When temperatures drop and the days get shorter, fall recipes and dinner ideas are the first thing on my mind. I want something hearty and warming that fills up the whole family without a lot of fuss.
This is the season for casseroles, stews and one-pan meals. My creamy chicken stew simmers away in the slow cooker, and my cream of mushroom chicken skillet comes together in one pan. If you also want soups, sides and warm desserts, my cozy fall comfort food roundup has those.
I'm sharing 50 of the best fall dinners below. They include Apple Cider Chicken, Cottage Pie, Butternut Squash Beef Stew and more. My dump and bake chicken alfredo casserole and slow cooker Salisbury steak meatballs fit right into the mix too. Pick a few for your rotation this week!
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Sheet Pan and Skillet Dinners
These one-pan meals are a fall lifesaver, delivering bold seasonal flavors with barely any cleanup at the end.
Chicken and Sweet Potatoes
Cajun-seasoned chicken meets honey-roasted sweet potatoes and onions on one pan for a dinner that is bold, colorful, and effortless to clean up.
Make this recipe:
Chicken and Sweet PotatoesPhoto and recipe: Spend With Pennies
Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Fall Vegetables
Maple and Dijon together on roasted chicken and fall vegetables create a sweet-savory combination that feels like pure comfort without a lot of fuss.
25 reviews / 4.6 averageMake this recipe:
Maple Dijon Chicken with Roasted Fall VegetablesPhoto and recipe: Laughing Spatula
Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
Honey mustard chicken and Brussels sprouts roast together on one pan for a weeknight dinner with big flavor and barely any cleanup.
99 reviews / 4.6 averageMake this recipe:
Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels SproutsPhoto and recipe: Two Peas & Their Pod
Curry Roasted Chicken Thighs with Butternut Squash and Cauliflower
Curry-roasted chicken thighs share the pan with butternut squash and cauliflower for a beautifully colored, low-carb dinner that feels festive enough for a holiday table.
Make this recipe:
Curry Roasted Chicken Thighs with Butternut Squash and CauliflowerPhoto and recipe: Low Carb with Jennifer
Cranberry Balsamic Chicken
Pan-seared chicken braised in a rosemary, maple syrup, and cranberry sauce makes an impressive holiday dinner that can be prepped ahead of time.
Make this recipe:
Cranberry Balsamic ChickenPhoto and recipe: Serving Dumplings
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
A Southwest-style skillet loaded with seasoned turkey, sweet potatoes, corn, green chiles, salsa, and melted cheese. It comes together in 30 minutes for a hearty, protein-packed weeknight meal.
Make this recipe:
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato SkilletPhoto and recipe: Recipe Runner
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Butternut Squash
Gnocchi roasts on one pan with butternut squash, red onion and kale, then gets tossed in a garlicky sage butter. Dinner is ready in about 30 minutes.
Make this recipe:
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Butternut SquashPhoto and recipe: The Herbeevore
Chicken Dinners
Chicken is one of the most versatile fall proteins, and these recipes show just how good it gets whether roasted whole, stuffed, or layered into a cozy casserole.
The Best Roast Chicken
A simple, no-fuss whole roast chicken with big flavor, the kind of Sunday dinner that makes the whole house smell amazing.
53 reviews / 4.8 averageMake this recipe:
The Best Roast ChickenPhoto and recipe: The Country Cook
Apple Cider Chicken
Apple cider-marinated chicken grills up with a crispy, charred exterior and a juicy, tender interior. I love how the marinade transforms a simple chicken into something really special.
7 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Apple Cider ChickenPhoto and recipe: Our Salty Kitchen
Apple-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken with Apple-Dijon Pan Sauce
Chicken stuffed with apples and cheddar, finished with an apple-Dijon pan sauce. It sounds impressive but comes together in just minutes.
Make this recipe:
Apple-Cheddar Stuffed Chicken with Apple-Dijon Pan SaucePhoto and recipe: Iowa Girl Eats
French Onion Chicken
Sweet caramelized onions and melty gruyere top juicy chicken breasts in this French-onion-inspired dinner that is as comforting as it gets.
Make this recipe:
French Onion ChickenPhoto and recipe: Preppy Kitchen
Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
A hearty casserole made with real, wholesome ingredients that tastes like the ultimate cozy homemade comfort food.
41 reviews / 4.7 averageMake this recipe:
Chicken Wild Rice CasserolePhoto and recipe: Pinch of Yum
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Shredded chicken, stuffing mix, and cream of chicken soup come together in one pan for a weeknight casserole that delivers all the flavors of a classic chicken dinner.
18 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Chicken and Stuffing CasserolePhoto and recipe: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons
Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Loaded with tender chicken, veggies, cheese, and a rich cream sauce, this chicken noodle casserole is ready in under an hour and hits every comfort food note.
Make this recipe:
Creamy Chicken Noodle CasserolePhoto and recipe: The Slow Roasted Italian
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
A warm, Tex-Mex inspired chicken and tortilla casserole that is exactly the kind of cozy, satisfying dinner fall evenings call for.
