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65 Easy Fall Dinner Ideas

Planning your fall menu? Here are 65 delicious and easy fall dinner ideas including casseroles, soups, desserts, and drinks.

If you’re having trouble putting together your fall menu, we’re here to help!

Cooler temperatures mean heartier cooking and recipes featuring fall produce like squash, potatoes, and apples.

And you have to have yummy treats with pumpkin spice!

We’re sharing 65 delicious and easy fall dinner ideas to enjoy throughout the season, including comfort foods like casseroles, soups, and stews.

You’ll also find cozy breakfast recipes, desserts, side dishes, and drinks!

These are the best foods and drinks for fall and holiday entertaining!

Fall Dinner Ideas

One Pot Dinners

Fall is a busy season for families.

With kids in school, pumpkin patch visits, and planning for the upcoming holidays, it can be hard to get dinner on the table.

So here are some one-pot fall meals to make weeknight cooking quick and easy!

Pan full of kielbasa and noodles.
30 Minute Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta
This recipe for Cheesy Kielbasa Pasta features delicious smoked sausage, tender rigatoni noodles, and a savory cheese sauce. It's done in 30 minutes in one pan so you can get dinner on the table in no time!
Fork lifts noodles from bowl of homemade hamburger helper lasagna.
Elevated Hamburger Helper Lasagna
This elevated Hamburger Helper Lasagna combines the noodles from the familiar boxed dinner with a homemade meat sauce and 2 different kinds of cheese. It's a delicious one pot lasagna meal that's so easy to throw together!
Close up of zucchini and rice dinner in large black skillet.
Cheesy Zucchini, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet
This Zucchini Black Bean and Rice Skillet comes together in just 30 minutes and is a filling, vegetarian dinner your family will love!
Large skillet of creamy gnocchi with tomatoes surrounding by wooden spoon and plates on white table.
Creamy Gnocchi With Tomatoes and Spinach
Creamy Gnocchi with Tomatoes and Spinach looks fancy, but it couldn't be more simple! You'll have this delicious Italian dish with tender gnocchi and a rich sauce on the table in less than 30 minutes.

You may also want to try other one pot/pan dishes like:

  • Sheet pan pork chops with apples
  • Skillet chicken pot pie
  • Skillet butternut squash and sausage

Casseroles and Main Dishes

Creamy and cheesy casseroles are perfect for cooler weather.

They’re hearty, hot, and bubbling. They’re also great for large gatherings.

Here are some fall casserole recipes the whole family will love!

Chicken broccoli casserole recipe in a casserole dish with wood spoon and kitchen towel.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Mayo
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with mayo is a creamy casserole made with simple pantry ingredients. Served over rice, you can have that Sunday dinner taste any night of the week!
Two blue plates with poppy seed chicken casserole on them next to baking dish of casserole.
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole with Rice
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole with Rice features a creamy chicken and rice mixture covered with a delicious crunchy Ritz cracker topping. It's an easy way to use up leftovers and is sure to become a family favorite dinner!
Wooden spoon with chicken macaroni casserole lifting out of baking dish.
Easy and Cheesy Chicken Macaroni Casserole
Elevate your macaroni and cheese with this Cheesy Chicken Macaroni Casserole featuring creamy chicken sauce, elbow pasta, and lots of cheese!
White baking dish of chicken zucchini casserole with a scoop taken out.
Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
This Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole features juicy turkey, two kinds of squash, a creamy sauce, and a crunchy cheesy stuffing topping. It's a delicious way to use up your garden produce and is a great option for Thanksgiving leftovers!
Two lasagna zucchini boats with cottage cheese and mozzarella on a plate surrounded by a kitchen towel and basil.
Healthy Lasagna Zucchini Boats
Lasagna Zucchini Boats with ground beef are a low-carb version of the traditional pasta dish made with hollowed-out zucchini instead of lasagna noodles. While this recipe may be healthy, it's also delicious!
Swiss chicken bake on white dinner plate next to casserole baking dish.
Creamy Mushroom Swiss Chicken Bake
This Mushroom Swiss Chicken bake features a combination of tender chicken, mushrooms, creamy sauce, and swiss cheese all served over rice.

And here are some other fall-inspired casserole dishes to try:

  • Butternut squash casserole
  • Pumpkin lasagna
  • Acorn stuffed squash
  • Shepherd’s pie
  • Butternut squash ravioli
  • Chicken and wild rice casserole

Soups

Nothing says fall like hearty soups!

Here are several soup recipes that are quick and easy to make.

Each has unique flavors that are sure to please!

