Ree Drummond says it herself: “I would like to officially declare that fall is my favorite season!” And cooking up the season’s coziest dishes is definitely part of it. When the weather cools down, the days get shorter, and the leaves transform into a striking array of colors, it’s your cue to break out the hearty stews, cheesy casseroles, and pumpkin desserts that you’ve been dreaming about since last autumn.
Whether you’re looking for cozy weekend breakfasts or nourishing weeknight dinners, this compilation of the best fall recipes has you covered with mains, sides, drinks, and plenty of sweet treats, all packed with comfort and flavor. If you’re looking to use up your seasonal produce, whip up a delicious meal made with butternut squash or sweet potato, or bake up a batch of warm pumpkin pastries and apple desserts to curb your sugar cravings. You can even mix up a fun autumn cocktail infused with spiced apple cider.
Of course, fall is also that time of year when any night of the week can feel a bit hectic: It’s back-to-school season, football season, and harvest season all in one! To save yourself some time on a busy school night, prepare a hands-off recipe in your slow cooker, assemble a simple dinner on a sheet pan, or pop a main in your air fryer. Some of the recipes on this list can be made ahead, so once you’re ready for mealtime, you’ll just need to reheat it. Whatever you’re craving, you’re bound to fall in love with these autumnal recipes!
1) Hamburger Casserole
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Beefy, cheesy comfort food is what fall dinners are all about. You can serve this dish straight out of the oven, but if you’re short on time, assemble it a day or two ahead, and heat it up once you’re ready to eat.
Get Ree’s Hamburger Casserole recipe.
2) Stuffed Acorn Squash
Photo credit: Will Dickey
If you haven’t tried acorn squash, now’s the time! This fall veggie is sweet, nutty, and even more delicious when stuffed with sausage, rice, and cheese. Whenever you’re craving something hearty and seasonal, churn out this cozy fall recipe.
Get the Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
3) Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
Photo credit: C.W. Newell
Give sticky-sweet monkey bread a fall-inspired flair by adding pumpkin caramel sauce to the pull-apart treat. It’s the kind of fall recipe that’ll have the whole family coming back for seconds.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread recipe.
4) Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Photo credit: C.W. Newell
Thanks to canned biscuits and your trusty slow cooker, this fall recipe is so easy to whip up. You’ll get your comfort-food fix without all the hands-on work.
Get Ree’s Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
5) Butternut Squash Casserole
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Make the most of peak-season butternut squash by putting it at the front and center of your next casserole. This cozy side is packed with plenty of other fall fixings like apple cider vinegar, kale, and parsnips, too.
Get the Butternut Squash Casserole recipe.
6) Apple Cider Margarita
Photo credit: C.W. Newell
Margarita season doesn’t have to end just because summer is over. Instead, add apple cider to the mix and you’ll have a fall cocktail that’s perfectly tart and sweet.
Get Ree’s Apple Cider Margarita recipe.
7) Harvest Bowl
Photo credit: Danielle Daly
Get creative with your fall lunch by loading up a grain bowl filled with lots of flavorful mix-ins. You can toss in roasted veggies, crisp apples, crumbled goat cheese, rotisserie chicken, and so much more!
Get the Harvest Bowl recipe.
8) Beef and Noodles
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Talk about a cozy dinner! This hearty, beefy stew is stick-to-your-bones good.
Get the Beef and Noodles recipe.
9) Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Photo credit: C.W. Newell
You can serve this any time of day! Whip up this easy pumpkin coffee cake for breakfast or dessert. It would be perfect with a cup of coffee or a pumpkin spice latte.
Get the Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipe.
10) Apple Cider-Glazed Salmon
Photo credit: David Malosh
Apple isn’t just for sweet treats! Roast salmon with a sweet and savory sauce of apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic and paprika to capture all the cozy flavors of fall.
Get Ree’s Apple Cider-Glazed Salmon recipe.
11) Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Photo credit: C.W. Newell
Make something a little unexpected for dinner! Stuff fluffy baked sweet potatoes with a blend of rotisserie chicken, green chiles, a hint of jalapeño, and a velvety, tangy sauce.
Get the Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
12) Apple Crumble
Photo credit: C.W. Newell
Is there anything more comforting than the smell of warm apples and cinnamon with a nutty brown sugar topping? This fall dessert is delicious on its own but you might want to consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Get Ree’s Apple Crumble recipe.
