No-fail fall dinners: 15 recipes to warm you up without burning you out

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Fall dinners are all about cozy vibes, but no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen when it’s getting dark by 6. That’s where these no-fail meals come in—packed with seasonal flavors like pumpkin, apples, and sweet potatoes, they’re simple enough for busy weeknights but still hit the comfort food mark. From one-pan wonders to hearty stews, these recipes are perfect for when you need something easy that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

A bowl of turkey stew with carrots and potatoes.
Turkey Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pumpkin Potato Soup

Pumpkin potato blender soup in a blue and white bowl garnished with fresh parsley.
Pumpkin Potato Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A creamy blend of pumpkin and potato, this soup comes together easily in your blender. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy fall night when you need a quick, hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Potato Soup

Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

A bowl of chili with apples, beans and sour cream.
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy chili combines chicken, apples, white beans, and cheddar, making it a bit outside the norm but perfect for fall. It’s filling, warm, and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Creamy pumpkin pasta with garlic and tuscan kale in a bowl with a spoon.
Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Rich, creamy pumpkin meets garlic in this pasta dish that’s perfect for a fall dinner. Easy to make, it brings the comfort you crave during the cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Garlic Pasta

Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles

Pesto spaghetti squash noodles in a bowl with cherry tomatoes.
Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These spaghetti squash noodles offer a lighter alternative to traditional pasta, but don’t skip on the flavor with a creamy pesto sauce that’s perfect for fall dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles

Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage

Creamy pumpkin barley with sausage garnished with fresh sage leaves and grated parmesan in a bowl with a spoon.
Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This comforting pumpkin barley dish is like risotto, but easier and quicker to make. With sausage added, it’s a hearty option for a no-fail fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Barley with Sausage

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken breasts, Brussels sprouts, squash, and cranberries all bake together on one sheet pan. This simple dinner brings fall flavors to your plate with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Glazed Pork Chops and Apples

Tea glazed pork chops with sauteeed apples on top and sage garnish.
Glazed Pork Chops and Apples. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pork chops glazed in sweet pumpkin tea and served with poached apple slices make for a flavorful fall meal. It’s a great choice when you want something balanced and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Pork Chops and Apples

Stuffed Delicata Squash

Stuffed delicata squash boats with cranberries and pork on a baking sheet.
Stuffed Delicata Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted delicata squash is stuffed with ground pork, cranberries, apples, leeks, and fennel. This dish captures all the best of fall’s seasonal ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Delicata Squash

Apple Butter Roasted Chicken

An assortment of roasted chicken pieces garnished with fresh herbs on a tray.
Apple Butter Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This apple butter glazed roasted chicken has a crispy skin and juicy meat, perfect for a cozy fall Sunday dinner. Sweet and savory, it’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Roasted Chicken

Skillet Cheddar Polenta with Sausage

A serving spoon in a cast iron skillet with polenta and sausage.
Skillet Cheddar Polenta with Sausage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy cheddar polenta paired with golden-brown sausage, fresh cranberries, and arugula makes for a comforting yet fresh fall dish. Perfect for when you need something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Cheddar Polenta with Sausage

Winter Vegetable Curry

Winter Vegetable Curry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This vegetarian curry brings together butternut squash, cauliflower, kale, and chickpeas in a flavorful, hearty dish. A great meatless option for a fall dinner.
Get the Recipe: Winter Vegetable Curry

Brussels Sprouts Pasta

A bowl of pasta with bacon and brussels sprouts.
Brussels Sprouts Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

With only six ingredients, this Brussels sprouts pasta is a perfect weeknight meal. The added bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes make it feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Pasta

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Roasted chicken thighs with sweet potatoes and pecans.
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One pan is all you need for this simple dinner. Chicken, sweet potatoes, and caramelized pecans make a perfect combination for a no-fail fall meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy sweet potato puree, almond milk, and two types of cheese come together in this mac and cheese. It’s indulgent while sneaking in some extra veggies.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Turkey Stew

A bowl of turkey stew with carrots and potatoes.
Turkey Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Shredded turkey, baby potatoes, mushrooms, and veggies simmer with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. It’s the ultimate cozy fall stew.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew

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