Make this recipe:
Chicken Tortilla CasserolePhoto and recipe: Homesick Texan
Turkey Dinners
Turkey is not just for Thanksgiving. These recipes make it a satisfying go-to protein all season long, from quick weeknight options to hearty casseroles and leftover makeovers.
Easy Roast Turkey
A reliable step-by-step guide to roasting a whole turkey perfectly, great for Thanksgiving or any time you want a classic centerpiece dinner.
52 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Easy Roast TurkeyPhoto and recipe: Spend With Pennies
Turkey Pot Pie
Cooked turkey and plenty of vegetables come together in a creamy gravy filling topped with a single golden pie crust. A wonderful way to turn leftovers into something special.
29 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Turkey Pot PiePhoto and recipe: Sally's Baking
Turkey Tetrazzini
Tender noodles and juicy turkey in a rich, cheesy sauce make this tetrazzini one of the best reasons to have leftover turkey in the fridge.
Make this recipe:
Turkey TetrazziniPhoto and recipe: Oh Sweet Basil
Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole
Juicy turkey, tender rice, and flavorful veggies baked in a sour cream broth make this cheesy casserole a comforting way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
65 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Cheesy Turkey and Rice CasserolePhoto and recipe: One Hot Oven
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard Glaze
Juicy turkey meatballs made with cranberries and finished with a sticky maple-mustard glaze. They are paleo, gluten-free, and ready in 30 minutes.
7 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Maple Mustard GlazePhoto and recipe: Nom Nom Paleo
Ground Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash stuffed with ground turkey, quinoa, crisp apples, dried cranberries, sage, and thyme. It is a gorgeous and hearty fall dinner all in one bowl.
Make this recipe:
Ground Turkey Stuffed Acorn SquashPhoto and recipe: Peel with Zeal
Beef Dinners
When the temperature drops, hearty beef dinners are the answer. From classic lasagna to slow-braised short ribs, these recipes are made for cold fall evenings.
Traditional Cottage Pie
Layers of ground beef and vegetables in a savory gravy, topped with whipped potatoes. I love how every bite of cottage pie feels like pure cold-weather comfort.
Make this recipe:
Traditional Cottage PiePhoto and recipe: Garlic & Zest
Easy Salisbury Steak
Tender salisbury steak smothered in rich mushroom gravy. It is simple, hearty, and the kind of old-school dinner that never goes out of style.
5 reviews / 4.8 averageMake this recipe:
Easy Salisbury SteakPhoto and recipe: Hungry Happens
Beef Pot Pie
Tender beef and earthy vegetables simmer in a savory filling under a golden, flaky crust. I love how this pot pie turns a simple beef stew into something really satisfying.
15 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Beef Pot PiePhoto and recipe: Barefeet in the Kitchen
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ground beef, onions, and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves and baked in a rich tomato sauce. This classic comfort dish even comes with vegetarian, freezer, and slow cooker options.
Make this recipe:
Stuffed Cabbage RollsPhoto and recipe: The Mountain Kitchen
Creamy Braised Short Ribs
Beef short ribs slowly braised until perfectly tender, then served in a creamy, flavorful gravy with vegetables. The ultimate cozy, impressive dinner for a cold fall night.
20 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Creamy Braised Short RibsPhoto and recipe: All the Healthy Things
Best Meatloaf
Tender, moist meatloaf topped with a delicious glaze. This is the kind of classic family dinner recipe that belongs on every fall table.
128 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Best MeatloafPhoto and recipe: JoyFoodSunshine
Cheesy Beef Lasagna
An easy, cheesy beef lasagna that the whole family is guaranteed to love. I think it is one of the most satisfying things to pull out of the oven on a cold evening.
Make this recipe:
Cheesy Beef LasagnaPhoto and recipe: The Kitchen Magpie
Classic Stuffed Peppers
Classic stuffed peppers that stick to the tried-and-true flavors everyone craves. Sometimes the most familiar recipes are the most comforting.
87 reviews / 4.8 averageMake this recipe:
Classic Stuffed PeppersPhoto and recipe: Feast and Farm
Moussaka
A layered Mediterranean casserole of eggplant and seasoned ground meat topped with a creamy bechamel layer. It is a great make-ahead dish that always wows a crowd.
24 reviews / 4.9 averageMake this recipe:
MoussakaPhoto and recipe: Amira's Pantry
Chili, Soups, Stews and Curries
Nothing says fall like a pot of something warm and spiced simmering on the stove, and this lineup has everything from classic beef chili to warming vegetarian curries.
Best Beef Chili
Ground beef, pinto and kidney beans, chili powder and cumin simmer together in one pot, with a spoonful of maple syrup to round out the tomatoes. It's on the table in about 45 minutes.
1,818 reviews / 4.8 averageMake this recipe:
Best Beef ChiliPhoto and recipe: Fit Foodie Finds
Turkey Chili
A leaner take on classic chili made with ground turkey instead of beef, with all the same bold flavor at half the fat. Ready in under an hour.
Make this recipe:
Turkey ChiliPhoto and recipe: Sugar Spun Run
Sweet Potato Chili
A hearty vegetarian chili packed with sweet potatoes, black beans, fire roasted tomatoes, and green chiles, topped with fresh avocado and cilantro. I love how filling this one is.
