79 Fabulous Fall Dinner Ideas to Impress Your Guests in 2024

With the summer harvest starting to wind down, it’s time to start planning Fall dinner ideas to get you in the mood. While juicy melons and ripe tomatoes are nearing the end of their season, there’s a lot to look forward to with the coming season, not including pumpkin spice lattes.

So what foods are popular in the Fall? One of the main ingredients is apples and they have plenty of sweet and savory uses. Corn continues to thrive into the early Fall and cruciferous veggies get glorious around early October.

Where you live will slightly affect what grows and when but even if you can’t find everything at your local farmer’s market, your grocery store brings in produce from all over the globe. This Seasonal Food Guide makes it easy to know what’s in peak season for any given month in all parts of the U.S.

Whether you try to eat seasonally or just plan some delicious Fall foods for a dinner party, Fall is a colorful and flavorful season to embrace. You can think up amazing Fall party ideas just based on the menu of the season. Apple or pumpkin are super versatile foods and come together nicely for Thanksgiving desserts or savory sides. Read on to dive into the flavors of the season to feed you, your family and all your guests. 

 Jump to Section

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

Easy Fall Dinner Ideas

1. Take an Online Cooking Class

As the weather outside turns chilly and school starts back up, you might find yourself looking for new hobbies. Even if you know your way around the kitchen, online cooking classes can expose you to a whole new world of culinary possibilities. From a masterclass in French macarons to making your own Chinese dumplings from scratch, you’ll gain confidence and mastery in a variety of techniques and cuisines. 

2. White Bean and Mushroom Cassoulet

This vegetarian Fall dinner idea is hearty and filling. Instead of meat, the filling is made with two types of wild mushrooms along with white beans and a classic mirepoix mixture and some white wine for flavor. After reducing the liquid and softening everything in your slow cooker, add some shredded Gruyere cheese and bread crumbs to bring it all together. 

3. Sheet Pan Chicken with Apples and Delicata Squash

It doesn’t get any easier than this sheet pan Fall dinner idea. Sliced delicata squash and roasted chunks of your favorite apples pair perfectly with tender roasted chicken thighs. Add a sprinkle of your favorite spices and enjoy this meal all week long. 

4. Classic Chili

For many, it isn’t truly Fall until you’ve made your first pot of chili. This easy and hearty Fall dinner idea is even better in the crock pot and the perfect way to nourish yourself and your family. Ground beef, tomatoes, lots of beans and a few good shakes of chili powder are the base for a classic bowl. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese and maybe some bacon crumbles to get fancy. 

5. Apple Squash Soup

This colorful Fall dinner idea is just the right blend of savory and sweet. Roasted apples, sweet potatoes, onions and squash are blended together with chicken stock and simmered with spices like cumin oregano and cinnamon. Top with crispy pepitas and a dollop of sour cream and enjoy. 

6. Guinness Beef Stew

What could make beef stew even heartier? A bottle or two of Guinness! Tender bites of beef, potato and carrot are coated in a rich and savory broth with this surprisingly easy Fall dinner idea. 

7. French Onion Soup

French onion soup is one of the more popular starters when going out to eat but it’s not too terribly difficult to make your own at home. It is slightly time-consuming to caramelize all those onions but the technique is rather simple. You can level up a classic recipe by adding short ribs or don’t fix what isn’t broken. This comforting Fall dinner idea will warm you all through the colder months. 

8. Pan Roasted Chicken with Grapes, Garlic and Rosemary

If you’ve never eaten warm grapes before, your life will be changed for the better as soon as you do. This skillet chicken recipe is the ideal Fall dinner idea that’s healthy and flavorful. 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. 

9. Chicken Noodle Soup

Cold temps mean cold and flu season is around the corner, too and nothing makes you feel better faster than some homemade chicken noodle soup. Do it the old-fashioned way if you have the time, by making your own broth from a chicken carcass. Your favorite type of noodle and the addition of some herbs like thyme, parsley and bay leaf make this easy Fall dinner idea hard to beat. 

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. Tender, slow-cooked chunks of beef in a velvety broth meet your favorite stew veggies like carrot medallions and pieces of soft potato. This easy Fall dinner idea is healthy without skimping on flavor. 

