Cozy Fall Comfort Foods You'll Want To Cook Up ASAP

Fall comfort food

Cheapism / GMVozd/istockphoto / Rawpixel/istockphoto / staciepeterson/istockphoto

Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.
Comforting Fall Dishes
GMVozd/istockphoto

Fall Flavors

Fall is the prime time for cooking comfort foods. As the weather gets colder, hearty soups, stews, and recipes that simmer for hours are finally welcome. Meals that are eaten out of a steaming bowl make everyone feel cozy, and fall produce such as pumpkin, squash, apples, and Brussels sprouts are all popular, cool-weather eats. When you want an easy, comforting meal this fall, try any of these simple casseroles, baked goods, hot beverages, and snacks. 

Chicken Divan
boblin/istockphoto
Tater Tot Hotdish
wsmahar/istockphoto
Tomato Soup
GMVozd/istockphoto
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
EzumeImages/istockphoto

4. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Anything with the word "loaded" in the title is bound to be good. This baked potato soup is thick and filling, and gets topped with bacon, cheese, and green onions, like a classic baked potato.


Recipe: Damn Delicious

Pot Roast
bhofack2/istockphoto

5. Ultimate Slow Cooker Pot Roast

It's heaven to come home from work to a house filled with the smell of pot roast from the slow cooker. This classic recipe is seasoned with thyme and includes potatoes — no side dish required. Put it in the crockpot in the morning, or prep it the night before and keep it in the fridge overnight until cooking.


Recipe: Dinner Then Dessert

5-Ingredient Chili
rez-art/istockphoto
Chicken and Dumplings
wsmahar/istockphoto

7. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are perfect for fall because they're so comforting in a big bowl. Make them in a slow cooker with this creamy version with shredded chicken breast. It uses canned biscuit dough as a time saver.


Recipe: Delish

Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Roxiller/istockphoto
Maple Smoked Brisket
jjpoole/istockphoto

9. Maple Smoked Brisket

Don't let the name fool you: This brisket recipe is made in an Instant Pot, not a smoker. It uses maple sugar, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke to give it a smoked flavor. Normally a brisket would have to cook all day, but this recipe takes only 50 minutes in an Instant Pot.


Recipe: Bare Root Girl

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
belchonock/istockphoto

10. Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

You don't have to save sweet potatoes just for Thanksgiving. Try this healthy, easy side dish of steamed sweet potatoes with an Instant Pot. They take no time at all, and you can top them with butter and a little brown sugar.


Recipe: Add a Pinch

Easy Meatloaf
wsmahar/istockphoto

11. Easy Meatloaf

There's not a meal more comforting than meatloaf and mashed potatoes. This recipe uses bottled barbecue sauce to add flavor and, as the glaze on top, it cuts down on the ingredients you need to measure and chop.


Recipe: Jo Cooks

Beef Stew
cobraphoto/istockphoto

12. Easy Beef Stew With Noodles

Cutting the beef in this recipe into small pieces makes it cook faster, becoming tender in only about 30 minutes. Carrots, potatoes, and onions add flavor and substance, but the interesting part about this recipe is that egg noodles are cooked right in the pot, making fewer dishes to clean afterward.


Recipe: Martha Stewart

Swedish Meatballs
rez-art/istockphoto
Beef Stroganoff
DebbiSmirnoff/istockphoto

14. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff With Egg Noodles

For those who grew up with Hamburger Helper, there's a lot to like about this recipe for ground beef stroganoff. It's still simple and made in one pot, but instead of a sodium-filled seasoning packet, it's got white wine and sour cream for flavor.


Recipe: Damn Delicious

Stuffed Pepper Soup
Yulia_Davidovich/istockphoto

15. Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stuffed peppers are delicious, but they can be a lot of work. Instead, make stuffed pepper soup. All of the same ingredients are chopped and put on the stove for a thick, comforting dish that's great for bread dipping.


Recipe: Taste of Home

Ravioli Lasagna
haoliang / istockphoto

16. Ravioli Lasagna

Lasagna is one of the ultimate comfort foods, but it takes all day to make. Try ravioli lasagna instead, which uses frozen ravioli in place of the pasta and ricotta cheese in lasagna. Add some ground beef, jarred marinara sauce, and extra cheese and it's a great, easy shortcut.


Recipe: Iowa Girl Eats

Pineapple Chicken
ivanmateev/istockphoto

17. Slow Cooker Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

If Chinese-American food is comforting to you, try this easy slow cooker recipe this fall. Chicken thighs are braised in a pineapple and soy teriyaki sauce until they're falling apart. Serve it over rice with broccoli on the side.


Recipe: Budget Bytes

Mashed Potato Green Bean Casserole
bhofack2/istockphoto

18. Cheesy Mashed Potato Green Bean Casserole

This dish is a mash-up of two great comfort foods into one casserole: cheesy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Sounds like a new Thanksgiving tradition, doesn't it? The sharp cheddar and fried onions on top are a must.


