11 Delicious Fall Dinner Recipes for Weeknights

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

creamy pumpkin pasta recipe
Ingredients Quantity
Pasta (penne or fettuccine) 12 oz
Canned pumpkin puree 1 cup
Heavy cream 1 cup
Grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Sage, chopped 1 tsp
Nutmeg, grated ¼ tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water; drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, sage, and nutmeg; cook until heated through.
  4. Add in the cooked pasta and mix until combined; then stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
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Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

hearty beef and barley soup

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup is a cozy and fulfilling dish perfect for chilly fall evenings. This savory soup combines tender beef, nutritious vegetables, and hearty barley, making it a complete meal that warms you from the inside out. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients Quantity
Beef chuck, cubed 1 lb
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Carrots, diced 2 medium
Celery, diced 2 stalks
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Beef broth 6 cups
Barley 1 cup
Bay leaves 2
Thyme, dried 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat; add beef and brown on all sides.
  2. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic; sauté until vegetables soften.
  3. Stir in beef broth, barley, bay leaves, and thyme; bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, until barley is tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, remove bay leaves, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
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Cheesy Autumn Vegetable Casserole

cheesy fall vegetable dish

Cheesy Autumn Vegetable Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that celebrates the flavors of fall. This casserole features a medley of seasonal vegetables, layered with creamy cheese and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s a great side dish for any fall meal, and it’s also perfect for leftovers, making it a versatile addition to your dinner table.

Ingredients Quantity
Butternut squash, diced 2 cups
Brussels sprouts, halved 2 cups
Cauliflower florets 2 cups
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Heavy cream 1 cup
Cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups
Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Breadcrumbs 1 cup
Fresh thyme, chopped 1 tbsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the diced butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread the vegetable mixture in a greased baking dish and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and thyme. Pour over the roasted vegetables and mix to combine.
  5. Top with breadcrumbs and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving, and enjoy your Cheesy Autumn Vegetable Casserole!
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Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs

maple glazed savory chicken thighs

Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and hearty entrée perfect for a fall dinner. The combination of sweet maple syrup and savory ingredients creates a delicious glaze that enhances the rich flavor of chicken thighs, making this dish a comforting addition to your autumn table.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on 4 pieces
Maple syrup 1/2 cup
Soy sauce 1/4 cup
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Dijon mustard 1 tbsp
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tbsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and brown them skin side down for about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour the maple glaze over the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the oven.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with the glaze halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and glazed nicely.
  6. Garnish with fresh rosemary before serving. Enjoy your Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs!
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Spicy Sausage and Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash

savory stuffed autumn squash

Spicy Sausage and Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash is a warm and comforting dish that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. The combination of savory sausage, sweet apples, and roasted butternut squash creates a delightful and nutritious meal, ideal for a cozy autumn dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Butternut squash 2 medium
Spicy Italian sausage 1 pound
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Onion, diced 1 medium
Celery, diced 1 stalk
Apple, diced 1 large
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Sage, chopped 1 tbsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Pecans or walnuts, chopped 1/2 cup
Grated cheese (optional) 1/2 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over the squash halves, season with salt and pepper, and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes until tender.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the spicy sausage until browned. Add onion, celery, garlic, and apple; sauté until softened.
  4. Stir in sage and nuts, then remove from heat. Once the squash is done, turn it cut-side up and fill each half with sausage-apple mixture.
  5. Optionally, top with grated cheese and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until heated through. Serve warm and enjoy your Spicy Sausage and Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash!
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One-Pot Mushroom Risotto

creamy one pot mushroom risotto

One-Pot Mushroom Risotto is a creamy and comforting Italian dish that brings the earthy flavors of mushrooms to life. Perfect for a cozy fall dinner, this risotto is made all in one pot, making it easy to prepare and clean up. The richness of arborio rice, combined with the umami notes from the sautéed mushrooms, creates a satisfying meal that will warm you up on cool autumn evenings.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Mixed mushrooms, sliced 2 cups
White wine (optional) 1/2 cup
Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
  2. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
  3. Add the arborio rice, stirring for 1-2 minutes until it’s well-coated and slightly toasted.
  4. Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it absorb, then gradually add the vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until creamy and the rice is tender.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your One-Pot Mushroom Risotto!
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Slow-Cooked Chili With Kidney Beans

hearty slow cooked chili recipe

Slow-Cooked Chili With Kidney Beans is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. Bursting with flavors from spices, tomatoes, and kidney beans, this chili is simple to prepare and cooks slowly, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully. Serve it on its own or with your favorite toppings for a warm, comforting meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Bell pepper, diced 1 medium
Ground beef or turkey 1 lb
Canned diced tomatoes 28 oz can
Kidney beans, drained 2 cans (15 oz each)
Chili powder 2 tbsp
Cumin 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
  2. Add the ground meat, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, and enjoy your delicious Slow-Cooked Chili With Kidney Beans!
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Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad

nutritious roasted vegetable salad

Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad is a nutritious and vibrant dish perfect for fall. This salad combines roasted seasonal vegetables with protein-rich quinoa, creating a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed warm or cold. Toss in a light vinaigrette for added flavor, and you have a delightful dish that is sure to impress at any fall dinner gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa 1 cup
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Zucchini, diced 1 medium
Bell peppers, diced 1 medium
Carrots, sliced 2 medium
Red onion, diced 1 medium
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Mixed herbs (thyme, rosemary) 1 tsp
Feta cheese, crumbled ½ cup
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss the diced zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and red onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and mixed herbs. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast the vegetables for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
  4. While the vegetables roast, rinse the quinoa under cold water and then cook it in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and roasted vegetables. Stir in crumbled feta cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad!
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Baked Ziti With Spinach and Ricotta

comforting spinach ricotta pasta

Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for cool fall evenings. This pasta bake combines tender ziti pasta with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese and a rich marinara sauce. It’s an easy meal to prepare that will surely please both family and guests at any dinner gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Ziti pasta 12 oz (340g)
Ricotta cheese 15 oz (425g)
Fresh spinach 4 cups (120g)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 cups (200g)
Marinara sauce 3 cups (720ml)
Parmesan cheese, grated ½ cup (50g)
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Dried Italian herbs 1 tsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
  5. Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer half of the ziti mixture on top, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese and another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat layers.
  6. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta!
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Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup

comforting homemade chicken soup

Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly fall evenings. This wholesome soup features tender pieces of chicken, hearty vegetables, and egg noodles simmered in a savory broth. It’s an easy one-pot meal that warms the soul and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breasts, diced 2 cups (300g)
Egg noodles 8 oz (225g)
Carrots, diced 2 medium (200g)
Celery, diced 2 stalks (150g)
Onion, chopped 1 medium (150g)
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Chicken broth 8 cups (1.9L)
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Bay leaf 1
Dried thyme 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
  2. Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, add bay leaf, and thyme; bring to a boil.
  4. Stir in egg noodles; simmer until noodles are cooked through.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your cozy chicken noodle soup!

Savory Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

savory sweet potato tacos

Savory Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a delicious and fulfilling meal perfect for fall evenings. These tacos combine roasted sweet potatoes and hearty black beans seasoned with spices, all wrapped in warm tortillas. They are not only healthy but also packed with flavor, making them a great option for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes, diced 2 cups (300g)
Black beans, drained 1 can (15 oz/425g)
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Cumin 1 tsp
Chili powder 1 tsp
Garlic powder 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Corn tortillas 8
Avocado, sliced 1
Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the black beans over low heat until warmed through, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  4. Assemble tacos by filling each tortilla with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and top with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.
  5. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy your savory sweet potato and black bean tacos!

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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.