11 Weeknight Family Autumn Feasts

autumn family dinner ideas

Butternut Squash Soup

creamy roasted butternut squash

Butternut Squash Soup is a warm and comforting dish that embodies the essence of autumn harvests. This creamy, flavorful soup is made with roasted butternut squash, seasoned with aromatic spices, and blended to perfection. It’s a delightful addition to any family feast, perfect for cozy evenings as the weather begins to cool down.

Ingredients Quantity
Butternut squash 1 large (about 2 lbs)
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Coconut milk 1 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional) for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast cut-side down on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes until tender.
  3. In a large pot, heat additional olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  4. Scoop the roasted butternut squash flesh into the pot, along with vegetable broth, coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
  6. Adjust seasoning if necessary, serve hot, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your autumn family feast!
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Harvest Vegetable Casserole

hearty autumn vegetable casserole

Harvest Vegetable Casserole is a delightful, hearty dish that celebrates the bounty of the autumn season. Packed with a colorful medley of seasonal vegetables and topped with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese crust, this casserole makes a perfect centerpiece for any family feast. It’s not only delicious but also a great way to use up leftover vegetables from your fall harvest.

Ingredients Quantity
Zucchini 1 medium, sliced
Bell pepper 1 medium, diced
Carrots 2 medium, sliced
Broccoli 1 cup, florets
Spinach 2 cups, fresh
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Vegetable broth 1 cup
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Cooked quinoa or rice 1 cup
Shredded cheese (optional) 1 cup
Breadcrumbs 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli; cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
  4. Add spinach, vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix in cooked quinoa or rice. Remove from heat.
  5. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a greased baking dish, top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your autumn family feast!
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Chicken Pot Pie

comforting chicken pot pie

Chicken Pot Pie is a classic comfort food that warms the soul during the chilly autumn months. This savory dish features tender chicken and a rich, creamy filling loaded with vegetables, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, Chicken Pot Pie is sure to become a favorite in your autumn repertoire.

Ingredients Quantity
Cooked chicken, shredded 2 cups
Frozen mixed vegetables 2 cups
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Chicken broth 1 cup
Heavy cream 1/2 cup
All-purpose flour 1/3 cup
Butter 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Thyme 1 teaspoon
Pie crust (store-bought or homemade) 1 (9-inch)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
  3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, cooking until thickened.
  4. Add shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
  5. Pour the filling into a pie crust placed in a baking dish. Cover with the top crust, sealing the edges.
  6. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Allow cooling for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delightful Chicken Pot Pie!
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Beef and Pumpkin Chili

hearty beef pumpkin chili

Beef and Pumpkin Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for the fall season. This unique chili combines tender ground beef with the sweetness of pumpkin and a blend of spices, creating a warm and comforting meal that’s ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling autumn feast.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef 1 lb
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Garlic 3 cloves, minced
Bell pepper 1 medium, chopped
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (14.5 oz)
Kidney beans 1 can (15 oz), drained
Beef broth 1 cup
Chili powder 2 tablespoons
Cumin 1 tablespoon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Olive oil 2 tablespoons

Cooking Steps:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles.
  3. Stir in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat, allowing it to cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add kidney beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. Enjoy your Beef and Pumpkin Chili!
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Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

apple cider pork chops

Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops are a delightful autumn dish that brings together the savory flavor of pork and the sweet tang of apple cider. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, showcasing the seasonal tastes of fall with a simple glaze that caramelizes beautifully while cooking. Serve these pork chops alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete autumn feast.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in pork chops 4 (about 1 inch thick)
Apple cider 1 cup
Brown sugar 1/4 cup
Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Fresh thyme (optional) for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
  4. Pour the apple cider mixture over the pork chops and transfer the skillet to the oven.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through and the glaze is bubbling.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy your Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops!
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Stuffed Acorn Squash

stuffed acorn squash recipe

Stuffed Acorn Squash is a warm, comforting dish that embodies the essence of autumn. This hearty recipe combines the natural sweetness of acorn squash with a savory filling made from quinoa, cranberries, nuts, and spices, making it a nutritious and delicious option for both family dinners and holiday gatherings. It’s a wonderful way to showcase seasonal produce while providing a beautiful centerpiece for your table.

