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Home » Recipe Collections

25 Lazy Recipes for When You Want Fall Flavors Without the Work

Published: Oct 25, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Feeling the cool breeze and seeing the leaves change can make anyone crave those cozy fall flavors. But sometimes, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen is just too much. There are simple and lazy ways to get those autumn tastes without all the hard work. Try using pre-made items and just add a few spices or sauces to get that warm, comforting feel.

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

Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Top view of butternut squash soup with a spoon in it.
Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sometimes, you want a mix of exotic and comfort, right? Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup effortlessly captures that with an easy prep. The warm spices pair beautifully with squash for an interesting flavor that doesn't require much effort. Making it is straightforward and a great way to enjoy fall flavors with minimal work involved.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

After a long day, you might just look for quick fixes that still hit the jackpot. With Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza, you get that classic taste without spending hours in the kitchen. Even if cooking isn't your favorite hobby, this pizza is hassle-free and gives satisfaction with every bite. It's about simplicity, and of course, adding your own touch with favorite toppings is always an option.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza

Mushroom Ragù

An image of mushroom ragu in a white bowl with a garnish of basil on top.
Mushroom Ragù. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Combining mushrooms and pasta, Mushroom Ragù brings forth something rich to enjoy. It gives out deep flavors without needing intricate cooking methods or a lengthy list of ingredients. When you're in need of comforting pasta, this recipe is there to share its simple yet impactful taste. Perfect when you want something that feels elaborate but is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragù

Spicy Vodka Pasta

An overhead view of a cooked spicy vodka pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Vodka Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

For a cozy evening at home, Spicy Vodka Pasta is what you might want to serve. Something about the cream, hint of spice, and vodka just works, and it won't take much prepping. An option that feels like a treat, yet doesn't require a four-course ambition. All things considered, this pasta brings the comfort you're in search of without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vodka Pasta

French Onion Soup

An image of vegetarian French onion soup in a bowl.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Simplicity meets bistro elegance with Vegetarian French Onion Soup. Imagine rich flavors accentuated in an easy-to-make recipe that's just as culinary as dining out. Rich onion notes blend softly with a broth that’s welcoming without rigorous steps. Easy to prepare and soft on the palate, it’s perfect when casual and fancy meet midweek cravings.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Overhead view of rigatoni arrabbiata dish placed on a white plate and baking dish. 
Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Love of spice calls for Rigatoni Arrabbiata, combining peppery heat with the culinary bite of rigatoni pasta. This dish focuses on the fiery notes brought about through easy steps. Perfect for when your hunger seeks something hearty yet simple to create. A classic Italian option, ready in a short while for any day you choose to make it.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Close-up image of sliced homemade Margherita pizza.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Think of yourself on a chilly day, craving something that hits the spot. Broccoli Cheddar Soup could be the creamy bowl of comfort you need. When you're in no mood for a kitchen marathon, this soup brings together earthy and cheesy notes without the grind. It's perfect for warming up without breaking a sweat over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Baingan Bharta

An image of baingan bharta in a serving bowl, ready to be served.
Baingan Bharta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

When something smokier hits the spot, think about Baingan Bharta. This Indian-inspired dish brings a grilled kick with mashed veggies that play nice together. No need for extensive cooking skills here, just a few simple steps and you've got something special. It’s an easy way to enjoy a traditionally complex taste.
Get the Recipe: Baingan Bharta

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.

This creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup might be all you need for a relaxed meal. You’ll appreciate how roasting the cauliflower intensifies the flavors while you barely lift a finger in preparation. If you want a taste that feels like you've put in more effort than you have, this soup works. It's perfect for a laid-back day when you still want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Easy Veggie Lasagna

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

You know lasagna is a crowd-pleaser, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Easy Veggie Lasagna keeps things simple and gets the job done when you want comfort with less commotion. Layers of veggies and cheese provide the heartiness you're after without too many steps. When whipping up a classic is on your mind, this lasagna won't wear you out.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Squash Casserole with Stuffing

An image of Squash Casserole in a baking dish.
Squash Casserole with Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A staple where squash meets breadcrumbs, Squash Casserole with Stuffing rounds out any gathering. It requires minimal steps to produce something hearty and enjoyable. You just bind everything together and let the oven take charge. Serve it up hot and appreciate the comforting flavors without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing

Spicy Pumpkin Soup

An overhead image of spicy pumpkin soup served in a bowl.
Spicy Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This season, a touch of heat might be just what you crave, and Spicy Pumpkin Soup adds that warmth. It brings an edge to pumpkin's sweetness while being simple enough to whip up quickly. For an easy autumn treat, let this soup become your go-to. There's no extensive list of ingredients or heavy preparation, just pure comfort.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Pumpkin Soup

