Fall is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy warm, healthy meals made with real ingredients. These recipes focus on simple, nourishing dinners using seasonal favorites like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and squash.
From cozy soups to hearty skillets and crockpot favorites, each dish is easy to make and full of flavor.
If you’re looking for wholesome meals to match the season, these ideas are a great place to start.
1. Cottage Cheese Zucchini Corn Chowder
This light chowder blends sweet corn and zucchini in a creamy base made with cottage cheese. It’s filling but not heavy, and works well as a simple dinner or lunch. The flavors are fresh and mild, making it easy to pair with a salad or toast.
Try this cozy zucchini and corn chowder right here.
2. Pumpkin & Ground Turkey Skillet with Black Beans
This one-pan dinner uses lean ground turkey, black beans, and pumpkin for a healthy, balanced meal. The pumpkin keeps it creamy without needing extra fat. It’s quick to cook and great for busy weeknights.
Make this ground turkey and pumpkin skillet with this recipe.
3. Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
Layers of squash, spinach, and light sauce come together in this veggie-packed lasagna. It’s a meatless option that still feels hearty and satisfying. Roasting the squash adds a natural sweetness to balance the spinach.
Get the full butternut squash and spinach lasagna recipe right here.
4. Maple-Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
This sheet pan meal keeps things simple with baked chicken and sweet potatoes in a light maple glaze. The ingredients are wholesome and naturally sweet. It’s an easy way to get a balanced dinner without much prep.
Try this maple chicken and sweet potato recipe at this link.
5. Crockpot Smoky Coconut Red Beans & Rice
This plant-based meal is made in the crockpot with red beans, coconut milk, and smoky spices. It’s full of flavor and easy to portion out for the week. The coconut adds richness without dairy.
You can make this smoky coconut red beans and rice using this recipe.
6. Cottage Cheese Carrot Ginger Soup
This smooth soup combines carrots, ginger, and cottage cheese for a warm, protein-rich bowl. It’s light, a little spicy, and perfect for a healthy fall lunch. Pair it with whole grain toast or roasted veggies.
Make this easy carrot and cottage cheese soup right here.
7. Sweet Potato Taco Bowls
Roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and fresh toppings make this a simple, healthy bowl. It’s full of fiber, plant protein, and color. You can prep everything ahead and build your bowl fresh.
Check out this sweet potato taco bowl recipe on this page.
8. Pumpkin Tacos with Chipotle Crema
These vegetarian tacos use soft pumpkin filling with smoky chipotle crema on top. They’re healthy, easy to prep, and full of fall flavor. Add crunchy toppings for extra texture.
Try these tasty pumpkin tacos with chipotle crema using this recipe.
9. Crockpot Tuscan Chicken White Bean Soup
This slow-cooked soup is full of lean chicken, white beans, and leafy greens. It’s hearty and high in protein, but still light and healthy. Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
Make this Tuscan chicken and white bean soup with this recipe.
10. Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Apple cider brings a light sweetness to this simple chicken dinner. The glaze keeps it juicy while adding a touch of fall flavor. It’s great with roasted veggies or brown rice.
Find this healthy apple cider chicken recipe right here.
11. Pumpkin Thai Chickpeas Curry
This curry uses pumpkin and chickpeas in a creamy coconut base with warm Thai spices. It’s plant-based, filling, and made in one pot. The pumpkin adds body without needing heavy cream.
Try this flavorful pumpkin and chickpea curry with this recipe.
12. Lentil and Spinach Soup
Lentils and spinach come together in this light, nourishing soup. It’s packed with fiber and plant protein, with a mild flavor that works for any night. You only need simple ingredients and one pot.
Make this simple lentil and spinach soup using this recipe.
13. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole
This baked dish combines sweet potatoes and black beans for a balanced, plant-based dinner. It’s filling without being too heavy and works well for meal prep. The flavors are warm and satisfying with a gentle spice blend.
Check out this black bean and sweet potato casserole right here.
14. Crockpot Garlic Butter Chicken & Herb Rice
Chicken and brown rice slow-cook in a light garlic butter sauce with herbs. It’s a comforting, hands-off dinner that’s still balanced and healthy. The rice soaks up all the flavor and turns soft and tender.
Make this easy garlic herb chicken and rice in your crockpot.
15. Apple Sweet Potato Soup
This smooth soup blends sweet potatoes and apples with gentle spices for a naturally sweet and cozy meal. It’s light enough for lunch but still satisfying. A sprinkle of cinnamon or herbs adds extra flavor.
Try this warm apple and sweet potato soup with this recipe.
16. Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spicy Chicken and Rice
Roasted butternut squash halves are filled with spiced chicken, brown rice, and veggies. It’s a full meal in one that’s packed with protein and fiber. The squash adds natural sweetness to the savory filling.
Make this healthy stuffed butternut squash dinner with this recipe.
17. Creamy Vegetable Casserole with Crispy Topping
This veggie casserole is full of cooked vegetables in a light, creamy sauce with a crunchy topping. It’s great as a vegetarian dinner or a hearty side. The ingredients are simple and wholesome.
Try this comforting vegetable casserole recipe right here.
18. Crockpot Pumpkin White Bean Sausage Chili
Pumpkin, white beans, and chicken sausage come together in this protein-rich slow cooker chili. It’s cozy, filling, and full of fall flavor without being too heavy. The pumpkin keeps it creamy without extra fat.
