11 Simple Fall Dinner Recipes for New Families

easy autumn meals for families

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

creamy pumpkin soup recipe

Creamy pumpkin soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for fall, especially for new families who might appreciate quick and easy recipes. This soup combines the rich flavor of pumpkin with creamy undertones, making it a delightful starter or main dish that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. It’s also a great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your diet.

Ingredients Quantity
Pumpkin puree 2 cups
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Vegetable broth 3 cups
Coconut milk or heavy cream 1 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon
Nutmeg A pinch

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
  2. Stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
  4. Stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and add cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm. Enjoy!
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One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables

one pan chicken and vegetables

One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables is an ideal fall dish for new families looking for a simple, wholesome meal that minimizes cleanup. This one-pan dish brings together tender chicken, a medley of colorful vegetables, and flavorful herbs, all cooked together for a delicious and nutritious meal. It’s perfect for busy evenings and can be easily scaled to feed your family’s needs.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken thighs or breasts 4 pieces
Carrots 2, chopped
Bell pepper 1, chopped
Zucchini 1, sliced
Red onion 1, chopped
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Dried oregano 1 teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken and vegetables with olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly on a large baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!
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Hearty Beef Stew

comforting beef vegetable stew

Hearty Beef Stew is a comforting and delicious fall dish, perfect for new families looking to enjoy a warm meal together. This stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, rich broth, and a variety of vegetables, making it a nourishing choice for chilly evenings. It’s also a great make-ahead option, as the flavors continue to deepen and enhance after a day in the fridge.

Ingredients Quantity
Chuck roast, cut into cubes 2 pounds
Potatoes, diced 2, medium
Carrots, sliced 3, medium
Celery, chopped 2 stalks
Onion, chopped 1, large
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Beef broth 4 cups
Tomato paste 2 tablespoons
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Bay leaves 2
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the beef cubes for about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour in the beef broth, then add the tomato paste, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  6. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy your hearty stew!
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Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

cheesy broccoli rice casserole

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a cozy and satisfying dish that brings comfort to busy new families during the fall season. Packed with nutritious broccoli and infused with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked rice, this casserole is not only delicious but also a breeze to prepare — making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked rice 3 cups
Broccoli florets 2 cups
Cheddar cheese, shredded 2 cups
Cream of mushroom soup 1 can (10.5 oz)
Milk 1/2 cup
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Onion powder 1 teaspoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Bread crumbs (optional) 1/2 cup, for topping

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, half of the cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and, if desired, bread crumbs for extra crunch.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal!
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Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad

nourishing autumn quinoa salad

Autumn Harvest Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nourishing dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This salad is a delightful mix of wholesome quinoa, colorful seasonal vegetables, and a tangy dressing that adds flavor to every bite. It’s easy to prepare and makes an excellent side dish or main course for busy new families looking to incorporate more nutritious options into their meals.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa 1 cup
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Butternut squash, diced 2 cups
Kale, chopped 2 cups
Cranberries, dried 1/2 cup
Pecans or walnuts, chopped 1/2 cup
Feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons
Maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. While the squash roasts, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook covered for 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed the broth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, chopped kale, dried cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss to combine, and season with additional salt and pepper as desired.
  5. Serve the salad warm or chilled. Enjoy this delicious autumn dish!
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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

flavorful vegetarian taco night

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a delicious and nutritious option for busy new families looking to enjoy a quick meal packed with flavor. These tacos feature roasted sweet potatoes and hearty black beans, complemented by fresh toppings, all wrapped in soft tortillas. They are perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun taco night, and you can customize them with your favorite garnishes.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 2 cups
Black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (15 oz)
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Corn tortillas 8
Avocado, sliced 1
Fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup
Lime wedges for serving

