90 Delicious Weekday Fall Dinners

Liven up your weekday routine with simple dinners perfect for fall. From oven-baked pasta and sheet pan pork chops to stuffed peppers and braised dishes, these are dishes you'll make again and again.

Pastazotto with butternut squash

Don't wait for the pasta water to boil; cook it like a risotto! The penne pasta is simmered, absorbing the chicken broth in small portions until fully cooked. The finishing touch is roasted butternut squash pieces, sage, and grated Parmesan. This cooking method ensures your pasta won't overcook, and will turn out crisp and elastic.

Canned Tuna and Egg Noodle Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a classic American home cooking dish, a simple and easy-to-make casserole made with egg noodles, canned tuna, mushrooms, and a few vegetables, all wrapped in a creamy sauce. A wonderfully crispy breadcrumb crust is a nice bonus. Use wide egg noodles, which will hold their shape in the casserole. Choose canned tuna, either canned in its own juices or canned in water, and use Japanese panko breadcrumbs, which are large and fluffy, perfect for a delicious crust. The casserole can be assembled the night before, refrigerated, and baked just before serving.

Fried chicken thighs with apples

Crispy-seared chicken thighs are braised with tender leeks and apples in natural non-alcoholic apple cider, resulting in a juicy, fruity, and spicy flavor of early autumn. A perfect idea for a big Sunday dinner with the family.

Beef Bulgogi with Carrots and Snow Peas

Bulgogi is a Korean dish made with thinly sliced ​​grilled beef. To make the meat thin, we freeze it. The beef should be firm, but not rock-hard. Garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil are the main ingredients in the bulgogi marinade, but this marinade also includes vinegar. The marinated beef is quickly grilled and served with steamed vegetables and fluffy white rice.

Steakhouse Pasta

Grilled Steak Pasta is delicious, filling, and perfect for special occasions. This recipe uses inexpensive skirt steak, which boasts a rich, beefy flavor. It's seasoned with salt, grilled, and served over wide pappardelle pasta in a rich tomato-cream sauce with spinach, fontina, and blue cheese. Combined with horseradish, brandy, and red pepper flakes, the blue cheese infuses the pasta with a zesty flavor. Top with additional cheese and fresh basil and enjoy.

Stuffed sweet potato with meat chili sauce and cheese

Fill baked sweet potato halves with an easy-to-make beef chili con carne, drizzle with sour cream, and top with grated cheddar. This recipe seamlessly pairs the main meat dish with a sweet potato side dish, all in a unique presentation that will impress your guests.

Chicken Lasagna with Enchilada Sauce

In this recipe from Ree Drummond, Italian cuisine meets Mexican. An incredible combination of lasagna and enchilada, or lasagna with enchilada flavor… Call it what you will, but this simple recipe is perfect for those who aren't afraid to experiment and try something unusual.

Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash Noodles

This simple and healthy chili con carne is made with lean turkey and an added vegetable: butternut squash noodles. Their sweet and spicy swirls add texture, flavor, and color to the dish. Perfect for a delicious midweek dinner!

Sweet and Spicy Fried Rice with Chicken and Cashews

Asian fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice from last night's dinner. Chili oil and fresh ginger add a vibrant and zesty flavor to this chicken and cashew fried rice. Since chicken thighs are used, even the smallest pieces will be juicy and tender.

Orecchiette pasta with rapini and sausage

Orecchiette pasta with broccoli rapini is a traditional dish from the Apulia region, which forms the heel of the Italian boot. To make the pasta more filling, it's topped with fried Italian sausage and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a piquant flavor. A perfect midweek dinner!

Peppers stuffed with meat and rice

Stuffed peppers are one of the most delicious summer dishes, a treat you'll want to enjoy throughout the season of these incredibly healthy and vitamin-rich sweet peppers. You can use leftover cooked rice or store-bought frozen rice to make the filling. Mix it with ground beef stewed with tomatoes and spices, grated cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs, and fill the peppers after lightly boiling them in the microwave. The stuffed peppers are then sprinkled with grated mozzarella and baked until the filling is heated through and the cheese is deliciously melted on the surface.

Carrot and ginger soup with baked vegetable puree

Pureeing baked root vegetables makes a colorful soup that's aromatic, filling, and very warming on a cold autumn day.

