory broth.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onions and carrots until softened.
2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and milk to form a dough.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth to make dumplings.
5. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 10 more minutes, or until the dumplings are fully cooked.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and serve hot.

14. Maple-Glazed Roasted Chicken

This maple-glazed roasted chicken is a flavorful fall dish that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with savory herbs, perfect for a comforting and hearty dinner.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, Dijon mustard, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, then brush with the maple glaze.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting with the glaze every 20 minutes.
5. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

15. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This rich and creamy pumpkin pasta is a quick, comforting dinner option for any fall evening, with a velvety sauce made from pumpkin puree and Parmesan.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
4. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.
5. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce and serve with extra Parmesan on top.

16. Autumn Vegetable Soup

This autumn vegetable soup is packed with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and kale, making it a hearty and nutritious fall meal.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots until softened.
2. Add the butternut squash, potatoes, and vegetable broth, bringing the soup to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the chopped kale and cook for another 5 minutes until wilted.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and serve hot with crusty bread.

17. Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy and comforting, this butternut squash risotto is the perfect fall dish, with tender squash and Parmesan cheese adding a rich depth of flavor.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the onion until softened.
2. Add the Arborio rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
3. Pour in the white wine and cook until it’s mostly absorbed.
4. Gradually add the broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly, and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more.
5. Stir in the butternut squash after the second ladle of broth and cook until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Once the rice is creamy and the squash is soft, stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

18. Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

A classic beef stew with root vegetables is the ultimate fall comfort food, filled with tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and turnips simmered in a rich, flavorful broth.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 turnips, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil and brown the beef in batches. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add the flour and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually stir in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Return the beef to the pot and add the carrots, potatoes, and turnips.
6. Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and serve hot with crusty bread.

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Conclusion

These 18 easy fall dinner ideas are perfect for warming up your evenings with comforting and delicious meals. Each dish captures the essence of the season, combining hearty ingredients with cozy flavors to satisfy your cravings and bring the best of autumn to your table.