27 must-try cozy fall recipes

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As the leaves turn and the air chills, testing new cozy fall recipes that bring warmth and comfort becomes a priority. Each of these 27 dishes is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, fitting effortlessly into busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re experienced in the kitchen or just getting started, these must-try recipes are designed for ease and comfort, making them ideal choices for the fall season.

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup mixes Italian sausage and cream cheese and is ready in half an hour. You only need one pot, so cooking and cleaning are quick and easy. The warm smell makes it a good pick for a cozy fall dinner. It’s a go-to for many families because it uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. It’s a solid choice for last-minute meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

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

You can make this comforting chicken and vegetable soup in under an hour, all in one pot. The smell of cooking onions and garlic sets a cozy fall mood. It’s simple to make, and you might even have all the ingredients already. Plus, one pot means cleaning is easy. It’s a quick and balanced meal that’s perfect for the fall season.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken dish takes 30 minutes to make and gives off a warm, cozy smell. It uses seasoned chicken thighs and a rich mustard sauce with bits of bacon. It’s a quick and easy dinner that only needs one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s a practical option for a weeknight fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted cubed butternut squash and spinach with sour cream.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This sheet pan dinner is a hearty meal perfect for when the weather gets colder. It combines butternut squash, cauliflower, red onion, bacon, and spinach. The warm aroma of bacon and spices fills your home. It’s simple to make, and all the ingredients are straightforward to find. It’s a good choice for a family dinner in the fall.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

This mushroom-based soup is a warm, comforting choice for the fall season. It takes about 45 minutes and uses only one pot. Both kitchen newbies and seasoned cooks will find it easy to make. The aroma of mushrooms, onions, and spices fills your home, making it cozy. It’s a practical option for either a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

This casserole is pure comfort food, featuring bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. It’s simple to make and can be prepared in advance. The blend of cheese and bacon gives off a warm aroma that’s perfect for fall. It’s an easy dish that doesn’t require special ingredients, making it convenient for any dinner occasion during the fall.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

With only 20 minutes of prep, this soup lets your slow cooker do the rest. It combines ground beef, spices, and basic pantry items into a warm bowl perfect for fall. The aroma of cooking beef and spices fills your home. It’s the kind of meal you set in the morning and come home to in the evening, making it practical for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

This chicken dish is a comfort meal you can prepare in 30 minutes. The scent of mushroom sauce and chicken will fill your home, setting the mood for a cozy fall evening. It’s quick to make and fits well into a busy weekday schedule. All you need is one pan and some straightforward ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

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

This pumpkin soup captures the essence of fall with its warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. It takes about 40 minutes to make, and you only need one pot. The aroma makes your home feel cozy and inviting. It’s quick to prepare and uses easy-to-find ingredients, making it a practical option for fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The inviting smells of curry and fresh ginger make this a cozy and practical option for a fall dinner. This dish is easy to make in a single pan and combines sausages with veggies like sweet potatoes and carrots. It takes a short amount of time to prepare, and you can adjust the flavor to your liking with simple additions like garam masala and cilantro.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

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.

This soup is a quick and practical choice for a busy evening. It needs only 30 minutes and a single pot. The mix of cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and bacon creates a comforting scent that’s perfect for fall. All the ingredients are easy to find, making it a convenient option.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon 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 casserole combines frozen broccoli and cauliflower with a cheesy sauce and crispy bacon. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare and bake. The smell of cheese and bacon blending together fills your home with a cozy fall atmosphere. It’s a straightforward dish that’s great for any dinner occasion during the fall season.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

This one-pot meal takes only 30 minutes and is full of comforting fall flavors. Mushrooms and spices create a warm aroma that fills your home. The dish is easy to prepare, making it suitable for both casual and special fall dinners. The ingredients are all easy to find, so there’s no need for last-minute grocery store runs.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute dish uses ground beef, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice. The smell of beef and cheese cooking is warm and inviting, perfect for a fall evening. The one-pan method makes it simple to prepare. All ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making this a convenient and hearty meal for busy fall nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

If you have 30 minutes to spare, this Spinach Chicken Bake is a great dinner option for a cozy fall evening. Boneless chicken thighs, cream cheese, and fresh spinach are the main stars here. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers a warm, comforting meal—perfect for those cooler nights when you’re looking for a bit of heartiness on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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

This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken checks the boxes for a quick and flavorful dinner. In half an hour, you’ll serve a meal rich with creamy tomato and Parmesan layers. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight into something special, especially during the fall season when comfort food is the name of the game.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

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.

Time-crunched evenings call for simple solutions, and this Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner fits the bill. You’re 30 minutes away from a hearty meal that features roasted veggies and sausage. The ingredients are straightforward, and the result is a comforting dish that feels just right for a cozy fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

With an hour of cooking time, this soup offers a hearty blend of sausage and spices. It’s a one-pot recipe, which makes it uncomplicated to prepare. The combination of flavors makes it a fitting choice for a cozy fall dinner, warming you up from the inside out.
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.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan dish pairs chicken thighs with artichoke hearts. The unique blend of ingredients makes it a bit more special than your everyday chicken dish. This is a practical yet comforting option that fits well with the cozy atmosphere of fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

For a quick, 25-minute meal, give this Fried Cabbage with Bacon a try. It’s a simple one-pan recipe that features the rich combination of cabbage and bacon. The dish fits right into the seasonal need for comfort food, making it a solid choice for busy autumn days.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

In under 40 minutes, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken brings together spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce. It’s a one-pan meal, which means you won’t be juggling multiple pots and pans. This dish is a good fit for both weeknight dinners and special occasions during the fall.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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.

This casserole combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach for a hearty meal that takes little time to prepare. As it bakes, the cheddar cheese melts into the other ingredients, bringing everything together. It’s a straightforward dish that fulfills the need for comfort during the cooler fall months.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

With 30 minutes and one pan, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is both easy and versatile. The dish fits nicely into a weeknight dinner rotation but is also special enough for guests. The simple ingredients and quick cooking time make it an ideal choice for a cozy fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

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.

Turn the flavors of a classic Philly Cheese Steak into a casserole that’s easy to put together. Steak, peppers, and cheese combine in a filling meal that’s perfect for a cozy autumn night in.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

This 30-minute, one-pan Fajita Baked Chicken brings a little flair to your dinner table. Chicken and peppers are the main players, resulting in a dish that’s as comforting as it is colorful. It’s a versatile option suitable for both casual family dinners and social gatherings during the fall season.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Looking to add some heat to your cozy fall evenings? This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole blends chicken thighs, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños for a dish that’s full of flavor. Despite its complexity, the recipe is quite easy to follow.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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 takes just over an hour on the stove and offers a unique blend of sweet, savory, and spicy elements. It’s a one-pot meal, which makes it convenient to prepare. The result is a hearty bowl of chili that’s perfect for the cool weather of fall.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

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