11. Butter Chicken Meatballs

Skip the carry-out but keep the flavor of your favorite Indian restaurant with these butter chicken meatballs. Warming spices and tomatoes come together in a decadent sauce. Hand-mixed ground chicken meatballs add the protein and a garnish of fresh herbs to complete this delightful and easy Fall dinner idea. Don’t forget a side of rice or naan!

12. Creamy Corn Chowder

There are so many ways to make creamy corn chowder your own. Potatoes and roasted corn in a creamy broth are the perfect accent to bacon, blackened shrimp or chicken, poblano peppers or roasted red peppers. This satisfying Fall dinner idea is surprisingly easy to whip up. 

13. Pumpkin and Sage Soup

One of the most beloved Fall flavor combinations has to be pumpkin and sage. A match made in heaven, roasted pumpkin or your favorite squash blends up nicely with chicken or vegetable broth and a splash of cream. Fresh or crispy sage on top with a dollop of creme fraiche make this Fall dinner idea complete. 

14. Instant Pot Chicken Pho

Sort of like chicken noodle soup, this instant pot pho is light but comforting all at once. Your pressure cooker cuts the cooking time in half or more and packs 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 in this Fall dinner idea. Tender chicken thighs and rice noodles make this filling, topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts and maybe a few slices of jalapeno pepper. 

15. Patty Melts with Charred Scallion-Chipotle Mayo

Step one in this delicious Fall dinner idea involves whipping up a flavorful aioli of chipotle peppers, charred scallions and a hint of citrus. This quick alternative replaces time-consuming caramelized onions in a classic patty melt. Use your favorite bread along with seasoned beef patties and melted cheese for a cozy dinner at home. 

16. Fall Mushroom Pizza

This homemade pizza looks and tastes like a fancy flatbread from your favorite restaurant. Only you need to know how easily this Fall dinner idea comes together. Start with a medley of your favorite mushrooms, sautéed in butter with shallot, thyme and a bit of balsamic glaze. Lay down store-bought pizza dough or puff pastry and sprinkle gruyere, swiss or sharp cheddar (maybe even a combination of all three?) and top with mushrooms, more thyme and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Bake until crispy and the cheese is melted for a perfectly satisfying umami bite. 

Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas

17. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Pack all your protein and veggies into one mouthwatering soup like a smoky chicken tortilla soup. The tasty tomato base goes well with beans, onions, carrots and corn and chunks of marinated chicken make it a balanced meal. Set aside some tortilla chips to crumble on top for a little extra crunch. 

18. Sancocho

A traditional Caribbean or Latin-American dish, sancocho makes a tasty and healthy Fall dinner idea. Your choice of meat, along with plantain or potato, corn, scallions and other vegetables of choice are stewed together for a flavorful and balanced soup. 

19. White Chicken Chili

Some people would say this white chili isn’t chili at all, while others say it’s better than the original. Navy beans, braised chicken along with chiles in a creamy broth make for a bold and mouthwatering bite. With a perfect ratio of meat and veggies to make this balanced, it’s an ideal Fall dinner idea for your family. 

20. Stuffed Peppers

Pick your favorite pepper, like bell or poblano, to serve as the base of this healthy Fall dinner idea. Stick with the vegetarian route and stuff them with seasoned beans and other veggies or add ground meat along with spices. A little shredded cheese on top never hurt anybody either!

21. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Add some Mexican flare to your baked potato with some swaps. Instead of a russet, go for a sweet potato and once baked until soft, slice it open and top it with black beans, guacamole, cotija cheese and some red onion. You can always add braised chicken for more protein. 

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. Lay a base of sliced onions, potatoes, squash or carrots and top with seasoned chicken thighs. Bake up 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. Slow Cooker Pozole Verde with Chicken

Sort of like the Mexican version of white chicken chili, this pozole verde is the best healthy Fall dinner idea. Plenty of garlic, jalapenos and tomatillos give this recipe an added punch for immune health and flavor. Top it with shredded cabbage, more jalapeno peppers, avocado or radish and a dollop of sour cream. 

24. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Take a break from all the variations of squash soup with this bright and refreshing but still comforting Fall dinner idea: Greek lemon chicken soup, also known as avgolemone. It’s loaded with mirepoix veggies, lots of chicken for good protein and lemon juice to accentuate the fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Egg yolks are slowly stirred in to give it a wonderful silky, creamy texture. Don’t worry, if done right, you won’t be having scrambled eggs mixed into your soup. 

25. Antipasto Salad

Enjoy the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant with a hearty, homemade antipasto salad. You can make this with or without meat and feel free to make swaps for your favorite ingredients. 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. Optional but extra delicious, you can add sliced or cubed mozzarella and diced salami for extra flavor and protein. Drizzle on top a mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and garlic and you’re all set for a delicious Fall dinner idea that lasts in the fridge all week long. 

26. Stuffed Acorn Squash with Brown Rice and Turkey Sausage

After removing the top and scooping the seeds out from your acorn squash, fill it up with a mixture of sautéed peppers and onions, ground turkey sausage and brown rice. Roast until your squash is tender and enjoy this wonderfully seasonal Fall dinner idea. 

27. Swamp Soup

Trademarked by TikTok celebrity Meredith Hayden of Wishbone Kitchen, swamp soup is the healthy Fall dinner idea you need in your life. 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. 

28. 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. This is a great meal-prep recipe, just keep each ingredient in its own container until you’re ready to assemble your salad. 

29. 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 sizzling and enjoy this healthy Fall dinner idea. 

30. Arugula and Kale Harvest Salad

On a lighter note, you can toss together all your favorite seasonal ingredients into a harvest salad. Things like bacon or crispy prosciutto add a nice smoky flavor along with pomegranate arils, roasted pumpkin or squash, avocado, toasted nuts and apple slices. Mix together a maple vinaigrette with real maple syrup for a healthy and filling Fall dinner idea. This could be the perfect Thanksgiving side for some added freshness and crunch. 

31. Chicken Parmesan

This delightful Fall dinner idea is even easier if you have an air fryer but a stovetop or oven works just fine. Lightly bread your chicken breasts and cook until crispy in your chosen apparatus. Spoon over plenty of homemade tomato sauce and a little (or a lot) of parmesan and mozzarella cheese. This traditional Italian dish is perfect on its own or with a tangy side salad. 

32. 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 of your favorite kale and a little parmesan cheese and voila! Bonus: Stew the parmesan rinds in the soup, then remove them before eating for an extra umami kick. 

Fall Meals for a Crowd

33. Class Beef Bourguignon

Having guests over and wanting to impress? This classic French stew, made famous by Julia Childs, is hearty, filling and slightly decadent. Brimming with tender chunks of beef, loads of classic veggies along with a hint of smokiness from bacon and tons of flavor from reduced red wine, this Fall dinner idea can stand on its own. A light side salad isn’t necessary and chances are no one will have room for dessert after a bowl or two of this incredible stew. 

34. Build a Grazing Table

If you’re having a bunch of people over for dinner, cocktails or watching a football game, a big spread of meat, cheese and dips will more than satisfy the crowd. A grazing table can include anything you want, from skewers to pita chips, fresh fruit or salsa and lots of cured meat and cheeses. It’s like a giant charcuterie board on your kitchen island or dining table. Once you find some things you like, hold onto them for Thanksgiving charcuterie board ideas. Thanks to the wide selection and the fact that meat and cheese get pretty filling, this is a practical Fall dinner idea for feeding a crowd. 

35. Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Sage

While this Fall dinner idea sounds and tastes like something at a popular restaurant, it’s super simple and utterly delicious. Feed the crowds with this rich and filling pumpkin risotto, bursting with buttery goodness and topped with crispy sage. 

36. Smoky Split Pea Soup

When the weather gets cold and there are fewer fresh veggies available in season, soup is the go-to Fall dinner idea. This smoky split pea soup has pieces of bacon or pancetta along with diced ham and homemade focaccia croutons. This soup can stand alone as an entrée or warm palates as an appetizer. 

37. Mushroom Flatbread with White Miso

Flatbreads make a fantastic appetizer or Fall dinner idea for crowds. You don’t need to go all the way gourmet and make your own crusts, though you can. Storebought puff pastry makes a delicious and unique base for sautéed mushrooms in a buttery miso sauce. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and some cheese and call it a day. 