Ingredients Quantity
Acorn squash 2 medium
Quinoa 1 cup (uncooked)
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Dried cranberries 1/2 cup
Chopped walnuts or pecans 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion 1 small, diced
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional) for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
  2. Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  3. In a saucepan, cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions, about 15 minutes.
  4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  5. Stir in cranberries, nuts, cooked quinoa, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Once the squash is cooked, flip them over and fill each half with the quinoa mixture.
  7. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Stuffed Acorn Squash!
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Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

sweet potato black bean tacos

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a flavorful and nutritious dish perfect for any autumn family feast. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes and hearty black beans wrapped in warm tortillas offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. These tacos are not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making them a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes 2 medium
Black beans (canned, drained) 1 can (15 oz)
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Tortillas 8 small or medium
Avocado 1 (sliced)
Fresh cilantro (optional) for garnish
Lime 1 (cut into wedges)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and dice sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes.
  2. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread evenly.
  3. Roast sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.
  4. Meanwhile, heat the black beans in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
  5. To assemble, fill tortillas with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy your Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos!
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Creamy Mushroom Risotto

creamy mushroom risotto recipe

Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a comforting and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special autumn family feast. This creamy rice dish, enriched with earthy mushrooms and topped with Parmesan cheese, brings warmth and richness to any dinner table. It’s a classic Italian favorite that pairs beautifully with autumn flavors and is sure to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Fresh mushrooms (sliced) 2 cups
Onion (finely chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
White wine 1/2 cup
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
Butter 2 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) optional

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it warm over low heat.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and toast for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Pour in the white wine and stir until absorbed.
  6. Gradually add the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continually until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
  7. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes. Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy your delicious Creamy Mushroom Risotto!
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Maple Dijon Salmon

maple dijon glazed salmon

Maple Dijon Salmon is a delightful and flavorful dish that highlights the rich, natural sweetness of maple syrup combined with the tanginess of Dijon mustard. This easy-to-make salmon recipe is perfect for an autumn family feast, bringing a beautifully balanced glaze to the table, and making it a great centerpiece for any dinner.

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

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush the glaze generously over each piece.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving, and enjoy your delicious Maple Dijon Salmon!
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Autumn Risotto With Kale and Parmesan

autumn kale parmesan risotto

Autumn Risotto with Kale and Parmesan is a comforting and rich dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of fall. This creamy risotto is infused with the earthiness of sautéed kale and finished with the savory notes of grated Parmesan cheese, making it a perfect side dish or a satisfying main course for your autumn family feast.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Kale (chopped) 2 cups
White wine (optional) 1/2 cup
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley (for garnish) optional

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and keep it warm over low heat.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
  3. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for a couple of minutes until lightly toasted.
  4. If using, add white wine and stir until absorbed.
  5. Gradually add the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until the liquid is absorbed before adding more.
  6. After about 15-20 minutes, when the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted.
  7. Remove from heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your Autumn Risotto with Kale and Parmesan!

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

fluffy pumpkin spice pancakes

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes are a delightful autumn breakfast treat that perfectly capture the flavors of the season. These fluffy pancakes are infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, combined with creamy pumpkin puree for added richness and a beautiful orange hue. Serve them warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to create a cozy morning meal for your family.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 cup
Pumpkin puree 1/2 cup
Milk 3/4 cup
Egg 1 large
Brown sugar 2 tablespoons
Baking powder 1 tablespoon
Baking soda 1/2 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon
Salt 1/4 teaspoon
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Butter (for cooking) as needed

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, milk, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter.
  5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake, cooking until bubbles form on the surface.
  6. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side. Repeat until the batter is finished.
  7. Serve warm with your choice of toppings and enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Pancakes!

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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.