177 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Sweet Potato ChiliPhoto and recipe: Feel Good Foodie
Vegetable Beef Soup
Tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots and green beans simmer in a tomato broth with basil and oregano. It makes a big pot, so there's plenty left for lunches.
226 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Vegetable Beef SoupPhoto and recipe: Cooking Classy
Butternut Squash Beef Stew
Chuck roast and butternut squash braise low and slow in fresh blood orange juice with whole cloves, thyme and a little nutmeg. It's an unusual stew with a bright, warm flavor.
5 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Butternut Squash Beef StewPhoto and recipe: Ciao Florentina
Moroccan Chickpea Stew
A hearty and warming gluten-free chickpea stew packed with vegetables and Moroccan spices. It is satisfying enough to please meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Make this recipe:
Moroccan Chickpea StewPhoto and recipe: Elavegan
Slow Cooker Chicken Pumpkin Curry
A slow cooker curry made with chicken, fresh pumpkin, crisp vegetables, and rich coconut milk. It is a creative and warming twist on weeknight chicken dinner.
34 reviews / 4.9 averageMake this recipe:
Slow Cooker Chicken Pumpkin CurryPhoto and recipe: The Modern Proper
Butternut Squash Curry
The squash is roasted first, then simmered in a coconut milk sauce with ginger, garlic, turmeric and garam masala. Roasting keeps the cubes from falling apart and deepens their flavor.
16 reviews / 4.8 averageMake this recipe:
Butternut Squash CurryPhoto and recipe: Veena Azmanov Kitchen
Vegetarian Dinners
Fall produce like squash, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms makes vegetarian dinners feel every bit as hearty and satisfying as anything else on this list.
Vegetable Pot Pie
Potatoes, carrots, fennel and asparagus in a creamy cashew milk sauce, baked under a flaky crust. It's fully vegan and every bit as cozy as the classic.
27 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Vegetable Pot PiePhoto and recipe: Feasting At Home
Lentil Shepherd's Pie
A hearty and flavorful meatless shepherd's pie made with lentils from start to finish in one hour. It can be made fully vegan or stretched with added meat.
Make this recipe:
Lentil Shepherd's PiePhoto and recipe: Cheapskate Cook
Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas
Sweet potatoes and black beans wrapped in tortillas for a quick, easy vegetarian dinner the whole family will enjoy.
10 reviews / 4.4 averageMake this recipe:
Sweet Potato Black Bean EnchiladasPhoto and recipe: Weelicious
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Stuffed sweet potatoes that are filling, healthy, and easy to customize for a weeknight dinner. They can also be prepped ahead, which is always a bonus.
16 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Stuffed Sweet PotatoesPhoto and recipe: The Big Man's World
Fall Harvest Bowl
A Sweetgreen-inspired harvest bowl with apples, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and celery tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. I love how much color and texture is packed into these bowls.
Make this recipe:
Fall Harvest BowlPhoto and recipe: Dietitian Debbie Dishes
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms stuffed with creamy goat cheese, white beans, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. The filling combination is unexpected and absolutely delicious.
Make this recipe:
Stuffed Portobello MushroomsPhoto and recipe: Well Plated by Erin Clarke
Stuffed Roasted Delicata Squash
Roasted delicata squash filled with spinach and beans, then finished with a cheesy topping. A simple, satisfying vegetarian dinner that makes the most of seasonal squash.
Make this recipe:
Stuffed Roasted Delicata SquashPhoto and recipe: Aggie's Kitchen
Roasted Butternut Squash and Black Bean Tacos
A seasonal spin on taco night with roasted butternut squash and black beans. These are gluten-free and vegan, and a delicious reason to embrace fall produce.
7 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Roasted Butternut Squash and Black Bean TacosPhoto and recipe: She Likes Food
Pumpkin Risotto
Creamy, comforting risotto with a hint of natural sweetness from pumpkin. I love the idea of a savory pumpkin dish that feels elegant without requiring a lot of effort.
5 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Pumpkin RisottoPhoto and recipe: Two Purple Figs
Fish Dinners
These fish dinners round out the list with lighter but still deeply comforting options that feel right at home on a cool fall evening.
Maple Pecan Crusted Salmon
Salmon with a sweet, savory maple and pecan crust that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. Simple to make and impressive enough for company.
Make this recipe:
Maple Pecan Crusted SalmonPhoto and recipe: Peanut Butter Runner
Fantastic Fish Pie
Smoked haddock, spinach and a cheesy mustard sauce bake under a thick layer of mashed potato. It's a British classic that makes a filling, cozy dinner.
6 reviews / 5.0 averageMake this recipe:
Fantastic Fish PiePhoto and recipe: Drizzle and Dip
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Tender egg noodles with tuna and peas in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with a buttery panko crust. Pure nostalgia in one baking dish.
Make this recipe:
Tuna Noodle CasserolePhoto and recipe: The Modern Proper
I hope this list gives you plenty of delicious ideas to bring to the table all fall long.

























































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