11 Easy Clean Up Dinners Perfect for Fall

One-Pan Roasted Vegetable and Chicken Bake

one pan roasted chicken vegetables

One-Pan Roasted Vegetable and Chicken Bake is a delightful and hassle-free dish perfect for the cozy fall season. It combines tender chicken pieces with a hearty mix of seasonal vegetables, all roasted together on a single sheet pan for minimal cleanup. This wholesome dinner is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor, making it a family favorite.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken thighs or breasts 4 pieces
Baby potatoes 1 lb
Carrots 2 medium, sliced
Bell peppers (any color) 2, chopped
Red onion 1, sliced
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces and vegetables with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy your easy, delicious meal!

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

comforting pumpkin chili recipe

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili is a warm and comforting dish that encapsulates the flavors of fall. This hearty chili is made with ground meat and an array of beans, combined with the rich sweetness of pumpkin, aromatic spices, and a hint of heat. It’s perfect for a cozy night in and is effortlessly made in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef or turkey 1 lb
Onion 1, chopped
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz)
Canned pumpkin puree 1 can (15 oz)
Canned kidney beans 1 can (15 oz)
Canned black beans 1 can (15 oz)
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Red pepper flakes (optional) To taste
Vegetable broth 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with chopped onion and minced garlic until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
  2. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker and add in diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  3. Pour in vegetable broth and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Serve hot, and enjoy this delicious and easy fall comfort dish!

Sheet Pan Salmon With Asparagus and Potatoes

easy sheet pan meal

Sheet Pan Salmon with Asparagus and Potatoes is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-prepare dinner that embodies the fresh flavors of fall. This one-pan meal is not only packed with nutrients but also minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With flaky salmon fillets, tender asparagus, and crispy potatoes all roasted together, it’s an ideal way to enjoy a complete meal without the fuss.

Ingredients Quantity
Salmon fillets 4 (6 oz each)
Asparagus 1 bunch
Baby potatoes 1 lb
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Lemon wedges (for serving) Optional

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. Halve the baby potatoes and toss them on the sheet pan with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them out and roast for 20 minutes.
  3. After 20 minutes, add the asparagus to the pan, and nestle the salmon fillets in between the vegetables. Drizzle a little more olive oil, and season the salmon with salt and pepper.
  4. Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for an additional 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your easy and wholesome fall dinner!

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

instant pot beef stroganoff recipe

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff is a comforting, hearty dish that brings warmth to chilly fall evenings. This creamy, flavorful meal features tender pieces of beef simmered in a rich mushroom and onion sauce, all served over a bed of egg noodles. The Instant Pot makes preparation a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Quantity
Beef stew meat 1.5 lbs
Onion 1, chopped
Garlic 4 cloves, minced
Mushrooms 8 oz, sliced
Beef broth 2 cups
Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon
Egg noodles 12 oz
Sour cream 1 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional, chopped

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and heat olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  2. Add the beef stew meat, season with salt and pepper, and brown on all sides.
  3. Stir in the sliced mushrooms, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
  4. After cooking, perform a quick release. Stir in the egg noodles, close the lid again, and cook on high pressure for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Once done, release the pressure, then stir in the sour cream until well combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy your cozy dinner!

Skillet Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

warm apple cinnamon oatmeal

Skillet Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a warm and nourishing breakfast perfect for crisp fall mornings. This easy one-pan dish combines hearty oats with sweet, caramelized apples and a comforting blend of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s not only a delicious way to start your day, but it also leaves you feeling satisfied and energized.

Ingredients Quantity
Old-fashioned rolled oats 2 cups
Water 4 cups
Apples (peeled and diced) 2 medium
Brown sugar 1/4 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon
Salt 1/4 teaspoon
Milk (or non-dairy alternative) 1 cup
Chopped walnuts (optional) 1/4 cup
Maple syrup (for serving) To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine water, diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook until the apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the rolled oats and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the oats are cooked and have absorbed most of the liquid, about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the milk. Top with chopped walnuts, if desired, and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness!

Easy Cheesy Vegetable Quesadillas

quick cheesy vegetable quesadillas

Easy Cheesy Vegetable Quesadillas are a quick and delicious dinner option that’s perfect for busy fall nights. This one-pan meal combines colorful vegetables, melted cheese, and warm tortillas for a satisfying dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Plus, they’re easy to clean up—just one skillet and a cutting board!

