Fall Dinner Ideas You'll Love: 21 Wholesome Meals For Fall

Here are 21 Fall Dinner Ideas that are hearty, wholesome and full of flavor. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. The weather is cooling down, I’m pulling out my rain gear and there’s nothing better than knowing a nourishing and comforting meal is waiting at the table.

A hand holds a fork in a bowl of yellow rice topped with harissa chicken, roasted vegetables, and fresh herbs. Additional plates of rice, chicken, and herbs are on a light-colored table—perfect for trying a new harissa chicken recipe.

Here you will find sheet pan favorites such as Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies, and comforting casseroles like Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas, or ground meat favorites like Ground Turkey Pesto Pasta and Sugar Free Sloppy Joe’s. And we can’t forget to sprinkle in Fall favorites like Pumpkin Glazed Chicken and Whole30 Beef Stew.

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Cozy Soups and Stews

These soups and stews are good for a light meal or hearty dinner. Soups like my Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup and my Carrot Lentil Soup are Fall must-haves.

Whole30 Beef Stew

A one-pot, hearty stew that is filled with tender beef, root vegetables and Mediterranean spices. This comforting dish is Whole30 compliant and nourishing.

Whole30 Beef Stew

Turmeric Soup with Ground Turkey and Chickpeas

A warming, anti-inflammatory soup loaded with protein using ground turkey and chickpeas. Vibrant turmeric makes a flavorful and nourishing broth.

Turmeric Soup with Ground Turkey and Chickpeas

A bowl of hearty vegetable soup filled with chunks of carrots, celery, chickpeas, leafy greens, and pieces of plant-based protein, with a spoon resting inside the bowl on a light surface.

Italian Beef Soup with White Beans

A cozy, protein-packed soup with ground beef, hearty white beans, tomatoes and Italian herbs. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Italian Beef Soup with White Beans

Dairy Free Zuppa Toscana

A lightened up version of the classic but still full of flavor. Tender potatoes, savory sausage, kale and silky broth make for one delicious bowl of soup.

Dairy Free Zuppa Toscana

Carrot Lentil Soup

A vibrant soup made with protein and fiber rich lentils, sweet carrots,and warming spices. This plant-based soup is comforting and perfect for healthy weekenight dinner or meal prep.

Carrot Lentil Soup

Vegan Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

A creamy, plant-based soup with just the right amount of sweetness and heat. A cozy bowl of Fall-goodness.

Spicy Vegan Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

A bowl of creamy butternut squash and pumpkin soup garnished with pumpkin seeds and fresh herbs. A black spoon rests in the bowl, and a textured blue cloth is partially visible nearby.

More Fall Dinner Ideas: Sheet Pan and One Pan Meals

When Fall season gets busy, nothing beats the simplicity of sheet pan and one pan meals. These recipes are easy to prep, loaded with flavor and they come together in no time. My Fish and Lentils and my Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies are popular recipes on the blog!

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies

A quick and flavorful one pan dinner wirh roasted chicken sausage, colorful vegetables and simple flavors. Perfect for an effortless yet delicious meal.

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Simple Sheet-Pan Chicken Sausage with Vegetables

Sheet Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

A heart healthy and whole foods inspired meal- fresh salmon is paired with fiber packed sweet potatoes and crisp broccoli for one incredible sheet pan meal.

Sheet Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli

Sheet-Pan Honey Salmon with Sweet Potato and Broccoli

Roasted Fish and Lentils

I could seriously eat this dish everyday! Warm lentils served with herbaceous roasted cod on top. This meal is a triple threat- nutritious, delicious and addicting!

Easy Roasted Fish and Lentils

A white bowl filled with spiced lentils and diced red bell peppers, topped with a seasoned fillet of salmon. The dish sits on a light-colored surface.

Oven Roasted Gnocchi with Pesto and Vegetables

There is something about gnocchi on a sheet-pan- it's simply delicious! Tossed with homemade Avocado Oil Pesto and roasted with seasonal vegetables. It's fall season must-try!

Oven Roasted Gnocchi with Pesto and Vegetables

plate of gnocchi with pesto and vegetables.

Ground Meat Favorites

From ground turkey to ground beef and beyond- ground meat makes weeknight dinners both versatile and filling. Recipes like Sugar Free Sloppy Joe’s, Bison Meatloaf and Ground Turkey Pesto Pasta showcase variety, flavor and wholesomeness.

