27 fall comfort food recipes that busy families will love

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As the weather gets colder, many of us start thinking about warm fall comfort food recipes. These 27 dishes are easy to make and perfect for busy families. They’re the kind of meals that make everyone feel good after a long day. So, whether it’s after school, work, or a busy day running errands, these recipes will help make dinner time the best part of the day.

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

Crock Pot Taco Soup

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

This soup needs only 20 minutes to set up and then the slow cooker does the rest. You’ll use basic stuff like ground beef, some spices, and canned goods. It’s great for those busy fall days when you need a hands-off meal. By dinner, a warm and comforting soup is ready for the family.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

In 30 minutes, you’ll have chicken covered in a rich garlic sauce. Cooking and cleaning are easy with just one pan. Add some cauliflower rice or a salad, and you have a full meal. It’s a simple yet warm dish for family dinners or special fall moments.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cabbage and Sausage

A plate of cabbage and sausages with a fork.
Cabbage and sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish mixes cabbage and sausage and is ready in 30 minutes using one pan. It’s good for those nights when you’re short on time. It’s easy to make, warm, and filling, and cleaning up afterward is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, you can mix frozen broccoli, cauliflower, a cheese sauce, and bacon to make this casserole. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for a busy fall schedule. The combo of cheese and bacon makes it warm and comforting, and it’s easy to clean up after.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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.

This dish combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms and is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights. You get a warm and filling meal without much fuss, and cleanup is a snap.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roasted sausage and veggies come together on one pan, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a go-to for busy families, with quick prep and easy cleanup. The mix of veggies and sausage offers a comforting meal that’s sure to be a hit during the fall season.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Corn Soup

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

You can make this one-pot chicken and corn soup in under an hour. It’s a mix of chicken, veggies, and broth, making a quick and balanced dinner. It’s easy to cook and clean up, and the result is a warm soup perfect for chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

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.

This soup, ready in 30 minutes, is a fast dinner solution. You’ll use just one pot, making both cooking and cleaning a breeze. The mix of Italian sausage, canned tomatoes, and cream cheese gives a warm and hearty meal that’s just right for the fall.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

This mushroom soup is a warm meal made in one pot in 45 minutes. It’s easy to follow and works well for both busy weeknights and relaxing weekends. It’s a hit for those looking for simple and comforting fall food.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate of garlic butter chicken bites.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 20 minutes, you get chicken pieces cooked in a buttery garlic sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for those times when you need a quick yet warm meal. It’s straightforward, making it great for any dinner situation.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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

This is a creamy soup made with sweet potatoes and red peppers, ready in 1 hour. Just a few steps, and you have a warm bowl that’s perfect for fall evenings. It’s a good pick for both busy nights and relaxed weekends.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine cauliflower, chicken broth, butter, cream, cheese, and bacon to get this soup in 30 minutes. It’s easy to make and results in a creamy and filling meal. Using only one pot, it’s both simple to cook and clean up. It’s a solid pick for anyone wanting a warm dinner without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This dish is chicken with a homemade mushroom sauce, done in 30 minutes using one pan. It’s easy to make and clean up. The sauce adds a nice touch to the chicken, making it a good choice for a fall weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry with rice in a bowl with a fork.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix sausages and veggies in a curry sauce using just one pan. It’s simple and perfect for busy weeknights. The curry gives a warm touch to the dish, making it a filling and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

This 30-minute chicken dish uses dijon sauce, spinach, and bacon. It’s all in one pan, meaning easy cooking and cleaning. Families will love this warm, comforting dish on a chilly fall night, especially when there’s little time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

Swap out regular rice for cauliflower in this 30-minute risotto. It’s got mushrooms and spices, all in one pot. It’s a warm, simple meal families can quickly turn to during the fall season.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

Make a filling meal with chicken thighs, spinach, and cheese in just 30 minutes. This one-pan dish is easy to prepare and clean up after. It’s a hearty comfort food families can enjoy on cold evenings.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Green chile chicken in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Green Chile Chicken With Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Revamp your leftover chicken in 20 minutes with this one-skillet dish. Adding green chiles offers a warm touch, perfect for those fall nights when families want a quick, comforting meal. The simple ingredients make it budget-friendly and a favorite for busy families.
Get the Recipe: Green Chile Chicken with Leftover Shredded Chicken Thighs

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 30 minutes, serve a chicken dish with a rich tomato-based sauce. This one-pan meal is both comforting and easy to prepare, making it great for families during the bustling fall season. Its vibrant flavors are sure to be a hit at any family dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato 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 chili, made in a little over an hour, brings together bacon and turkey for a warm meal. It’s both sweet and spicy, just right for a cozy fall dinner. Families will enjoy the mix of flavors, and it’s easy to make, making dinner time a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

This sausage and radish soup is ready in an hour. It’s an easy and warm dish, ideal for families seeking comfort food on a brisk fall evening. The rich textures and flavors will remind families of their favorite restaurant soup.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Mix chicken, spices, cream cheese, and peppers for a 30-minute meal. Cooked in one pan, it’s a quick, warm dinner that families will appreciate during the busy fall season. It’s a fresh twist on traditional baked chicken that kids and adults alike will love.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Bowls of pumpkin soup with sprigs of rosemary.
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Warm up with this 40-minute pumpkin soup. Using canned pumpkin, it’s a fuss-free and comforting option for families during those cool fall nights. The velvety texture and rich flavors make every spoonful memorable.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 25 minutes, you get a simple mix of cabbage and bacon. This dish is easy to make and gives a warm meal that’s perfect for cold fall nights. Families will love how the bacon adds a nice touch to the cabbage. It’s a no-fuss meal that’ll become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a warm dish of beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach that’s ready in 30 minutes. Families looking for a filling meal during the fall will find this perfect. The mix of beef and veggies makes it both tasty and filling. It’s easy to put together, making dinner time stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

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.

This dish takes the flavors of a Philly cheese steak and turns it into a warm casserole. Made with steak, peppers, and onions, it’s ready in under an hour. It’s a one-pot meal, meaning less cleaning up after. Families will love the familiar flavors in this comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 40 minutes, you can serve a warm chicken dish from the Instant Pot. It’s a comforting meal that’s great for busy fall nights. The creamy sauce and chicken are a hit together, and families will enjoy every bite. It’s a quick way to have a special meal without all the hard work.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

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