Every season has its merits, but there is just something so lovable about fall. I look forward to fall weather when I can wear my favorite sweaters and light jackets and warm up the house with some natural fall decor.
But my favorite thing about autumn is the seasonal ingredients, cozy comfort food dishes, and the warm sweet-savory flavors. I have so many favorite fall dinner ideas and wanted to round them up into one handy collection to make my fall meal planning and weekly meal prep easier.
Crockpot Apple Cider Pork Bowls
I think this pork bowl dinner perfectly captures the flavors of fall. It’s satisfying, colorful, cozy, and well-rounded, too. While the pork is cooking in the crockpot, I prepare the mashed sweet potatoes and apple slaw. The best part: This recipe provides plenty of leftovers for easy high-protein lunches.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free
Sloppy Joe Bowls
Sloppy joes are iconic midwestern comfort food and Jess wanted to try turning the classic loose-meat sandwich into a dinner bowl with lots of veggies and well-rounded nutrition. She created a satisfying dinner that is great for meal prep and provides plenty of servings for easy-reheat leftovers all week long.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free
Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast
Stacie knocked it out of the park with this crock pot pork recipe that has become a favorite weeknight go-to, especially in fall and cold winter months or when I need a no-fuss recipe that makes plenty of leftovers for weekly meal prep. I never skip the last step to make the gravy, which makes every bite so delicious.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Ground Beef Stroganoff
I have a fond memory of eating beef stroganoff on a fall reunion weekend before we took a big family hike to look at the changing leaves. It was just the perfect amount of nourishment for the day and everyone loved it, so now I associate beef stroganoff with the changing of seasons from summer to fall. This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and a satisfying meal my whole family loves.
Gluten Free | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast
Ana developed the recipe for this slow cooker Mississippi pot roast recipe that features a fork-tender chuck roast seasoned with a homemade blend of spices and peperoncini peppers. It’s a perfect choice for fall dinners, being ultra flavorful and juicy. A fun variation on pot roast, this recipe is hearty, fuss-free, and a great choice for busy weeknights and fall meal prep.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Cottage Pie With Garlic Mashed Potatoes
When a dish comes with built-in mashed potatoes, sign me up! I developed this cottage pie recipe with a topping of creamy garlic mashed potatoes that makes every bite of this comfort food taste full of flavor. With plenty of protein and veggies in every cozy serving, this rustic take on shepherd’s pie is so satisfying.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
Jess created this hearty beanless chili, and it has been a crowd-pleaser for years. Though it’s not a conventional addition to chili, the pumpkin adds a touch of sweetness, fiber, and vitamin A. Plus it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into my family meals.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
One-Pan Pork Loin with Brussels and Apples
There’s just something so good about the combination of pork and apples. The only thing that could be better is the addition of an easy maple-mustard sauce, which coats the pork loin and makes every bite sweet, savory, salty, and so good. The pork, apples, onions, and Brussels sprouts all bake together on one sheet pan for a complete meal that’s full of complementary flavors.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
crockpot Pork And Sauerkraut
I’m a big fan of sauerkraut and love to put it on bratwurst and serve it as a tangy side dish with probiotic benefits. But this simple method for cooking pork and sauerkraut in the crockpot is my new favorite way to use sauerkraut. It turns out the most tender and juicy pork that gets infused with tangy, briny, balanced flavors from the kraut, onion, and apple. A must-make for fall!
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Ana’s family loves it when she makes this savory crockpot pot roast recipe with tender beef chuck roast and veggies. She always finishes it by making the optional homemade gravy that’s made right from the crockpot liquid and tastes so good drizzled over the tender beef, carrots, and baby potatoes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free
Chili Cornbread Casserole
This hearty chili cornbread casserole features a veggie-packed chili base topped with sweet cornbread for a filling, one-dish comfort food that’s easy to make. Jess designed it to be a thick eat-with-fork type of chili stew that gets a taste of sweet tender cornbread in every bite.