Cheese gnocchi in a frying pan

A great way to make delicious and quick gnocchi. Boiled potato dumplings are tossed with a spicy creamy sauce, sprinkled with a generous amount of grated cheese, and grilled in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden brown. For this recipe, use an oven-safe skillet, such as a cast iron one. Serve the cheese gnocchi sprinkled with green onions.

Pasta Casserole with Sausage and Escarole

Pasta is baked in a rich tomato sauce with ricotta, along with seared Italian sausage and poached escarole, all under a layer of melting mozzarella. You can use sweet or spicy raw Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Remove the casings and fry like ground meat.



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Quick Tex-Mex Pulled Chicken

Pulled chicken is great for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches. To make it in minutes, use chicken medallions (sliced ​​chicken breast). Grill them on a baking sheet with vegetables in the oven using the broiler setting. Then, blend the vegetables into a sauce, and shred the chicken with two forks. Serve on warm tortillas.

Fried pork with paprika and braised sauerkraut with apples

A quick and delicious German-style dish for a weekday dinner. Thin, natural pork cutlets are fried for just a couple of minutes on each side. Add flavor by sprinkling them with paprika before frying. Braised sauerkraut with onions, apples, and caraway seeds is a perfect side dish. It's thoroughly drained, pan-fried, and then simmered in a mixture of chicken broth and unfiltered, unsweetened apple juice. The tart flavor and juiciness of the sauerkraut, along with the light apple aroma, pair beautifully with the roast pork. Serve garnished with fresh herbs.

Pasta with pumpkin and bacon

Ree Drummond takes comfort food to a whole new level with this recipe for pasta with bacon and butternut squash. She masterfully combines contrasting flavors, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory in a hot dish.

Apple-glazed chicken wings with apple salad

Chicken wings are baked in the oven until golden brown, and when almost done, they are glazed with a glaze of reduced apple cider (unfiltered, unsweetened apple juice), apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Grill them for a deliciously crispy crust. A juicy, refreshing salad of thinly sliced ​​apples with celery and green onions is the perfect accompaniment to these apple-glazed wings. Together, these wings transform from a simple appetizer into an elegant main course.

Lasagna Caprese

The star of this lasagna is the agnolotti stuffed with "Four Cheeses" (similar to ravioli). They replace traditional lasagna noodles and, combined with mozzarella and Parmesan, make this dish a cheese lover's dream. Fresh basil and tomatoes infuse this cheesy lasagna with a wonderful Caprese flavor.

Penne pasta in butternut squash sauce with pancetta

Sweet butternut squash and salty, crunchy pieces of pancetta meet in this pasta for a unique and unexpected combination. The pumpkin isn't added in chunks, but grated, making it look like a sauce. It's a great choice for kids who don't like vegetables.

Stuffed pork cutlets with goat cheese, prunes and almonds

If you're looking to prepare a special dinner quickly and without fuss, try bone-in pork loin cutlets. They always look impressive when served, especially when stuffed. Cut a pocket in the side of each cutlet and stuff it with some goat cheese, prunes, and chopped almonds. Braise the pork, and reduce the remaining juices in the cauldron to create a sauce for the meat.

Bratwurst sausage with sauerkraut and fried potatoes with apples

Grilled bratwurst sausages with sauerkraut are perfect for a German-style dinner. Serve with fried potatoes with apples, green onions, and sage in a light honey glaze. Serve with sour cream and mustard sauce and a glass of cold beer.

Vegetarian Cheese Ravioli Casserole with Spinach

This vegetarian cheese ravioli casserole is a quick, easy, and delicious meal perfect for a midweek meal after work. Store-bought ravioli are baked under a layer of cheese along with spinach, making this casserole not only delicious but also healthy. If you love lasagna but are looking for something quicker, this recipe is for you.

Lemon orzo pasta with chicken in a slow cooker

Orzo pasta resembles rice in shape, and when combined with lemon, cream, and Parmesan, it turns this dish into a delicious, creamy risotto. Unlike risotto, you don't have to stand over the pot constantly stirring, and there's no need to defrost the chicken breast. Everything cooks simultaneously in a slow cooker in just half an hour. Besides lemon and cheese, the pasta is filled with aromatic mushrooms and healthy spinach, and the breast is incredibly juicy. Serve the pasta among plates, topped with sliced ​​chicken, and enjoy a whole bouquet of vibrant flavors.

