29 Fall Dinner Recipes I Look Forward To Every Year

When the season changes and sweaters come out, dinners shift right along with them. These 29 fall dinner recipes bring the kind of meals people expect when leaves start piling up in the yard. Think warm plates, easy family favorites, and dishes that disappear before seconds are offered.

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

A plate with honey chicken tenders, broccoli florets, and mashed potatoes.
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Looking forward to dinner feels easy when crispy bites show up on the table on busy nights. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders bring a sweet finish with just enough crunch so every piece holds up for dipping. Kids never say no to these no matter the side dish. Extras usually get eaten cold from the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Beef Enchilada Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy dish with melted cheese, beef, beans, and scattered cilantro leaves. Red onion slices are visible in the foreground.
Beef Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layered dinners always hit the spot when plates go from empty to full in one scoop. Beef Enchilada Casserole stacks up rich flavor while staying together for seconds or packed lunches. Heat holds well for those who arrive late. People always end up asking for another serving.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole

Tortellini Soup

A close-up of creamy tortellini with spinach and fresh basil leaves.
Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Comfort shows up fast with big bowls filled to the top on colder evenings. Tortellini Soup offers a simple way to bring folks together while keeping everybody warm. The soup stays good even the next day. Usually gets finished before anything else on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup

Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

A platter of nachos topped with ground meat, melted cheese, sliced jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, black beans, red onions, cilantro, and dollops of sour cream. Lime wedges are on the side.
Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Building meals all in one pan means less work but full flavor for the whole table. Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos are loaded with color and crunch and perfect for sharing with friends. Extras turn into a quick lunch the next day. Every time the plates come back empty.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

Chili Relleno Casserole

A slice of lasagna with beef, mushrooms, cheese, and vegetables being lifted from a baking dish.
Chili Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Baking up a cozy dish means easy helpings for family or solo dinners. Chili Relleno Casserole holds soft layers with a small kick that works for everyone at the table. Forks scrape the pan clean every time. Not much is ever left after the first round.
Get the Recipe: Chili Relleno Casserole

Turkey Chili

A close-up of a pot of chili with beans, avocado slices, red onion, sour cream, and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simmered pots with hearty flavors always make dinnertime feel special at home. Turkey Chili brings comfort for both quick bowls or slow meals with good company. Leftovers just get better after a day in the fridge. Someone always asks if there’s enough for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Cashew Chicken

Close-up of Cashew Chicken featuring tender chicken, broccoli, edamame, cashews, and red bell peppers. This delightful dish is topped with sesame seeds and served over a bed of rice.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Stir-fry dinners save the day when everyone’s hungry and nobody wants to wait. Cashew Chicken packs crunch with every bite without getting soggy during a second heating. Fills plates fast and nobody misses takeout those nights. Bowls are always emptied to the last bite.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling.
Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cornbread always brings people over to the table a little faster. Easy Cornbread Casserole feels soft in the middle and holds up well with hearty spoons or easy sides. It pairs with lots of mains or works solo. Slices go missing straight from the pan before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple pasta becomes special when lunch or dinner needs a quick boost. Cacio e Pepe twirls smoothly on the fork with just enough flavor to stand on its own. Easy for weeknight meals or late-night snacks. Plates are clean before the next meal even begins.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

A bowl of egg noodles topped with creamy beef and mushroom stroganoff, garnished with chopped herbs.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Thick sauces and soft noodles win hearts on low-key nights. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff keeps its comfort on the reheat while every spoonful feels just as fresh a day later. Bowls always seem too small for just one helping. Family asks for it again as soon as the pot runs out.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Every bite comes packed with soft layers and crisp topping when dinnertime rolls around. French Onion Casserole makes serving family style easy so everyone grabs seconds without asking. Good for big crowds or small groups. Not much is left to put away after dinner.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Chicken Fried Steak

Breaded and fried steak pieces topped with creamy white gravy and chopped parsley on a white plate.
Chicken Fried Steak. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dinner plates fill up fast when every bite packs a crunch with just the right fold. Chicken Fried Steak gives memories of old diners or mom’s kitchen with its crispy finish. Great with classic sides or by itself. Most folks reach for seconds even after saying they’re full.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Beef Moussaka

A close-up of a serving of cheesy baked lasagna with visible layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese.
Beef Moussaka. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Special dinners get a big lift with a casserole full of layers that keep flavor strong. Beef Moussaka slices clean with every fork and holds together for next-day leftovers. Works well for guests when you want to serve something different. The baking dish is often empty by meal’s end.
Get the Recipe: Beef Moussaka

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

A close-up of a casserole dish featuring tater tots, creamy sauce, ground beef, corn, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Rustic favorites like these bring comfort when the day has been long. Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole combines soft and chewy in every scoop, making big portions feel right at home. Kids come back for seconds even before clearing their first plates. Easy to warm up for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

