Goodbye watermelon and BBQ, and hello butternut squash and pumpkin everything! It’s officially fall, and that means time to curl up in your favorite cardigan, light some foliage-scented candles, and dig into a hearty meal. And we have just the fall dinner ideas (and recipes) for the job!
The fall season is all about coziness, warmth, and taking it slow. We may have retired our oven mitts for the summer months, but now we’re ready to fire up that oven and fill our kitchens with the drool-worthy smells of some good home cookin’.
From healthy and hearty soups to the coziest comfort foods, we have THE best fall dinner ideas and recipes for those cuddly nights at home! Hungry yet?
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Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas and Recipes
Okay, okay, so we know the fall season is all about comfy, cozy vibes, but that doesn’t mean your fall dinner ideas and recipes can’t be healthy, too!
These healthy fall dinner ideas and recipes have the best of both worlds — they use the rich, autumnal ingredients you know and love (read: pumpkin everything), while still keeping the calorie count low and the nutrient level high!
That means you can feel good about digging in to these healthy fall dinner ideas and recipes. Seconds, anyone?
1. Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
sweet potato healthy fall dinner recipe: Minimalist Baker
We’re starting our list of healthy fall dinner ideas with a seriously flavorful bang. The leaves aren’t the only things turning orange this fall!
As soon as that first autumn breeze hits, we love to incorporate a little burnt orange into our palettes wherever possible. And this sweet potato recipe understood the assignment!
For healthy fall dinner ideas that screams fall, look no further than these Mediterranean baked sweet potatoes. They take less than 30 minutes to make, are fully vegetarian, and clock in at around 300 calories per serving. Plus, the sweet potato + garlic sauce combo means they’re both sweet AND savory. Say less!
Here are a few ingredients you need to get started:
2. Mediterranean Bulgar Bowl Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
bulgar bowl healthy fall dinner recipe: Taste of Home
We had to include a couple Mediterranean fall dinner ideas — one, because a Mediterranean diet is healthy AND delicious, and two, because they taste great all year round!
This Mediterranean bulgar bowl recipe is super fresh, with ingredients like lime, mint, and tomatoes, and super filling, with a base of bulgar and garbanzo beans. It’s also packed with vitamin A (which has antioxidant properties).
Plus, if you’re not a fan of bulgar, you can also swap it out with quinoa!
Whole Grain Bulgar | Fresh Mint
3. Mongolian Beef Stir Fry Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
Mongolian beef healthy fall dinner recipe: The Defined Dish
This fall recipe is for the nights at home when you really want to order take-out, but also want to be healthy! Not only is this healthy fall dinner idea a delicious way to eat your greens, but it’s also SO easy to make. The power of a stir fry!
With this Mongolian beef stir fry recipe, you can make a mouth-watering dinner that competes with your favorite Chinese restaurant in just 30 minutes. You’ll never want to spend money on delivery again!
Bonus points if you cook it in a gorgeous nonstick skillet like this one. Serious kitchen goals, right?!
Rice Vinegar | Fish Sauce | Bok Choy
4. Curry Butternut Squash Soup Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
butternut squash soup healthy fall dinner recipe: Camille Styles
Move over pumpkin spice. Our new favorite fall staple is butternut squash! This veggie has a bunch of key nutrients, and can even be good for your skin and hair (because they need all the TLC they can get in the colder months!).
We also LOVE soup fall dinner ideas because you can get multiple meals out of one big batch. Lunch prep just got easier with this curry butternut squash soup recipe!!
P.S. This one is great for a fall dinner party! Make it an appetizer to get everyone in the cozy spirit, or dish it into some cute fall bowls for an unforgettable main course!
Curry Powder | Vegetable Broth
Whether you’re celebrating Friendsgiving or just want to show off a new autumnal recipe, fall is the perfect time to host your crew. Don’t miss our guide for throwing the ultimate fall dinner party here!
5. Apple Sage Turkey Meatballs Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
turkey meatballs healthy fall dinner recipe: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen
Meatballs, but make them autumnal! This healthy fall dinner idea makes the most out of some of the best fall produce + flavors: apples and sage.
Warm, comforting, and just a little spicy, this apple sage turkey meatballs recipe is the epitome of fall vibes. And, made with turkey instead of beef, it’s a super healthy alternative!
Grab your spiralizer and serve up the meatballs on a bed of butternut squash or carrot noodles for the ultimate autumnal pop of color.
