Fall is the prime time for cooking comfort foods. As the weather gets colder, hearty soups, stews, and recipes that simmer for hours are finally welcome. Meals that are eaten out of a steaming bowl make everyone feel cozy, and fall produce such as pumpkin, squash, apples, and Brussels sprouts are all popular, cool weather eats. When you want an easy, comforting meal this fall, try any of these simple casseroles, baked goods, hot beverages, and snacks.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Chicken Divan
Who doesn’t love the combination of chicken, broccoli, and cheese? Top it off with plenty of creamy sauce and bake until bubbly, and you’ve got chicken divan. Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Anything with the word “loaded” in the title is bound to be good. This baked potato soup is thick and filling, and gets topped with bacon, cheese, and green onions, like a classic baked potato.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Ultimate Slow Cooker Pot Roast
It’s heaven to come home from work to a house filled with the smell of pot roast from the slow cooker. This classic recipe is seasoned with thyme and includes potatoes — no side dish required. Put it in the crockpot in the morning, or prep it the night before and keep it in the fridge overnight until cooking.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings are perfect for fall because they’re so comforting in a big bowl. Make them in a slow cooker with this creamy version with shredded chicken breast. It uses canned biscuit dough as a time saver.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Maple Smoked Brisket
Don’t let the name fool you: This brisket recipe is made in an Instant Pot, not a smoker. It uses maple sugar, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke to give it a smoked flavor. Normally a brisket would have to cook all day, but this recipe takes only 50 minutes in an Instant Pot.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
You don’t have to save sweet potatoes just for Thanksgiving. Try this healthy, easy side dish of steamed sweet potatoes with an Instant Pot. They take no time at all, and you can top them with butter and a little brown sugar.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Easy Meatloaf
There’s not a meal more comforting than meatloaf and mashed potatoes. This recipe uses bottled barbecue sauce to add flavor and, as the glaze on top, it cuts down on the ingredients you need to measure and chop.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Easy Beef Stew With Noodles
Cutting the beef in this recipe into small pieces makes it cook faster, becoming tender in only about 30 minutes. Carrots, potatoes, and onions add flavor and substance, but the interesting part about this recipe is that egg noodles are cooked right in the pot, making fewer dishes to clean afterward.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
One Pot Beef Stroganoff With Egg Noodles
For those who grew up with Hamburger Helper, there’s a lot to like about this recipe for ground beef stroganoff. It’s still simple and made in one pot, but instead of a sodium-filled seasoning packet, it’s got white wine and paprika for flavor.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed peppers are delicious, but they can be a lot of work. Instead, make stuffed pepper soup. All of the same ingredients are chopped and put on the stove for a thick, comforting dish that’s great for bread dipping.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Ravioli Lasagna
Lasagna is one of the ultimate comfort foods, but it takes all day to make. Try ravioli lasagna instead, which uses frozen ravioli in place of the pasta and ricotta cheese in lasagna. Add some ground beef, jarred marinara sauce, and extra cheese and it’s a great, easy shortcut.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Green Bean Casserole
This dish is a mash-up of two great comfort foods into one casserole: cheesy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Sounds like a new Thanksgiving tradition, doesn’t it? The sharp cheddar and fried onions on top are a must.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Sunday Gravy
In Italian-American families, Sunday gravy refers to the pot of tomato sauce and meats slow-cooked on the stove all day. This version includes pork ribs, Italian sausages, and beef stew meat. Mix the meaty sauce with pasta and fresh basil and serve the meats on the side.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Easy Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
Instead of taking the time to roll out pie dough, use this chicken pot pie recipe that has a simple, biscuitlike topping. It’s just as comforting as a traditional crust and holds all the creamy filling in just fine.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
When in doubt, add some ranch seasoning. That’s the motto of this easy casserole that uses ranch-seasoned chicken breast. Add the chicken to a casserole dish along with crumbled bacon, uncooked rice, cheeses, broth, and cream, and it bakes into an impressive casserole that takes no time at all to put together.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Chili Mac
Chili mac is a kind of shortcut chili. Everything is made in one pot, including macaroni noodles, which cook in the flavorful chili liquid. Cheese is stirred into the mixture at the last minute, ensuring it’ll be extra cheesy when served.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Tuna Casserole
Some people love tuna casserole — if that’s you, give this recipe a try. It forgoes the typical canned cream soup sauce for a simple homemade version thickened with flour. Egg noodles, peas, and albacore tuna complete the dish, which is finished with crispy breadcrumbs on top.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Country Sausage Gravy
There’s nothing better to warm you on a cool fall morning than biscuits and sausage gravy. Most people don’t realize that sausage gravy is simple to make. Just brown some sausage, add flour and milk, and simmer until thick and creamy. Serve over your favorite biscuits.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup
It’s easy to have pumpkin overload in fall, but adding curry is a great way to cure it. Saute some aromatics and fragrant curry powder, then add canned pumpkin, broth, and coconut milk. It’s a simple recipe with unique flavors that are great in cool weather.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Sheet Pan Chicken With Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Brussels Sprouts
