79 Fall Dinner Ideas Full of Cozy Flavor in 2025

With summer’s last tomatoes and melons making their curtain call, it’s the perfect time to start lining up your fall dinner ideas. Sure, pumpkin spice lattes get all the press, but fall flavor is so much bigger than that.

Think crisp apples that work just as well in a pork roast as they do in a pie. Sweet corn that hangs on through early autumn. And those leafy, cruciferous veggies that finally hit their stride in October. Where you live will shift what’s fresh and when, but between local markets and well-stocked grocery stores, you’ve got plenty to work with.

According to Better Homes & Gardens, this year food trends are leaning into comfort — think rich, nostalgic flavors with a twist — which makes fall the ultimate season to play with your menu. You'll be spoiled for choice for fall party ideas, whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a proper harvest spread.

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• Easy Fall Dinner Ideas
• Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
• Fall Meals for a Crowd
• Fall Dinner Ideas for the Family
• Fall Dinner Ideas for Two 
• Cheap Fall Recipes

Easy Fall Dinner Ideas

When the days get shorter and that first crisp breeze hits, dinner starts feeling less about “what’s quick” and more about “what’s cozy.” Even if you know your way around the kitchen, online cooking classes can help you master everything from seasonal soups to festive mains while keeping your weeknight meals fresh. From a masterclass in French macarons to making your own Chinese dumplings from scratch, you’ll gain confidence and mastery in a variety of new techniques and cuisines. 

1. Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

Warm, fragrant, and packed with plant-based protein, this curry is a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something hearty without that heavy feeling. Roasting the squash first caramelizes its natural sweetness, while chickpeas soak up all the spiced coconut sauce. Serve over rice or with warm naan for a dish that tastes like fall in a bowl.

2. White Bean and Mushroom Cassoulet

This vegetarian cassoulet feels rustic and indulgent, thanks to meaty wild mushrooms and creamy white beans simmered with mirepoix, white wine, and herbs. After reducing the liquid and softening everything in your slow cooker, add some shredded Gruyère cheese and bread crumbs to bring it all together.

3. Classic Chili

For many, it isn’t truly fall until you’ve made your first pot of chili. This easy and hearty dinner can easily be cooked in the crock pot and it’s better that way. Simply brown the beef, bloom the chili powder, then let the tomatoes and beans simmer until the flavors deepen. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese and maybe some bacon crumbles to get fancy.

4. Sheet Pan Chicken with Apples and Delicata Squash

It doesn’t get any easier than sheet pan fall dinner ideas. It’s minimal prep for maximum payoff. Roast tender chicken thighs with rings of delicata squash and chunks of sweet apple, and the oven will do most of the work for you. Add a sprinkle of your favorite spices and you’ve got a balanced dinner you can enjoy all week long.

Apples and pumpkins are super versatile foods and work just as well in your fall desserts or Thanksgiving desserts as they do in savory sides. 

5. Apple Squash Soup

This pot leans into early-season produce. Roast apples, squash, onions and sweet potatoes to concentrate flavor, then blend with stock and a pinch of cumin, oregano and cinnamon. Finish with pepitas for crunch and a spoonful of sour cream. It lands right in that savory-sweet zone that fall flavors are best known for.

6. Guinness Beef Stew

What could make beef stew even heartier? A bottle or two of Guinness. Stout adds body and a gentle bitterness that balances rich beef and potatoes. Sear the meat, deglaze with Guinness and let it all go low and slow until the broth turns glossy and the veggies yield. It’s hearty but not too heavy, and the leftovers make a great next-day lunch. 

7. Pan Roasted Chicken with Grapes, Garlic and Rosemary

If you’ve never eaten warm grapes before, your life is about to be changed for the better. Cut up a whole chicken into six or eight pieces and layer it over garlic bulbs, red grapes and sprigs of rosemary in a cast iron skillet. Roast until the chicken is crispy and cooked all the way through. The warm grapes collapse into a jammy pan sauce that loves crisp chicken skin and rosemary.

8. French Onion Soup

It probably looks harder than it actually is. Patience is really the key. Slowly caramelize a mountain of onions, then add stock and a splash of wine. Broil with Gruyère-topped toasts until molten. If you’re hosting, ladle into ovenproof bowls and finish tableside. It’s fall dinner ideas with a side of theater.

