These Fall Recipes Are Perfect for a Cozy Family Meal
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It's back-to-school season! Football season! Harvest season! No matter what you call it, Ree Drummond says: "I would like to officially declare that fall is my favorite season!" A big reason for that is all the cozy fall recipes that comes along with this time of year. After all, the cooler temperatures and changing leaves mean that you can finally break out the comforting casseroles and pumpkin spice recipes. You've waited long enough! And now that summer is over, fall favorites like hearty chilis, apple-cinnamon recipes, and tailgating ideas are making a comeback.
Of course, fall is also a time when weeknights might feel a little bit hectic, so you'll find that all of these fall recipes are easy enough for even the busiest autumn days. There are quick sheet pan dinners, simple fall chicken recipes, comforting pastas, and even a few easy fall desserts. If you're looking to use up all of your seasonal produce, you'll want to try one of the savory pumpkin recipes or butternut squash recipes ahead. They're just as delicious on a Thanksgiving menu as they are for a weeknight meal. So, what are you waiting for? It's time for fall cooking!
Chili Mac and Cheese
Fall is the perfect time of year to indulge in cheesy, comfort food cravings—including this chili mac and cheese! It's just as delicious for weeknight dinner as it is for a game day party.
Get Ree's Chili Mac and Cheese recipe.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
This recipe combines two comfort food favorites: chicken pot pie and chicken soup! Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and refrigerated pie dough for the cheesy crust dippers to make it even easier.
Get Ree's Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe.
Apple Crumble
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.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
If you love buffalo chicken recipes every which way, just wait until you try this saucy, spicy pasta. It has bite-sized chicken pieces, celery, blue cheese, and a flavorful buffalo sauce.
Get Ree's Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is known for being sticky and sweet, but this one also happens to be perfectly spiced. It's drizzled with a sticky pumpkin caramel sauce that'll have your whole family reaching for more.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread recipe.
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
You'll want to make a stack of these pancakes after your next trip to the apple orchard. They're loaded with warm cinnamon, grated granny smith 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.
Apple Cider Margarita
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 both tart and sweet.
Get Ree's Apple Cider Margarita recipe.
Baked Spaghetti
Easier than lasagna but just as comforting, this baked spaghetti with meat sauce is sure to become your new favorite. Ree even likes to top this gooey casserole dish with extra parmesan cheese!
Get Ree's Baked Spaghetti recipe.
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
This winter squash is a fun way to serve up a Tex-Mex-inspired meal! The squash boats are filled with spiced ground turkey, corn, and black beans, then topped with all your favorite taco toppings.
Get the Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe.
Pork, Apple, and Sage Meatballs
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 cozy bowl of mashed sweet potatoes.
Get Ree's Pork, Apple, and Sage Meatballs recipe.
Caramel Apple Sheet Cake
This lightly spiced apple cake serves as the perfect base for a thick layer of buttery caramel frosting. It's so good, you'll want to eat it by the spoonful.
Get the Caramel Apple Sheet Cake recipe.
Butternut Squash Casserole
Make butternut squash the star of your next fall casserole. It's slightly sweet and savory flavor pairs well with the caramelized onions, kale, and bacon.
Get the Butternut Squash Casserole recipe.
Pumpkin Coffee Cake
Looking for a fall recipe that you can serve 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.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
This recipe uses two handy dandy shortcuts: canned biscuits for the dumplings and a slow cooker to do the cooking. It's a hands-free approach to a classic comfort food.
Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe.
Sweet Potato Chili
This chili recipe is a medley of veggies, fire-roasted tomatoes, pinto beans, and seasonal sweet potatoes. Plus, there are plenty of warming spices like cumin and chili powder.
Get the Sweet Potato Chili recipe.
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
Keep this recipe on hand whenever you have a party or even unexpected guests (they freeze beautifully). Each flaky twist is filled with sweet and savory apple butter and melted cheese.
Get the Apple Butter Cheese Twists recipe.
Honey Mustard Chicken
This is one of the most versatile recipes you'll make all season! You can cook the sweet and tangy chicken on the grill if the weather is still nice or on the stovetop on chillier days. Then, serve it up with your favorite fall veggies.
Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.
Roasted Delicata Squash
Known for its delicate skin (hence the name) that you don't need to peel, this seasonal squash is so easy to make. Just season it with some melted butter, fresh sage, and parmesan cheese—and you're good to go.
Get the Roasted Delicata Squash recipe.
Pumpkin-Shaped Challah
How cute is this challah bread that's shaped like a pumpkin? Complete with a cinnamon stick "stem," it'll steal the show on any holiday table.
Get the Pumpkin-Shaped Challah recipe.
Puff Pastry-Wrapped Pork with Brussels Sprouts Slaw
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.
Buffalo Wings
Wings are a must-have come football season. Skip the store-bought sauce and try Ree's easy three-ingredient recipe instead. It's hot and spicy.
Get Ree's Buffalo Wings recipe.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Switch up your typical potato mash by using sweet potatoes instead. They're lightly sweetened and velvety smooth, which makes them the ultimate fall side dish.
Get the Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Give mac and cheese the autumnal treatment by adding creamy pumpkin puree. It's even better when topped with plenty of crisp garlic-butter breadcrumbs.
Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.
Harvest Bowl
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.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
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.
Whipped Pumpkin Dip
Can't get enough pumpkin pie spice? Try it in this sweet dessert dip! The creamy texture and pumpkin pie flavor are perfect for serving with apple slices or gingersnap cookies.
Get the Whipped Pumpkin Dip recipe.