Gluten Free | Nut Free
Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
It’s just not fall if I’m not stuffing squash with yummy fillings. Not only is this dinner so beautiful in an edible bowl, but the pork-and-veggie filling is so scrumptious that I often want to devour it before I even stuff it into the squash halves. This recipe is perfect for fall dinners, entertaining, and easy high-protein meals with lots of veggies.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free
Homemade Hamburger Helper
I must confess: I didn’t grow up eating hamburger helper, but this recipe makes me wish I did. Ana created this elevated version of the boxed dinner that sneaks in a lot more nutrition and can easily be modified for special diets, too. It cooks to perfection in my favorite enamel-coated cast iron skillet.
Egg Free | Nut Free
Healthy Tater Tot Casserole with Beef and Lentils
I love tots, and tots built into a casserole is just about dinnertime perfection for me. I get all those comfort-food flavors and coziness right here, infused with nutrition from the addition of lentils, ground beef, and plenty of veggies. This high-protein, high-fiber version of tater tot casserole is free of highly processed ingredients and my kids love it, too.
Egg Free | Nut Free
Chicken Dumpling Soup
My mother-in-law makes the best dumpling soup, so I consulted her as I was creating this recipe for chicken dumpling soup. It’s a cozy family-favorite soup that checks the boxes for being both delicious and nourishing, providing a well-rounded meal that includes several food groups and many essential nutrients. Make it on the stovetop with my classic and easy method for cooking seasoned dumplings to perfection.
Egg Free | Nut Free
Easy Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
Jess is a pro with her Instant Pot pressure cooker, and this is one of her most popular Instant Pot recipes of all time. This autumnal soup is made with nutritious vegetables, tender hunks of beef, and everyday pantry spices. Thanks to pressure cooking, it takes less than an hour to make from start to finish. Not Instant Pot? She also included slow cooker directions to make this beef and potato soup in the recipe card notes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Whole30
Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Sausage and Sage
I’ve ordered dishes similar to this at restaurants (like butternut squash pasta), so I was so excited to learn I could make a delicious savory fall squash pasta dish at home in just 30 minutes. It calls for canned pumpkin to make a decadent, nutritious, well-rounded, and easy dinner that’s perfect for cozy evenings at home.
Egg Free | Nut Free
Oven-Baked Pork Chops with Delicata Squash
I must say, I’m pretty proud of this healthy well-rounded fall dinner that is made all on one sheet pan. It’s just so good and flavorful! The easy spice rub coats juicy pork chops, sweet delicata squash, and smoky poblano peppers. Roast the seeds from the delicata squash to add a delicious nutty crunch and natural garnish to servings.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
I grew up on pot pies, so the comforting flavors bring back core taste memories for me. I wanted to recreate them in an easy-to-make casserole that doesn’t require making pie crust. Instead, simple cheddar drop biscuits top the rich, creamy chicken filling that’s loaded with veggies. This well-rounded and easy recipe pleases all eaters and is one of my favorite fall dinners.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Stacie takes advantage of root vegetables — like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips — being in season in the fall. They make this heart and wholesome beef stew so enjoyable on crisp, cool evenings and fall weekends. She says it’s easy to prep the ingredients ahead and then dump into a slow cooker to simmer and fill her home with cozy smells all day long.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
The Best Smothered Pork Chops
I wanted to create a stovetop recipe for tender juicy pork chops that nestle in a rich and creamy sauteed onion gravy, but without using dairy foods like cream or butter. And these smothered pork chops turned out even better than I could have imagined. For easy fall dinners, they cook all in one pan and taste delicious with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Harvest Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
This sheet pan dinner is pure autumn on a plate. I use warming spices, like brown sugar, ginger, and cinnamon, to season the chicken and nestle it among carrots, Brussels sprouts, and red onion, which cook to perfect caramelized doneness in the oven. The simple maple-dijon dressing bring it all together for a fast and simple fall recipe that hits the spot for weeknight meals.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
