30 Easy Fall Dinner Recipes that even the busiest person has time to make! Everything from one pot wonders like one pot mac and cheese to slow cooker favorites like orange chicken, instant pot classics like beef chili, fun air fryer recipes like chicken nuggets, quick and easy sheet pan meals, and all your favorite cozy soups!
Fall is seemingly the busiest time of year. The kids are back in school, work is crazy, after school activities are beginning, and oh yeah, the holiday prep has begun: what are the kids going to be for Halloween? Who’s hosting Thanksgiving this year? When am I going to decorate the house for Christmas?
With so much going on, the last thing you want to think about is what you’re having for dinner. I saw this meme the other day that said something along the lines of “Who knew the hardest part of being an adult was going to be deciding what to have for dinner every night for all of eternity”. While that’s definitely not true, I definitely laughed, and can obviously relate to the struggle.
Because I know you’re all on the “what’s for dinner” struggle bus with me, I decided to share my FAVORITE Easy Fall Dinner Recipes, so next time you’re trying to decide what to have for dinner, just remember this list!
One pot
One Pot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This One Pot Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is both kid friendly and parent approved! This mac and cheese is made in ONE pot on the stove and loaded with chicken nuggets, broccoli, pasta shells, and cheese! Perfect for busy week nights.
One Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta
This One Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta Recipe is the perfect way to use up that leftover holiday ham. A quick and easy recipe that's loaded with pasta, cheese, and loved by kids and adults alike!
Baked Crab Mac and Cheese
This Baked Crab Mac and Cheese requires JUST ONE pot and is loaded with perfectly-cooked pasta, crab, a creamy cheese sauce, white wine vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!
One Pot Lasagna Recipe
One Pot Lasagna. All your favorite lasagna flavors: Italian sausage, spices, tomatoes, red wine, and cheese, but made quicker, easier, and less messy in ONE pot!
One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese
This One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese is loaded with ground beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, taco seasoning, pasta shells, milk, broth, black beans, and THREE kinds of cheese: sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and monterey jack cheese. Don't forget about the fun toppings like tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded lettuce, taco sauce, and more! Kid and adult approved!
More one pot fall dinner recipes
Slow cooker
Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli
Forget take out and have this Crockpot Chicken and Broccoli instead! I love recipes like this, because it actually tastes better than take-out, you can schedule it to be ready exactly when you want it, and *bonus* it's healthier!
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
This Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe is a quick and easy one-pot cozy winter wonder! A crowd pleasing dinner full of tender chicken, ultra-fluffy biscuit dumplings, creamy potatoes, and a thick and flavorful sauce.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
This better than take out Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is the perfect easy, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner. My new favorite throw-and-go slow cooker recipe!
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff is so easy, ultra-creamy, and makes the perfect hearty and cozy meal for those cold winter nights. This slow cooker version of a classic is made without cream of "x" soup and the beef is cooked low and slow, resulting in an extra tender texture.
Crockpot Orange Chicken
This Crockpot Orange Chicken is better than take out! It tastes better, is so much healthier, and is ridiculously easy to make. Orange chicken for the win!
More slow cooker fall dinner recipes
Instant pot
Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti
This Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe is the perfect quick and delicious weeknight meal! With pasta cooked directly in the instant pot, this recipe dirties just one dish for easy cleanup!
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is ultra creamy, ooey-gooey, and made with three kinds of cheese! This is a one pot, quick version of a family favorite classic!
Instant Pot Carnitas
These Instant Pot Carnitas are easy, pretty darn healthy, and absolutely delicious. Full of amazing spices and fresh citrus juices. Perfect for tacos, nachos, quesadillas, salads, and more!
Instant Pot Orange Chicken
This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is tastier and healthier than Chinese take-out! This recipe is kid approved and couldn't be easier.
Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe
Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes. A health-i-fied vegan, gluten free version of a classic! Quick, easy, meatless weeknight dinner.
More instant pot fall dinner recipes
Air fryer
Homemade Healthy Air Fryer Fish Sticks Recipe
This Homemade Healthy Air Fryer Fish Sticks Recipe only requires 10 ingredients (INCLUDING salt and pepper): cod or tilapia, spices: salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, whole wheat flour, eggs, lemon juice, panko breadcrumbs, and old bay seasoning! Oven baked instructions listed as well.
Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Walnut Chicken Tenders
This Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Walnut Chicken Tenders Recipe is a quick, easy, healthier twist on a fast food classic! Only seven ingredients necessary!
Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
A healthier, but just as delicious twist on traditional taquitos, you're going to LOVE this Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos Recipe. Corn OR flour tortillas filled with the easiest crockpot salsa chicken and air fried until golden brown and crispy. Oven baked and deep frying directions included!
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside! A healthier, easier, and tastier version of a drive-through or frozen classic!
Oven baked
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Peppers Recipe
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Peppers. One dirty dish, need I say more? 😉 Loaded with chicken sausage, onions, peppers, and spices, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and packed with flavor and healthy deliciousness! Less than 250 calories per serving.
BBQ Cheddar Turkey Meatloaf Muffin Cups
This BBQ Cheddar Turkey Meatloaf Muffin Cups Recipe is healthy, but also bursting with gooey cheese. At only 177 calories per muffin, this recipe is a complete meal packed with veggies and lean protein!
Pork Tenderloin
This Pork Tenderloin Recipe is quick, easy, healthy, and so tasty! Loaded with pork, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, onion, and apples, and smothered in balsamic vinegar and spices: garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper!
Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe
These Sweet Potato Tacos are gluten free, vegan, healthy, and oh yeah, absolutely DE-LICIOUS! Loaded with sweet potatoes, mushrooms, black beans, and spices - these hearty tacos will surely satisfy!
Sheet Pan Greek Chicken
This Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Recipe is quick, easy, healthy, and dirties just one dish. Tender chicken and veggies are baked in a tangy herb marinade.
More oven baked fall dinner recipes
Soups, stews, & chilis
Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
This Coconut Curry Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is quick and easy, healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free! It's packed with veggies, rotisserie chicken, spices, and more!
Instant Pot Chili
This Instant Pot Chili Recipe is the best chili ever! It's quick, hearty, and loaded with bacon, beef, beer (optional), veggies, beans, and spices!
One Pot Lasagna Soup
One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe. All your favorite lasagna flavors made into a one pot soup. This super quick and easy recipe is loaded with sausage, spices, tomato juice, and lasagna noodles, and topped with a yummy cheese mixture of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta! SO cozy and delicious!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a stick-to-your-ribs meal made healthier. Loaded with chuck roast, veggies, and a rich broth, this is the perfect, hearty fall meal!
Ham and Cheese Potato Soup
This Ham and Cheese Potato Soup is a classic quick and easy family favorite! It's loaded with veggies, leftover holiday ham, sour cream, and two types of cheese.
More fall soups, stews, & chili recipes
Happy *cozy* eating!
– Jennifer
What other fall recipes do you need? Show Me the Yummy!