Carbonara with spaghetti and bacon

As Mark Murphy says, "Spaghetti carbonara is something anyone can make." Whisk eggs with pepper and Parmesan, then add the hot spaghetti and stir until the eggs are cooked through and, together with the cheese and a little of the starchy pasta liquid, form a thick, creamy sauce.

Szechuan Beef and Corn with Shishito Peppers

Corn side dish is prepared using almost all the same ingredients as beef. In summer and fall, make it with corn on the cob, and in winter, you can substitute 4 cups of frozen corn kernels. Rachel Ray recommends serving the beef and corn with plain white rice for a hearty, delicious dinner that's ready in no time.

One-Pan Chicken Gnocchi with Tomato and Basil Sauce

Chicken cooked with a hearty side dish and vegetables in one pan is a dream! Boneless chicken thighs are simmered with zucchini and gnocchi in a rich, aromatic tomato-basil sauce, creating a delicious Italian-style dish the whole family will love, while minimizing the mess!

Moroccan Chicken Breast with Couscous

Warming ingredients like honey, ginger, and ras el hanout (a Moroccan seasoning) give this chicken dinner a cozy, fall flavor.

Quick Pot Pie with Grilled Chicken

A traditional American pot pie is literally a pot pie, a thick filling of chicken and vegetables in gravy, baked in a tightly covered pan until it's golden brown. But you don't have to spend the time making a classic pot pie. With this recipe, it's just as delicious and in half the time. Prepare the filling with vegetables and grilled chicken and serve in bowls, topping each serving with a golden, crispy crust. You can also quickly make your own puff pastry by cutting store-bought puff pastry into rectangular pieces, or buy pre-made puff pastry rolls.

Fettuccine noodles with peppers

Ree Drummond adds six types of peppers to her fettuccine noodles in a creamy tequila sauce: bell peppers, baby peppers, poblanos, jalapeños, black peppers, and chipotles, which add a smoky, spicy note. The pasta is bright and juicy, and the abundance of vegetables will help you keep your calorie intake under control.

Simple Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese and Ham

This simple chicken cordon bleu recipe requires no pounding, stuffing, or breading—no fuss. And considering it cooks in just 15 minutes in one pan, it couldn't be easier! Even midweek, you can have a restaurant-style dinner at home.

Delicious pork tenderloin in the oven

To ensure the pork tenderloin is as flavorful and delicious as possible, Ree Drummond rubs it with crushed pepper, fresh rosemary, and thyme, sears it until golden brown, and finishes cooking in the oven. Then, in the same pan, she uses the remaining juices to make a creamy mustard sauce for the pork. Perfect!

Salmon with potatoes on one baking sheet

Bake salmon fillet and potatoes with onions and bell peppers on the same baking sheet, and you won't have to wait for the side dish to cook: a complete dinner will come out of the oven. Pair the fish with a creamy, tart yogurt sauce with gherkins, capers, and fresh herbs—a lighter alternative to tartar sauce.

Acorn squash stuffed with rice and cheese

This rustic autumn dish is so cozy and so easy to make! While you're cooking the rice filling in the pan, microwave the acorn squash halves—they'll cook at the same time. All that's left to do is combine and bake.

Alfredo Pasta with Butternut Squash

Butternut squash gives this classic dish a silky texture, allowing you to skip the heavy cream and butter without sacrificing flavor.

Salmon cutlets

Canned wild salmon is perfect for these flavorful cutlets—it's inexpensive, and you won't notice the difference compared to fresh fish.

Orecchiette pasta with pancetta, pumpkin and broccoli raab

Anne Burrell adds a variety of flavors to pasta, taking the dish to a new level. Roasted pumpkin pairs with bitter rapini and salty pancetta.

Pumpkin Soup with Curry and Popcorn

Geoffrey Zakarian makes soup crunchy by adding a unique ingredient: popcorn!