Bowl of creamy taco soup with spoon and cilantro, avocado, and lime garnish.
The Easiest Creamy Taco Soup
This delicious creamy taco soup features a creamy broth, ground beef, beans, and plenty of taco spice. So easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes!
Broccoli cauliflower cheese soup in pot next to bowl of dinner rolls.
Simple Cheesy Vegetable Chowder
Made with tasty vegetables, a delicious creamy broth, and a secret ingredient, this Cheesy Vegetable Chowder is a family favorite!
Bowl of white chicken chili with cream cheese garnished with lime wedge and tortilla strips.
White Chicken Chili Recipe with Cream Cheese
This White Chicken Chili recipe with cream cheese is perfect for a chilly evening. Just dump the 7 ingredients in your Crock Pot and in a few hours you'll have a deliciously creamy chili ready for dinner!
Two white bowls of Crock Pot minestrone soup on plates with gold spoon resting on plate.
Easy Crock Pot Minestrone Soup
This Crock Pot Minestrone Soup features tender vegetables, pasta, and beans in a flavorful seasoned broth. With a shorter ingredient list and the use of frozen vegetables, this will be the easiest minestrone soup you've ever made!
Thai chicken soup with cilantro and carrot in dutch oven.
Coconut Cilantro Chicken Soup
Coconut Cilantro Chicken Soup features a creamy broth, flavorful spices, shredded chicken, and white rice. This tasty soup is as easy to make as it is delicious!
Bowls of lasagna soup on countertop with slices of bread and kitchen towel nearby.
Healthy Turkey Lasagna Soup
This healthy Turkey Lasagna Soup recipe features browned ground turkey, tender noodles, a flavorful broth, and a little cheese. It's everything you love about traditional lasagna without all of the calories!
Two bowls of creamy chicken noodle soup on green plates with crackers and spoon nearby.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This Creamy Chicken Noodles Soup features a creamy broth, tender chicken, and savory vegetables. It's incredibly easy to make and only has 8 ingredients!
Broccoli cauliflower cheese soup in pot next to bowl of dinner rolls.
Simple Cheesy Vegetable Chowder
Made with tasty vegetables, a delicious creamy broth, and a secret ingredient, this Cheesy Vegetable Chowder is a family favorite!

A few more comforting soups for fall include:

  • Pumpkin curry
  • Chicken and dumplings
  • Butternut squash soup
  • Pumpkin chili

Crock Pot Recipes

Crock pot recipes are perfect for Sunday dinners in the fall.

Here are some cozy dishes that are good enough for company and simple to make!

Large white platter of cream of chicken pork chops over egg noodles.
The Best 3 Ingredient Crock Pot Pork Chops
These 3 Ingredient Crock Pot Pork Chops are incredibly tender, flavorful, and so easy to make. As the name suggests, you'll only need three ingredients to make this delicious dinner!
Two plates with Italian pot roast over egg noodles sitting on gray towel.
Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
This recipe for Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast creates delicious, fall-apart meat covered in a savory mushroom and tomato sauce. It’s an Italian twist on the classic comfort food!
Close up of Crock Pot roast with carrots, potatoes, and gravy on wood plate.
Easy Crock Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
This recipe for Crock Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots creates delicious, fall-apart meat with tender vegetables and a savory gravy. It's one of the easiest pot roast recipes out there and only has 9 ingredients!
Bowl of hamburger stew with potatoes and carrots on table with plate of scones nearby.
Simple Crock Pot Hamburger Stew
This simple Crock Pot Hamburger Stew features browned hamburger, potatoes, carrots, peas, and onions and is a cinch to throw together!
Crock Pot country style pork ribs on brown parchment paper with fresh parsley leaves.
Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs (3 ingredients)
You'll only 3 ingredients to make these tender Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs. They're perfectly saucy and delicious, and couldn't be easier to throw together!
Close up photo of rosemary pork chops and red potatoes on white platter.
Crock Pot Rosemary Pork Chops
These Rosemary Pork Chops have all of the flavors of a Sunday dinner without all of the work! A creamy mushroom and rosemary sauce cover tender pork chops and red potatoes in this easy Crock Pot recipe.

Side Dishes

No fall dinner would be complete without delicious side dishes.

Here are some flavorful seasonal sides to pair with your main course!

