Transition from summer simplicity to fall flavor with 10 easy, hearty recipes. It’s time to embrace casseroles, slow cooked meals and earthy flavors—making the seasonal switch a breeze.
Hearty and Simple
As autumn takes the reins from summer, saying goodbye to its long days, trips to the coast, and the heirloom tomatoes that once filled farmers’ market stalls, the charm of fall has truly unfolded, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. I find it easy to welcome the season’s treasures—pumpkins, crisp apples, hearty greens, and the emergence of earthy root vegetables. It’s honestly my favorite time of year.
Related: 40 Easy Weeknight Dinners
While summer has us looking for effortless recipes, sparing us from the heat of the stove, fall invites us to return to the heartwarming, slow-cooked meals bursting with flavor. To ease into this seasonal shift, here are 10 handpicked, simple fall recipes, each designed to ignite your enthusiasm for the changing season.
Fall Dinners
This roster of easy fall dinners has a special way of making dinner a whole lot cozier. I hope you get to ring in the season with a few of these favorites.
1. Boneless Pork Chops with Balsamic-Fig Sauce
Here’s a dinner that’s both simple and delicious, with a balance of savory and sweet. These boneless pork chops make for the easiest weeknight meal, and the best part is, it’s so good—it’s restaurant-quality, perfect even for a weekend indulgence.
2. Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast
It’s surprising how some of the most flavorful dishes come together with just a handful of ingredients, often ones we all stash in the depths of our cupboards. While the Mississippi Pot Roast is traditionally crafted with beef, I personally love the pork rendition even more. Plus, I find the pork version, seasoned with a packet of onion soup mix instead of the usual au jus, adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
3. Baked Chicken Thighs with Apricots and Olives
I’m a huge enthusiast of meals featuring skinless, boneless chicken thighs. They’re budget-friendly, incredibly flavorful, and a breeze to cook. Chicken thighs are forgiving—I find it hard to go wrong with them. The meat is sufficiently dark to retain tenderness and juiciness, yet not too dark for those who lean towards chicken breast.
Among all my recipes, this chicken thighs dish takes the crown—it might just be my absolute favorite. The secret? A 24-hour marinade that imparts a subtle Moroccan-esque flavor, resulting in chicken that’s unbelievably tasty, tender, and juicy. No exaggeration, it’s incredibly delicious. You’ll have to give it a try yourself.
4. Tamale Pie
Make Tamale Pie your go-to comfort casserole. It’s crafted from a medley of pantry essentials and fridge staples that probably already live in your kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a small gathering, this delightfully hearty dish is the perfect choice for fall season dinner!
5. Wonton Soup
Experience the warmth of a comforting bowl of wonton soup with minimal effort and a handful of straightforward ingredients. This uncomplicated wonton soup recipe has a flavorful broth, delicate wontons, and enticing seasonings, delivering on both taste and convenience without compromise. It’s so good!
6. Beef Stroganoff
Say goodbye to the days of wrestling with dry, overcooked stroganoff beef—this recipe is a total game-changer. Not only does it rescue you from uninspiring dinners, but it also becomes your fail-safe answer to the perennial question of what to make for dinner.
The key to achieving tender stroganoff perfection? It all boils down to one straightforward rule: choosing the right cut of meat.
7. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
I absolutely love this quick and easy recipe for a chicken pot pie. Despite its simplicity, it doesn’t compromise on flavor, much like my chicken pot pie soup. Each bite is a combination of veggies, chicken, and a rich, spice-infused silky sauce. I think you’ll love it too.
8. Classic Pot Roast
Make this timeless dish the centerpiece of your upcoming Sunday dinner—it’s flavorful, hearty, and perfect for a crowd. Not only is it easy to prepare, but you can also cook it in multiple ways—either on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. With just a good cut of beef, some veggies, and basic pantry staples, it’s a breeze to get on the table. Just sear the meat, toss in the vegetables and seasonings, and let it all simmer until the beef is tender and the veggies are beautifully caramelized.
9. Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
When it comes to flavor and simplicity, this ham and bean soup holds its own. Whether you’re using up leftover ham or cubing up a ham steak, the process is equally easy, giving you the flexibility to enjoy this soup throughout the entire season.
10. Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Indulge in the comfort of these slow cooker burrito bowls—each bite is a harmony of chile-spiced rice, beans, and shreds of chicken. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its ease, but also in the way all the flavors and ingredients meld together as they cook in the same pot. The chicken absorbs a tomato-rich, chile-infused broth, infusing the rice with fragrance and seasoning every bite to perfection.
Even More Fall Dinners to Enjoy
- Slow Cooker Beef and Tomato Stew
- Beef Burrito Skillet
- Corn Chowder
- Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
- Pumpkin Chili
Did You Make One of These Fall Dinners?
I hope you love this 10 Cozy Dinners list. If you make any of these meals, I’d love to hear about it. Be sure to tag @noblepig and #noblepig on Instagram to share where your creation.
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