A bowl of gnocchi with pieces of chicken, wilted spinach, and a creamy sauce, garnished with black pepper.
Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Plump, soft sides make old favorites even cozier at dinner. Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi stays creamy and full from the first bite to leftovers. Guests usually help themselves to another spoonful without waiting. People mention it long after the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi

Pork Tenderloin

Close-up of roasted pork tenderloin on a white plate, topped with a drizzle of dark sauce. The meat is seasoned with visible spices and has a textured, caramelized surface.
Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bare plates say it all when a favorite roast comes out for dinner with family. Pork Tenderloin slices tender and keeps its flavor even after a night in the fridge. Works with almost any side dish. Extras never stick around long.
Get the Recipe: Pork Tenderloin

Blackened Chicken Clubs

A grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and mayonnaise on toasted bread, served with potato chips on a white plate.
Blackened Chicken Clubs. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Sandwich night makes any dinner feel easy, especially when loaded with flavor. Blackened Chicken Clubs offer a crisp outside with a soft inside that people remember. Stack them high for a full meal at home. Everyone wants leftovers for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Clubs

Easy Bibimbap

A bowl of bibimbap with sliced beef, egg yolk, carrots, cucumber, greens, and bean sprouts, topped with sesame seeds and red sauce.
Easy Bibimbap. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Rice bowls with toppings let everyone pick what they want for a busy weeknight. Easy Bibimbap mixes crunch with soft and never runs out of color. Bowls come together quickly and get eaten even quicker. Great for using up bits from the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Easy Bibimbap

Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible.
Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Old-school recipes hold their own on nights you want more than just a quick fix. Cabbage Casserole stays firm after baking and delivers flavor with each bite. Leftover slices keep well for another meal. Filling enough that nobody leaves the table hungry.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Vegetable Soup

Close-up of a bowl of vegetable soup with spinach, peas, carrots, celery, and large beans, topped with grated cheese. A spoon rests in the bowl.
Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing beats a hearty soup when you want a bowl you can fill to the top. Vegetable Soup mixes comfort with full flavor so it works just fine on its own or as a starter. Even better as lunch the next day. Always reminds people of home.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Soup

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Three tacos filled with black beans, tofu, and vegetables, topped with sauce and cilantro, served with lime wedges on a white plate.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Small tortillas packed with color make dinner both quick and exciting. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos bring a rich filling, so plates go clean before seconds get served. Easy to set up with extras for lunch later. Rarely do leftovers last long.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish with visible black pepper seasoning.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mac gets a soft upgrade when squash comes into the pot during the week. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese keeps a smooth bite and fun color for busy plates. Doubles up well for lunchboxes or hot dinners. Scoops always go quickly at the table.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Taco Soup

A bowl of red soup topped with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, sliced onions, corn, and shredded cheese.
Taco Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Big bowls come out quickly when the family wants something hot and full for dinner. Taco Soup sticks to the ribs without feeling too heavy for a second helping. Pairs well with chips or bread. Usually, there are no leftovers to worry about.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Roasted chicken thigh with herbs, served on a bed of roasted vegetables.
Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dinner gets simple when everything cooks together and plates fill without fuss. Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe gives every piece a sweet finish with soft veggies and juicy chicken together. Less mess makes cleaning up a lot easier. It’s usually the first pan to empty on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A plate of creamy spaghetti with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When pasta is needed to end the day, this dish always shows up on the list. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta mixes soft noodles with a saucy finish that keeps people asking for more. Extras work great for cold lunches. Not much gets saved for another meal.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Three cooked chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, topped with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, presented in a round dish.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slow cooker recipes bring people home to a meal that makes the house smell good. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken turns out soft and juicy so plates stay full. Portion out leftovers easily for busy lunches. Always a hit with everyone around the table.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Tom Yum Soup

Close-up of a spicy tom yum soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomato chunks, lime wedge, and chopped herbs in a rich, red broth.
Tom Yum Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bright bowls offer a change-up on regular soup nights when you need a little boost. Tom Yum Soup gives a strong punch of heat and flavor with every spoonful. Leftovers reheat well without losing their kick. It’s often talked about the next day.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Cheese Ravioli

A white plate of ravioli topped with black pepper, grated cheese, and sage leaves.
Cheese Ravioli. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Pasta night never runs late when pillows of soft dough take over dinner. Cheese Ravioli comes together in minutes and fills up everyone quickly. Kids tend to clean their plates on this night. Extras rarely stick around till morning.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Ravioli

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dinner gets a spicy boost when potatoes open up to something new and different. Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes are hearty enough for main meals or late-night snacks. Each bite gives a little kick without hitting too hard. Most trays end up empty before the movie is done.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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