Vegetable Pot Pie

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

Dreamy, flaky crusts might be calling your name, and Vegetable Pot Pie fits right in. It's robust yet straightforward, ideal for when comfort is necessary but elbow grease isn't. Rich with veggies, this pie won't keep you tied to the kitchen for long. Perfect for family dinners, this is wholesome without the hard labor.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie

Greek Chickpea Soup

An image of greek chickpea soup in a bowl with utensils beside it.
Greek Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

If you're after something both nourishing and rich in flavor, Greek Chickpea Soup won't disappoint. It captures the heartiness of the Mediterranean without demanding hours in the kitchen. With just a few straightforward steps, you can enjoy a bowl of everything you need. Sometimes, easy and hearty is exactly where your journey should end.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

Mushroom Barley Soup

An image of mushroom barley soup in a bowl.
Mushroom Barley Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Earthy and grounding, Mushroom Barley Soup is a comforting option when temperatures drop. The mushrooms add depth and the barley fills you up nicely, and it doesn’t ask much in return in terms of effort. You can simply let it simmer while you unwind and reap the rewards later. Cozy up to a simplified bowl of something special without the grind.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Barley Soup

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.

For a meal that’s creamy and culinary, Mushroom Stroganoff might be your answer. It has all the allure of a complicated dish but keeps prep simple and easy. When noodles and a creamy mushroom sauce are what you crave, this dish doesn't disappoint. Have it ready in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

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.

Looking for something hearty yet easy on the culinary skills? Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup delivers warmth and satisfaction in just a few steps. It's straightforward and keeps the heartiness of beans while being simple enough for a weekday dish. Enjoy a perfect bowl without extensive preparation time.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Cannellini Bean Soup

Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of microwave mac and cheese in a bowl with a spoon.
Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A bowl of cheesy goodness ready in minutes – that's Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese for you. It's quick, it's effortless, and exactly what you'd reach for on a lazy evening. No pots or pans to clean, this makes homemade comfort so attainable. Perfect for anyone who's short on time but still wants that cheesy fix.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

An angled shot of savory sweet potato casserole served in a baking dish.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

For something that combines hearty and earthy, Savory Sweet Potato Casserole is ideal. With just a few ingredients, this dish is quick to prep and bake, making meal times straightforward. Don't worry about elaborate procedures; this casserole is about quick assembly. It's the hearty meal when you're in want of something nurturing.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

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.

Bringing a touch of elegance to a classic, Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese captures that touch of sophistication. By using gouda, you're adding a nice twist to a familiar favorite that doesn't require chef-level skills. It's an uplifting change when you want your usual mac and cheese a little different. You can have this for anyone who wants a home-cooked dish without the ordeal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

When you're craving pasta with a refreshing zing, One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta is there. This cheesy, citrusy blend comes together with minimal effort since everything cooks up in one pot. No need for a labor-intensive process, just simple steps to pasta perfection. Let this light pasta be the easy dish you turn to when a heavy meal isn't appealing.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Instant Pot Minestrone

An overhead image of a bowl of minestrone soup served in a white bowl, accompanied by a spoon on the side and a white cloth underneath.
Instant Pot Minestrone. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

On days you want ease without compromise, turn to Instant Pot Minestrone. This soup quickly combines the rich tastes of vegetables and pasta with broth, making it an easy choice. With the Instant Pot doing most of the work, cooking becomes straightforward. Enjoy a meal that's as trouble-free as it is comforting.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Minestrone

Enchilada Casserole

An image of vegetarian enchilada casserole in a clear baking dish.
Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

After a busy day, Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole delivers an accessible south-of-the-border experience. With its layers of tortillas and veggies, it packs flavor without a lengthy cooking time. It allows you to get something noteworthy and efficient on the table in no time. This casserole shows that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Casserole

Pasta alla Norma

An overhead image of Pasta alla Norma in a bowl with another bowl of pasta on the side.
Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Dreaming of easy Italian flavors? Look no further than Pasta alla Norma, inspired by a favorite from southern Italy but made simple. With roasted veggies and pasta mingling together, it offers something beautiful without too much hassle. Let this dish be the culmination of Mediterranean fare right from your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

An image of a white plate with a serving of cheesy green bean casserole with a fork on the side, and the casserole behind it.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sometimes a creamy casserole is just what you're looking for, and Cheesy Green Bean Casserole fits the bill. What's great is how easily this comes together in time for any meal. While the oven does the bulk of the work, you can relax and let the cheesy goodness meld with the green beans. It's that afterthought you need when you don't want any more complexity in your day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

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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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