Recipe: Meal Planner Pro

Sunday Gravy
nitrub/istockphoto

19. Sunday Gravy

In Italian-American families, Sunday gravy refers to the pot of tomato sauce and meats slow-cooked on the stove all day. This version includes pork ribs, Italian sausages, and beef stew meat. Mix the meaty sauce with pasta and fresh basil and serve the meats on the side.


Recipe: Platings and Pairings

Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie
staciepeterson/istockphoto

20. Easy Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie

Instead of taking the time to roll out pie dough, use this chicken pot pie recipe that has a simple, biscuitlike topping. It's just as comforting as a traditional crust and holds all the creamy filling in just fine.


Recipe: Spend with Pennies

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Mariha-kitchen / istockphoto

21. Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

When in doubt, add some ranch seasoning. That's the motto of this easy casserole that uses ranch-seasoned chicken breast. Add the chicken to a casserole dish along with crumbled bacon, uncooked rice, cheeses, broth, and cream, and it bakes into an impressive casserole that takes no time at all to put together.


Recipe: Delish

Chili Mac
MSPhotographic/istockphoto

22. Chili Mac

Chili mac is a kind of shortcut chili. Everything is made in one pot, including macaroni noodles, which cook in the flavorful chili liquid. Cheese is stirred into the mixture at the last minute, ensuring it'll be extra cheesy when served.


Recipe: Southern Bite

Tuna Casserole
-lvinst-/istockphoto

23. Tuna Casserole

Some people love tuna casserole — if that's you, give this recipe a try. It forgoes the typical canned cream soup sauce for a simple homemade version thickened with flour. Egg noodles, peas, and albacore tuna complete the dish, which is finished with crispy breadcrumbs on top.


Recipe: The Stay at Home Chef

Country Sausage Gravy
LauriPatterson/istockphoto

24. Country Sausage Gravy

There's nothing better to warm you on a cool fall morning than biscuits and sausage gravy. Most people don't realize that sausage gravy is simple to make. Just brown some sausage, add flour and milk, and simmer until thick and creamy. Serve over your favorite biscuits.


Recipe: Self Proclaimed Foodie

Pumpkin Soup
bhofack2/istockphoto

25. Coconut Curry Pumpkin Soup

It's easy to have pumpkin overload in fall, but adding curry is a great way to cure it. Saute some aromatics and fragrant curry powder, then add canned pumpkin, broth, and coconut milk. It's a simple recipe with unique flavors that are great in cool weather.


Recipe: Delish

Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
manyakotic/istockphoto

26. Sheet Pan Chicken With Sweet Potatoes, Apples, and Brussels Sprouts

Sheet pan dinners are a trendy way of making simple meals. Everything goes on one sheet pan and bakes in the oven. This version includes chicken marinated with rosemary and cinnamon along with plenty of fall vegetables.


Recipe: Well Plated

King Ranch Chicken Casserole
PoppyB/istockphoto

27. King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Loved by Texans, King Ranch chicken casserole is like a layered Tex-Mex chicken lasagna. Make it as a way to use up leftover cooked chicken, or use the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Creamy sauce, cheese, and corn tortillas make this a comforting casserole.


Recipe: Southern Living

Inside Out Stuffed Cabbage
tirc83/istockphoto

28. Inside Out Stuffed Cabbage

Like stuffed peppers, it's easier and faster to make stuffed cabbage without actually stuffing anything. This recipe uses lots of ground beef, chopped cabbage, and rice for a more stew-like dish. Bonus: It's got cubed butternut squash for an extra blast of autumn.


Recipe: Taste of Home

Alfredo Sauce
Robm57/istockphoto

29. Homemade Alfredo Sauce

It's hard to beat the comforting properties of alfredo sauce on pasta. It's surprisingly easy to make, so there's no reason not to make it this fall. Cream, butter, and plenty of Parmesan cheese are all that's necessary, but feel free to add chicken, shrimp, or any vegetables for variety.


Recipe: Buns in My Oven

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
bhofack2/istockphoto

30. Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Fall is the season for Brussels sprouts, and roasting them is the best way to bring out their sweetness. Bits of them get charred, caramelized, and crispy, making even the most avowed sprouts haters fans.


Recipe: Well Plated

Cottage Pie
GMVozd/istockphoto

31. Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is similar to a shepherd's pie, but instead of lamb it contains beef. Ground beef is used in this recipe to make it quick and hearty. Top the rich filling with mashed potatoes and bake it for a filling entree.