9. Chicken Noodle Soup

Cold temps mean cold and flu season is around the corner and nothing makes you feel better faster than some homemade chicken noodle soup. Start with a quick stock or go old-school with a carcass if you’ve got time. Add your favorite noodles at the end so they stay springy, then finish with thyme, parsley and bay leaf. 

10. Five Spice Beef Stew

Add some extra flavor to a typical beef stew with Chinese five-spice, made with star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds and Szechuan peppercorns. Let everything simmer until the broth turns silky. Serve with rice or crusty bread to catch every drop. 

11. Creamy Corn Chowder

There are so many ways to make creamy corn chowder your own. Use end-of-season corn if you can, frozen if you can’t. Potatoes make it lush without loads of cream, and you can steer it smoky (bacon), spicy (poblano) or briny (shrimp). It’s a flexible addition to your fall dinner ideas lineup that you can change depending on your mood.

12. Butter Chicken Meatballs

You won’t need Indian take-out with these butter chicken meatballs. Simmer tomato-cream sauce with warming spices, then drop in tender chicken meatballs and finish with herbs. The secret is hand-mixing your ground chicken meatballs and garnishing with fresh herbs. Don’t forget a side of rice or naan.

13. Instant Pot Chicken Pho

Sort of like chicken noodle soup, this instant pot recipe for pho is light and comforting all at once. Your pressure cooker cuts the cooking time in half and helps pack the flavor into this incredible broth. Lots of spices like cinnamon, coriander and star anise pair with pieces of apple, onion and cilantro for a unique blend of flavors. Add rice noodles, tender chicken thighs and all the fresh toppers — herbs, sprouts, jalapeño. It’s perfect for early fall evenings. 

14. Pumpkin and Sage Soup

One of the most well-known fall flavor combinations has to be pumpkin and sage. Roast the squash for depth, blend with stock and a dash of cream, then crown it with crispy sage. Fresh or crispy sage on top with a dollop of crème fraîche. It makes for a smooth starter for a dinner party or a simple main with salad.

15. Fall Mushroom Pizza

This homemade pizza looks and tastes like a fancy flatbread from your favorite restaurant. Start with a mix of your favorite mushrooms, sautéed in butter with shallot, thyme and a dash of balsamic, then pile onto dough or puff pastry with Gruyère, swiss or sharp cheddar cheese (maybe even a combination of all three?) and top more thyme and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Bake until crisp and the cheese is melted for a perfectly satisfying umami bite.

16. Patty Melts with Charred Scallion-Chipotle Mayo

First up, prepare a fresh aioli with chipotle peppers, charred scallions and a hint of citrus. This quick alternative is easier than the more time-consuming caramelized onions in a classic patty melt. Spread your aioli on toasted bread with a juicy patty and melted cheese. It’s diner comfort with a small twist and works for game night ideas or fall date ideas when you want something casual but don’t want to get takeout. 

Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas

17. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pack all your protein and veggies into this one mouthwatering soup. Cook up tomato broth, beans, corn and marinated chicken and you’ll have yourself a balanced bowl fast. Set aside some tortilla chips to crumble on top for a little extra crunch.

18. Sancocho

A traditional Latin-Caribbean classic, sancocho makes for one tasty, healthy fall dinner idea. Go with your choice of meat, along with plantain or potato, corn, scallions and other vegetables of choice and stew them together. The long simmer builds flavor, and the chunky vegetables make it feel like stew, not just soup.

19. Stuffed Peppers

Pick your favorite pepper, like bell or poblano, then decide your vibe: beans and veg for meatless, or ground meat with rice for classic comfort. A little shredded cheese on top never hurt anybody either. It’s customizable, so it's one of those fall dinner ideas that can please even the picky eaters.

20. White Chicken Chili

Some people would say this white chili isn’t chili at all, but we say it’s better than the original. Navy beans, braised chicken and green chiles in a creamy broth make for a bold dish that still packs a punch. It scratches the chili itch without being over the top and pairs well with cornbread or rice.

21. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

It’s easy to add a little Mexican flair to your baked potato. Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes and load them with black beans, guacamole, cotija cheese and red onion. Add shredded chicken if you want extra protein. It’s fast, filling and built on fall produce.

