70 Best Fall Dinner Ideas for When You Need an Extra Cozy Meal
Get ready for comforting dishes packed with pumpkin, butternut squash and apples galore!
If you're looking for fall menu inspiration, you're in the right place. There are plenty of reasons you might want to add new meals to the rotation come autumn. Maybe you're looking to make the most of seasonal ingredients, like butternut squash and pumpkin. Maybe you need some new easy, weeknight dinners that you can make after a long day of school, work, soccer practice and running errands. Or, maybe you want to find some healthy fall recipes that will keep everyone fueled. Whatever the case, we've got the best easy, fall dinners to add to your table.
From cozy soups and stews to make-ahead meals perfect for your Sunday dinner meal prep, there's sure to be something here that works for you. We've also included plenty of potluck-friendly fare that's perfect if you're serving a crowd or hosting a game day party.
If you're looking for even more fall menu inspiration, be sure you check out our roundups of fall desserts and Thanksgiving dinner menu ideas. Bookmark your favorites now so you can return to them throughout the season.
Vegan Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Sage
This cozy dish has seasonal elements including pumpkin and sage. While risotto has a reputation as being a difficult dish to cook, this version is far easier — no standing and stirring required!
Chicken Francese Pasta
This one-pan meal is a cozy dinner any night of the week. It brings together lemons, chicken, parmesan and butter. What could be better?
Get the Chicken Francese Pasta recipe.
RELATED: 50 One-Pot Meals for an Easy Dinner and Even Easier Clean Up
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Put your air fryer to work for this cozy family dinner. You'll need to add chicken, marinara, mozzarella and grated Parmesan to the grocery list.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan recipe.
RELATED: 78 Best Air Fryer Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious
Pork and Green Bean Lo Mein
Skip the takeout! This crowd-pleasing dinner comes together in about 30 minutes. If you can't find Shaoxing wine near you, you can sub in dry sherry.
Get the Pork and Green Bean Lo Mein recipe.
Sheet Pan Chicken with Apples and Delicata Squash
This recipe brings together plenty of autumnal elements like apples, delicata squash and rosemary. It's an impressive dinner that doesn't require a ton of specialty ingredients or cookware.
Get the Sheet Pan Chicken With Apples and Delicata Squash recipe.
RELATED: 30 Best Sheet Pan Dinners That Make Cleanup a Breeze
Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup
For a truly easy weeknight meal, prepare a big batch of this filling pinto bean and poblano soup on Sunday and eat it later in the week with fresh avocado and rice. It's easy, flavorful and plenty comforting on a brisk night.
Get the Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup recipe.
Moroccan-Spiced Skillet Chicken and Couscous
A warming spice mix makes this a cozy and flavorful dinner any night of the week. Plus, it takes just 30 minutes to make.
Get the Moroccan-Spiced Skillet Chicken and Couscous recipe.
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Pasta e Piselli
Keep it simple with this delicious five-ingredient dinner. Pasta, frozen peas, and parmesan make for a cozy dinner kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Get the Pasta e Piselli recipe.
Applesauce Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Pulled pork infused with applesauce and apple cider and then topped with a vinegar-y cabbage-apple slaw is a delicious fall dinner. If you don't have time to slow-simmer the pork in your oven, you can also use the slow cooker.
Skillet Cheeseburger Hot Dish
Ground beef, cheddar cheese and tater tots? Sounds like a weeknight winner to us.
Get the Skillet Cheeseburger Hot Dish recipe.
Brown Butter Gnocchi with Crispy Sage and Mushrooms
This cozy fall meal brings together pillowy homemade gnocchi (it's easier than you think!), flavorful brown butter, earthy mushrooms and crispy sage.
Get the Brown Butter Gnocchi with Crispy Sage and Mushrooms recipe.
Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff
Can't you see yourself coming in from a blustery fall day and warming up with this creamy, cozy dish? The miso and dash of soy sauce add some savory depth to this easy recipe.
Get the Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff recipe.
RELATED: 40 Best Mushroom Recipes That Are Packed With Natural Flavor
Butter Chicken Meatballs
Meatballs, meet butter chicken. You get the best of both worlds with this recipe that brings together warming spices, fresh ginger and cilantro, and protein-packed meatballs. Don't forget the rice and/or naan!
Get the Butter Chicken Meatballs recipe.
RELATED: 51 Juicy Meatball Recipes That Are Simple Enough for Any Weeknight Dinner
Easy Rice with Ginger-Soy Salmon and Broccoli
Busy fall weeknights require meals that can be made with minimal dishes. Luckily, this entire dinner — rice included — comes together on a single sheet pan.
Get the Easy Rice with Ginger-Soy Salmon and Broccoli recipe.
Paprika Chicken with Peppers and Tomatoes
This 30-minute meal brings together smoky paprika-coated chicken and jammy roasted vegetables for an easy fall dinner. You can also use any leftovers the next day for a simple flavor-packed rice bowl that's perfect for lunch.
Spicy Soppressata Pizza
Pizza night just got an upgrade. This recipe is easier than you might guess, thanks to the use of premade pizza dough and jarred marinara sauce. But it's the drizzle of honey atop thinly sliced soppressata that takes things to the next level.
Get the Spicy Soppressata Pizza recipe.
Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken
This easy sheet pan meal makes the most of golden roast chicken with a perfectly crispy skin and earthy root vegetables. It's a seasonal meal you'll return to over and over again.
Get the Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken recipe.
Seared Steak with Blistered Tomatoes and Green Beans
This flavorful main makes the most of a vinegar-onion mixture drizzled atop sliced steak and roasted vegetables. Though the recipe makes about one serving, you can easily double or triple it depending on how many people you're cooking for.
Get the Seared Steak with Blistered Tomatoes and Green Beans recipe.
RELATED: 83 Steak Recipes That Make Dinner at Home Feel Extra Fancy
Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Even picky eaters will be excited for this crowd-pleasing dinner. Who needs fast food when you can whip up these easy (and healthier) bites at home?
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Strips recipe.
Roasted Shrimp, Tomatoes, and Spinach
When you're in the mood for a healthy, veggie-packed dinner, turn to this easy sheet pan recipe. It brings together caramelized onions, flavorful cherry tomatoes and juicy shrimp.
Get the Roasted Shrimp, Tomatoes, and Spinach recipe.
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