6. Slow Roasted Salmon Healthy Dinner Ideas
slow roasted salmon healthy fall dinner recipe: Camille Styles
When it comes to healthy fall dinner ideas, in salmon we trust. Arguably the best of all fish (and one of the most nutritious foods of all time), salmon is heart-healthy, filled with B vitamins, and known to decrease inflammation. It also just tastes amazing!
This fall salmon recipe puts the delish fish front and center — and Camille’s slow roasting method makes the salmon taste sooo melt-in-your-mouth buttery. Drizzled with lemons and fennel and served with asparagus, healthy eating has never tasted better.
Staub 2 Piece Baking Dish Set | Fennel | Salmon Fillet
7. Baked Meatballs Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
baked meatballs healthy fall dinner recipe: The Defined Dish
Grab your baking dish! For fall dinner ideas that are creamy, vibrant, and full of flavor, you’re going to want to try this baked meatball recipe. The secret? Adding pulsed up cashews, basil, and garlic to the ground beef. We’re intrigued!
Serve these on top of pasta, on their own with a side salad, or even on a sub sandwich. There are no wrong answers here.
Cashews | Rao’s Marinara Sauce
8. Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
Thai peanut chicken ramen healthy fall dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
Ramen has been coming in clutch for the perfect fall dinner ideas since our college days, and this Thai-inspired recipe is giving it a healthy (read: grown-up) upgrade!
We’re loving the ingredients in this dish (peanut butter and coconut milk? Yes, please!). Make it easy with an Instant Pot or slow cooker — all you have to do is dump those ingredients in, set the timer, and let the magic happen!
Seriously, if you’ve been thinking about investing in an Instant Pot, this is your sign!
Thai Red Curry Paste | Jade Pearl Ramen Noodles | Chopsticks
9. Creamy Tortellini Veggie Soup Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
tortellini veggie soup healthy fall dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
We love any recipe that calls for a splash of wine, and this tortellini veggie soup is no exception! It’s the perfect healthy fall dinner idea for when you’re craving Italian, but with an autumnal twist.
Plus, you’ll definitely get your 5 a day with this one! It’s packed full of carrots, celery, onion, and kale. And a few pours of cooking juice — we mean wine.
(P.S. This is another dinner idea you can make SO effortlessly with an Instant Pot!)
Instant Pot | Cheese Tortellini
10. Carnitas Burrito Bowl Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
carnitas burrito bowl healthy fall dinner recipe: What’s Gaby Cooking
Perfect for drool-worthy dinners, easy lunches, family get-togethers, and catch-ups with friends — burrito bowl fall dinner ideas really do it all!
We suggest making a big batch of the luscious, rich, caramelized carnitas, so you can get a few meals out of this burrito bowl recipe. Then, add all your favorite burrito bowl toppings (aka, your go-to’s at Chipotle) and serve with a margarita (preferably served in these stunning coupe glasses)!
Don’t have a dutch oven to make this recipe? We’ve linked a super cute one below (bonus: it’s under $80!).
11. Peppered Steak Stir Fry Healthy Fall Dinner Ideas
peppered steak stir fry healthy fall dinner recipe: The Defined Dish
Simple, but SO effective. This Whole30 stir fry recipe combines delicious flank steak with a seriously addictive garlic-pepper sauce to create a healthy fall dinner idea you’ll be pulling out 24/7.
While the recipe calls for bell peppers, feel free to add veggies to your heart’s delight. (We love a stir fry with snap peas!) For an extra healthy touch, serve this dish with yummy cauliflower rice!
Wok | Cauliflower Rice | Tapioca Flour | Sugar Snap Peas
Easy Fall Dinner Ideas and Recipes
Whether your fall is packed full of checking things off your to-do list, or you’re hoping to get some cozy downtime this season, easy fall dinner ideas and recipes are a MUST. Because sometimes spending hours in the kitchen just isn’t the vibe!
With these easy fall dinner ideas, less is more. Less ingredients, less effort, and less time! Everything except the flavors, which are still at the maximum.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy these easy fall dinner ideas and recipes (all of which you can make in under an hour!).
Speaking of easy recipes…looking for some effortless Monday through Friday dinner ideas? Our editors shared their go-to weeknight recipes — warning: don’t read this hungry!
12. Butter Chicken Meatballs Easy Fall Dinner Ideas
butter chick meatballs easy fall dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
We LOVE Indian food in the fall — it’s spicy, warm, rich, and just so cozy. And, with this easy fall dinner idea, you can have a healthy, mouth-watering meal in less time than it would take your favorite Indian restaurant to deliver!