22. Classic Sheet Pan Chicken

You can take this healthy fall dinner idea any direction you want in terms of spices and veggies. The best part is that it’s all cooked at once on the same sheet pan. That means less washing up. Everything roasts at once — thighs over a bed of onions, potatoes, squash or carrots — so the juices baste the veg. Bake until the chicken is cooked and the veggies are tender. Serve alongside some rice or mashed potatoes for a quick meal you can feel good about.

23. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Take a break from squash soup with this bright and refreshing avgolemono, or Greek lemon chicken soup. It’s loaded with mirepoix veggies, lots of chicken for good protein, lemon juice and fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Once cooked, egg yolks are slowly stirred in to give it a wonderful silky, creamy texture. Don’t rush it, though; otherwise, you’ll be having scrambled egg soup instead.

24. Slow Cooker Pozole Verde with Chicken

Sort of like the Mexican version of white chicken chili, this pozole verde packs a lot of flavor. And plenty of garlic, jalapenos and tomatillos give this recipe an added boost for your immune health. Let it cook low and slow, then pile on cabbage, radish and avocado for crunch and cream for taste.

25. Antipasto Salad

Bring your favorite Italian restaurant flavors home with a hearty, homemade antipasto salad. Slice and dice together things like cherry tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini or banana peppers, artichokes and some red onion to mix with a base of your favorite leafy greens like romaine. Add mozzarella and salami if you want more protein, then finish with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and garlic and you’re all set for delicious fall dinner ideas that last all week long in the fridge.

26. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Brown Rice and Turkey Sausage

A tidy, seasonal package: roasted acorn squash filled with turkey sausage, peppers, onions and brown rice. It’s easy to pull together but feels special enough to serve up when you’ve got company.

27. Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

Skip the $17 salad from Sweetgreen and make your own at home with this seasonal and healthy fall dinner idea. Loaded with roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, diced apple and wild rice on a bed of kale with goat cheese crumbles, it’s full of whole foods that provide fiber, protein and lots of vitamins and minerals. Keep each ingredient separate for easy lunches all week, then toss with dressing when you’re ready.

28. Swamp Soup

Trademarked by TikTok celebrity Meredith Hayden of Wishbone Kitchen, swamp soup is the healthy fall dinner idea you didn’t know you needed. Each bold, sinus-clearing bite is packed with immune-boosting ingredients to help you kick that lingering cold. Chicken bone broth gets blended with lots of spinach, raw garlic, jalapenos, parsley and cilantro plus the juice of a few limes. Add in some shredded chicken and rice to thicken it up. The bold green color will boost your mood instantly.

29. Arugula and Kale Harvest Salad

For something a little lighter, toss together all your favorite seasonal ingredients and make yourself a harvest salad. Bitter greens meet smoky bits (bacon or crisp prosciutto), roasted pumpkin or squash, apple, avocado and nuts. Mix together a maple vinaigrette with real maple syrup for a healthy and serve it alongside roasts or topped with chicken for a tasty fall dinner idea. This could be the perfect Thanksgiving side for some added freshness and crunch. 

30. Fall Kielbasa Sheet Pan Bake with Creamy Curry Dijon

The name is quite a mouthful but it’s a mouthful that’s incredibly delicious and bursting with bold, fall flavors. On a sheet pan, add chopped Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and red grapes with cut-up kielbasa that you’ve made or bought. Whisk together a glaze with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon and curry powder to drizzle over everything. Bake until crispy and serve sizzling.

31. Chickpea and Kale Soup

This earthy fall dinner idea is chock-full of heart-healthy ingredients. A savory tomato broth brings sweetness and acidity, while chickpeas help to thicken it and deliver protein. Add some kale and a little Parmesan cheese and simmer into a satisfying bowl. Bonus: Stew the Parmesan rinds in the soup, then remove them before eating for an extra umami kick.

32. Chicken Parmesan

This one’s easier if you have an air fryer but a stovetop or oven works just fine. Lightly bread your chicken breasts and cook until crispy. Spoon over plenty of homemade tomato sauce and a little (or a lot) of parmesan and mozzarella cheese. It’s great on its own or with a tangy side salad to cut through the richness.

Fall Meals for a Crowd

33. Class Beef Bourguignon

When you really want to impress, a big pot of beef bourguignon does the job. This French stew, made famous by Julia Child, combines slow-braised beef, hearty vegetables, smoky bacon and a rich red wine reduction. The depth of flavor develops over hours, so it’s the kind of fall dinner idea that doubles as a fall centerpiece. Serve it straight from the pot with crusty bread, and you may not even need a side dish.

