11 Sunday Family Dinner Ideas for Autumn

autumn family dinner ideas

Hearty Butternut Squash Soup

autumn comfort food soup

Hearty butternut squash soup is a warm and comforting dish that embodies the flavors of autumn. This creamy soup is packed with nutrients and offers a delightful blend of sweetness from the squash, complemented by aromatic spices and herbs. It’s perfect for a Sunday family dinner, serving as a cozy starter or even a main dish topped with crusty bread.

Ingredients Quantity
Butternut squash 2 medium
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion 1 large, chopped
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Vegetable or chicken broth 4 cups
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Heavy cream (optional) 1/2 cup
Fresh sage or thyme for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the butternut squash in half, remove seeds, and drizzle with olive oil; roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until tender.
  3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
  4. Scoop the roasted squash into the pot, add broth, cumin, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer.
  5. Use an immersion blender or a traditional blender to puree the soup until smooth.
  6. If desired, stir in heavy cream for added richness; adjust seasoning.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh sage or thyme.
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Savory Apple and Sage Stuffed Pork Loin

savory apple sage stuffed pork

Savory Apple and Sage Stuffed Pork Loin is an elegant yet comforting dish perfect for autumn family dinners. This succulent pork loin is filled with a flavorful mixture of tart apples, aromatic sage, and breadcrumbs, creating a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for any festive gathering and pairs wonderfully with seasonal sides.

Ingredients Quantity
Pork loin 3-4 pounds
Granny Smith apples 2 medium, diced
Fresh sage leaves 1/4 cup, chopped
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Bread crumbs 1 cup
Chicken broth 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Twine for tying

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened. Stir in the diced apples, sage, and bread crumbs, mixing well. Add chicken broth to moisten the mixture, then cook for a few minutes and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Cut a pocket into the pork loin and stuff it with the apple-sage mixture, then tie it securely with twine.
  4. Season the outside of the pork loin with salt and pepper, then place in a roasting pan.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  6. Serve warm and enjoy a savory slice of autumn!
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Classic Beef Stew With Root Vegetables

hearty beef stew recipe

Classic Beef Stew with Root Vegetables is a warm and hearty dish, perfect for family gatherings during the autumn months. This comforting stew features tender pieces of beef, slow-cooked to perfection, with an assortment of root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips bathed in a rich and flavorful broth. It’s a wonderful way to showcase seasonal produce while providing a filling meal for the family.

Ingredients Quantity
Beef chuck, cut into cubes 2 pounds
Carrots, chopped 3 medium
Potatoes, diced 4 medium
Parsnips, chopped 2 medium
Onion, chopped 1 large
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Beef broth 4 cups
Tomato paste 2 tablespoons
Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Bay leaves 2
Thyme (dried) 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, then return the beef to the pot, adding beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. Cover and let it cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and vegetables are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Remove bay leaves before serving warm, and enjoy the rich flavors of classic beef stew!
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Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

creamy mushroom spinach pasta

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that captures the essence of autumn with its rich flavors and creamy texture. This pasta is made with sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach, enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients Quantity
Pasta (fettuccine or penne) 12 ounces
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Mushrooms, sliced 8 ounces
Fresh spinach 4 cups
Heavy cream 1 cup
Parmesan cheese, grated ¾ cup
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional) ¼ teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are browned and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, then reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream.
  5. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is well coated with the creamy sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Maple Glazed Salmon With Autumn Veggies

maple glazed salmon dinner

Maple Glazed Salmon with Autumn Veggies is a flavorful and healthy dish that perfectly showcases seasonal ingredients. The combination of tender salmon fillets and a variety of roasted autumn vegetables, all enhanced by a sweet and tangy maple glaze, makes this dish a delightful centerpiece for a family dinner that celebrates the flavors of fall.

Ingredients Quantity
Salmon fillets 4 (6-ounce)
Maple syrup 1/4 cup
Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Brussels sprouts 2 cups
Carrots, sliced 2 cups
Butternut squash, cubed 2 cups
Fresh thyme (or dried) 1 teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  3. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; brush with half of the maple glaze mixture.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss Brussels sprouts, carrots, and butternut squash with the remaining glaze, then spread them around the salmon on the baking sheet.
  5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, stirring the veggies halfway through.
  6. Serve the salmon alongside the roasted autumn veggies, drizzling with any remaining sauce, and enjoy!
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Chicken Pot Pie With Flaky Crust

comforting chicken pot pie

Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust is a comforting dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky golden crust. This classic family favorite is perfect for autumn gatherings, providing a warm and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked chicken, shredded 3 cups
Frozen mixed vegetables 2 cups
Chicken broth 1 cup
Heavy cream 1 cup
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
All-purpose flour 1/3 cup
Butter 4 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Pie crust (store-bought or homemade) 1 large

