11 Budget Fall Dinner Recipes for Large Groups

affordable meals for gatherings

Hearty Pumpkin Chili

hearty pumpkin chili recipe

Hearty Pumpkin Chili is a delightful and filling dish perfect for chilly fall evenings. This comforting one-pot meal combines the richness of pumpkin with beans, spices, and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice that is both satisfying and budget-friendly. It’s an excellent way to embrace the flavors of the season while providing a delicious dinner for family or friends.

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Onion 1 medium, diced
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Bell pepper 1 medium, diced
Carrot 1 medium, diced
Canned pumpkin puree 1 can (15 oz)
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (14.5 oz)
Canned kidney beans 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Canned black beans 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 tablespoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon
Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro As desired

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Stir in the bell pepper and carrot; cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  3. Add the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with optional toppings. Enjoy your budget-friendly hearty pumpkin chili!
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Savory Apple and Sausage Stuffing

savory sausage apple stuffing

Savory Apple and Sausage Stuffing is a warm and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of sausage, the sweetness of apples, and a blend of herbs to create a delightful stuffing perfect for fall dinners. This dish works wonderfully as a side for roasted meats or even as a standalone vegetarian option by substituting the sausage. It is budget-friendly and utilizes simple ingredients to bring a touch of autumn to your table.

Ingredients Quantity
Italian sausage 1 pound
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion 1 medium, diced
Celery 2 stalks, diced
Apple 1 large, peeled and diced
Dried bread cubes 4 cups
Vegetable broth 1 ½ cups
Fresh sage 1 tablespoon, chopped
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add olive oil, onion, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the diced apple and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, bread cubes, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and mix until well combined.
  5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Creamy Potato and Leek Soup

creamy potato leek soup

Creamy Potato and Leek Soup is a hearty and velvety dish that captures the essence of fall with its wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. This soup is not only warm and satisfying but also budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners. With the creamy texture of potatoes combined with the subtle onion flavor of leeks, this soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread.

Ingredients Quantity
Leeks (white and light green parts) 2 large, sliced
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Potatoes (peeled and diced) 4 medium
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Heavy cream 1 cup
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon
Fresh chives 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, add sliced leeks, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add diced potatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth (or blend in batches in a regular blender).
  5. Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper; heat through and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh chives. Enjoy!
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Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad

nutritious roasted quinoa salad

Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for fall dinners. This salad is packed with seasonal vegetables, nutty quinoa, and drizzled with a simple dressing, making it not only budget-friendly but also a healthy addition to your meal repertoire. The combination of roasted vegetables enhances the flavors and adds warmth, while the quinoa provides protein and a satisfying texture.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa 1 cup
Vegetable broth or water 2 cups
Bell pepper (diced) 1 medium
Sweet potato (cubed) 1 large
Zucchini (sliced) 1 medium
Red onion (sliced) 1 small
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon
Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons
Fresh parsley ¼ cup, chopped

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a pot, cook quinoa in vegetable broth or water according to package instructions, then set aside.
  3. Toss bell pepper, sweet potato, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a baking sheet.
  4. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, and drizzle with balsamic vinegar; mix well.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
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One-Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

hearty one pot beef stew

One-Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for chilly fall evenings. This stew brings together tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and a medley of vegetables, all cooked in one pot for a rich and savory meal. It’s a budget-friendly option that delivers on flavor and warmth, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.

Ingredients Quantity
Beef stew meat 1.5 pounds (cut into cubes)
Mushrooms 8 ounces (sliced)
Carrots 2 large (sliced)
Onion 1 medium (chopped)
Garlic 3 cloves (minced)
Beef broth 4 cups
Tomato paste 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon
Bay leaf 1
Fresh parsley (for garnish) ¼ cup (chopped)

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add beef stew meat and brown on all sides.
  2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until the onions are soft.
  3. Stir in carrots, mushrooms, tomato paste, beef broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf; bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; remove bay leaf before serving.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm, comforting stew!
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Baked Ziti With Spinach and Ricotta

comforting pasta bake recipe

Baked Ziti With Spinach and Ricotta is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for fall dinners. This pasta bake combines tender ziti noodles with creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a wonderful one-dish meal that can easily feed a crowd or provide leftovers for busy weeknight dinners, all while staying budget-friendly.