34. Build a Grazing Table

For casual gatherings, a grazing table keeps guests happy without the stress of a plated meal. It’s like a giant charcuterie board on your kitchen island or dining table. Layer a variety of meats, cheeses, dips, seasonal fruits, crackers and breads directly on a large board or tabletop. The abundance feels festive, and you can easily work in fall flavors like apple slices, pumpkin hummus or roasted squash wedges. Once you find some things you like, you can use them for Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas. 

35. Smoky Split Pea Soup

When the weather gets cold and there are fewer fresh veggies available in season, soup is the go-to for fall dinner ideas. With bacon or pancetta and finished with homemade croutons, this smoky split pea soup is a budget-friendly option for feeding a large group. You can serve it on its own, as an entrée or as an appetizer. 

36. Mushroom Flatbread with White Miso

Flatbreads make fantastic appetizers or fall dinner ideas for crowds. While it’s not necessary to go all in and make your own crusts, you can if you want. But even store-bought puff pastry makes a delicious base for sautéed mushrooms in a buttery miso sauce. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and some cheese and call it a day. 

37. Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Sage

Pumpkin risotto super simple and utterly delicious. It’s creamy, buttery and gently sweet from the pumpkin purée. Crisped sage leaves on top add texture and that unmistakable fall. It’s easy to scale for a crowd and feels restaurant-level without the complexity.

38. Gnocchi with Pomodoro

Soft potato gnocchi in a simple pomodoro sauce is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy. You can spend the afternoon rolling out your own homemade gnocchi or pick up your favorite store-bought option. Whip up a quick pomodoro sauce using tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil for a light and quick but downright delicious pasta night.

39. Paprika Chicken with Peppers and Tomatoes

You only need a few basic ingredients, paprika chicken with peppers and tomatoes, to make this one. Roast up a whole chicken or two, depending on how many guests you need to feed. Season with a healthy shake of paprika and other spices and cook over tomatoes and sliced bell peppers. Serve the vegetables alongside the chicken for a built-in side dish that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. 

40. Roasted Merguez Sausage with Apples and Onions

Making your own merguez sausage is a bit of a project, but it’s worth it. Using lamb, beef or both and a healthy amount of harissa, cumin and chile peppers. Once combined, you can cook it all at once, in a ring, in your oven. The spicy, aromatic flavor of merguez sausage pairs beautifully with sweet apples and caramelized onions. Roast them together on a sheet pan and the juices mingle into a sauce that’s perfect over crusty bread or couscous. 

41. Orange-Ginger Roast Chicken with Fennel and Radicchio Salad

Roasting chicken with citrus and ginger infuses it with a sweet tanginess that balances the richness of the meat. And a fennel and radicchio salad on the side adds crunch and a hint of bitterness, rounding out the flavors. It’s colorful and nutritious and perfect for fall dinner ideas for a crowd. 

42. Mayan Pepita Chicken Stew

Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) give this stew a nutty backbone, while spices like cinnamon and allspice add warmth. With tomatillos, peppers and tomatoes in the mix, it’s a colorful and complex fall dinner idea that still feels homey.

43. Buttermilk and Kale Mac n Cheese

This mac and cheese leans tangy thanks to buttermilk, with kale adding an earthy counterpoint to the gooey cheddar. Mix up a bechamel sauce with buttermilk before stirring in copious amounts of sharp cheddar cheese. Stir in your choice of noodles and pieces of dino kale before sprinkling some extra cheese on top. Bake until the cheese is golden and toasty. 

44. Smoked Ham Hock and Lentil Soup

Cooking for a crowd doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful and this slow-simmered ham and lentil soup proves it. Whole ham hocks cook down to create a flavorsome broth that fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma. Lemongrass, ginger and a dried habanero chile add an unexpected punch of flavor, while homemade croutons add the perfect crunch. 

45. Wine Braised Pork Loin with Mushrooms

Pork is delicious all year round but it pairs really well with many fall flavors. Slow braising pork loin with garlic, herbs, mushrooms and wine creates a tender roast with plenty of pan sauce. Serving it over creamy polenta ties in another fall comfort classic. 

46. Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Apples

Pork and apples are a perfect combination, along with roasted red onion that turns slightly sweet. Buy a bunch of pork chops and toss them on a sheet pan with a balsamic-Dijon drizzle and bake to perfection for a seasonal Fall dinner idea to feed the crowds. 

47. Coq au Vin Rosé

This traditional French dish is the epitome of coziness and is an impressive Fall dinner idea to serve your guests. Tender chicken thighs with bites of smoky bacon and mushrooms in a cream sauce are just as delicious as leftovers. The rosé adds some depth of flavor that’s a bit lighter than the traditional red wine and the vegetables that roast alongside the chicken make it a balanced meal. Serve it with some crispy, crunchy toasted baguette slices to soak up every last drop of sauce. 

48. Roasted Squash Panzanella

While tomatoes are no longer at their best, squash is happy to fill in with this incredible Fall dinner idea that also works as a Thanksgiving appetizer. Day-old bread becomes the perfect crunchy crouton to toss with kale, roasted squash and a tangy and creamy tahini vinaigrette and topped with crunchy pomegranate arils. The bread soaks up all the flavors and the squash adds a tender and subtly sweet bite. 

Fall Dinner Ideas for the Family

49. Chicken Pot Pie

You’ll be shocked at how easy a homemade pot pie is to make. On a chilly day, it makes for a comforting Fall dinner idea for the family. Go classic all the way or add your own spin with the addition of leeks and thyme and a dash of Dijon for some added flavor. 

50. Chicken Francese

Whip together this comforting fall dinner idea in no time. Lightly breaded chicken cutlets soak up a homemade sauce of refreshing lemon, parmesan and a hint of white wine. Stir in some blistered tomatoes or serve with wilted spinach for a mouthwatering and balanced Fall dinner idea for the family. 

51. Applesauce Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Get out your slow cooker for this delicious Fall dinner idea for the family. Pulled pork gets even better with the addition of applesauce for a subtle sweetness. Serve it on your favorite rolls with a dollop of coleslaw for an easy and craveable lunch or dinner. Serve them with fresh fall salad ideas and you'll be set.

52. Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Casserole

Spice up your leftover chili by serving it over a bed of roasted sweet potato and topping it with plenty of shredded cheese. If you haven’t yet whipped up your chili, take your classic recipe and use black beans instead of kidney beans and add lots of roasted corn and red peppers for a Southwestern version of this Fall dinner idea. 

53. Skillet Cheeseburger Hot Dish

This cozy Fall dinner idea for the family is perfect for weeknights or Friday football watch parties. Seasoned ground beef with peppers and onions on a bed of crispy tater tots and covered with melted cheese… what could be better? In the Midwest, it’s called a hot dish, but you might know it as casserole. Whatever you call it, it’s delicious.

54. Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs

These cider-glazed chicken thighs pack plenty of fall flavor into every bite. Roast your chicken thighs over cubed sweet potatoes and apples, topped with a generous drizzle of homemade cider reduction, made with rosemary and Dijon for extra tang. Skin-on thighs get a gorgeous crisp on top while the fruit and veggies below get tender and delicious. 

55. Instant Pot Pork Puttanesca

This tender pork ragu is the fall dinner idea you didn’t know you needed. Pork should cook down to a tender, shreddable consistency with anchovies, olives and capers plus lots of tomatoes and a dash of red wine vinegar. Serve it over polenta or your favorite noodles for a hearty and balanced meal. 

56. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Change up the classic chicken pot pie by making a casserole version. This fall dinner idea for families is a great weekly meal prep dish because it re-heats like a dream. Create your ideal creamy, vegetable-laden base with plenty of herbs and spices and smooth it into a casserole dish. Set some store-bought biscuit dough on top and bake until golden brown. 

57. Broccoli Parmesan Chicken Soup

The sister soup to the classic broccoli and cheddar, this cheap fall dinner idea is full of fiber, flavor and vitamins to boost your immune system. The base is roasted broccoli blended with chicken broth, a touch of cream and some melted parmesan cheese. Stir in some shredded chicken for a protein boost and top with crunchy croutons. 