Blue plate with persimmon salad and gold fork.
Persimmon Salad with Goat Cheese and Oranges
This Persimmon Salad features the delicious persimmon fruit plus fresh oranges, goat cheese, and a balsamic dressing. It's a flavorful recipe that's perfect for the fall and winter months!
Large stack of orange pumpkin dinner rolls on a wooden cutting board.
Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Pumpkin puree gives these pumpkin dinner rolls a delicious flavor and beautiful orange color your family will love!
Sweet potato crunch in white casserole dish with striped towel and pecans beside.
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole
This Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole features mashed sweet potatoes mixed with spices and topped with a delicious brown sugar and pecan topping. It's the ultimate side dish for your holiday dinner!
Slow cooker sweet potatoes in white pumpkin dish on table with place settings and white pumpkins.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Delight everyone on Thanksgiving Day with these tender Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples featuring a sweet brown sugar glaze!
Roasted sweet potatoes and apples on parchment paper lined baking sheet with sticks of cinnamon.
Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples is perfect for fall. You only need 4 ingredients to make this healthy and naturally sweet recipe.
Pieces of cornbread, some with pats of butter and drizzled with honey, on piece of parchment paper.
Jiffy Cornbread with Greek Yogurt
This Jiffy Cornbread with Greek Yogurt is a step up from the traditional box recipe. You'll love how moist and delicious each piece is!
Zucchini and squash casserole in white baking dish with wood spoon and sprigs of thyme.
Posh Squash (Zucchini and Yellow Squash Casserole)
Posh Squash is a delicious take on a traditional zucchini and yellow squash casserole. With a creamy egg filling and cheesy top, your family will want seconds and thirds of this side dish.

You could also try:

  • Cornbread stuffing
  • Pumpkin polenta
  • Roasted brussels sprouts

Breakfast, Desserts, and Drinks

Below are several breakfast ideas, desserts, and drinks featuring festive autumn flavors.

Everyone will love these yummy sweets and treats!

Breakfast

Pumpkin pancakes with pancake mix stacked on a plate.
Pumpkin Pancakes With Pancake Mix
You'll only need 4 ingredients to make these Pumpkin Pancakes with Pancake Mix. Perfect for a fall breakfast with the family!
Pumpkin chocolate chip skillet pancake with whipped cream pumpkins.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Skillet Pancake
This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Skillet Pancake is baked in a cast iron skillet and topped with a delicious cream cheese whipped cream. It's a yummy festive breakfast that's perfect for fall!

Other festive fall breakfast recipes:

  • Pumpkin cream of wheat
  • Pumpkin whipped cottage cheese
  • Sweet potato muffins
  • Pumpkin waffles
  • Pumpkin French toast

Desserts

Glazed apple pie bars on parchment paper lined cooling rack.
Glazed Apple Streusel Bars
These Glazed Apple Streusel Bars feature a delicious shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, streusel topping, and a sweet glaze. They taste like a piece of dutch apple pie, but only require half the work!
White bowl with peach crisp and scoop of vanilla ice cream with blue striped towel underneath bowl.
The Easiest Peach Crisp With Oats
This Peach Crisp with Oats features delicious homemade pie filling that bubbles up under a crunchy cake mix topping. It's a semi-homemade dessert that's delicious all year long!
Several slices of zucchini bread with chocolate chips on wooden cutting board.
Pumpkin Zucchini Bread with Chocolate Chips
Pumpkin Zucchini Bread features pureed pumpkin and zucchini from your garden. Chocolate chips add the perfect touch of gooey sweetness.

More dessert ideas:

  • Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls
  • Pecan Pie
  • Pumpkin pie
  • Sweet potato pie
  • Apple tarts
  • Salted caramel apples

Drinks

Glass mug of caramel apple cider with whipped cream in front of pumpkins and apples.
Salted Caramel Apple Cider
This Salted Caramel Cider features warm cider, flavored with spices and syrup and topped with whipped cream. It's the ultimate cozy drink, perfect for any fall night!

More fall-inspired drinks:

  • Pumpkin spice hot chocolate
  • Pumpkin ice cream float

FAQs

What do you serve at a fall dinner party?


Fall dinners should feature hearty proteins, herbs, and seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

You can start with an appetizer like soup, then serve a comforting main dish with sides, then a festive dessert, and don’t forget a fall-themed beverage.

Here’s an example fall dinner party meal:

– First course: Butternut squash soup
– Main Course: Chicken zucchini casserole with stuffing
– Side: Persimmon salad with goat cheese and oranges
– Dessert: Apple pie bars
– Beverage: Salted caramel apple cider

What is the most popular food in fall?


Pumpkin!

Pureed pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and cubed pumpkin are found in several of our favorite fall dishes. And you can use it in both savory and sweet applications.

This makes it a versatile and trendy fall food.

You can use it for breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, and French toast. And it’s great in lunch recipes like pumpkin curry and pumpkin chili.

Plus pumpkin makes a great base for ravioli or lasagna as the main course.

And no one can forget about sweet treats like pumpkin pie and pumpkin cinnamon rolls for dessert.

What foods are associated with fall?


Fall boasts several popular seasonal vegetables and fruits like apples, pumpkins, squashes, and carrots.

It’s also the perfect weather for casseroles, soups, ciders, and hot chocolate.

And you may also think of fall carnival foods like kettle corn, caramel apples, and donuts.

I hope you found some new and delicious fall dinner ideas to try this season!

 

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