13) Pumpkin Ravioli
Photo credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
The combination of pumpkin-stuffed ravioli, browned butter, and sage just screams fall! Plus, it’s easier than you might think!
Get Ree’s Pumpkin Ravioli recipe.
14) Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Soup
Photo credit: C.W. Newell
Not only is this soup a hearty bowl of comfort, but the recipe makes an extra big batch. That means you can have some for dinner and freeze the rest for another weeknight meal!
Get Ree’s Sausage, White Bean, and Kale Soup recipe.
15) Pork, Apple, and Sage Meatballs
Photo credit: Ryan Liebe
The combination of ground pork, grated apples, fresh sage, and warm allspice makes these meatballs a hit at the table. Take Ree’s advice and serve them over a bowl of mashed sweet potatoes.
Get Ree’s Pork, Apple, and Sage Meatballs recipe.
16) Pumpkin Pie Martini
Photo credit: Will Dickey
This cocktail recipe tastes just like a slice of pie so you know it’s got to be good. It even has a dollop of frozen whipped cream on top!
Get the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe.
17) Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Photo credit: Ryan Liebe
What a way to start the morning off right! These pancakes are loaded with warm cinnamon, grated apples, and a hint of vanilla. There’s even a pile of whipped cream and extra diced apples on top.
Get Ree’s Apple Cinnamon Pancakes recipe.
18) Butternut Squash Lasagna
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
For a fall-inspired lasagna, all you need is layers of seasonal ingredients like a butternut squash sauce, spicy Italian sausage, and fresh sage. Oh, and of course, lots and lots of cheese!
Get the Butternut Squash Lasagna recipe.
19) Slow Cooker Chili
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Making your chili in a slow cooker means you don’t have to stand over the stove all day while it simmers. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Slow Cooker Chili recipe.
20) Pumpkin Soup
Photo credit: Danielle Daly
You’ll be surprised by just how easy it is to make Ree’s pumpkin soup! Follow her festive lead and serve it in cute pumpkin bowls.
Get Ree’s Pumpkin Soup recipe.
21) Quick-and-Easy Apple Tart
Photo credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
If you want to make a quick dessert that also showcases those beautiful fall apples you found at the farmer’s market, this tart recipe is for you! You can even whip it up on busy weeknights.
Get Ree’s Quick-and-Easy Apple Tart recipe.
22) Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving! It’s also a comforting main course that you can make during the week, especially when you let the air fryer do all the work.
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
23) Pumpkin Risotto
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
Don’t be intimidated—making risotto at home is easier than you might think. And this version made with seasonal pumpkin puree, bacon, and sage is so comforting.
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
24) Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Photo credit: Danielle Daly
Start your day off with a bowl of cozy oatmeal. This one has apple, cinnamon, walnuts, and brown sugar so it’s practically like dessert.
Get the Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal recipe.
25) Puff Pastry-Wrapped Pork with Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Photo credit: Dana Gallagher
Flaky puff pastry makes this pork dinner look extra-elegant. It’s perfect for a fall dinner party, especially when served up with seasonal Brussels sprouts.
Get Ree’s Puff Pastry-Wrapped Pork with Brussels Sprouts Slaw recipe.
26) One-Pot French Onion Pasta
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
This pasta went viral for a reason! It’s cheesy, savory, onion-y, and just so darn fun. If you give it a try, don’t forget to post about it on Instagram or TikTok.
Get the One-Pot French Onion Pasta recipe.
27) Caramel Apple Cookies
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
Looking for a fall bake sale recipe? These cookies have got you covered! They’re loaded with seasonal apples and topped with a sweet caramel glaze.
Get the Caramel Apple Cookies recipe.
28) Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
Photo credit: Caitlin Bensel
This one-pot dinner makes perfectly juicy chicken every time. Just be sure to take the lid off and finish the dish under the broiler for that beautiful browned skin.
Get the Dutch Oven Roast Chicken recipe.
29) Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Photo credit: Will Dickey
Bacon and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven. And when you add tart dried cranberries, it truly is a magical thing.
Get the Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe.
30) Mulled Maple Apple Cider
Photo credit: Ralph Smith
There are so many cozy fall flavors in this mulled cider, including maple syrup, allspice, cloves, and citrus.
Get Ree’s Mulled Maple Apple Cider recipe.
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