11 Protein Packed Fall Dinner Ideas

protein rich autumn dinner recipes

Hearty Turkey Chili

hearty turkey chili recipe

Hearty Turkey Chili is the perfect comfort dish for fall evenings. Packed with lean protein, beans, and a blend of spices, it provides a warm, satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. This chili is not only easy to make but also scalable, ideal for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground turkey 1 pound
Onion 1 medium, diced
Bell pepper 1 medium, diced
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Canned diced tomatoes 28 ounces
Canned kidney beans 15 ounces, drained
Canned black beans 15 ounces, drained
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 tablespoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Chicken broth 1 cup

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft (about 5 minutes).
  2. Stir in minced garlic and ground turkey, cooking until the turkey is browned and fully cooked.
  3. Add canned tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the pot. Mix well.
  4. Bring the chili to a simmer, reducing heat to low, and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

creamy pumpkin pasta dish

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta is a delightful autumn dish that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with the comforting texture of pasta. This one-pot meal is not only easy to prepare but is also packed with protein, thanks to the addition of ricotta cheese and spinach. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and can be customized with your favorite seasonings.

Ingredients Quantity
Pasta (fusilli or penne) 12 ounces
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Ricotta cheese 1 cup
Fresh spinach 2 cups
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Onion 1 medium, diced
Vegetable broth 1 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Stir in the pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, and vegetable broth. Mix until well combined and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
  5. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
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Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

nutritious quinoa stuffed peppers

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers are a nutritious and vibrant fall dinner option that showcases the sweetness of bell peppers, filled with protein-rich quinoa, black beans, and spices. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with fiber and essential nutrients, making it an ideal meal for a cozy autumn evening. These stuffed peppers can be customized with various toppings, allowing you to add your favorite flavors.

Ingredients Quantity
Bell peppers (any color) 4 large
Quinoa 1 cup
Black beans (canned, drained) 1 can (15 oz)
Corn (canned or frozen) 1 cup
Diced tomatoes (canned) 1 can (14.5 oz)
Onion 1 medium, diced
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Shredded cheese (optional) for topping
Fresh cilantro (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside once cooked.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, and chili powder; cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cooked quinoa. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Stuff each pepper with the quinoa mixture.
  6. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Optionally, remove foil, top with cheese, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm. Enjoy!
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Maple Glazed Salmon

maple glazed salmon recipe

Maple Glazed Salmon is a delightful and healthy fall dinner option perfect for satisfying your protein needs while enjoying seasonal flavors. The combination of sweet maple syrup, savory soy sauce, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a mouthwatering glaze that beautifully complements the rich, tender salmon. Served with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad, this dish is sure to impress and nourish.

Ingredients Quantity
Salmon fillets 4 pieces (6 oz each)
Maple syrup 1/4 cup
Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the maple glaze over the top, ensuring even coverage.
  4. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful maple glazed salmon!
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Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

hearty chicken and sweet potatoes

Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and nutritious one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken breast, sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, making it a perfect dish for fall. Packed with protein and rich flavors, this dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a warm and comforting dinner on busy weeknights.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breast (diced) 1 pound
Sweet potatoes (cubed) 2 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Bell pepper (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Chicken broth 1 cup
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh spinach 2 cups
Fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes).
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  4. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your nourishing Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet!
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Lentil Soup With Kale

hearty lentil kale soup

Lentil Soup with Kale is a warm and nourishing dish perfect for the fall season. This hearty soup is loaded with protein-rich lentils, nutrient-dense kale, and an array of vegetables, making it both satisfying and healthy. It’s an ideal choice for cozy dinners or meal prep, and its rustic flavors will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma as it simmers.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Kale (chopped) 2 cups
Carrots (diced) 2 medium
Celery (diced) 2 stalks
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Vegetable broth 6 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Thyme (dried) 1 teaspoon
Bay leaf 1 leaf
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Add minced garlic, cumin, thyme, and bay leaf, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
  4. Stir in chopped kale and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the kale is wilted.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot. Enjoy your nourishing Lentil Soup with Kale!
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Beef and Butternut Squash Stew