Butter chicken is always such a crowd pleaser, and this chicken meatball recipe is such a rad fall twist on the classic Indian curry (and such an easy way to simplify the dish). The real show-stopper is that creamy, coconut-y, and slightly spicy sauce. Perfection.
Serve up this fall dinner recipe idea in these gorgeous, earthy stoneware bowls for the full vibe.
Panko Bread Crumbs | Garam Masala
13. Instant Pot Bourbon Chicken Easy Fall Dinner Ideas
bourbon chicken easy fall dinner recipe: Fed and Fit
Another one of our take-out favorites turned easy fall dinner idea! Break out your Instant Pot and whip up this sticky, spicy, slightly sweet bourbon chicken recipe in 25 minutes. It’s really that easy.
With a marinade made with bourbon, coconut aminos, honey (or sugar), and chili garlic sauce, it’s eat-it-by-the-spoonfuls good. Prepare for this easy chicken dish to become a mainstay in your weeknight dinner lineup!
Chili Garlic Sauce | Coconut Aminos
14. Roasted Bacon + Honey Brussels Sprouts Easy Fall Dinner Ideas
roasted brussels sprout easy fall dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
There’s something about brussels sprouts that just screams fall! Add some bacon and pomegranate seeds, and you have an easy fall dinner idea that’s simply *chef’s kiss.* (Oh, and did we mention the drizzle of salted honey? Drool!)
This roasted brussels sprouts recipe would dazzle as a side dish for a holiday dinner. Just serve this fall dinner recipe in this stunning stoneware platter. Hello, Thanksgiving!
15. Sage Butter Pumpkin Cheese Ravioli Easy Fall Dinner Ideas
pumpkin cheese ravioli easy fall dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
During the fall season, we like our pumpkin with a side of pumpkin. Enter: this sage butter pumpkin ravioli!
Definitely one of the most ~autumnal~ easy fall dinner ideas on this list, this ravioli is stuffed with roasted pumpkin, cheese, and honey, then drizzled with a heavenly sage butter sauce. We’ll take seconds!
To make this dinner extra easy, we LOVE this ready-to-go honey pumpkin ravioli. Then, all you have to do is boil the ravioli and make the super simple sauce, and voila! You have the perfect fall dinner.
Honey Pumpkin Ravioli | Fresh Sage
16. Chicken Tortilla Soup Easy Fall Dinner Ideas
chicken tortilla soup easy fall dinner recipe: Minimalist Baker
There’s nothing better than curling up with a hot bowl of soup after a long, cold autumn day. Bonus: this chicken tortilla soup can be made with just one pot!
Smoky, spicy, and so inviting, this Mexican-inspired easy fall dinner idea is exploding with flavors. Onion! Garlic! Tomatoes! Chipotle Peppers! Lime! Cilantro! Your tastebuds won’t know what hit them.
And let’s be honest, colorful fall dinner ideas like this one deserve to be served in colorful bowls, like these cuties.
Fire Roasted Tomatoes | Chipotle Peppers
17. Butternut Squash Gnocchi Easy Fall Dinner Ideas
butternut squash gnocchi easy fall dinner recipe: Well Plated
Channel head chef vibes with this ridiculously good (and deceptively easy) butternut squash gnocchi! No one has to know that you cooked it all in one pan with just a handful of ingredients.
That combo of butternut squash, Italian sausage, spinach, and sage is really THAT good.
Yes, chef!
18. Beef Enchilada Stuffed Acorn Squash Easy Fall Recipe
beef enchilada stuffed acorn squash easy fall dinner idea: The Defined Dish
We love fall dinner ideas that look fancy, but are SO easy to make! Impress all your guests with this oh-so autumnal acorn squash, stuffed with a rich and spicy beef enchilada concoction.
We love how the squash acts as its own little bowl. So cute (and on-theme)!
We see a “best fall dinner party” hosting award in your future!
Hand-Glazed Speckled Ceramic Baking Dishes | Ground Beef | Acorn Squash
19. Thai Basil Beef + Rice Bowls Easy Fall Dinner Ideas
rice bowls easy fall dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
Only have 20 minutes to make dinner? No problem. This easy fall dinner idea has you covered for the nights you need food, like, yesterday.
