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Home » Recipe Collections

46 Autumn Meals That Make You Want to Cancel Plans and Stay In

Published: Oct 9, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Autumn meals are the kind that make you want to cancel plans and stay in. These recipes are packed with flavor and feel like they were made for cozy nights and slow afternoons. They’re the kind of food that hits every craving without making things complicated. You’ll want to pull up a chair, grab a plate, and forget about the outside world for a while.

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

Colcannon

An overhead image of a large pot filled with colcannon.
Colcannon. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Colcannon mixes mashed potatoes, cabbage, and green onions into a simple side dish. Its rustic character makes it a classic fit for an autumn meal that highlights comfort food traditions.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon

West African Peanut Stew

Bowl of West African peanut stew served over rice.
West African Peanut Stew. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

West African peanut stew blends chickpeas, peanut butter, and spices into a hearty consistency in under 40 minutes. Its rich texture and depth of flavor make it well-suited for an autumn meal that brings warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: West African Peanut Stew

Shiro Wat

A large white pot filled with thick, orange shiro wat is pictured from above.
Shiro Wat. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ethiopian chickpea stew cooks in about 45 minutes with layered spices and a thick base. The balanced flavors make it a fitting addition to an autumn meal when something nourishing is desired.
Get the Recipe: Shiro Wat

Dal Tadka

Two bowls of finished dal tadka next to each other.
Dal Tadka. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Dal tadka brings together lentils and spices for a dish that pairs easily with rice or bread. Its smooth texture and steady flavor make it a comforting part of an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Dal Tadka

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan.
Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked gouda mac and cheese brings pasta together with a smooth sauce in under an hour. The familiar taste makes it a reliable part of an autumn meal when something cozy is preferred.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A bowl of vegetable soup with a spoon next to slices of bread.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A slow cooker vegetable soup filled with tender vegetables and a touch of lemon cooks itself while you handle other tasks. Its wholesome nature makes it a great addition to an autumn meal when the weather turns cooler.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker lentil soup needs little attention and finishes with a hint of lemon for freshness. The simplicity makes it a practical option for an autumn meal when time is limited.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Coconut Red Lentil Curry

Coconut red lentil curry served in a bowl over white rice.
Coconut Red Lentil Curry. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Coconut red lentil curry simmers in 30 minutes with gentle spices and a creamy texture. The simplicity and heartiness make it a good fit for an autumn meal that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Red Lentil Curry

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole comes together with just three ingredients for a creamy side or main. Its quick preparation makes it a convenient choice for an autumn meal that centers on comfort.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Spinach Casserole

An overview of a plate of spinach casserole with a fork.
Spinach Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This spinach casserole combines cheese and greens for a creamy dish that’s ready in half an hour. The texture and gentle richness make it a fitting pick for an autumn meal that feels grounded and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Casserole

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

An image of instant pot tortellini soup in a bowl.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot tortellini soup pairs pasta and vegetables in a simple broth that’s done in about 30 minutes. The ease and warmth make it a fitting pick for an autumn meal shared on a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

An overhead image of slow cooker French onion soup.
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker French onion soup builds layers of caramelized onions and thyme while it simmers on its own. The deep flavors and minimal effort make it an easy match for an autumn meal that leans toward comfort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Chickpea Peanut Butter Curry with Coconut Milk

A bowl of rice topped with chickpea peanut butter curry.
Chickpea Peanut Butter Curry with Coconut Milk. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy chickpea peanut butter curry comes together in about 15 minutes using pantry staples. The smooth consistency and quick preparation make it a smart option for an autumn meal that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Peanut Butter Curry with Coconut Milk

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate.
Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetable lasagna layers pasta, cheese, and vegetables into a baked dish that feels substantial. Its structure and heartiness make it an excellent choice for an autumn meal that fills the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Gobi Manchurian

An overhead image of gobi manchurian over rice.
Gobi Manchurian. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy gobi manchurian comes together in about 30 minutes with cauliflower tossed in a tangy and balanced sauce. Its bold yet comforting flavor makes it a good choice for an autumn meal when something hearty and quick is needed.
Get the Recipe: Gobi Manchurian

Golden Milk White Bean Soup

Golden Milk White Bean Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Instant Pot golden milk white bean soup combines beans and spices in a short cooking time. Its smooth texture makes it a nourishing addition to an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Golden Milk White Bean Soup

Potato Leek Gratin

An overhead image of servings of potato leek gratin on two plates.
Potato Leek Gratin. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Potato and leek gratin bakes thin slices in a smooth sauce until golden. The tender layers and creamy finish make it an easy match for an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek Gratin

Italian Minestrone Soup

Italian Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Minestrone soup mixes vegetables and beans in a light yet filling broth. Paired with bread, it’s a reliable choice for an autumn meal when something balanced is needed.
Get the Recipe: Italian Minestrone Soup

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

An overhead image of slow cooker green bean casserole on a plate.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker green bean casserole cooks with almost no active work and finishes creamy. The ease of preparation makes it an appealing part of an autumn meal during gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Potato And Sausage Chowder

Overhead image of cozy bowl of potato and sausage chowder with breads on the side.
Potato And Sausage Chowder. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Potato and sausage chowder simmers into a thick and hearty soup in one pot. The wholesome character makes it a natural fit for an autumn meal on a cool evening.
Get the Recipe: Potato And Sausage Chowder

Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole.
Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tater tot casserole brings together potatoes, vegetables, and a creamy filling baked to crispness. The nostalgic flavor makes it a comforting centerpiece for an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole

Eggplant Lasagna

Eggplant Lasagna. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Eggplant lasagna layers roasted eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese for a baked dish that holds structure. Its comforting finish makes it a fitting option for an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Lasagna

Vegetable Korma

An overhead image of vegetable korma in a bowl, garnished with cilantro and with a spoon on the side.
Vegetable Korma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetable korma combines potatoes, peas, and coconut sauce into a creamy dish. Served with bread, it makes a balanced addition to an autumn meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Korma

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Overhead image of a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup, garnished with parsley, ready to serve.
Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Stuffed pepper soup transforms the classic dish into a tomato-based version that’s simple to prepare. The recognizable flavor makes it a comforting choice for an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup

Black Bean Enchiladas

An overhead image of black bean enchiladas in a baking dish.
Black Bean Enchiladas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Black bean enchiladas bake under cheese and sauce into a dish that’s ready in less than an hour. The rich texture and hearty layers make them a good option for an autumn meal shared with family.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Enchiladas

Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Tuna noodle casserole keeps a classic flavor and comes together quickly. The comforting texture makes it an easy choice for an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

A bowl of slow cooker potato soup.
Slow Cooker Potato Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker potato soup turns creamy with very little effort while cooking through the day. The simplicity makes it a dependable pick for an autumn meal at night.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin Risotto. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Instant Pot pumpkin risotto cooks in about 20 minutes with rice, pumpkin, and herbs. Its creamy texture makes it a fitting addition to an autumn meal that highlights seasonal produce.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto

Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari

An overhead view of kitchari in a pot above a wooden board.
Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kitchari combines rice and lentils with light spices into a balanced dish ready in about 45 minutes. Its gentle consistency makes it a grounding option for an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari

Lentil Chickpea Curry

Lentil Chickpea Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Lentil chickpea curry cooks quickly with mild spices and lemon for brightness. Its thick texture makes it a fitting choice for an autumn meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Chickpea Curry

Mushroom Stroganoff

An image of mushroom stroganoff and white rice on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom stroganoff pairs mushrooms and sauce in about 30 minutes. The soft texture and rich taste make it a fitting companion to noodles or rice for an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Five Spice Cream Cheese Chicken

Five Spice Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cream cheese chicken simmers gently in a spiced sauce with little effort. The creamy result and simplicity make it a practical choice for an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Five Spice Cream Cheese Chicken

Vegetable Pot Pie

An image of vegetable pot pie in a baking dish, with a portion missing.
Vegetable Pot Pie. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetable pot pie brings vegetables together beneath a crisp crust. Its balanced filling and easy preparation make it a steady part of an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie

Vegan Moussaka

Vegan Moussaka. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan moussaka layers eggplant, lentil sauce, and dairy-free béchamel into a hearty bake. The structure and texture make it well-suited for an autumn meal that calls for depth.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Moussaka

Chana Masala

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

Chana masala brings chickpeas and spices together in one pot within half an hour. The hearty flavor makes it a balanced dish for an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala

Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry

Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Adzuki bean curry cooks in coconut broth and pairs well with rice or quinoa. The balanced flavors and easy preparation make it a dependable choice for an autumn meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry

Mushroom Masala

An image of cooked mushroom masala in a skillet.
Mushroom Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom masala simmers mushrooms in tomato-coconut sauce within 30 minutes. The result pairs smoothly with rice or bread for an autumn meal that feels steady and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Easy Chicken Pot Pie. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken pot pie layers vegetables and chicken beneath pastry for a nostalgic dish. Its hearty filling makes it a reliable part of an autumn meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Eggplant Casserole

An eggplant casserole in a baking dish, accompanied by a wooden spoon.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Eggplant casserole bakes vegetables, herbs, and cheese with a golden top. Its simple method and baked texture make it a steady part of an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Meatball Casserole

Meatball Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Meatball casserole layers pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese for a baked dish that feels substantial. Its comforting taste makes it a reliable pick for an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Moroccan Chickpea Tagine

An overview of a bowl of Moroccan chickpea tagine.
Moroccan Chickpea Tagine. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Moroccan chickpea tagine brings vegetables and spices together in one pot in about 40 minutes. Its heartiness and simplicity make it a dependable part of an autumn meal.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Chickpea Tagine

Hamburger Steak and Gravy

Hamburger Steak and Gravy. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Hamburger steak and gravy features pan-fried patties and a simple sauce. The familiar flavor and texture make it a natural fit for an autumn meal built around comfort.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Steak and Gravy

Kik Alicha

An image of kik alicha in a bowl with a spoon on the side.
Kik Alicha. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kik Alicha, a mild Ethiopian split pea stew, thickens as it cooks and feels grounding. Its soothing nature makes it a fitting choice for an autumn meal that centers on calm flavors.
Get the Recipe: Kik Alicha

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef

Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cranberry balsamic roast draws on seasonal ingredients that suit cool weather. Its character makes it a fitting centerpiece for an autumn meal shared at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Balsamic Roast Beef

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

An image of roasted cauliflower soup in a white bowl, with fresh thyme on the side.
Roasted Cauliflower Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted cauliflower soup blends garlic, cumin, and thyme into a creamy bowl. It’s quick to prepare and brings a smooth texture to an autumn meal centered on simple comfort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Vegan Picadillo

Vegan Picadillo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Vegan picadillo stews tempeh, potatoes, and lentils in tomato sauce. Its hearty result makes it a dependable part of an autumn meal with balanced flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Picadillo

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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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