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Home » Dinner

27 Budget-Friendly Fall Dinners That Are Big on Flavor

Published: Oct 18, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Budget-friendly fall dinners are a great way to enjoy the cozy flavors of the season without breaking the bank. With the weather getting cooler, it’s the perfect time to whip up hearty meals that warm you from the inside out. These recipes are easy to make and packed with flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a quick meal, these fall-inspired dishes will bring comfort to your table. Get ready to fill your home with the inviting scents of autumn and dig into meals that everyone will love!

Two bowls of finished dal tadka next to each other.
Authentic Dal Tadka (Stovetop, Instant Pot). Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

An overhead view of the Tuscan bean soup placed on a serving dish with a spoon on the side.
Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tuscan soup with beans is a hearty meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This budget-friendly fall dish provides a rich combination of flavors, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

Chana Masala

Top view image of chana masala served in a white bowl.
Chana Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chana masala is an affordable Indian chickpea curry that's ready in only 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for fall dinners. Its vibrant flavors make this budget-friendly recipe a fantastic introduction to Indian cuisine without straining your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala

Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Horizontal image of fried rice in a white bowl with brown chopsticks on the side.
Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fried rice, using day-old rice and any leftover ingredients you have, comes together in a speedy 15 minutes. This budget-friendly fall dish is a practical option for a weeknight dinner or quick lunch that maximizes your pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Quick Fried Rice with Leftover Rice

Vegan Turkey Roast

Vegan Turkey Roast in a glass baking dish on a countertop, garnished with herbs.
Vegan Turkey Roast. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan roast made with chickpeas and seitan is a cost-effective meal for holiday gatherings or family dinners. Quick to prepare with common pantry items, it’s a budget-friendly fall recipe that brings comfort without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Turkey Roast

Stuffed Peppers

A photo showing vegan stuffed peppers arranged on a white plate, set atop a brown cloth, with a fork and knife placed beside.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegan stuffed peppers filled with quinoa, lentils, and vegetables provide a nutritious meal that is easy to prepare. This budget-friendly fall dish is not only wholesome but also offers a hearty dinner option that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Shepherd's Pie

Close up view of vegan shepherd's pie in a white baking dish.
Shepherd's Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan Shepherd's Pie, featuring lentils, mushrooms, and creamy mashed potatoes, is a filling meal ready in an hour. This budget-friendly fall dish is perfect for those seeking a comforting dinner that won't break the bank.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd's Pie

Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup

An overhead image of instant pot mulligatawny soup being scoop out from the pot.
Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A rich curry soup with lentils and vegetables cooked in coconut broth makes for a flavorful and economical choice for dinner. This budget-friendly fall recipe is perfect for cooler evenings and is ready in under an hour, making it a great weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup

Authentic Dal Tadka (Stovetop, Instant Pot)

Two bowls of finished dal tadka next to each other.
Authentic Dal Tadka (Stovetop, Instant Pot). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Dal Tadka, an Indian lentil curry packed with protein, is both easy to prepare and affordable. Pair it with rice or flatbread for a complete budget-friendly fall meal that is both filling and flavorful, making it a great addition to your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Dal Tadka (Stovetop, Instant Pot)

Easy, Creamy Vegan White Bean Chili

An overhead image of vegan white bean chili with toppings.
Easy, Creamy Vegan White Bean Chili. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This vegan white bean chili is not only hearty but also comes together in just 30 minutes. With its use of pantry staples, it makes for a quick and cost-effective budget-friendly fall meal that's perfect for those crisp autumn nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Creamy Vegan White Bean Chili

Paccheri al Forno

An overhead image of paccheri al forno in a pyrex glass dish.
Paccheri al Forno. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Paccheri al Forno, a Southern Italian pasta bake, combines simple ingredients for a comforting dinner that’s ready in under an hour. This budget-friendly fall meal is perfect for cozy nights at home, satisfying your hunger without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno

Instant Pot Minestrone

A close-up image of a ladle filled with Instant Pot minestrone soup, with the pot in the background.
Instant Pot Minestrone. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot vegetable soup, made with fresh vegetables and beans, is ready in under 30 minutes. This nutritious and budget-friendly fall meal is easy on the wallet and provides a hearty dinner option, perfect for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Minestrone