58. Carrot Soup with Lemongrass

While this delicious soup might resemble baby food, it tastes anything but basic. Sautéed white onions and plenty of carrots simmer in chicken broth (bone broth for extra protein!) with a few sprigs of lemongrass. After everything is soft, remove the lemongrass and blend it up until smooth. Stir in creamy coconut milk and some Thai sweet chili sauce for a little extra flavor. You can make this spicy for the adults, but this bright orange fall dinner idea for families will please everyone. You can make it thicker and serve it with some sliced-up chicken sausage or extra roasted veggies on top to make it even more nutrient-dense. 

59. Sweet Acorn Squash

Dessert can be healthy when it’s made out of a vegetable. Roasted acorn squash is delightful and in-season, making it perfect for sweet or savory fall dinner ideas for the family. Cut it in half, brush it with a neutral oil and load up the spices like pumpkin pie spice blend or cinnamon and nutmeg before roasting until tender. Conversely, add your favorite savory spices. Once it cools a bit, you can eat it with a spoon right off the skin. 

60. Squash and Spinach Lasagna

If you top anything with shredded cheese, chances are everyone will love it. This squash and spinach lasagna is no exception and it makes a nutrient-dense and delicious fall dinner idea for the family. Pack some extra veggies into your lasagna bake with a seasoned spinach purée, half-moon wedges of squash and a homemade bechamel sauce of sorts. Italian sausage is optional, but only serves to make this more delicious. 

61. Spaghetti Squash Alfredo

Sneak in some veggies with this creamy alfredo served over spaghetti sauce. Get crafty and serve this fall dinner idea for families right in the squash skin. After slicing a few spaghetti squash in half and scooping out the seeds, roast them until tender. Use a fork to scrape through the flesh and make “spaghetti,” then spoon over some homemade creamy alfredo sauce and enjoy. 

Fall Dinner Ideas for Two 

62. Moroccan Spiced Chicken Skillet

Much like sheet pan chicken, this skillet dish is an all-in-one fall dinner idea for the family. Marinated chicken thighs, spiced with cumin, paprika, ginger and cinnamon, cook over a bed of shallot, carrot, chickpeas and couscous for a bold yet pleasing dinner. Chicken stocks help to soften the couscous, while a few sliced dates add a special sweetness. Add a few lemon slices before baking and enjoy. 

63. Apple, Brie and Turkey Paninis

 Level up your grilled cheese with melty brie, sweet apple and a little punch from red onion, along with your favorite deli meat. This wonderful fall dinner idea can be made on the griddle, in the oven or using a panini maker. Kids and adults will love the unique blend of savory and sweetness. 

64. Garlic and Herb Turkey Roulade

Get crafty with a homemade garlic and herb turkey roulade. Buy turkey breasts instead of a whole turkey (chicken works too) and slice them across to create a larger surface area. Mix up chopped garlic with butter and lots of fresh herbs and spread it across the flat turkey breast. Roll it up neatly and bake until the meat is cooked. Serve with rice or potatoes for a balanced and tasty Fall dinner idea for the family. 

65. Spicy Soppressata Pizza

Turn pizza night gourmet with this simple fall dinner idea for the family. Store-bought pizza dough and jarred marinara sauce taste homemade when you add in a drizzle of honey over spicy soppressata salami and fresh basil leaves. Make this in your pizza oven or regular oven for the best pizza you’ve ever had, with very minimal effort. 

66. Pasta with Homemade Pumpkin Butter and Sage

Adding fall flavors doesn’t have to be expensive and this pumpkin butter and sage sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite pasta. Using homemade or store-bought pumpkin butter, browned butter, shallot and a few other ingredients, you will create a silky sauce that coats every noodle, with sweet and savory accents. Top it with crispy sage, grated Parmesan and maybe some Italian sausage and enjoy. 

Cheap Fall Recipes

67. Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of comforting soup recipes out there and they make fantastic and cheap fall dinner ideas. Ideal for meal prep, a nice bowl of pinto bean and poblano pepper soup is warming from the inside out. Include the ground meat of your choice with this creamy, smoky and downright delicious recipe. Top with avocado or crispy pepitas for some extra fiber.

68. Rigatoni with Roasted Cauliflower and Crispy Capers

Make use of in-season cruciferous veggies with a comforting pasta dish. Cook up your favorite noodles, ideally something tubular and toss with butter, garlic, anchovy paste, lemon, Pecorino Romano and some crispy capers. Sautéed mushrooms make a wonderful addition as well to this cheap fall dinner idea. 