With savory beef and all your favorite veggies, this Thai-inspired recipe is the perfect balance of fresh and comforting. You can also swap out the meat in any of these ground beef recipes with this Beyond Meat plant-based alternative for an all vegetarian meal!
Jasmine Rice | Lemongrass Paste
20. Creamy Chicken Chili Easy Fall Dinner Ideas
chicken chili easy fall dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
For those really cold days, you need really hot easy fall dinner ideas! And boy, have we found the perfect one for the occasion.
Spicy, savory, and SO creamy, this white chicken chili recipe will fill you up with all those warm, mushy feelings that you can only get from a really great meal.
But this dish wouldn’t be complete without the toppings. Load your chili up with a hefty layer of cheddar cheese, a dollop of yogurt (or sour cream), sliced avocados, and a sprinkle of cilantro and green onions. (Insert drool emoji here.)
P.S. We found these great shredding forks to make this recipe even easier!
21. Curry Lentil Soup Easy Fall Dinner Ideas
curry lentil soup easy fall dinner recipe: Minimalist Baker
The instructions for this easy fall dinner recipe are literally: throw it all in one big pot. We love to see it!
With lentils for protein and curry for hearty flavor, this super easy curry lentil soup will give you all the fuel you need to take on your fall to-do list (it is Virgo season, after all!). Bonus: this one makes for GREAT leftovers.
Instant Pot | Brown Lentils | Curry Powder
Comfort Food Fall Dinner Ideas and Recipes
It’s officially cozy season, and you know what that means. Soft sweaters, warm fires, and, most importantly, comfort food fall dinner ideas.
While the summer months are all about fresh, light, and refreshing meals, fall is the time to hunker down with some of your favorite rich, savory, and hearty guilty pleasure fall dinner ideas. It is sweater weather, after all!
From cheesy pastas to creamy chowders, we’ve found some of the best comfort food fall dinner ideas to satisfy all your cravings!
22. Spicy Lasagna Soup Comfort Food Fall Ideas
lasagna soup comfort food fall dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
This lasagna soup recipe is checking off ALL the boxes for perfect comfort food fall dinner ideas. Savory pasta? Check! A little spice? Check! Piping hot soup and a side of garlic bread? Check and check!
Plus, we’ve never heard of lasagna in soup form before. It’s like two of our favorite comfort foods, blended into one. We’re sold.
23. Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chowder Comfort Food Fall Recipe
corn chowder comfort food fall dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
It’s CORN (chowder)! If you love corn as much as we do, this is one of the comfort food fall dinner ideas that you need to add into your rotation ASAP.
Since corn season technically ends in September, this chipotle cheddar corn chowder recipe is at its best at the beginning of fall. But with all those other hearty, mouth-watering ingredients (bacon and chipotle peppers? YUM), it will still be bringing you those good cozy feelings well into December.
Instant Pot | Chicken Broth | Sharp Cheddar Cheese
24. Fusilli Alla Vodka Comfort Food Fall Dinner Ideas
fusilli alla vodka comfort food fall dinner recipe: Bon Appétit
Take a note out of Gigi Hadid’s recipe book with vodka-infused comfort food fall dinner ideas! Made with shallots, garlic, tomato paste, cream, fresh basil, and, of course, a shot of vodka, this fusilli alla vodka recipe is here to bring some party vibes into your weeknight dinners.
We suggest pairing this dish with your favorite vodka cocktail (in these gorgeous frosted glasses, of course) — you’ll want to keep your bar cart close by!
Want to spice up your next dinner party (or cozy night at home)? Check out these 27 best bar carts for a stylish at-home happy hour!
25. French Onion Soup Comfort Food Fall Dinner Ideas
french onion soup comfort food fall dinner recipe: Delish
French onion soup is definitely one of our go-to comfort food fall dinner ideas — it’s a classic for a reason! But this isn’t your typical french onion soup recipe. This heavenly soup switches things up by using white wine instead of red wine and mixing in a combo of chicken AND beef stock.
The result? A sweeter version of the classic soup that we could eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
P.S. French onion soup fall dinner ideas call for french onion soup bowls! These ceramic ones are SO CUTE!
26. Chicken Parmesan Sage Dumplings Comfort Food Fall Recipe
chicken parm + sage dumplings comfort food fall dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
Not only is this one of the best comfort food fall dinner ideas, but it’s also one of the easiest fall dinner ideas. I know what you’re thinking — making dumplings from scratch may seem complicated, but this 30-minute chicken dumpling soup recipe makes it so simple!