One-Dish Chicken Sweet Potato Bake with Broccoli
This delicious and healthy chicken and veggie recipe Stacie’s go-to for simple fall dinners. She developed this recipe to contain nearly all of her favorite nutritious foods, and it never disappoints even after all these years. With a variety of textures, flavors, and nutrients, this well-loved recipe also makes wonderful leftovers and is easy to clean up, too.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Crockpot Hamburger Soup
I can’t understate how delicious and comforting this soup is on a fall day. It tastes like it has a Grandma’s love built into every bite, with flavorful and nutritious ingredients in every bite. Plus, the ground beef and canned tomatoes make it a budget friendly option that cooks low and slow in the crockpot and fills my kitchen with the best smells all day.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Harvest Italian Soup with Sausage
Jess created this sausage- and veggie-loaded soup to use up some long-storing fall veggies she had on hand, including onions, carrots, baby red potatoes, and kale. She tends to double the recipe so it will last longer in her home, where everyone is happy to take seconds of this warm and satisfying fall soup.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sweet Potato Peanut Bowls With Chicken
This Thai-inspired recipe is on repeat in Ana’s home, where she preps this recipe on weekends and divides it into meal prep containers for simple high-protein lunches all week long. These flavorful bowls get protein from natural ingredients, including chicken and chickpeas, as well as fiber, thanks to the veggies and peanut sauce. It’s a naturally gluten free and dairy free recipe, and provides a full delicious meal made on a sheet pan.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free
Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs With Broccoli
Stacie created this ultra popular sheet pan dinner, which serves up lots of protein and built-in veggies in one simple recipe. Chicken thighs get seasoned with a chipotle spice rub and drizzled with a honey-mustard sauce for a one-pan chicken dinner that’s so simple but definitely doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili
I always look forward to enjoying this hearty chili when I use our high-protein high-fiber fall meal plan to plan my dinners for the week. My whole family loves it, too, and we customize our bowls with our favorite toppings, including shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Everyday seasonings, including a tablespoon of cocoa powder, intensify the flavor of every bite of this chili.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf with Vegetables
My husband requests this simple meatloaf dinner often, and I’m always happy to bring it to our table. The individual meatloaves plus sides of roasted Brussels sprouts and caramelized sweet potatoes make it so easy to serve, and easy to clean up, too. The bake time is shortened, since the barbecue sauce-infused ground beef is shaped into mini meatloaves, meaning I can get this dinner on the table quickly.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Beef Skillet Enchiladas
Jess created a skillet recipe with all those enchilada flavors she loves, but in a recipe that takes half the time of traditional enchiladas. Made in one pan, this weeknight dinner is high in protein and features so many nutritious ingredients, including lean ground beef, veggies, black beans, and corn. Plus, it’s budget friendly, gluten free, and flexible.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Easy Rigatoni Recipe
My kiddos love a pasta dinner but I wanted to serve something different than standard spaghetti and marinara, so I created a one-pot rigatoni dinner. This 30-minute recipe is satisfying in every way and includes well-rounded nutrition from zucchini, DIY ground turkey sausage, spinach, and a no-dairy vodka sauce. I sometimes use chickpea pasta to increase the fiber even more.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Growing up in Minnesota, Stacie has a soft spot in her heart for wild rice recipes. Here, she incorporates the iconic state grain into creamy slow cooker chicken wild rice soup. This lightened-up comfort food full of protein and veggies to keep her family cozy as the fall evenings get cooler. She included a dairy-free option, too.
Dairy Free Option | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Crockpot Lasagna
Lasagna is always a hit when craving something warm and nourishing, but Jess had an idea to use her crockpot to make it even easier to serve up lasagna for dinners in her busy fall season. This delicious version of lasagna cooks right her slow cooker, noodles and all, making it simple and great for busy weeknights and when she’s hosting her daughter’s friends for dinner.
