11 Kid Approved Fall Dinner Recipes

kid friendly fall dinner ideas

Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta Bake

cheesy pumpkin pasta bake

This Cheesy Pumpkin Pasta Bake is a delightful, creamy dish perfect for a cozy family dinner during the fall season. Combining the subtle sweetness of pumpkin with gooey cheese and hearty pasta, it’s a kid-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those healthy veggies!

Ingredients Quantity
Pasta (elbow, penne, or shells) 8 ounces
Canned pumpkin puree 1 cup
Cream cheese 4 ounces
Shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups
Grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup
Milk 1 cup
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Onion powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
Fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning; mix until smooth.
  4. Fold in the cooked pasta and half of the mozzarella cheese until evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, serve warm, and enjoy a hearty fall dinner!
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2. Autumn Harvest Vegetable Soup

hearty autumn vegetable soup

Autumn Harvest Vegetable Soup is a warm, hearty, and nourishing dish that’s perfect for cool fall evenings. Packed with wholesome vegetables and rich flavors, this soup is not only comforting but also an excellent way to get your family to enjoy a variety of seasonal produce. Kids will love the vibrant colors and tasty ingredients, making it an ideal meal for the whole family to savor together.

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Carrots 2, diced
Celery 2 stalks, diced
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (14.5 ounces)
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Spinach 2 cups, chopped
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Fresh basil (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  3. Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Stir in chopped spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy a delightful autumn meal!
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3. Apple Chicken Sausage Skillet

quick and savory one pan meal

Apple Chicken Sausage Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. Featuring sweet apple chicken sausage paired with seasonal vegetables, this dish is not only satisfying but also a hit with kids thanks to its delightful combination of savory and sweet tastes. It’s an easy way to incorporate healthy ingredients while keeping dinner fun and enticing for the whole family.

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Apple chicken sausage 4 links, sliced
Bell peppers 2, sliced
Onion 1 medium, sliced
Brussels sprouts 2 cups, halved
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Chicken broth 1 cup
Apple (any variety) 1, cored and chopped
Thyme 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add sliced apple chicken sausage; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and Brussels sprouts to the skillet; sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and add chopped apple, thyme, salt, and black pepper; bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful, kid-friendly meal!
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4. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

sweet potato black bean tacos

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian option that the whole family will love. These tacos combine the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with hearty black beans, all topped with fresh avocado and zesty lime for a satisfying meal. Your kids will enjoy building their own tacos, making dinner a fun and interactive experience.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes 2 medium, diced
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Black beans 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Taco seasoning 1 tablespoon
Corn tortillas 8 small
Avocado 1, sliced
Lime 1, juiced
Fresh cilantro ¼ cup, chopped (optional)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes until tender, stirring halfway through.
  3. In a medium skillet, heat black beans over medium heat, then add taco seasoning; stir until heated through.
  4. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  5. Assemble the tacos by adding sweet potatoes, black beans, and toppings like avocado, lime juice, and cilantro. Enjoy!
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5. Mini Turkey and Cranberry Meatloaves

mini turkey meatloaves recipe

Mini Turkey and Cranberry Meatloaves are a fun and festive twist on the classic meatloaf, perfect for a cozy fall dinner. These mini meatloaves are moist and flavorful, incorporating ground turkey, tangy cranberries, and a hint of sweet onion, making them a delightful option that kids will want to eat. They’re easy to prepare and great for leftovers in lunchboxes!

Ingredients Quantity
Ground turkey 1 pound
Bread crumbs 1 cup
Fresh cranberries (or dried) ½ cup, chopped
Onion 1 small, finely chopped
Egg 1 large
Ketchup ¼ cup
Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional) 2 tablespoons, chopped

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or a baking sheet.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, cranberries, onion, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tin or form into mini loaves and place on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Let cool slightly before serving, and enjoy with your favorite side dishes!
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6. Butternut Squash Risotto

creamy butternut squash risotto

Butternut Squash Risotto is a creamy, comforting fall dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted butternut squash with Arborio rice, making it a kid-friendly favorite. This risotto is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wonderful option for a wholesome dinner. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the squash will have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds!