There’s something about chicken dumplings that just warms the soul. Especially when you add some sharp parmesan and luscious sage into the mix.
Fluted Soup Bowls | Baking Powder | Parmesan Cheese
27. Garlic Chicken Pasta Comfort Food Fall Dinner Ideas
garlic chicken parm pasta comfort food fall dinner recipe: Gimme Delicious
We want to thank this garlic pasta recipe, and this garlic pasta recipe only. With creamy garlic sauce and juicy delectable chicken, it’s putting the comfort in comfort food fall dinner ideas!
Plus, this comforting fall recipe features a full serving of nutritious spinach that we promise you won’t even taste. Win, win!
Cast Iron Skillet (if you’ve been looking for a seasonal upgrade) | Heavy Cream
28. Chicken Enchilada Casserole Comfort Food Fall Dinner Ideas
chicken enchilada casserole comfort food fall dinner recipe: Fed and Fit
‘Tis the season for a casserole! Cheesy, gooey, and creamy all at once, this easy chicken enchilada casserole is one of the elite comfort food fall dinner ideas. Plus, it’s a real family pleaser!
Go on, add that extra dollop of sour cream. We won’t tell anyone.
Chic Casserole Dish (adding this one to our cart ASAP!) | Corn Tortillas
29. Creamy Eggplant Walnut Pasta Comfort Food Fall Recipe
eggplant walnut pasta comfort food fall dinner recipe: The First Mess
Eggplants and walnuts? The fall vibes are immaculate!
As far as pasta-based fall dinner ideas and recipes go, this creamy pasta with an eggplant-walnut sauce is definitely at the top of our lists. We know it sounds a little unusual — but once you try it you’ll never want to go back to your basic pasta recipes again!
Quick tip: roast your eggplant before you start cooking for the most mouth-watering flavors!
Serve in these earthy toned bowls for the full fall effect. We love!
Fall Family Dinner Ideas and Recipes
We get it — feeding the whole fam can be a struggle. Cooking for two different tastes is hard enough, add in a couple more and you’ve got some unfinished plates on your hands.
To help you make every meal this season as successful as eating at your fave restaurant, we’ve rounded up some of the best fall family dinner ideas and recipes!
Not only are these fall family dinner ideas big enough to feed a group, but they’re also total crowd pleasers. And, like all the other fall dinner ideas and recipes on this list, they make the most out of cozy autumnal vibes and seasonal ingredients. Dinner time just got a major upgrade!
30. Thai Coconut Soup Fall Family Dinner Ideas
Thai coconut soup fall family dinner recipe: Choosing Chia
Let’s break down the optics on this Thai coconut soup recipe to show you exactly why it’s one of the best fall family dinner ideas.
One: it’s ready in 30 minutes or less, for all those busy fall weeknights. Two: it’s vegan and gluten-free, so it works for all diets. Three: it’s easily customizable, perfect for adding your S.O.’s favorite veggies!
Need we go on? For fall dinner ideas and recipes that pack a creamy yet savory punch, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Rad Ramen Bowls + Spoons | Rice Noodles
31. Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake Family Fall Recipe
broccoli cheddar orzo bake fall family dinner recipe: Half-Baked Harvest
Cheese and broccoli. Name a more iconic duo!
For fall family dinner ideas that are ALWAYS a hit, look no further than this cheesy broccoli orzo bake recipe. Plus, adding melted cheese is a foolproof way to make sure everyone’s getting their veggie intake.
And did we mention that you can make this entire meal in one skillet? Utter bliss.
Cast Iron Skillet | Orzo | Garlic Powder
32. Spicy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Ragù Family Fall Recipe
Italian sausage gnocchi fall family dinner recipe: Pineapple & Coconut
We’re pretty sure EVERYONE loves spaghetti night, and this spicy sausage gnocchi recipe gives one of the classic fall family dinner ideas a major upgrade!
The real MVP of this fall dinner recipe is the sauce. Rich and velvety, it combines garlic, tomato puree, Italian spices, red wine, and a special secret ingredient to give it an addictive quality.
Plus, there’s nothing stopping you from making a big batch to freeze for future dinners (and there’s nothing we love more than fall dinner ideas that serve up for multiple meals)!