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the black beans over medium heat until warm; season with salt and pepper if desired.
  3. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
  4. Assemble the tacos by layering sweet potatoes and black beans on each tortilla, then top with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.
  5. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos!
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Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

apple sausage stuffed squash

Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for fall evenings. This hearty meal combines the sweetness of apples with savory sausage, all nestled inside tender acorn squash halves. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients Quantity
Acorn squash 2 large
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Italian sausage, casings removed 1 pound
Onion, diced 1 medium
Celery, diced 1 stalk
Apple, diced 1 medium
Dried cranberries 1/2 cup
Bread crumbs 1 cup
Chicken broth 1/2 cup
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Brush the insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until tender.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the onion and celery, cooking until soft. Add the diced apple and dried cranberries, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the sausage, bread crumbs, chicken broth, salt, and pepper, mixing until combined. Remove from heat.
  5. Flip the roasted acorn squash cut side up and fill each half with the stuffing mixture. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash!
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Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna

hearty vegetarian lasagna delight

Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna is a hearty and satisfying vegetarian dish that’s perfect for family dinners, especially during the fall season. The layers of tender pasta are filled with a rich mixture of spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese, all smothered in marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella. This comforting meal is not only filling but also provides a great way to incorporate veggies into your family’s diet.

Ingredients Quantity
Lasagna noodles 9-12 sheets
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Mushrooms, sliced 2 cups
Spinach, fresh or frozen 4 cups
Ricotta cheese 15 ounces
Egg 1
Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup
Marinara sauce 3 cups
Mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 cups
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil, chopped (optional) for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are soft. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted; season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese; mix well and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer with noodles, spinach mixture, ricotta mixture, and marinara. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles and marinara.
  5. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna!
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Baked Ziti With Ground Turkey

hearty turkey ziti bake

Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for busy families, especially during the fall season. This one-pan meal combines pasta, savory ground turkey, a delicious tomato sauce, and melty cheeses, making it an ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s not only easy to cook but also provides great leftovers for the next day!

Ingredients Quantity
Ziti pasta 12 ounces
Ground turkey 1 pound
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Marinara sauce 3 cups
Ricotta cheese 15 ounces
Mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 cups
Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup
Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent. Add ground turkey, cooking until browned; season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the cooked ziti and ricotta cheese until well combined.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey!
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Slow Cooker Chili

hearty slow cooker chili

Slow Cooker Chili is a warm, satisfying dish that is perfect for new families seeking comfort food during the fall months. This hearty chili combines ground meat, beans, and a variety of spices, making it both nutritious and delicious. Plus, it’s a wonderful option for busy weeknights since it cooks itself while you take care of other things.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef or turkey 1 pound
Onion, chopped 1 medium
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Bell peppers, chopped 1 cup
Canned diced tomatoes 2 cans (14.5 oz each)
Canned kidney beans 1 can (15 oz)
Canned black beans 1 can (15 oz)
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Beef or vegetable broth 1 cup
Optional toppings (cheese, sour cream) as desired

Cooking Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat, then drain the excess fat.
  2. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker and add chopped onion, garlic, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, beans, broth, and spices.
  3. Stir to combine all ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Serve hot, topped with your choice of cheese or sour cream if desired. Enjoy your hearty Slow Cooker Chili!

Harvest Vegetable Stir-Fry

colorful nutritious vegetable dish

Harvest Vegetable Stir-Fry is a colorful and nutritious dish that celebrates the flavors of fall with an abundance of seasonal vegetables. This quick and easy meal is perfect for new families looking for a healthy option that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Packed with vitamins and minerals, it can be served over rice, quinoa, or noodles, making it versatile for any dietary preference.

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Carrots, sliced 1 cup
Bell peppers, sliced 1 cup
Broccoli florets 1 cup
Zucchini, sliced 1 cup
Red onion, sliced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Soy sauce 3 tablespoons
Ginger, grated 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Sesame seeds (optional) for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add carrots and red onion, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
  4. Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Pour in soy sauce, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your healthy Harvest Vegetable Stir-Fry!

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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.