hearty beef squash stew

Beef and Butternut Squash Stew is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for crisp fall evenings. This stew combines tender beef chunks with sweet butternut squash, carrots, and hearty spices, creating a deliciously robust meal full of flavor and protein. Serve it with crusty bread for a fulfilling dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients Quantity
Beef chuck (cut into cubes) 1.5 pounds
Butternut squash (peeled and diced) 2 cups
Carrots (sliced) 2 medium
Onion (chopped) 1 large
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Beef broth 4 cups
Tomato paste 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Bay leaves 2 leaves
Thyme (dried) 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Return the browned beef to the pot, then stir in the diced butternut squash, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let stew simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  5. Adjust seasoning as needed, then serve hot. Enjoy your Beef and Butternut Squash Stew!
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Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

spinach and feta chicken

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a savory filling of spinach and tangy feta cheese. This meal is packed with protein and flavor, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying fall dinner. It’s both elegant and simple to prepare, making it great for weeknight meals or special occasions.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) 4 pieces
Fresh spinach (chopped) 2 cups
Feta cheese (crumbled) 1 cup
Cream cheese (softened) 4 ounces
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Paprika 1 teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté minced garlic and chopped spinach until wilted. Remove from heat and mix in feta and cream cheese until well combined.
  3. Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach and feta mixture, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
  4. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Heat more olive oil in the skillet and sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown.
  6. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  7. Remove from the oven, let rest briefly, then serve and enjoy your Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast!
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White Bean and Sausage Casserole

hearty bean and sausage casserole

White Bean and Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy fall dinner. This one-pot meal combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, creamy white beans, and hearty vegetables, making it both filling and nutritious. It’s an easy recipe to prepare, ideal for sharing with family or friends on a chilly evening.

Ingredients Quantity
Italian sausage (sliced) 1 pound
White beans (canned, drained and rinsed) 2 cans (15 oz each)
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Carrot (diced) 1 large
Celery (diced) 2 stalks
Diced tomatoes (canned) 1 can (14 oz)
Chicken broth 3 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Bay leaf 1
Thyme (dried or fresh) 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Spinach (fresh, optional) 2 cups

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking until softened; stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Stir in the white beans and cooked sausage, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
  5. If using spinach, stir in during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
  6. Remove bay leaf before serving and enjoy your White Bean and Sausage Casserole!
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Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

quick and nutritious stir fry

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and nutritious dish that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of fall. With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, it features succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and a savory sauce that brings all the ingredients together. This stir-fry is not only packed with protein but also can be made in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients Quantity
Shrimp (peeled and deveined) 1 pound
Broccoli florets 4 cups
Onion (sliced) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Soy sauce 3 tablespoons
Oyster sauce 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Ginger (grated) 1 teaspoon
Cornstarch 1 tablespoon
Water 1/3 cup
Sesame seeds (optional) for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and onion is translucent.
  3. Toss in the broccoli and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it turns bright green.
  4. Add shrimp, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water; stir and cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in cornstarch mixed with a little water to thicken the sauce, and cook for an additional minute.
  6. Serve hot, garnishing with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry!

Tempeh and Vegetable Curry

hearty vegan tempeh curry

Tempeh and Vegetable Curry is a hearty and flavorful dish that embodies the warmth of fall. This vegan-friendly curry is packed with protein from tempeh and a variety of vegetables, making it a nutritional powerhouse. The aromatic spices combined with creamy coconut milk create a comforting meal that is perfect for cozy evenings.

Ingredients Quantity
Tempeh (cubed) 1 pound
Coconut milk 1 can (13.5 oz)
Bell pepper (chopped) 1 medium
Carrot (sliced) 1 medium
Zucchini (chopped) 1 medium
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Ginger (grated) 1 tablespoon
Curry powder 2 tablespoons
Turmeric 1 teaspoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro (for garnish) optional

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until softened.
  2. Stir in the curry powder and turmeric, cooking for an additional minute to release the spices’ flavors.
  3. Add the cubed tempeh and cook for about 5 minutes until it begins to brown.
  4. Incorporate the bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini; cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer; cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the curry thickens.
  6. Season with salt to taste and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your Tempeh and Vegetable Curry!

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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.