Egg Free | Nut Free
Baked Italian Meatballs
This classic recipe makes darn good meatballs that Molly’s whole family loves, including her kids. She meal preps them a day or two in advance so they’re ready to heat with pasta sauce for a quick dinner after her son’s flag football practices and before taking her daughter to volleyball. She loves to know she’s serving something high in protein and super nourishing.
Nut Free
Sheet Pan Chicken Bacon Ranch
Chicken + bacon + ranch = a satisfying flavor combination that’s high in protein and so satisfying on fall weeknights. Stacie used those iconic flavors to create an easy sheet pan dinner complete with nutritious sweet potatoes. Her husband loves to dish up the leftovers into meal prep containers to take for work lunches throughout the week.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet
Ana developed this simple fall skillet dinner to combine two affordable, easy-to-find ingredients: ground beef and zucchini. It’s super flavorful, with Mexican-inspired seasonings, and also high in protein and fiber. Best of all, she loves that she can serve it up to her four hungry boys in less than 30 minutes.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Pork Chops with Veggies
When it comes to honey mustard flavors, Molly can’t get enough. She stirs up the simple honey-mustard sauce as the pork chops, baby potatoes, and green beans cook in the oven for a simple dinner that her husband and kids love to see on the menu. She’ll sometimes make extra of the honey mustard sauce to use to make this delicious chicken salad the next day.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo
Sheet Pan Baked Salmon with Vegetables
Having spent a few month living in Alaska, Jess has a sweet spot in her heart for salmon dinners. Her inspiration behind this simple sheet pan salmon dinner was to create tender, flakey salmon that baked to perfection at the same time as the sweet potatoes, green beans, and red onion. With simple seasonings and quick prep time, this has become a favorite weeknight dinner around here, especially in the fall.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30
Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
My crockpot method for making butter chicken is so simple. I serve this high-protein dish over rice with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and naan for a delicious dinner every time. Stirring the half-and-half and Greek yogurt into the sauce at the end of the cooking time ensures that iconic tangy and bright flavor and ultimate creamy texture in the sauce.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice
I think there are few weeknight dinners that my kids love more than this creamy cheesy chicken and rice skillet dinner. They love that it’s warm, cozy, and easy to eat, and I love that it’s full of real-food ingredients, plenty of protein, and tender broccoli, too. It’s a balanced and filling dinner I can get on the table with minimal effort.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Harvest Chicken Fall Salad
This hearty main-dish salad is good served either warm or chilled the next day for a satisfying lunch. Stacie created it to feature her favorite fall flavors, including roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, apples, and a quick maple-dijon dressing. This salad really captures the food essence of the autumn season.
Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo
Crockpot Birria Tacos
This is my go-to recipe to serve for fall game days and football watching. My simplified version of quesabirria tacos is made in the crockpot and calls for easy-to-find spices, plus jarred salsa, and dried chiles. The cooking liquid turns into a delicious dipping sauce for the iconic crispy, cheesy tacos that are popular on so many restaurant and food truck menus.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Mac and Cheese With Butternut Squash
The butternut squash-based creamy sauce for this stovetop mac and cheese recipe is so good that it’s hard to believe it doesn’t include cheese or any dairy products, for that matter. Jess created the most satisfying plant-based mac and cheese that not only uses fall squash, but also onions, cauliflower, broth, and nutritional yeast, to get umami taste in every bite.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegan Option
Fall Lentil And Kale Salad
This is an epic main dish salad that seems like something you’d find on a restaurant’s fall menu, yet it’s so easy to make at home. It features flavorful layers and textures that all come together when tossed with a simple maple-dijon vinaigrette. The lentils provide protein while toppings of pecans and Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta give it over-the-top flavor.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Vegetarian
The Best Tomato Soup Recipe
This so-simple, fast, and flavorful tomato soup is made almost entirely with pantry staples and is a perfect bridge from summer to fall season. Quick to prepare on the stovetop, Jess always serves alongside grilled cheese sandwiches that her family members dunk right into their bowls.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Vegan
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