Non Toxic Pan | Italian Passata | Dried Basil
33. Butternut Squash Pasta Pie Fall Family Dinner Ideas
pasta pie fall family dinner ideas: Half-Baked Harvest
Pasta meets pizza meets savory pie with this fall family dinner idea! It’s creamy. It’s saucy. It’s peak fall vibes. And we’re totally obsessed.
This pasta pie recipe will please even the most apprehensive butternut squash taste-testers, thanks to that caramelized garlic and cheesy prosciutto topping (you can also sub this for bacon!). And it makes eight servings, perfect for fall dinner ideas with leftovers!
Non-stick Springform Pan | Butternut Squash
34. Honey Garlic Chicken Fall Family Dinner Ideas
honey garlic chicken fall family dinner ideas: Well Plated
The best fall family dinner ideas are the ones you can prepare beforehand and have ready to go when dinner time arrives. Enter: this honey garlic chicken recipe!
With only eight ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this fall dish is all about simplicity. Just add everything to your crockpot (we’ve linked a great one below!) in the morning, then pull out a perfect meal at the end of the day. It’s kind of like a foodie magic trick!
Crockpot Slow Cooker | Chili Paste
35. Chipotle Chicken Tacos Family Fall Recipe
chipotle chicken tacos fall family dinner ideas: Half-Baked Harvest
Never have to think about Tuesday fall family dinner ideas again! It’s Taco Tuesday, and you’re making these scrumptious chipotle chicken tacos!
So what exactly makes these tacos so good?! The secret is to add all your fillings inside the crispy shells, top them with cheese, then bake them in the oven until they’re the perfect mixture of gooey and crunchy. Is your stomach grumbling yet?
Taco Holder | Hard Taco Shells | Chipotle Chili Powder
36. Steak Bites + Sweet Potatoes Fall Family Dinner Ideas
steak + sweet potato fall family dinner ideas: The Modern Proper
If you’re anything like us, then your perfect fall family dinner ideas revolve around a single pot, sheet pan, or skillet. Sound familiar? Then this steak bites + sweet potatoes recipe is for YOU!
Almost too easy to be true, all you have to do to make this delectable dish is cook the sweet potatoes in a large cast iron skillet, remove them and cook the steak in the same skillet, then combine both ingredients. Perfect for meat lovers and busy chefs. You can thank us later!
Sweet Potatoes | Curry Powder (for the aioli dip!)
37. Thai Peanut Chicken + Mango Lime Family Fall Recipe
Thai peanut chicken fall family dinner ideas: Half-Baked Harvest
If you haven’t noticed by now, we LIVE for fall family dinner ideas that can be accomplished with an instant pot or slow cooker (like this dreamy one). And this Thai-inspired chicken recipe is no exception!
We’re especially digging the freshness in this fall dish. Mango plus lime has us nostalgic about summer — but it’s the perfect pick-me-up for those increasingly short fall days!
Coconut Milk | Low Sodium Soy Sauce
Fall Sunday Dinner Ideas and Recipes
Sunday Funday! For those lazy fall Sundays, you need rich, cozy fall Sunday dinner ideas and recipes. We’re talking dishes that are fun + easy to make, taste amazing, and make your entire house smell like it’s Thanksgiving day.
Simple, right? With these fall Sunday dinner ideas, it really is! Best paired with a football game and your favorite pair of slippers.
Keep scrolling for our favorite fall Sunday dinner ideas (you won’t want to miss that apple cider chicken recipe!).
38. Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka Fall Sunday Dinner Ideas
spicy pesto pasta alla vodka fall Sunday dinner ideas: Half-Baked Harvest
Another vodka-infused fall pasta recipe, this spicy pesto pasta alla vodka is here to add a little spice to the end of your week. The pesto adds a serious pop of flavor to the creamy, silky, and smooth pasta sauce — and that spicy heat completes the meal. Definitely one of our all-time fave fall Sunday dinner ideas!
GWS Tip: We love adding chicken sausage to this one to beef it up!
39. Black Bean + Sweet Potato Chili Fall Sunday Dinner Ideas
sweet potato chili fall Sunday dinner ideas: What’s Gaby Cooking
The colder months may have you gravitating toward more meat-based dishes, but we are HERE for delish vegetarian fall Sunday dinner ideas. One of our fave fall recipes: this black bean and sweet potato chili!
It’s giving comfort food, but without the heaviness, thanks to those heavenly sweet potatoes and a topping of lime. Trust us, this fall dinner idea could convert any meat lover (especially when served in these cozy soup bowls)!
