27 cozy fall meals you’ll be eating well past pumpkin spice’s heyday

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Fall meals are great, and while pumpkin spice has its moment, these recipes are the ones you’ll keep coming back to even after the season shifts. They’re comforting, simple, and exactly what you’ll want when you’re ready for something beyond the usual seasonal flavors. These dishes are more than just a passing trend — they’re here to stick around and make your meals feel just as cozy when the leaves are long gone.

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a great choice when looking for something comforting but not all about pumpkin. It’s a one-pot meal, ready in about an hour, combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the mild bite of bell peppers. The soup is creamy and smooth, making it perfect for those chilly nights when you want something simple but hearty. You can even add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for extra richness!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a cozy dish perfect for those nights when you’re ready for something comforting and filling but don’t want to mess with complicated recipes. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a cheesy, golden casserole loaded with broccoli, cauliflower, and crispy bacon. The mix of sour cream, cheddar, and mozzarella adds that soothing richness and the fact that it’s so simple to make means it’s perfect for busy nights. Leftovers heat up perfectly, too.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is the perfect way to enjoy fall flavors without the hassle of making a pie. In about an hour, you’ll have a one-pot soup filled with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and peas, all simmered together in a creamy broth. It’s a simple but hearty meal, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’re all set. This soup is easy to make and doesn’t require much cleanup. You’ll want to keep this one on hand long after pumpkin season is over.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken With Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken With Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re after a quick and comforting meal, this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is perfect for fall nights. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy chicken thighs cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. This dish is simple to make but feels special, and it’s a great option for those evenings when you need something hearty without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken With Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tortellini Soup is just right for those cool fall nights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend hours cooking. It’s packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a flavorful broth of fresh vegetables and herbs. Ready in about 40 minutes, this one-pot meal makes weeknight dinners easier and leaves you with fewer dishes to clean up. Leftovers reheat perfectly, making it a great choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a great option when you’re looking for a quick meal that still feels comforting. In just 30 minutes, chicken thighs are cooked in a tangy Dijon mustard sauce with spinach and crumbled bacon for extra flavor. It’s all done in one pan, so cleanup is easy, and the result is a rich, comforting dish that doesn’t take much effort. Perfect for those nights when you need a break from pumpkin spice but still want something that feels cozy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is perfect when you need a quick fall meal that’s comforting but not pumpkin spice. It’s made with ground sausage, tomatoes, and cream cheese, creating a rich, hearty soup that comes together in just 30 minutes. This one-pot meal is simple to make, easy to clean, and great for busy weeknights. The leftovers also hold up well, so it’s a time-saver when life gets busy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is exactly what you need when fall nights get busy, and pumpkin spice just doesn’t cut it anymore. This dish brings together shredded chicken, corn, and cream of mushroom soup, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s ready in under an hour, making it a great choice when you’re tired but still want something comforting. Plus, it’s a family-friendly option that leaves you with leftovers to reheat the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is great for those fall nights when you want something comforting but don’t feel like dealing with pumpkin spice. It’s made with mashed potatoes, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. You can make it ahead of time, perfect for busy evenings. Whether it’s a family dinner or a side dish for a gathering, this casserole delivers cozy vibes without any extra effort once in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup is perfect when you need something simple and comforting but are ready to move on from pumpkin spice. In less than an hour, you’ll have a hearty meal of chicken, sweet corn, and veggies in a creamy broth with a touch of lemon for brightness. It’s made in one pot, so there’s minimal cleanup, and it reheats well for those nights when you just need something easy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole is the perfect dish for when you want a hearty fall meal without the pumpkin spice. It brings together steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melted provolone in a casserole, ready in under an hour. It’s great for feeding a family or enjoying on your own after a long day. This meal is easy to pull together, filling, and comforting, making it a perfect choice when you need something that feels familiar without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is a quick, comforting dish perfect for when you’re over the pumpkin spice craze but still want something warming from the inside. It’s ready in under an hour, with egg noodles, tuna, and a creamy cheese sauce topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs. This casserole is simple to put together, budget-friendly, and leftovers heat up well, which is great for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is perfect for when you’re looking for a break from the typical fall flavors like pumpkin spice. Fresh broccoli, creamy mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese bake together under a crunchy cracker topping. It’s a straightforward dish that’s great for dinner or as a side and is ready in about 50 minutes. This casserole gives you that comfort food feeling without being overly heavy, making it a perfect fit for your fall meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup is a perfect fall dish when you want something hearty but simple. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting soup filled with mushrooms, onions, paprika, and dill. It’s a one-pot recipe, making it an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t require much hassle. Add some parsley or pepper on top to add a nice touch without feeling too heavy!
