20 cozy meals to have for dinner this fall

Everyone knows that fall is soup season. Have something seasonal with pumpkin soup. There are tons of ways to take this recipe, but no matter how you slice it, you’ll have a rich, sweet yet savory, delicious meal for dinner. 

Kale salad might sound like a side dish, but it can easily be made into a meal — and a comforting one at that — by adding lots of other vegetables and plenty of protein. Top it with a rich dressing, and you’ll be feeling mighty cozy. 

Cozy food doesn’t have to be difficult to make. Throw your favorite cut of chicken and some autumnal veggies on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, add your favorite seasonings, and bake. It’s that easy. 

Everybody loves lasagna (and if you don’t, what is wrong with you?). It’s an excellent fall meal that’s fun to make and leaves you with plenty of leftovers. It’s also a great meal to freeze for when you need a cozy meal in a pinch.

Who doesn’t love chili? It’s about the most perfect food to have in the fall. Complete the meal by serving either cinnamon rolls or cornbread on the side. And make sure to have plenty of toppings to add to your bowl. 

There’s something lovely about pork chops in the fall. If you’re a pork chop fan, make sure to make some this fall and serve them with autumnal sides like roasted squash or glazed carrots. 

Beef stew is a classic meal for a reason. It’s a filling meal that can be made in one pot, and it’s so delectable. If you want something on the side, carbo-load and offer some bread or buns. It’s the coziest of meals to have in the fall. 

If you want beef stew but a little elevated, opt for braised short ribs. These require a little more effort, but they’re worth the work. Serve them over polenta or mashed potatoes for even more coziness. 

Stuffed potatoes are all well and good, but the dish can be made seasonally by opting for sweet potatoes. The twist is just the right amount of noticeable, and it doesn’t sacrifice comfort. 

Nothing says comfort food like a chicken pot pie. Good chicken pot pies can be tough to find, but once you do, it’s magical. The flaky crust? The creamy chicken? The savory vegetables? It’s the perfect meal. 

Another incredible cozy fall option is shepherd’s pie. It’s impossible not to like this dish. And if you can’t secure some lamb for your shepherd's pie, you can use beef for a cottage pie. 

Fig and prosciutto flatbread is like a comforting yet elevated pizza. It’s savory and sweet, and it’s comforting without being too heavy. Add some arugula and olive oil for even more texture and flavor. 

If there’s only one soup you ever learn how to make, it needs to be chicken noodle. Chicken noodle soup is as cozy as it gets. Whether you’re sick, it’s raining out, you had a bad day, or you just need something comforting, chicken noodle soup is the perfect go-to. 

Gnocchi is the best of both worlds for a fall dish because you get pasta and potatoes. And when you add some brown butter goodness, it’s as tasty as it gets. It’s an easy meal that makes you feel like a gourmet chef. 

Potato soup is another soup recipe worth keeping in your back pocket. And all you need to solidify is a base. From there, you can make it different every time as there are so many ingredients that work well with potatoes. And all will be equally cozy. 

If you’re a pasta fiend, you’ve got to have butternut squash ravioli. It’s the ultimate fall take on a classic dish. It’s surprisingly filling, so don’t feel the need to work tirelessly over a bunch of other sides. Top it with some basil and pine nuts for freshness and a crunch.  

What’s not to like about a hot beef sandwich? There’s roast beef, bread, mashed potatoes, and gravy. It’s excellent. It’s so comforting, and it’s a lot less work to make than it might seem. 

If you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons this fall but still want a comforting meal, roast a duck. It’s not nearly as scary as it sounds (seriously, if you can roast a turkey, you can roast a duck), and it’s so delicious. Follow Julia Child’s tips if you’re new to duck roasting. 

There are so many ways to make mac and cheese, but an especially comforting way is by using buttermilk. It’ll make the slightest difference in flavor but in the absolute best way. There’s no better comfort food than mac and cheese, and this recipe is an all-timer. 

On the nights you’re abstaining from meat, consider having roasted cauliflower steak. There’s tons of flavor and texture, and you can serve it with all the sides you’d have with a traditional steak.