40. Short Rib Ragu Pasta Sunday Fall Recipe
short rib ragu pasta fall Sunday dinner ideas: The Defined Dish
On the other hand, this short rib ragu pasta recipe is a meat lover’s dream fall recipe. With slow cooked short rib in a garlic, veggie, and anchovy sauce, it’s a rich and luxurious dish — definitely something you can’t wait to sink your teeth into come Sunday.
If you’re looking for fall dinner ideas for a romantic night at home, this one’s a clear winner.
Anchovy Paste | San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes
41. Greek Meatballs + Orzo Fall Sunday Dinner Ideas
Greek meatballs + orzo fall Sunday dinner ideas: Half-Baked Harvest
Another key part of great fall Sunday dinner ideas? They’re simple to make, but they’re also not something you would have just any old weeknight!
That’s why we love this Greek meatballs and orzo recipe. It takes less than an hour to make, but that whipped feta and sun-dried tomato vinaigrette is seriously next level!
Sun-dried Tomatoes | Balsamic Vinegar
42. Cider Braised Chicken + Caramelized Onions Fall Sunday Dinner Ideas
cider braised chicken fall Sunday dinner ideas: Half-Baked Harvest
This is another one of those “sounds fancy but is actually super easy” Sunday fall dinner ideas. All you’re doing is slow-cooking chicken in apple cider with fresh herbs, sweet caramelized onions, and creamy mushrooms.
Now if that doesn’t sound like the perfect fall dinner recipe, we don’t know what does.
P.S. This cider braised chicken recipe be a real show-stopper for a holiday dinner!
Slow Cooker | Original Apple Cider | Mushrooms
Hosting a holiday dinner this year? Don’t stress — we have 9 tips to make holiday hosting a breeze (and look like a pro while doing it!).
43. Shallot and Bacon Goat Cheese Pizza Sunday Fall Recipe
shallot and bacon goat cheese flatbread fall Sunday dinner ideas: Half-Baked Harvest
Pizza night, but make it fancy! For the Sundays you just want to kick back and chill, this goat cheese pizza fall dinner recipe will do the job (and add a little foodie flair at the same time).
While pizza is a staple all year round, the richness of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the caramelized shallots is giving this dinner idea major fall vibes. Brb, bookmarking this one under our fall Sunday dinner ideas list as we speak!
Pizza Stone | Pizza Dough | Goat Cheese
44. French Onion Pasta Bake Sunday Fall Recipe
French onion pasta bake fall Sunday dinner ideas: Half-Baked Harvest
Calling all French Onion lovers! It’s us again, and we’ve got another creative twist on French Onion soup that you’re going to LOVE. Meet: this one pot creamy French Onion pasta bake recipe.
One of the best family + Sunday fall dinner ideas, this recipe takes your favorite fall soup and deconstructs it, adding pasta and a suuuuper creamy sauce. This may just be your new fall go-to!
Cast Iron French Oven | Fresh Thyme | Worcestershire Sauce
45. Squash + Mushroom + Hazelnut Fettuccine Sunday Fall Recipe
squash and hazelnut fettuccine fall Sunday dinner ideas: Adventures in Cooking
We had to end our list of the best fall dinner ideas with a bang! Everything about this creamy squash + hazelnut fettuccine + sautéed mushrooms recipe scream fall Sunday dinner ideas. It even LOOKS like the perfect autumnal meal!
Break out your favorite rust-colored plates and throw on your coziest fall cardigan, because this is one of the fall dinner ideas that’s guaranteed to put you in the fall spirit. It’s all in those festive, foraged ingredients!
Ready to Be the Perfect Host for Your Next Fall Gathering?
‘Tis the season of food, family and friends, and great fall decor! To help you make the most out of all of the fall dinner ideas above, we’ve created some expert guides for hosting a truly epic fall gathering.
As any great host knows, it’s all about presentation. Make your guests ooh and ahh with these drool-worthy charcuterie board ideas!
You’ll also want to start the night off right, and by that we mean with a great cocktail. Do it in style with these best bar carts for an at-home happy hour!
And while we’ve got you covered on the best fall dinner ideas, you’ll also want to check out our guide to backyard dinner parties, in case you want to take your party outside!
Finally, if your fall gathering is holiday-themed, don’t miss our tips for making holiday hosting a breeze. (We’ll have you looking like a pro in no time!)
Which of these fall dinner ideas are you showing off first? Let us know in the comments below!