Recipe: Curious Cuisiniere

Butternut Squash Pasta
Lilechka75/istockphoto

32. Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Pasta coated in a smooth, bright-orange sauce seems incredibly luxurious and complicated, but it's really not. Simply boil the butternut squash, add some aromatics such as garlic and shallots, and puree in a blender. Add to some pasta, along with cheese and pepper, for a rich dish that's actually pretty good for you.


Recipe: Jessica Gavin

Apple Pork Chops
Rawpixel/istockphoto

33. Apple Pork Chops

Apples and pork are a classic combination, and apple season is the ideal time to put them together. Pork chops are seared and baked in apple cider. Dijon mustard and sage are added to the sweet pan sauce for even more fall flavor before being served over sauteed apples.


Recipe: Dinner at the Zoo

Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
bhofack2/istockphoto

34. Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Don't throw away the pumpkin guts after you carve a jack-o'-lantern for Halloween. Remove the seeds from the flesh and dry them. Then make this recipe for spicy, savory pumpkin seeds with Worcestershire, cumin, and cayenne. It's a great fall snack.


Recipe: Taste of Home


Related: 13 Things to Do With Pumpkin Guts After Carving

Mulled Cider
wmaster890/istockphoto

35. Mulled Cider

Making mulled cider in a slow cooker is the best beverage for a fall party, especially because it's hot and ready whenever anyone wants a drink. This recipe includes orange and fresh ginger for a delicious twist on the usual cinnamon and cloves, and it can be made ahead of time, resulting in a house that smells fantastic all day.


Recipe: The Kitchn

Mexican Hot Chocolate
Lilechka75/istockphoto

36. Mexican Hot Chocolate

Spice up hot chocolate with Mexican flavors. Cinnamon, vanilla, and just a pinch of hot pepper powder give a unique twist on classic, homemade cocoa. Top it with plenty of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon.


Recipe: Bon Appetit

Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
bloodstone/istockphoto

37. Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Baking oatmeal is a great, simple way to serve a lot of people at once or to make breakfast for your family all week. Adding canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice will remind you instantly that it's fall. Serve a scoop in a bowl topped with milk.


Recipe: Budget Bytes

Apple Butter
Mizina/istockphoto

38. Apple Butter

Apple butter has nothing to do with dairy — it's apples cooked down to a thick, butter-like consistency, and it's delicious, especially on toast, oatmeal, or ice cream. Just throw a bunch of sliced apples into a slow cooker along with sugar and spices, and let it do its work. Your house will smell amazing.


Recipe: Brown Eyed Baker

Gingerbread Bars
irene_k/istockphoto

39. Easy Gingerbread Bars

Gingerbread cookies are delicious, but it's a lot of work to roll out the dough and cut them into shapes. This recipe recommends patting the spiced molasses dough into a pan before baking. Then, use a cookie cutter to cut it into shapes or bar cookies.


Recipe: Land O' Lakes

Pumpkin Bread
tvirbickis/istockphoto

40. Easy Pumpkin Bread

Instead of making muffins, which take extra time to portion into cups, try a quick bread loaf instead. This recipe for a simple pumpkin bread is easy: Just mix wet ingredients, add dry ingredients, and bake. It makes two loaves, so you can freeze one to eat later.


Recipe: King Arthur Flour

Caramel Pecan Pie Bar
GEOLEE/istockphoto

41. Caramel Pecan Pie Bars

The most difficult part of this gooey recipe is mixing a dough similar to sugar cookies and patting it in a pan. The topping includes tons of pecans, cinnamon, and dulce de leche, a canned milk-based caramel. It bakes up sticky, sweet, and luscious.


Recipe: A Spicy Perspective

Apple Dutch Baby
Qwart/istockphoto

42. Apple Dutch Baby

Dutch babies, a baked, pancake-like breakfast, look impressive, but they're very simple to make. This version includes a ring of fresh apples in the batter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top. Breakfast guests will love this recipe.


Recipe: Leigh Anne Wilkes

Cinnamon Raisin Baked French Toast
Robert Ingelhart/istockphoto

43. Cinnamon Raisin Baked French Toast

Baked French toast is a breakfast dish that makes any morning easier. Create it the night before, then put the pan in the fridge overnight. Bake it, full of cinnamon and raisins, the next morning and serve with maple syrup.


Recipe: Pastry Affair

Apple Crisp
loooby/istockphoto

44. Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp

A crisp is just as homey as an apple pie, but easier and faster to make. Just cut the apples and place in a pan, mix the topping, and sprinkle it on. Your house will smell like autumn while it bakes.


Recipe: Land O' Lakes

Indian Pudding
Catalina-Gabriela Molnar/istockphoto

45. Indian Pudding

With a texture like a thick porridge and a fall spice flavor with cinnamon and molasses, Indian pudding may be the best fall dessert you've never heard of. It's popular in New England, but the cornmeal-based dish that's usually topped with vanilla ice cream should be a staple everywhere.


Recipe: Epicurious