Bone-in pork loin stuffed with cranberries and bread

Enjoy the flavors of autumn with this sweet and aromatic cranberry-sage sauce. Make a 2-inch-deep slit in the side of thick, bone-in pork chops and spoon the sauce inside, then pan-sear the meat.

Oven-baked bone-in pork loin with rosemary, garlic, and chickpeas

A pork loin dinner for four is easy when you cook everything together on one baking sheet.

Oven-baked chili with vegetables and corn buns

Vegetable chili is easy to make on a rimmed baking sheet with cornbread.

Prawn Curry Biryani

Serve this simple shrimp rice dish straight from the baking dish. Don't be surprised if your family asks for more.

Pumpkin paste

Pumpkin puree can be used for more than just pie filling. Try something new: make a simple vegetable "paste" in a food processor. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Hunter's Chicken Sub Sandwiches

Rachel serves the classic Italian dish as a sandwich: she fills toasted long buns with grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a spicy red sauce. Add a couple of slices of provolone cheese and toast them under the oven's broiler until the cheese melts.

Pork steaks with pear chutney

Roasted pork loin is a hearty, protein-rich dish for any season. In cool weather, it's especially delicious served with sweet, seasonal pears. Infuse the dish with autumn flavors: top the pork with a homemade pear, ginger, and curry chutney.

Pasta in sausage and pumpkin sauce with lettuce

Rachael Ray tosses pasta with a sauce made with tender pumpkin and sweet sausage—a hearty autumn dish that's ready in just 25 minutes.

Mussels with butternut squash in curry sauce

Sweet butternut squash complements savory mussels in a curried sauce. Don't forget the bread slices for serving!

Polenta with pumpkin and Brussels sprouts

For a unique base, combine quick-cooking polenta with pumpkin puree. Top the dish with roasted autumn vegetables and grated Parmesan.

Fried chicken with potatoes and mushrooms

For a hearty cold-weather dinner, roast chicken with mushrooms and potatoes. Sprigs of rosemary and lemon halves add a rustic flair.

Bolognese sauce with minced meat

Giada De Laurentiis's quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weekday lunch.

Salisbury steak

In her version of the classic dish, Ree uses a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup and butter.

Braised Chicken with Swiss Chard and Apples

A truly autumnal dish: chicken cooked with apple and onion sauce.

Pork schnitzel with baked potatoes

Experience the Oktoberfest spirit by making a classic schnitzel. Kids can help form the patties: ask them to pound the meat between sheets of plastic wrap.

Baked tomato cream soup and a cheese and bacon sandwich

Like the classic grilled cheese recipe, Tyler Florence serves the flavorful sandwiches with roasted tomato soup.

Slow Cooker American Meatloaf

This family-friendly meal will be prepared while you're at work. The key is to get everyone around the table at the same time.

Creamy Lemon Pepper Wide Noodles

This creamy pasta with a zesty hint of lemon zest is ready in just 20 minutes.

Steak with broccoli, stewed in Asian oyster sauce

In 15 minutes, Rachael Ray prepares a meal full of rich flavor thanks to a marinade of soy sauce, ginger, and brown sugar. The sweet and savory mixture also serves as the sauce in which the dish is cooked.

Breaded chicken thighs in the oven

For an easy weeknight dinner, toss juicy chicken thighs in a zesty Dijon mustard mixture, then coat in Parmesan breadcrumbs and bake until crispy and golden brown.

Creamy potato soup with fried bacon and dumplings

This creamy soup is hearty thanks to the miniature potato dumplings. Crispy bacon adds extra texture.

Pumpkin Ravioli with Wonton Dough

Ree Drummond makes homemade ravioli using wonton dough. Served with brown butter, this pumpkin pasta is a comfort food.

Chicken paprikash with noodles

This is a quick variation on a classic Hungarian dish known for its delicate paprika sauce.

Chicken Enchiladas

Using store-bought grilled chicken makes these cheese enchiladas quick and easy to make.

Crispy Falafel-Breaded Chicken with Cucumber Salad

Coat the chicken with store-bought falafel mix.

Cheese dumplings in tomato sauce

These homemade dumplings take just 20 minutes to prepare. Save even more time by using ready-made marinara sauce.

Penne pasta with tomato-vodka sauce

Toss penne pasta with tomato sauce made with red pepper flakes and a little vodka and cream.