69. Pasta e Fagioli

This hearty Italian soup will fuel you all throughout the cold months and it’s a wonderful, cheap fall dinner idea. Loaded with beans, noodles, garlic and mirepoix veggies in a tomato-laden broth, it contains all the parts of a balanced plate in one comforting bowl. 

70. Roasted Tomato Soup

Few things come close to a really good bowl of tomato soup, with or without a grilled cheese to accompany it. A can of soup will do in a pinch, but making your own is easy and makes a cheap fall dinner idea that’s also healthy and delicious. On a sheet pan, roast up lots of tomatoes, a head or two of garlic and some onions. Blend together with a little added stock and consider adding something special like bacon, before stirring in some heavy cream. Garnish with grated cheese and basil leaves and enjoy. 

71. Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato Hand Pies

These veggie hand pies are ultra-comforting, like the adult version of a hot pocket and infinitely more flavorful and delicious. Store-bought pie crusts, filled to the brim with seasoned Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, bake up into a convenient and craveable fall dinner idea you can take on the go. 

72. Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

Skip the beef with this vegetarian stroganoff, a cheap and delectable fall dinner idea. Load up on baby bella mushrooms or add your favorite to the homemade cream sauce with a dash of miso and soy sauce for an extra umami punch. Ladle over a bed of egg noodles for a comforting and classic meal. 

73. Potato Leek Soup

Nothing sounds better than a warm, creamy bowl of homemade potato and leek soup. Make sure to wash your leeks thoroughly before slicing and sautéing with some bacon. Blend in cream and soft potatoes for a perfect lunch or dinner.

74. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Homemade Chili Crisp

Minneapolis chef Sean Sherman makes a homemade chili crisp that pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes, carrots or meat. Blend up dried chiles and toss them in olive oil with maple syrup, sugar, garlic and scallions. Generously drizzle it over roasted slices of bright red sweet potatoes or on top of a simple roast chicken for a bold and seasonal fall dinner idea or side dish. This could even be one of your Thanksgiving food ideas if you’re open to switching things up.

75. Vegetable Ramen with Mushrooms and Bok Choy

A packet of instant ramen gets a glow-up with this fall dinner idea that’s veggie-forward. Start by boiling chicken or veggie broth for added flavor and adding sliced mushrooms and baby bok choy to make it hearty. Cook your noodles and add any extra spices that you like. A soft egg is optional but adds some extra protein to a quick and cheap dinner. 

76. Smoky Vegan Black Bean Soup

No meat is necessary for this flavorful and veggie-packed, cheap fall dinner idea. The recipe calls for dry beans, which take some time but are worth the extra labor. Lots of black beans and spices like smoked paprika, nutritional yeast and liquid smoke keep this vegan while giving the same taste as adding bacon or ham hocks. There’s plenty of fiber from celery, onion and carrots and protein from the beans. Serve it with avocado, red onion and some dairy-free sour cream. 

77. Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Three ingredients you probably have on hand come together for a delicious and cheap fall dinner idea. Chickpeas and broth, along with oven-roasted red peppers, blend together for an easy and filling soup. You can get fancy and add wine or top with creme fraiche, but it’s not necessary for amazing flavor. A little mirepoix gives more depth and a dash of balsamic adds a tangy, umami hint. 

78. Goulash

The name might sound a little scary, but the dish is anything but. Traditionally a Hungarian dish, this one-pot fall dinner idea is affordable and craveable. Made with onion, bell pepper, ground beef and canned tomato (plus a few other things), stirred together with macaroni noodles and cheese. Bake up a big batch in a casserole dish to fuel yourself all week long. 

79. Curried Carrot and Apple Soup

Carrots and apples are the perfect, slightly sweet base for the warming mix of curry spices. Roast them up with onions and chicken or veggie broth before blending until smooth. Make it creamy by adding some heavy cream or coconut milk and enjoy a bowl topped with crispy pepitas for a flavorful fall dinner idea. 

You don’t feel so bad making comforting meals when the days grow shorter, darker and colder. And leaning into what’s in season makes the shift from summer to winter far more enjoyable. Cooking becomes more than a necessity — it’s a way to slow down, savor the season and celebrate flavors you’ve been waiting for all year. Pumpkin season is finally here, so grab your favorite recipes and start creating (you can even get a leg up on planning your Thanksgiving activities). 

For even more fun dinner party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!