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10 Fall Dinner Ideas That’ll Keep You Cozy All Season Long

Fall never looked so tasty.
Last Updated
:
February 15, 2024
by
Editorial Staff
Fall dinner ideas
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Canva Photos

When the leaves start to change color and the weather cools down, it’s time to get cozy with some comforting fall recipes. There’s something about fall that makes us all crave comfort food. Maybe it’s the cooler weather or the shorter days.

Whatever the reason, we all seem to crave heartier, cozier meals as soon as September rolls around. Luckily, we have compiled some of the best fall dinner ideas that will have you looking forward to meal time all season long

From hearty stews and casseroles to vegetarian fare and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone on this list.

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The 10 Best Fall Dinner Ideas

Let’s get your kitchen ready for some autumnal cooking!

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Sweet potato gnocchi
Adobe Stock

What could be more perfect for a cozy fall night than a big bowl of homemade gnocchi? These little dumplings are traditionally made with potatoes, but we think sweet potatoes are the way to go for a fall twist.

Not only do they add a lovely sweetness to the dish, but they also pack in some extra nutrients. Sweet potatoes are full of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They’re also low in calories and fat-free, making them a great option for anyone watching their weight.

Making gnocchi from scratch might sound daunting, but it’s actually quite easy. And once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

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Shepherd’s Pie

Vegan shepherd's pie with lentils and mashed potatoes in black backing dish
Adobe Stock

This hearty dish is perfect for a chilly night.

Shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with lamb, but you can also use ground beef. The meat is cooked in gravy with onions and carrots. Then, it’s topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven.

This dish is so comforting and satisfying. It’s sure to become one of your family’s favorite fall meals. Give it a try tonight!

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Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy tuscan Chicken in a cast-iron pan
Canva Photos

This creamy Tuscan chicken is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly fall evening. Served over a bed of creamy polenta, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.

To make this dish extra special, we recommend using chicken thighs. They have more flavor and stay juicier than chicken breasts. However, if you prefer white meat, feel free to use chicken breast instead. Just be sure to cook it until it’s nice and juicy.

This dish is easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for weekend guests. So whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner for two or a show-stopping main course, give this creamy Tuscan chicken a try.

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Crock-Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Crock-pot chicken and dumplings
EatingWell

As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of chicken and dumplings. And what could be easier than throwing all the ingredients into a Crock-Pot and letting it do all the work? This dish is the perfect easy weeknight meal or cozy weekend dinner.

To make the Crock-Pot chicken and dumplings, we start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Then we add some chopped onion, celery, and garlic for flavor. We season the mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Then it’s time to add the chicken broth and diced potatoes.

Once everything is in the Crock-Pot, we let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

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Pumpkin Bacon Mac & Cheese

Pumpkin bacon mac and cheese
Canva Photos

This fall, try adding some smoky bacon and sweet pumpkin to your mac & cheese for a delicious and seasonal twist.

Here’s how to make it: first, cook your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Next, in the same skillet, sauté some chopped onion and garlic until softened. Stir in canned pumpkin puree and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

Now it’s time to add the pasta and cheese! Cook elbow macaroni noodles in boiling water according to package instructions.

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Chicken and Mushroom White Lasagna

Chicken and mushroom white lasagna
Blondelish

This chicken and mushroom white lasagna is the perfect dish for a fall dinner. It’s packed with flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied.

This lasagna is made with chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy white sauce. The chicken and mushrooms are layered between sheets of pasta, and the whole dish is baked until it’s hot and bubbly. Serve this lasagna with a green salad and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love.

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal to enjoy this fall, give this chicken and mushroom white lasagna a try. You won’t be disappointed!

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Sausage Stuffing

Sausage Stuffing
Two Peas & Their Pod

Sausage stuffing is a great way to change up your fall dinner routine. This dish is hearty and filling, and the sausage gives it a great flavor. You can use any type of sausage you like in this recipe, so feel free to experiment. Just be sure to cook the sausage before you add it to the stuffing mix.

This dish is easy to make and can be made ahead of time, which is always a bonus. Simply sauté the vegetables, then add them to the stuffing mix along with the cooked sausage. Bake it in a casserole dish, and you’re good to go.

So why not give sausage stuffing a try this fall?

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Butternut Squash Casserole

Butternut squash casserole
Love and Lemons

Butternut squash casserole is the perfect dish to transition from summer to autumn. The sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the casserole.

This casserole is easy to make and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Simply bake the squash, then mix it with the other ingredients and bake again.

Butternut squash casserole is a great way to use up leftover squash from Halloween or Thanksgiving. It’s also a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!

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Pumpkin Ravioli

Homemade Pumpkin Ravioli with Butter Sauce
Adobe Stock

One of our favorite fall dishes is pumpkin ravioli. This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to make.

If you’ve never had pumpkin ravioli before, you’re in for a treat. The ravioli are made with a fresh pumpkin puree and are filled with a flavorful mixture of Ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and spices.

The ravioli are then served in a sage butter sauce. The combination of flavors is simply heavenly.

If you’re looking for a special dish to serve this fall, look no further than pumpkin ravioli. Your family and friends will be impressed by your culinary skills and they’ll be begging for seconds.

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Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken

Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken
I Heart Eating

Fall is the perfect time of year to enjoy a delicious maple mustard glazed chicken dinner. The sweet and savory flavors of maple syrup and mustard are the perfect complement to a roast chicken.

This dish is easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making it ideal for a busy weeknight meal. Simply roast your chicken as you normally would, then brush on the maple mustard glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.

All in all, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a dinner party. Plus, you can serve it with roasted potatoes and your favorite green vegetable for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

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