Sheet pan dinners are a trendy way of making simple meals. Everything goes on one sheet pan and bakes in the oven. This version includes chicken marinated with rosemary and cinnamon along with plenty of fall vegetables.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Loved by Texans, King Ranch chicken casserole is like a layered Tex-Mex chicken lasagna. Make it as a way to use up leftover cooked chicken, or use the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Creamy sauce, cheese, and corn tortillas make this a comforting casserole.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Inside Out Stuffed Cabbage
Like stuffed peppers, it’s easier and faster to make stuffed cabbage without actually stuffing anything. This recipe uses lots of ground beef, chopped cabbage, and rice for a more stew-like dish. Bonus: It’s got cubed butternut squash for an extra blast of autumn.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Homemade Alfredo Sauce
It’s hard to beat the comforting properties of alfredo sauce on pasta. It’s surprisingly easy to make, so there’s no reason not to make it this fall. Cream, butter, and plenty of Parmesan cheese are all that’s necessary, but feel free to add chicken, shrimp, or any vegetables for variety.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Fall is the season for Brussels sprouts, and roasting them is the best way to bring out their sweetness. Bits of them get charred, caramelized, and crispy, making even the most avowed sprouts haters fans.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Cottage Pie
Cottage pie is similar to a shepherd’s pie, but instead of lamb it contains beef. Ground beef is used in this recipe to make it quick and hearty. Top the rich filling with mashed potatoes and bake it for a filling entree.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Pasta coated in a smooth, bright-orange sauce seems incredibly luxurious and complicated, but it’s really not. Simply boil the butternut squash, add some aromatics such as garlic and shallots, and puree in a blender. Add to some pasta, along with cheese and pepper, for a rich dish that’s actually pretty good for you.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Apple Pork Chops
Apples and pork are a classic combination, and apple season is the ideal time to put them together. Pork chops are seared and baked in apple cider. Dijon mustard and sage are added to the sweet pan sauce for even more fall flavor before being served over sauteed apples.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Don’t throw away the pumpkin guts after you carve a jack-o’-lantern for Halloween. Remove the seeds from the flesh and dry them. Then make this recipe for spicy, savory pumpkin seeds with worcestershire, cumin, and cayenne. It’s a great fall snack.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Mulled Cider
Making mulled cider in a slow cooker is the best beverage for a fall party, especially because it’s hot and ready whenever anyone wants a drink. This recipe includes orange and fresh ginger for a delicious twist on the usual cinnamon and cloves, and it can be made ahead of time, resulting in a house that smells fantastic all day.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Spice up hot chocolate with Mexican flavors. Cinnamon, vanilla, and just a pinch of hot pepper powder give a unique twist on classic, homemade cocoa. Top it with plenty of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Baking oatmeal is a great, simple way to serve a lot of people at once or to make breakfast for your family all week. Adding canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice will remind you instantly that it’s fall. Serve a scoop in a bowl topped with milk.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Apple Butter
Apple butter has nothing to do with dairy — it’s apples cooked down to a thick, butter-like consistency, and it’s delicious, especially on toast, oatmeal, or ice cream. Just throw a bunch of sliced apples into a slow cooker along with sugar and spices, and let it do its work. Your house will smell amazing.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Easy Gingerbread Bars
Gingerbread cookies are delicious, but it’s a lot of work to roll out the dough and cut them into shapes. This recipe recommends patting the spiced molasses dough into a pan before baking. Then, use a cookie cutter to cut it into shapes or bar cookies.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Easy Pumpkin Bread
Instead of making muffins, which take extra time to portion into cups, try a quick bread loaf instead. This recipe for a simple pumpkin bread is easy: Just mix wet ingredients, add dry ingredients, and bake. It makes two loaves, so you can freeze one to eat later.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
The most difficult part of this gooey recipe is mixing a dough similar to sugar cookies and patting it in a pan. The topping includes tons of pecans, cinnamon, and dulce de leche, a canned milk-based caramel. It bakes up sticky, sweet, and luscious.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Apple Dutch Baby
Dutch babies, a baked, pancakelike breakfast, look impressive, but they’re very simple to make. This version includes a ring of fresh apples in the batter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top. Breakfast guests will love this recipe.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Cinnamon Raisin Baked French Toast
Baked French toast is a breakfast dish that makes any morning easier. Create it the night before, then put the pan in the fridge overnight. Bake it, full of cinnamon and raisins, the next morning and serve with maple syrup.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp
A crisp is just as homey as an apple pie, but easier and faster to make. Just cut the apples and place in a pan, mix the topping, and sprinkle it on. Your house will smell like autumn while it bakes.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Indian Pudding
With a texture like a thick porridge and a fall spice flavor with cinnamon and molasses, Indian pudding may be the best fall dessert you’ve never heard of. It’s popular in New England, but the cornmeal-based dish that’s usually topped with vanilla ice cream should be a staple everywhere.
