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40+ Best Fall Dinner Ideas

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As the temperatures begin to dip and the autumn season makes its round, our anticipation for hearty, comforting meals steadily increases. In this post, you’ll find a comprehensive list of fall dinner ideas that will feed the family and satisfy your need for something cozy and delicious.

collage of six fall dinner ideas

Fall Foods and Flavors

When we think fall foods, it’s hearty stews, creamy pastas, and baked goods laced with cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, right? Not to mention “all things pumpkin spice”!

Pretty much everything we’ve looked forward to since last October.

And that’s the kind of recipe I’m sharing below. Each of these fall recipes are made with simple, in-season ingredients, that will make you thankful for cooler weather and cozy dinners.

Easy Fall Dinner Recipes

Below are the types of one-skillet and sheet pan recipes that feed a family and don’t require spending half the night in the kitchen. Out of this list, you’ll find an epic juicy baked chicken, cheesy beef pasta, and breakfast for dinner option featuring the MVP of fall: pumpkin.

large bowl of spinach tortellini

Creamy Spinach Tortellini
This Easy Veggie Tortellini with cream sauce, is mega-delicious, healthy and comes together super fast!

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large bowl of pumpkin pasta

Pumpkin Pasta
A delicious and simple meal that comes together with pasta, grated Parmesan, pumpkin puree, and a touch of cream. It tastes nothing like pumpkin pie but a savory and creamy pasta dish your family will love. 

turkey tamale skillet in a bowl

Turkey Skillet Tamale Pie
When all you want to do is curl up. on the couch with a hot bowl of skillet pie. This Turkey Tamale Pie hits the spot all autumn long.

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chicken and roasted carrots and brussels sprouts on a plate

Melt in Your Mouth Chicken
Chicken baked in a creamy Parmesan coating that locks in all the moisture while giving it a beautiful golden and cheesy crust. It’s delicious, and leftovers are even better the next day. 

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breakfast hash with two fried eggs on top

Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Sautéed sweet potatoes, kale, and smoky chorizo sausage topped with a runny egg- I swear this breakfast hash tastes better around 7 p.m and comes together quickly in one skillet. 

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  • Loaded Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes
  • Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
  • Pumpkin Pancakes
  • Easy Parmesan & Peas Risotto
  • Cheesy Beef Goulash
  • Melt in Your Mouth Chicken

Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas

When we think of cozy fall food, we often think of heavy dishes, lots of carbs, and rich sauces, but who said comfort food can’t be good for you? Here’s the fall edition of healthy and satisfying dinners even the kids will love:

Ground Turkey Chili
How do I describe my turkey and veggie chili? It’s the #1, G.O.A.T, best-ever, and will convert any bean chili lover in a heartbeat. It’s made with no beans but still has that same hearty texture and smoky flavor we all love.

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roasted chicken and vegetables on a plate

Roasted Chicken & Fall Vegetable Salad
Juicy chicken with roasted beets, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts served over a bed of greens and tossed in a tangy, citrus vinaigrette. It tastes just like it sounds: amazing and brings out the fresh side of fall.

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Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats
Homemade meat sauce stuffed into baked spaghetti squash with ricotta cheese is a lightened-up meal that feels hearty and indulgent. 

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  • Turkey Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
  • Pork Carnita Lettuce Cups
  • Spanish Chicken & Rice 
  • Bacon & Spinach Frittata

Fall Soup Recipes

There’s nothing like cozying up to a bowl of soup on a crisp, cool evening. This list includes vegetarian, grain-free, gluten-free, veggie-loaded, and of course, chicken soups.

large pot of chicken stew

Turkey Stew
Need something to soothe the soul? This delicious soup with roasted turkey and veggies simmered in a light, creamy broth will do the trick.

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large bowl of chicken taco soup

Chicken Taco Soup
All those chicken taco flavors in a bowl of soup and loaded with your favorite toppings. And it takes less than 30 minutes from stove-top to table. 

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Spiced Butternut Squash Soup
Chai spices take this creamy butternut squash soup to a new level. It has a smooth velvet texture thanks to the immersion blender and delicious savory flavor with notes of cinnamon and ginger. 

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  • Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
  • Mexican Bean & Vegetable Soup
  • Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
  • Enchilada Soup
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Fall Side Dishes

Side dishes are one of the best parts of fall dinners and a Thanksgiving feast. The list below provides a good mix of recipes you can serve at both events while showing you delicious ways to prepare seasonal autumn vegetables that will make your family “fall in love”.

carmelized burssels sprouts with bacon

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts are pan-seared to golden brown perfection with bacon and finished with tangy balsamic vinegar for a highly addictive side dish. 

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cornbread dressing

Sausage & Cornbread Stuffing
A classic, Southern stuffing made with buttery cornbread and Italian sausage. Whether you use it to stuff the turkey or serve on the side, everyone will be asking for seconds, and for a copy of the recipe.

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Cranberry Quinoa Salad - Naturally gluten free, this makes the perfect side dish for any dinner or a great lunch at the office.

Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Fresh, delicious, and packed with nutrition this quinoa salad is one you’ll want to have often! Save time by mixing all the salad ingredients except the spinach ahead of time, and combine with the spinach right before serving.

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  • Southern Mashed Potatoes
  • Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks
  • Roasted Parsnips
  • Carrot, Potato, and Pea Ragout
  • Roasted Fall Vegetables

Entertaining Fall Dishes

Hosting a get-together or Thanksgiving dinner? I’ve got just what you need to impress a crowd and give your dinner table a delicious variety of hor d’ oeuvres and sweet treats.

side by side photos of fall entertaining recipes
  • Creamy Spinach & Hummus Dip
  • Easy Pumpkin Scones
  • Pumpkin Swirl Brownies
  • Loaded Baked Potato Deviled Eggs
  • Frozen Pumpkin Pie
  • Easy Popover Rolls
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40+ Best Fall Dinner Ideas

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A comprehensive list of fall dinner ideas that will feed the family and satisfy your need for something cozy and delicious.

Start with this quick chicken taco soup recipe! 

  • Author: Laura Fuentes
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15-ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15-ounce can corn, rinsed and drained
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup mild salsa
  • 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
  • 2–3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Brown until the veggies are softened. 
  2. Add the salsa, tomatoes, chicken, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil before reducing the heat and simmering for 20 minutes. 
  3. Remove from heat and serve in bowls topped with sour cream and avocado

Equipment

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Meal Prep’d

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Chicken. It’s What’s for Dinner

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Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 247
  • Sugar: 5.3g
  • Sodium: 897.3mg
  • Fat: 3.4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28.9g
  • Fiber: 8.4g
  • Protein: 26.8g
  • Cholesterol: 55.2mg

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