38. Gnocchi with Pomodoro

Nothing sounds better than a comforting plate of pasta when the weather outside turns a tad chilly. Spend the afternoon rolling up tender homemade gnocchi or pick up your favorite pre-made potato noodle puffs. Whip up a quick pomodoro sauce using tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil for a light and quick but down-right delicious pasta night with this Fall dinner idea. 

39. Roasted Merguez Sausage with Apples and Onions

Spend the afternoon making your own merguez sausage using lamb, beef or both and a healthy amount of harissa, cumin and chile peppers. Once you’re left with several pounds of uncooked sausage, you can cook it all at once, in a ring, in your oven. Roast it alongside big chunks of apple and red onion for a flavorful Fall dinner idea for a party. 

40. Paprika Chicken with Peppers and Tomatoes

A few basic ingredients come together for a delightful Fall dinner idea that feeds the crowds, like this paprika chicken with peppers and tomatoes. You can roast up a whole chicken or two, depending on how many guests you need to feed. A healthy shake of paprika and other spices coats the bird and softens the tomatoes and sliced bell peppers underneath. The result is a tender piece of chicken with wonderfully soft and flavorful veggies. Top with slivered almonds for some added crunch. 

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

Leverage the sweet tanginess of fresh citrus for a whole roast chicken, alongside a fresh, crunchy mix of roasted fennel and radicchio. This colorful and nutritious spread is the ideal Fall dinner idea for a crowd. Adding mushrooms makes this dish even more heavenly. 

42. Mayan Pepita Chicken Stew

This bold and flavorful chicken stew is an easy way to impress your guests. Made with chicken drumsticks and warming spices like Ceylon cinnamon, allspice and black peppercorn that pair perfectly with tomatillos, plum tomatoes and roasted red peppers. Serve this Fall dinner idea over a bed of rice for a balanced and unique take on chicken stew. 

43. 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 is the perfect Fall dinner idea for guests. Whole ham hocks cook down to create a beautiful and flavorful 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 are the perfect crunch atop soft lentils. 

44. Buttermilk and Kale Mac n Cheese

This decadent side dish is a pleasing Fall dinner idea for crowds, perfect with smoked meat or roasted chicken. Mix up a bechamel sauce with tangy 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. 

45. Wine Braised Pork Loin with Mushrooms

What meat is best in the Fall? Pork is delicious all year round but it pairs really well with other Fall flavors. Fragrant orange and plenty of garlic will have your mouth watering long before you take your first bite. A simple and affordable pork loin is a practical and delicious Fall dinner idea for a crowd. Cook your pork over sliced mushrooms, onions and carrots and spoon onto a bed of polenta before topping with a slice of the pork. 

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. 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. 

48. 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 mushroom in a cream sauce are just as delicious 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. 

Fall Dinner Ideas for the Family

49. 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. 

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. 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. 

52. 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. 

53. 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. 

54. 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. 

55. 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 crave-able lunch or dinner. 

56. 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. 

57. 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 it until tender. Use a fork to scrape through the flesh and make “spaghetti” then spoon over some homemade creamy alfredo sauce and enjoy. 

58. 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. 

59. 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. 

60. 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. 

61. 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. 

62. 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. 

63. 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. 

64. 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 spice and smooth it into a casserole dish. Set some store-bought biscuit dough on the top and bake until golden brown. 

Cheap Fall Recipes

65. 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.

66. 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 pasta, lemon, Pecorino Romano and some crispy capers. Sautéed mushrooms make a wonderful addition as well to this cheap Fall dinner idea. 

67. 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. 

68. 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 storebought 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. 

69. 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. 

70. 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. 

71. 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. 

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 get shorter, darker and colder. Leaning into what is in season makes the change from summer to winter a lot more pleasant. Plus, cooking is a great hobby and certainly the number one Thanksgiving activity, so you might as well make dishes that excite you and tantalize your tastebuds. Some people wait all year long for pumpkin season and now that it’s here, it’s time to get cooking. For even more fun dinner party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!