Sugar Free Sloppy Joe’s

Sugar Free Sloppy Joe's are perfect for your clean eating menu. Made with lean ground beef, paleo ketchup, and other simple ingredients- this recipe proves eating wholesome is not boring! Serve with your favorite buns, sweet potatoes or vegetables.

30 Minute Sugar Free Sloppy Joe’s

Bison Meatloaf

This Bison Meatloaf has Italian inspired flavors. It can be paired with so many different side dishes like Whole30 Mashed Potatoes, Cumin Sweet Potatoes or Root Vegetable Mash.

Easy Bison Meatloaf

Ground Turkey Pesto Pasta

Flavor, flavor, flavor! Inspired by the Marry Me Chicken flavors, this Ground Turkey Pesto Pasta dish will not disappoint. It's high protein, family friendly and full of goodness.

Best Ground Turkey Pesto Pasta with Kale

Close up pic of ground turkey pesto pasta .

Ground Turkey and Garbanzo Bean Stuffed Peppers

You can never go wrong with a stuffed bell pepper! Ground turkey, chickpeas, rice and a ton of herbs and spices are cooked up and stuffed into a sweet bell pepper.

Ground Turkey and Garbanzo Bean Stuffed Peppers

Fall Inspired Chicken Dinners

These chicken dinners are perfect for crisp autumn nights. Recipes such as Harissa Chicken, Pumpkin Glazed Chicken and Middle Eastern Spatchock Chicken bring heat with a little bit of salty and sweet. Pair these fall chicken recipes with Cumin Sweet Potatoes, Rosemary Sweet Potatoes, Garlic Turmeric Rice or Whole30 Mashed Potatoes.

Harissa Chicken Recipe

The chicken dinner you didn't know you needed! This Harissa Chicken Thighs recipe is loaded with flavor and rubbed with harissa paste. It's tasty, easy to make and done in under 30 minutes!

Easy Harissa Chicken Recipe

A close-up of a baked, golden-brown harissa chicken recipe garnished with chopped parsley, lifted from a baking sheet with roasted vegetables in the background.

Pumpkin Glazed Chicken

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are seasoned with warm spices and roasted with a pumkpin glaze- making this the perfect balance of salty and sweet! This dish pairs well with any vegetables or starches.

Juicy Pumpkin Glazed Chicken

Middle Eastern Spatchcock Chicken

Warning: This could become your new favorite way to cook chicken! This Middle Eastern Spatchcock Chicken is bursting with flavor from my homemade Za'atar Spice Mix . It's roasted until golden and crispy making it mouthwatering and impressive!

Crispy Middle Eastern Spatchcock Chicken

hands touching a middle eastern spatchcocked chicken on a platter.

Comforting Fall Dinner Ideas: Casseroles and Bakes

There is nothing like a casserole that is fresh and warm from the oven. These Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups, High Protein Baked Ziti, Ground Turkey Lasagna and Butternut Squash and Black Enchiladas are some of my family favorites. They’re easy, cheesy and satisfying!

Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups

Pesto and ground chicken seasoned with spices are rolled up into tender lasagna noodles and baked to perfection. Perfect for meal prep or family style dinner.

Chicken Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups with Tomato Sauce

High Protein Baked Ziti

Penne noodles cooked in tomato sauce, ground turkey and cottage cheese for a high protein boost. This is great for meal prep and gluten free penne noodles can be used.

High Protein Baked Ziti

A hand reaches for a plate of 5 ingredient baked ziti with tomato sauce and cheese, garnished with herbs, beside a fork, bread slices, and a small bowl of chopped parsley on a striped napkin.

Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas

A cozy vegetarian twist on a classic! These enchiladas bring together butternut squash, black beans, and warm spices for one nourishing meal! This recipe is high in fiber, full of flavor and perfect for something indulgent yet wholesome.

Cheesy Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas

Ground Turkey Lasagna

I've been making this recipe for over 20 years and it hits the spot every time! Tender noodles, ground turkey, tomato sauce and cottage cheese make this lasagna a must try for fall season.

Ground Turkey Lasagna

These fall dinner ideas are wholesome, satisfying and easy to make- perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend in. Save this round-up when you’re craving fall inspiration for your dinner table!

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