Cheesy Baked Pasta
A cheesy baked pasta is the ultimate comfort food. And thanks to the addition of sausage and kale, it's also hearty enough to keep everyone satisfied.
Get Ree's Cheesy Baked Pasta recipe.
Pumpkin Bread
Customize this classic pumpkin bread recipe to your family's preferences. You can add chocolate chips or pumpkin seeds—or make one of each if you can't decide!
Get the Pumpkin Bread recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
Combine two family favorites—buffalo chicken and sloppy joes— into one fun game-day dish. You'll definitely want to grab the napkins for this saucy sandwich.
Get the Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes recipe.
Pear Crisp
Apples aren't the only fall fruit that should get attention this season. Pears are another delightful way to celebrate the sweetness of fall, especially when made into a warm and comforting crisp.
Get Ree's Pear Crisp recipe.
Chicken Nachos
Nachos are the ultimate game day food so it's no wonder Ree keeps this recipe on repeat during the fall. "Truly, all I need in life is a big pile of chips with all the fixings," she says.
Get Ree's Chicken Nachos recipe.
Pierogi Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner
Smoky kielbasa sausage meet tender potato pierogi for a quick and easy weeknight dinner everyone will love. It takes less than 10 minutes of prep and just one sheet pan so even the clean up will be a breeze!
Get the Pierogi Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner recipe.
Butternut Squash Risotto
Don't be intimidated by this creamy homemade risotto—it's actually surprisingly easy to make! With little chunks of butternut squash throughout, it's also perfect for a fall dinner party.
Get Ree's Butternut Squash Risotto recipe.
Butternut Squash Lasagna
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.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Chicken noodle soup is a classic, but chicken tortellini soup is a fun new favorite. Instead of just using regular noodles, this recipe opts for hearty cheese-filled tortellini dumplings instead.
Get the Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
There are so many fun ways to use butternut squash, but turning it into a creamy sauce is totally unexpected. Not only is it a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your family dinner, but it's also velvety smooth and full of fall flavor.
Get the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta recipe.
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
This recipe for pot pie uses a few convenient cooking hacks to make it even easier, including leftover turkey, frozen veggies, and pie crust that you can make ahead of time.
Get the Leftover Turkey Pot Pie recipe.
Dutch Oven Roast Chicken
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.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
You can use this flavorful pulled pork (made with brown sugar, dry mustard, sweet onions, and apple cider) for so many lunches and dinners. Pile it onto pretzel buns to make sandwiches, or use it for a fall nacho recipe.
Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe.
Cheeseburger Casserole
Both kids and adults alike will love this comforting casserole that's loaded with ground beef, noodles, and lots of cheese. Best of all, it's got a crunchy breadcrumb topping!
Get the Cheeseburger Casserole recipe.
Homemade Chicken Apple Sausage
This is the ideal breakfast-for-dinner—especially during the autumn months when apples are in season! Serve it up with eggs and biscuits for a complete meal.
Get the Homemade Chicken Apple Sausage recipe.
French Bread Pizza
This is Ree's trick to making pizza during the week! Instead of pizza dough, store-bought French bread makes the whole process easier.
Get Ree's French Bread Pizzas recipe.
Pumpkin Risotto
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.
Apple Cider Sangria
Sangria isn't just for summer! When made with apple cider and brandy, it's also a deliciously seasonal fall drink.
Get the Apple Cider Sangria recipe.
One-Pot French Onion Pasta
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.
Caramel Apple Cookies
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.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
If you remember eating a version of this casserole as a kid, prepare for a bit of nostalgia! It’s just as comforting and even has that crushed butter cracker topping you know and love.
Get the Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
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.
Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Nothing says fall quite like buffalo chicken! This dip is perfect for game day, after-school snacks, Halloween parties, and more.
Get the Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Better than the boxed version without too much effort—this classic dish is cheesy, saucy, meaty, and all kinds of good.
Get the Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
If you've never tried acorn squash before, this sausage-stuffed recipe is a great way to try it! It's cozy, cheesy, and filling enough to enjoy as your main meal.
Get the Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
Slow Cooker Chili
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.
Beef and Noodles
Talk about a cozy dinner! This hearty, beefy stew is stick-to-your-bones good.
Get the Beef and Noodles recipe.
Pumpkin Ravioli
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.
Leftover Turkey Soup
Whether you're looking for Thanksgiving leftover recipes or just a cozy fall lunch, this turkey soup is calling your name. It can even be made with leftover rotisserie chicken.
Get the Leftover Turkey Soup recipe.
Pumpkin Chili
Smokey, spicy, and oh so hearty—this sausage and bean chili has it all! It even has a hint of sweetness from the pumpkin that really helps to round out all the flavors.
Get the Pumpkin Chili recipe.
Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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.
Pumpkin Pie Martini
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.
Quick-and-Easy Apple Tart
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.
Cranberry Brie Bites
Flaky puff pastry, cranberry sauce, and melty brie make this a party appetizer that everyone will love. Best of all—they can be made ahead and frozen for easy entertaining.
Get the Cranberry Brie Bites recipe.
Mulled Maple Apple Cider
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.
White Pizza with Butternut Squash and Prosciutto
Prosciutto and roasted butternut squash perfectly complement each other atop this white pizza.
Get Ree's White Pizza with Butternut Squash and Prosciutto recipe.
Orecchiette with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Sausage
Kale and sausage taste even more delicious when combined with savory pieces of butternut squash. This hearty pasta recipe is the perfect fall dinner.
Get Ree's Orecchiette with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Sausage recipe.
Pumpkin Soup
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.
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