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Stir in the flour, then gradually add chicken broth and cream while stirring until thickened.
  4. Mix in the shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat.
  5. Pour the chicken mixture into a pie crust in a pie dish, and cover with a top crust, sealing the edges.
  6. Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape, then bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Let cool slightly before serving, and enjoy this comforting dish!
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Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad

autumn roasted vegetable quinoa salad

Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that perfectly captures the flavors of autumn. Packed with colorful roasted vegetables and fluffy quinoa, this salad is not only delightful to the taste buds but also a wholesome addition to your fall family dinner. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa 1 cup
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Bell peppers (mixed colors) 2 cups, diced
Zucchini 1 medium, diced
Red onion 1 medium, sliced
Carrots 2 medium, diced
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup
Feta cheese (optional) 1/2 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss diced bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Meanwhile, rinse quinoa under cold water and cook it in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
  5. Once the vegetables and quinoa are cooked, combine them in a large bowl, adding fresh parsley and feta cheese if desired.
  6. Toss gently to mix, and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy this hearty, healthy salad at your family dinner!
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Spiced Pumpkin Chili

hearty autumn spiced chili

Spiced Pumpkin Chili is a hearty and comforting dish that embodies the essence of autumn. Packed with the warm flavors of spices, beans, and pumpkin, this chili is perfect for a cozy family dinner. It’s not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate seasonal ingredients while warming up on a chilly evening.

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Bell pepper 1, diced
Carrot 1 medium, diced
Ground cumin 1 tablespoon
Chili powder 1 tablespoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Canned pumpkin puree 1 can (15 oz)
Vegetable broth 3 cups
Black beans (canned) 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained
Kidney beans (canned) 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro (optional) for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and paprika; cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  3. Add pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, black beans, and kidney beans. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  4. Reduce heat and let the chili simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy this spiced pumpkin chili at your autumn family dinner!
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Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken

herb crusted roast chicken recipe

Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken is a classic autumn dish that brings warmth and flavor to your family dinner table. This succulent roast is seasoned with a blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, resulting in an incredibly fragrant and savory meal. Perfectly paired with seasonal vegetables, this dish is both impressive and comforting, making it an ideal centerpiece for a cozy family gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Whole chicken 1 (3-4 pounds)
Olive oil 4 tablespoons
Fresh rosemary 2 tablespoons, chopped
Fresh thyme 2 tablespoons, chopped
Fresh parsley 2 tablespoons, chopped
Garlic 4 cloves, minced
Lemon 1, zested and halved
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Vegetable broth 1 cup
Seasonal vegetables (carrots, potatoes, etc.) for roasting

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and place the lemon halves inside the cavity.
  4. Arrange the chicken in a roasting pan and surround it with seasonal vegetables. Pour vegetable broth into the bottom of the pan.
  5. Roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted vegetables for a delightful autumn family dinner!
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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

hearty vegetarian enchiladas recipe

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas are a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish perfect for an autumn family dinner. Packed with sweet potatoes, black beans, and topped with a rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese, these enchiladas combine comforting flavors that will please everyone at the table and offer a wholesome twist to traditional enchiladas.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes 2 medium, peeled and cubed
Black beans (canned) 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
Corn tortillas 8-10
Enchilada sauce 2 cups
Cheddar cheese 1 cup, shredded
Onion 1 small, diced
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Cumin 1 teaspoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro (optional) for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; sauté onion and garlic until softened, then add sweet potatoes, black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until sweet potatoes are tender.
  3. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
  4. Fill each tortilla with the sweet potato mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for a delicious autumn dinner!

Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp

warm apple dessert crisp

Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn with its fragrant apples, warm spices, and a crunchy oat topping. This comforting dessert is perfect for family dinners, offering a cozy ending to a fulfilling meal as the warm flavors of cinnamon and baked apples fill the home with a nostalgic aroma.

Ingredients Quantity
Apples (peeled and sliced) 6 cups
Brown sugar 3/4 cup
Granulated sugar 1/4 cup
All-purpose flour 1/2 cup
Rolled oats 1 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon
Salt 1/4 teaspoon
Unsalted butter (melted) 1/2 cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Ice cream or whipped cream (optional) for serving

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; place the mixture in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter, mixing until crumbly; sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
  5. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!

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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.