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is great when you want something hearty but not heavy after the pumpkin spice season. The wild rice adds a nutty texture, and the mushrooms bring a comforting flavor. It takes about an hour to cook, but most of that time is hands-off, letting the ingredients simmer together. This soup is a great option for cool fall nights when you need something cozy but simple. It also reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Serve it with some bread for an easy, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup is perfect for something cozy and nourishing but not another pumpkin-flavored dish. It’s loaded with white beans, carrots, celery, and just enough garlic and herbs to keep it flavorful without being too heavy. This soup comes together in about 40 minutes, making it great for weeknights when you need something quick but still wholesome. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got an easy meal that will leave you feeling full and cared for.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is exactly what you need when you’re tired of pumpkin spice and want something easy and comforting. With split peas, ham, and a few veggies, this soup basically makes itself in the slow cooker. Either way, you’ll come home to a hearty, thick soup ready to eat. It’s great for those long days when you don’t have time to cook but still want something homemade. Plus, it stores well, so you have an easy meal the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a great option when fall rolls in, and you want something comforting but not too heavy. Using frozen cauliflower rice helps cut down on prep time, and the mushrooms give it a rich, earthy flavor. Everything comes together in one pan and is ready in 30 minutes, so it’s great for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that doesn’t take much effort, Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a great fall go-to. This meal comes together in 30 minutes and gives you the rich, cheesy flavors you want without being too heavy. Ground beef, mushrooms, and cauliflower rice are cooked in one skillet with cream cheese and cheddar, so it’s quick and easy. It’s a great all-in-one dish that doesn’t leave a lot of dishes to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Crock Pot Taco Soup is a great break from all the pumpkin flavors for a cozy, no-stress meal that’s perfect for fall nights. It’s got ground beef, tomatoes, green chilies, and spices, all thrown into the slow cooker. You can prep everything in about 20 minutes, then let it cook while you go about your day. When it’s ready, just top it with some sour cream, cilantro and cheddar cheese, you’ve got a hearty soup with almost no effort. Plus, the leftovers reheat easily.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spinach Chicken Bake is a perfect weeknight meal when you need something quick, comforting, and simple. Chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella are baked together in one pan, making this a no-stress dish ready in about 30 minutes. Just throw everything into the oven and have a home-cooked meal without all the work. It’s great for busy nights, and the easy cleanup is an added bonus.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a great way to keep the cozy meals flowing. Chicken thighs simmer in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the hassle. Plus, since it’s a one-pan dish, cleanup is a breeze. Serve it with pasta or a simple salad to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Keto Zuppa Toscana is a great choice for those chilly fall nights when you want comfort without the carbs. This soup combines bacon, sausage, and kale in a creamy broth that warms you up. Radishes replace potatoes, keeping the dish low-carb while still feeling hearty. It takes about an hour to prepare and can easily stand alone as a meal. The crispy bacon adds texture, while the kale brings a fresh touch. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings and leftovers make a great meal the next day!
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a great way to enjoy comfort food without cooking all evening. You can have this meal ready in just 30 minutes, featuring tender chicken thighs in a rich sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan, and chicken stock. The artichoke hearts add a lovely touch and balance the flavors nicely. This dish is easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. Pair it with your favorite veggies or rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting fall dinner, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is a great option. The chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, garlicky sauce that comes together in about 30 minutes. With heavy cream, Parmesan, and chicken stock, it’s packed with flavor. This dish brings warmth to your dinner table without a lot of hassle. Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad for balance.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you want a break from the usual fall flavors, try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken. The chicken thighs are seared until crispy, then cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s ready in just 40 minutes, making it hearty yet light enough for any night. The sun-dried tomatoes add brightness, while the spinach gives a fresh touch. This recipe works well for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but different.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Sweet and spicy bacon and turkey chili garnished with avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro.
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili is perfect for keeping cozy during fall. Ground turkey and crispy bacon blend perfectly with a hint of jalapeño for just the right kick. In a little over an hour, you’ll have a filling one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare. For a delicious finish, top it with Greek yogurt, avocado slices, and extra bacon crumbles. This chili is comforting and flavorful, making it just right for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, it makes delicious leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

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