Ingredients Quantity
Flour tortillas 4
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) 2 cups
Bell peppers (sliced) 1 cup
Red onion (sliced) 1/2 cup
Zucchini (sliced) 1 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Salsa (for serving) Optional

Cooking Steps:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Remove the sautéed vegetables from the skillet and set aside. Wipe the skillet if needed.
  3. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half of it with shredded cheese, and top with a portion of the sautéed vegetables. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Serve warm with salsa on the side. Enjoy your easy clean-up dinner!

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Wraps

mediterranean chickpea salad wraps

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Wraps are a revitalizing and nutritious dinner option that’s perfect for the fall season. These wraps combine protein-packed chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and bold Mediterranean flavors, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. They are not only quick to prepare but also require minimal cleanup—making them an easy choice for busy weeknights!

Ingredients Quantity
Canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) 1 can (15 oz)
Cherry tomatoes (halved) 1 cup
Cucumber (diced) 1 medium
Red onion (finely chopped) 1/4 cup
Feta cheese (crumbled) 1/2 cup
Fresh parsley (chopped) 1/4 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Whole wheat tortillas 4

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to mix.
  3. Place a generous portion of the chickpea salad onto each tortilla and wrap it up.
  4. Serve immediately or wrap in foil for an on-the-go option. Enjoy your healthy and easy clean-up dinner!

Simple Baked Ziti

comforting baked pasta dish

Simple Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for fall, providing a warm and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. This Italian-American classic features ziti pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce, layered with gooey cheese, and sprinkled with herbs for added flavor. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, as it can be prepared in advance and simply popped in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients Quantity
Ziti pasta 1 pound
Marinara sauce 4 cups
Ricotta cheese 1 cup
Mozzarella cheese (shredded) 2 cups
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
Fresh basil (chopped) 1/4 cup
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
  2. Stir in the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil until well combined.
  3. Pour the ziti mixture into a baking dish, then top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this simple and delicious baked ziti!

Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers

tasty taco stuffed peppers

Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers are a fun and flavorful dish that combines all the tastes of your favorite tacos in a healthy, easy-to-clean-up package. These colorful bell peppers are filled with seasoned ground meat, beans, corn, and cheese, making them a satisfying meal that’s perfect for fall. Plus, the peppers can be made ahead of time and simply popped into the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients Quantity
Bell peppers (any color) 4 large
Ground beef or turkey 1 pound
Taco seasoning 2 tablespoons
Canned black beans (drained) 1 can (15 oz)
Canned corn (drained) 1 can (15 oz)
Salsa 1 cup
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) 1 cup
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa until heated through.
  3. Stuff the bell peppers with the taco mixture, then place them upright in a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
  4. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
  5. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious and easy taco stuffed peppers!

15-Minute Spinach and Ricotta Pasta

quick creamy spinach pasta

Minute Spinach and Ricotta Pasta is a quick and simple dish that brings together the creaminess of ricotta cheese and the wholesome goodness of fresh spinach. Perfect for a busy fall evening, this pasta can be prepared in just a matter of minutes with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Pasta (fusilli or penne) 12 oz
Fresh spinach 4 cups
Ricotta cheese 1 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add fresh spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the drained pasta, ricotta cheese, and reserved pasta water. Mix until evenly combined and creamy.
  5. Season with salt, black pepper, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving. Enjoy your quick and comforting Minute Spinach and Ricotta Pasta!

Cozy Lentil Soup in a Bread Bowl

hearty lentil soup bowls

Cozy Lentil Soup in a Bread Bowl is the ultimate fall comfort food that warms you from the inside out. This hearty and nutritious soup is packed with lentils, vegetables, and spices, and it’s served in a freshly baked bread bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish combines delicious flavors with the fun of eating from edible bowls!

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Carrot (diced) 1 medium
Celery (diced) 2 stalks
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Canned diced tomatoes (with juice) 1 (14 oz) can
Bay leaf 1
Thyme (dried or fresh) 1 teaspoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Bread bowls 4

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrot, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Add minced garlic, lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Remove the bay leaf.
  4. Ladle the soup into bread bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your cozy and delicious meal!