Ingredients Quantity
Ziti pasta 12 ounces
Ricotta cheese 15 ounces
Fresh spinach 4 cups (packed)
Marinara sauce 4 cups
Mozzarella cheese 2 cups (shredded)
Parmesan cheese ½ cup (grated)
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Garlic 2 cloves (minced)
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Dried Italian herbs 1 teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and return to pot.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant; add spinach and cook until wilted.
  4. In the pot with ziti, mix in marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  5. Transfer half of the mixture to a baking dish, layer with half of the mozzarella, then repeat with the remaining mixture and mozzarella on top.
  6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Baked Ziti!
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Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

hearty slow cooker meal

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for fall dinners. This dish features tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings all simmered together in a creamy broth. It’s an effortless one-pot meal that cooks in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a warm and satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients Quantity
Boneless chicken thighs 1.5 pounds
Carrots 2 (sliced)
Celery 2 stalks (chopped)
Onion 1 (diced)
Chicken broth 4 cups
Cream of chicken soup 1 can (10.5 ounces)
Garlic 2 cloves (minced)
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon
Frozen peas 1 cup
Biscuits (for dumplings) 1 can (8 biscuits)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Place chicken thighs, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, thyme, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through.
  3. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir in the frozen peas.
  4. Place biscuit dough on top of the chicken mixture, cover, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the biscuits are cooked through.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Chicken and Dumplings!
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Vegetable Fried Rice With Sweet Potato

autumn vegetable fried rice

Vegetable Fried Rice With Sweet Potato is a vibrant and nourishing dish that showcases the flavors of autumn. This colorful fried rice combines sautéed sweet potatoes with a mix of fresh vegetables and fluffy rice, all tossed together with a savory sauce. It is a quick and healthy meal that can be made in one pan, perfect for those busy fall evenings.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked rice 3 cups
Sweet potato 1 medium (diced)
Bell pepper 1 (diced)
Carrot 1 (diced)
Green peas 1 cup
Onion 1 (diced)
Garlic 2 cloves (minced)
Soy sauce 3 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon
Green onions (for garnish) 2 (sliced)

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the diced sweet potato for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
  2. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Stir in the cooked rice, green peas, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper; combine well and cook until heated through.
  4. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot as a delightful fall dinner.
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Rustic Harvest Pasta

cozy autumn pasta dish

Rustic Harvest Pasta is a comforting dish that highlights the flavors of fall with hearty ingredients like squash, spinach, and a blend of savory herbs. This pasta is perfect for cozy dinners, bringing together wholesome ingredients tossed in a light cream sauce, making it an ideal budget-friendly meal that satisfies the palate and warms the spirit.

Ingredients Quantity
Pasta (any shape) 8 ounces
Butternut squash (peeled and diced) 2 cups
Fresh spinach 2 cups
Garlic 3 cloves (minced)
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Vegetable broth 1 cup
Heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option) ½ cup
Parmesan cheese (grated) ¼ cup
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon
Nutmeg (optional) ¼ teaspoon
Fresh parsley (for garnish) 2 tablespoons (chopped)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the diced butternut squash and vegetable broth to the pan, cooking until the squash is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, then add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Toss to combine and heat through.
  5. Serve garnished with fresh parsley for a rustic autumn feast.
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Lentil and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

hearty vegetarian shepherd s pie

Lentil and Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, comforting dish that offers a nutritious twist on the classic shepherd’s pie. This vegetarian version is packed with protein-rich lentils and a colorful medley of vegetables, all topped with a creamy mashed potato layer. It’s a perfect budget-friendly meal that serves well as a filling entree for your fall dinner gatherings.

Ingredients Quantity
Lentils (brown or green) 1 cup (dry)
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Carrots (diced) 1 cup
Celery (diced) 1 cup
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Peas (frozen) 1 cup
Tomato paste 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Thyme (dried) 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon
Potatoes (peeled and cubed) 2 cups
Butter (or vegan alternative) 2 tablespoons
Milk (or plant-based milk) ½ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cook lentils in vegetable broth according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in cooked lentils, tomato paste, peas, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, then transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
  5. Boil potatoes until tender, then drain and mash with butter and milk. Spread the mashed potatoes over the lentil mixture.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is slightly golden. Serve warm and enjoy your cozy fall meal.

Simple Baked Apples With Cinnamon

baked apples with cinnamon

Simple Baked Apples With Cinnamon is a delightful and easy dessert that captures the essence of fall flavors. These tender, warm apples are baked to perfection with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, making them a wonderful treat for chilly evenings. Perfectly budget-friendly, they can be enjoyed on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Ingredients Quantity
Apples (any variety) 4 large
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Butter (or vegan alternative) 2 tablespoons
Raisins or nuts (optional) 1/4 cup
Oats (optional) 1/4 cup
Water 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Core the apples and place them upright in a baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, oats (if using), and optional raisins or nuts.
  4. Stuff the sugar mixture into the hollowed center of each apple and top with a small piece of butter.
  5. Pour 1 cup of water into the baking dish to help steam the apples.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.