Steak Goulash and Cauliflower Puree

Even die-hard steak and potato lovers will love this dish. Using a food processor, you can easily create a creamy cauliflower puree that's just as delicious as traditional mashed potatoes. And the perfect accompaniment is mushrooms cooked in a sweet wine sauce.

Smoked pork cutlets with corn and okra

Serve Cajun-spiced pork loin with tender corn and okra, drizzled with a little honey.

Texas Chili in a Slow Cooker

This is one of those hearty dishes you'll love to enjoy on a chilly autumn evening. Start the slow cooker in the morning, and the beef will be tender by lunchtime.

Couscous and catfish fillet baked in foil

Smoked paprika added to the couscous complements the delicate lemon and parsley notes in the fish marinade.

Tuna steak with rosemary

Prepare delicious tuna steaks seasoned with rosemary, thyme, green onions, and olive oil. Serve the fish with an autumnal side dish, such as a selection of roasted root vegetables.

Baked vegetables with aioli sauce

Serve roasted vegetables—cauliflower, turnips, fennel, and more—with an easy-to-make garlic aioli.

Corn casserole with pumpkin and beef in a slow cooker

Leftover brisket, vegetables, and gravy from the roast can be used in a simple and hearty casserole. Add seasonal butternut squash, corn, and cheddar cheese.

Pork roast with sweet potato

The secret to a juicy roast pork is a savory-sweet marinade made with brown sugar, sage, and garlic. Serve with slices of roasted sweet potato sprinkled with cayenne pepper.

Chicken Breasts with Arugula Pesto Sauce

Combine arugula, parsley, toasted almonds, and Parmesan for a quick, fresh pesto sauce that will liven up baked chicken breasts with orecchiette.

Turkey burgers and mango coleslaw

The fruity flavors of apple and mango chutney in these burgers soften the heat of the jerk seasoning. While this spice blend is typically used on chicken and pork, it pairs perfectly with ground turkey here.

Turkey with kale and rice

Seasoned with cumin and jalapeño, this rice dish is both hearty and healthy thanks to chopped kale, red potatoes, and lean ground turkey.

Pork and fennel stew

The sweet flavor of fennel and caramelized shallots pairs perfectly with pulled pork. This rich dish is perfect for a chilly evening.

Baked pumpkin stuffed with chicken in enchilada sauce

Acorn squash is available in stores this fall: use it for a new take on the classic chicken enchilada.

Eggplants with turkey, stewed in wine

For a quick and easy lunch, top turkey cutlets with eggplant, zucchini, mozzarella, and roasted tomatoes and brown in the oven over high heat.

Weeknight Bolognese

Ina Garten makes a hearty Bolognese sauce that's perfect for weeknight pasta.

Cuban sandwiches

Serve Melissa De Arabian's Cuban sandwiches with black bean soup for a Latin American-inspired lunch.

Fried beef steak with beer sauce and baked sweet potato

A beer like lager makes a light, flavorful steak sauce. Sweet potato slices complement the dish beautifully, adding a touch of festive autumn color.

Spaghetti squash in Alfredo sauce with pancetta and green peas

Make a lighter version of pasta without sacrificing flavor. Roasted spaghetti squash combines with the delicate flavors of Alfredo sauce, salty pancetta, and green peas.

Natural cutlet with a salad of red cabbage, pear and nuts

Cranberries add a special touch to the nutty coleslaw served with pork loin.

Jambalaya with chicken and sausage

This classic Southern stew doesn't have to take all day—make it on a weekday using store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Chili Verde with Sausage and Pumpkin

Make a new take on pumpkin chili this fall. Mexican tomato salsa adds a green color and a bright, light flavor.

Greek salad with dolmades

Toss romaine lettuce with olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and feta and serve with stuffed grape leaves (dolmades).

Beef steak and egg sandwiches

In just 20 minutes, Ree makes sandwiches for a large crowd, adding fried eggs and ancho chili mayonnaise.

White chili

On a weekday, you don't usually feel like messing around with chili, but this chicken dish takes just 45 minutes to prepare. Valerie boils the chicken to flavor the store-bought broth, but to save time, you can start with shredded rotisserie chicken.









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