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Butternut squash (peeled and diced) 2 cups
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Onion 1 small, finely chopped
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Parmesan cheese (grated) ½ cup
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh sage (optional) 1 tablespoon, chopped

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it warm over low heat.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened.
  3. Add the diced butternut squash and cook for about 5-7 minutes until it begins to soften.
  4. Stir in the Arborio rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
  5. Gradually add the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and tender.
  6. Mix in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and fresh sage (if using). Serve warm and enjoy this fall favorite!
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7. Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken

maple glazed roast chicken recipe

Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for fall family dinners. The combination of tender roasted chicken with a sweet and savory maple glaze makes it irresistible for kids and adults alike. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also fills the house with a warm, inviting aroma, making it a comforting choice for chilly evenings.

Ingredients Quantity
Whole chicken 4-5 pounds
Maple syrup ½ cup
Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Fresh thyme (chopped) 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan. Brush the maple glaze all over the chicken, making sure to coat it well.
  4. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste with additional glaze halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
  5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy your delicious Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken!
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8. Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Quesadillas

creamy mushroom spinach quesadillas

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Quesadillas are a fantastic vegetarian option that combines earthy mushrooms, vibrant spinach, and creamy cheese all packed into crispy tortillas. This dish is quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that is not only kid-approved but also a great way to sneak some greens into your family’s meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Flour tortillas 4-6
Fresh spinach 2 cups
Mushrooms (sliced) 8 ounces
Cream cheese 4 ounces
Shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, then stir in the spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cream cheese until well combined; this will create a creamy filling.
  3. Place a tortilla in the skillet over medium heat, add a portion of the mushroom-spinach mixture on one half, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Fold the tortilla in half.
  4. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  5. Slice into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy your Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Quesadillas!
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9. Pumpkin Chili

comforting vegetarian pumpkin chili

Pumpkin Chili is a heartwarming dish that combines the rich flavor of pumpkin with hearty beans and spices, creating a comforting meal perfect for chilly fall evenings. This vegetarian chili is not only packed with nutrients but is also a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Bell pepper (chopped) 1 medium
Canned pumpkin puree 15 ounces
Canned diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
Canned kidney beans 15 ounces
Canned black beans 15 ounces
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. Add the bell pepper and continue cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
  4. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve warm, garnishing with your choice of toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado if desired. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Chili!
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10. Harvest Quinoa Bowl

nourishing autumn quinoa bowl

Harvest Quinoa Bowl is a nourishing and colorful dish that showcases the flavors of fall with a mix of seasonal vegetables, quinoa, and a hint of sweetness from cranberries and apples. This hearty bowl is not only nutritious but also fun for kids to customize with their favorite ingredients, making it an ideal choice for family dinners during the autumn months.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa 1 cup
Water 2 cups
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Sweet potato (diced) 1 medium
Brussels sprouts (halved) 2 cups
Apple (diced) 1 medium
Dried cranberries 1/2 cup
Walnuts (chopped) 1/4 cup
Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the sweet potato and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, diced apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, and cinnamon. Toss gently to mix all ingredients.
  4. Serve warm, allowing each family member to add their favorite toppings or additional seasonings. Enjoy your delightful Harvest Quinoa Bowl!

11. Pesto and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

colorful stuffed bell peppers

Pesto and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines colorful bell peppers filled with a delicious mixture of veggies, grains, and the aromatic flavors of pesto. This dish is not only visually appealing but also a healthy and hearty option for a family dinner, making it a perfect choice for kids who enjoy eating with their hands and customizing their own plates.

Ingredients Quantity
Bell peppers (any color) 4 medium
Quinoa or rice 1 cup (cooked)
Pesto sauce 1/2 cup
Spinach (chopped) 2 cups
Cherry tomatoes (halved) 1 cup
Feta cheese (crumbled) 1/2 cup
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute, then add spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa or rice, sautéed veggies, pesto sauce, and feta cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Stuff each pepper with the filling mixture, pressing it down gently. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  5. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to slightly brown the tops. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty Pesto and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers!

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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.