As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, a warm, hearty Sunday dinner brings family together. Whether you crave a classic roast, a simple soup, or something new, autumn is the perfect time to cook comforting meals that fill the house with good smells and full bellies.
Beef Stew
A slow-simmered beef stew of tender meat and root vegetables is perfect for a chilly evening. It’s rich, filling, and highlights seasonal produce.
Ingredients: beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, beef broth, thyme, salt, pepper, a little flour; optional parsnips or turnips.
Method: Brown the beef in oil, then add chopped vegetables and garlic and cook a few minutes. Pour in beef broth, add thyme and seasoning, and simmer 2–3 hours until beef is tender and vegetables are cooked. Use flour to thicken if needed.
Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables
A roast chicken with golden skin and juicy meat makes a cozy one-pan meal, with vegetables roasted in the chicken’s juices for extra flavor.
Ingredients: whole chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, olive oil, fresh rosemary or thyme; optional parsnips or sweet potatoes.
Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil, place in a roasting pan, and surround with chopped vegetables and garlic tossed in oil. Roast 1–1.5 hours until chicken is golden and vegetables are tender.
Chili
Chili simmers into deeper flavor and is ideal for a slow cooker. Use beef, turkey, or go vegetarian with extra beans and vegetables.
Ingredients: ground beef or turkey, kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika; optional bell peppers or jalapeños. Toppings: cheese, sour cream, green onions; serve with cornbread.
Method: Brown the meat, then combine everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low 6–8 hours until flavors meld. Serve hot with toppings.
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie layers savory meat and vegetables under creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying, single-dish dinner.
Ingredients: ground beef or lamb, onions, carrots, peas, potatoes, butter, milk, flour, beef broth, salt, pepper, thyme or rosemary.
Method: Cook the meat with onions and carrots, add flour and beef broth to make a gravy, then place in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) about 20 minutes until the top is golden.
Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a comforting pasta casserole of ziti, marinara, and plenty of cheeses—easy to assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Ingredients: ziti pasta, marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, basil; optional ground beef or sausage.
Method: Cook pasta, mix with marinara, ricotta, and half the mozzarella. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Pot Roast
A slow-cooked pot roast yields tender beef and rich gravy, a classic one-pot meal that’s perfect for cold nights.
Ingredients: beef roast, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, beef broth, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, a touch of flour.
Method: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Brown the roast, transfer to a pan with vegetables, add broth and herbs, cover, and roast 3–4 hours until meat is fall-apart tender.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie combines a creamy filling of chicken and vegetables under a flaky crust for ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients: cooked chicken, carrots, peas, onions, garlic, flour, chicken broth, butter, pie crust, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary.
Method: Cook vegetables in butter, stir in flour to make a roux, slowly add chicken broth until thickened, then add chicken and seasonings. Pour into a pie crust, top with another crust, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a nutritious, customizable meal—ground meat, rice, and veg baked inside tender peppers with melted cheese on top.
Ingredients: bell peppers, ground beef or turkey, rice, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, cheese; optional zucchini or spinach. Season with oregano or basil.
Method: Remove pepper tops and seeds. Cook meat with onions and garlic, mix in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Stuff peppers, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender.
Vegetable Soup
A simple vegetable soup is light yet warming, easy to adapt to whatever’s in season or in your fridge.
Ingredients: carrots, potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, vegetable broth; optional beans or lentils, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, pepper.
Method: Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until soft. Add potatoes, celery, and broth, bring to a boil, then simmer 30–40 minutes until vegetables are tender. Season to taste.
Pork Tenderloin with Apples
Pork tenderloin roasted with apples and onions is a sweet-and-savory fall pairing that keeps the pork juicy.
Ingredients: pork tenderloin, apples, onions, garlic, olive oil, fresh thyme, chicken broth or apple cider, salt, pepper.
Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Sear the pork on all sides in a hot pan, transfer to a roasting pan with sliced apples and onions, drizzle with oil and broth, and roast 25–30 minutes until pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo pairs tender chicken with a creamy Parmesan sauce over pasta for a rich, comforting meal.
Ingredients: chicken breasts, fettuccine, heavy cream, butter, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper; optional spinach or mushrooms.
Method: Cook fettuccine. Sauté chicken until cooked through. In another pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream and Parmesan to make the sauce. Toss chicken and pasta with the sauce and serve with extra cheese.
Mushroom Risotto
Mushroom risotto is a creamy, savory dish where Arborio rice soaks up rich broth and earthy mushroom flavor.
Ingredients: Arborio rice, cremini or shiitake mushrooms, vegetable broth, Parmesan, garlic, onions, butter, white wine, salt, pepper.
Method: Sauté onions and garlic in butter, add mushrooms and brown, then stir in Arborio rice to coat. Deglaze with white wine, then add warm broth gradually while stirring until rice is tender and creamy. Stir in Parmesan and season.
Baked Salmon
Baked salmon is a quick, healthy choice that stays moist and flavorful with lemon and fresh herbs.
Ingredients: salmon fillets, fresh dill, lemon, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper; serve with roasted vegetables or salad.
Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place fillets on a baking sheet, season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and bake 12–15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.