Penne Pomodoro

An close up photo of cooked penne pomodoro in a pot.
Penne Pomodoro. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This penne recipe is a quick, budget-friendly fall meal that fits well into any busy weeknight. Ready in under 30 minutes, it brings a comforting and filling dish to the table without requiring extensive preparation.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Gnocchi with ground pork, crushed tomatoes, spinach, and melted mozzarella makes for a comforting one-skillet meal. This budget-friendly fall dish is filling and convenient, perfect for a quick dinner option when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

Cast iron bowl with cabbage and sausage.
Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Fried cabbage and sausage skillet is a classic recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes or less. This budget-friendly fall meal combines simplicity and flavor, making it a satisfying choice for any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Overhead image of chicken and rice casserole on top of a wooden board.
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any day of the week. With tender chicken and creamy mushroom soup topped with melted cheese, this budget-friendly fall dish is sure to please the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Two bowls of vegan chickpea and sweet potato stew.
Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This vegan stew, loaded with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and carrots, provides a hearty meal for colder evenings. It’s a budget-friendly fall option that offers warmth and nutrition, making it a perfect choice for chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew

Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes

Two mashed potato pancakes on white plates topped with fried eggs, sauteed mushrooms, spinach, and fresh herbs.
Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Transform leftover mashed potatoes into crispy potato pancakes topped with fried eggs in just 15 minutes. This quick and budget-friendly fall meal is a clever way to utilize leftovers and create a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes

Easy Mushroom Lentil Stew

Close-up image of vegan mushroom lentil stew in a bowl.
Easy Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew is a wholesome one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and budget-friendly. This fall dish is ideal for family dinners, providing a nutritious option that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Lentil Stew

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This cheesy hashbrown casserole is a comforting fall meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. Utilizing leftover potatoes, this budget-friendly recipe delivers a hearty dish packed with flavor and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Copycat Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken

A picture of stuffed chicken breast with paprika.
Copycat Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Stuffed chicken with cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch seasoning is an affordable way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home. This budget-friendly fall recipe serves up big flavors without a hefty price, making it a great dinner choice.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

Lower left corner of Philly Cheesesteak casserole in glass baking dish cooling on rack.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground beef in a Philly Cheesesteak Skillet creates a quick and budget-friendly meal that works well for lunch or dinner. This one-pan dish is simple to make and offers a delicious option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

Chickpea Spinach Curry

Overhead image of chickpea spinach curry in a bowl.
Chickpea Spinach Curry. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Chana palak, a chickpea and spinach curry, is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a quick and affordable option for dinner. This budget-friendly fall meal pairs wonderfully with rice or naan, offering rich flavors that won't hurt your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Spinach Curry

Brisket Chili

Brisket chili in a bowl topede with green onions and avocado.
Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brisket chili made from leftover beef brisket, beans, peppers, and corn results in a hearty meal. This budget-friendly fall dish stretches leftovers into a filling dinner that satisfies hunger without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

French Onion Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak with brown gravy on cheese toast with corn and mashed potatoes on a dinner plate.
French Onion Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

French Onion Salisbury Steak with gravy provides gourmet flavor while fitting perfectly into a budget-friendly fall meal plan. Served alongside mashed potatoes or a green salad, this dish balances affordability and taste beautifully.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Salisbury Steak

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This taco rice skillet dinner is quick and easy, ready in just 20 minutes with only 8 ingredients. This budget-friendly fall meal is a simple and flavorful choice for family dinners, making meal prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna noodle casserole is a straightforward recipe that's ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. This budget-friendly fall dish reheats well, making leftovers a convenient option for busy days ahead.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Slow Cooker Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Slow cooker chicken fettucine alfredo witha fork on a plate.
Slow Cooker Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow cooker chicken fettuccine alfredo offers a hearty option for dinner on cooler evenings. This budget-friendly fall meal is easy to prepare and pairs nicely with a crisp salad, making it a simple yet fulfilling choice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

More Simple Fall Dinner Recipes

An image of Pasta e Piselli served in a bowl.
Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Discover 31 fall dinner recipes that are incredibly easy to whip up! Perfect for cozy weeknights when you crave comfort without the fuss.
Read it Here: 31 Fall Dinner Recipes That Are Shockingly Simple to Make

More No-Fuss Fall Recipes

An overhead image of cooked rasta pasta on a serving bowl.
Jamaican Vegan Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Explore 28 no-fuss fall recipes that make use of pantry staples! Perfect for cozy meals when you want flavor without the hassle.
Read it Here: 28 No-Fuss Fall Recipes You Can Make with Pantry Staples

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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