Check out this pumpkin white bean sausage chili on this page.
19. Smoky Maple Pumpkin Chili
This chili mixes pumpkin with smoky spices and a touch of maple for depth and sweetness. It’s meatless, fiber-rich, and great for batch cooking. The flavors develop even more the next day.
Make this healthy maple pumpkin chili with this recipe.
20. Apple Mustard Glazed Salmon
This baked salmon gets a tangy-sweet glaze from apple cider and mustard. It’s simple, healthy, and pairs well with grains or roasted veggies. The flavor is bold without overpowering the fish.
Try this easy apple mustard glazed salmon right here.
21. Pumpkin Lentil Protein Soup
This soup blends red lentils and pumpkin for a filling, plant-based meal that’s full of fiber and protein. The texture is smooth and thick, with warm spices that make it cozy. It’s easy to make in one pot and stores well for leftovers.
Try this healthy pumpkin and lentil soup using this recipe.
22. Roasted Pumpkin and Kale Grain Bowl
This grain bowl combines roasted pumpkin, kale, and your favorite whole grains for a nutrient-rich dinner. The textures are balanced with tender squash and crisp greens. Add a simple dressing to bring it all together.
Make this hearty pumpkin and kale grain bowl with this recipe.
23. Crockpot Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Ground turkey and sweet potatoes slow cook in a lightly spiced broth for a protein-rich chili. It’s a simple, balanced meal with plenty of fiber and flavor. Great for prepping ahead or freezing extra portions.
Try this easy sweet potato turkey chili right here.
24. Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup
This soup blends butternut squash and carrots into a light, creamy base with natural sweetness. It’s simple, comforting, and great for a healthy fall lunch or dinner. Add herbs or spices to make it your own.
Make this cozy butternut squash and carrot soup with this recipe.
25. Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Soup
Roasted squash and apples create a smooth, naturally sweet soup that’s rich in fiber and flavor. It’s warm and comforting without needing cream or butter. Serve it with toast or salad for a full meal.
Try this simple butternut squash and apple soup right here.
26. Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
This soup uses lean chicken, veggies, and coconut milk for a light Thai-inspired meal. It’s packed with flavor but still balanced and gentle. The crockpot makes it easy to throw together in the morning.
Make this flavorful Thai coconut chicken soup with this recipe.
27. Pumpkin & White Bean Chili
Pumpkin and white beans create a creamy, meatless chili with plenty of protein and fiber. It’s filling but light, and perfect for fall nights. The flavor is warm and earthy with mild spices.
Try this healthy pumpkin and white bean chili right here.
28. Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad
This salad is full of color and texture with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and fresh greens. It’s hearty enough for dinner and makes great leftovers. A simple lime dressing ties it all together.
Make this filling sweet potato and black bean salad with this recipe.
29. Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
This lighter shepherd’s pie uses mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for added fiber and flavor. Underneath is a mix of lean ground meat and veggies in a savory sauce. It’s warming and satisfying without being too heavy.
Check out this healthier sweet potato shepherd’s pie on this page.
30. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
Sweet potatoes and chickpeas simmer in a gently spiced sauce that’s perfect over rice. It’s plant-based, filling, and full of nutrients. Everything comes together in one pan for easy cleanup.
Try this comforting sweet potato chickpea curry with this recipe.
31. Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Soup
This creamy soup blends pumpkin with cottage cheese for a light, protein-rich meal. It’s smooth, gently spiced, and works well for lunch or dinner. The cottage cheese makes it filling without adding heaviness.
Try this easy pumpkin and cottage cheese soup right here.
32. Cottage Cheese Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This version of broccoli cheddar soup uses cottage cheese for a lighter, high-protein base. It’s still creamy and cheesy, but more balanced. Great with whole grain toast or roasted veggies.
Make this lighter broccoli cheddar soup with cottage cheese with this recipe.
33. Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Lean ground beef and roasted sweet potatoes come together in one pan for a filling, healthy meal. It’s simple, balanced, and full of flavor from herbs and spices. You can add greens or beans to stretch it further.
Try this easy beef and sweet potato skillet with this recipe.
34. Crockpot Butternut Squash Apple Butter Chicken
Chicken cooks slowly in a light, spiced apple butter sauce with tender chunks of squash. It’s sweet, savory, and fall-inspired without being too rich. Serve with rice or greens for a balanced meal.
Make this flavorful butternut squash chicken crockpot dinner right here.
35. Spicy Thai Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin and Thai spices make this soup warming, light, and full of bold flavor. Coconut milk keeps it creamy without dairy. It’s great as a light dinner or a starter with rice or tofu.
Try this healthy Thai-style pumpkin soup with this recipe.
36. Quinoa, Kale, and Butternut Squash Salad
This hearty salad brings together roasted squash, kale, and quinoa for a nutrient-dense dinner. The textures are balanced and the flavors are clean and earthy. Add a light dressing to finish it off.
Make this simple butternut squash grain salad using this recipe.
37. Apple Cider Braised Pork Chops
Pork chops cook slowly in a light apple cider broth with herbs and spices. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a touch of fall sweetness. It’s a simple dish that feels cozy but still light.
Try this flavorful apple cider pork chop recipe right here.
38. Roasted Pumpkin, Carrot, and Sweet Potato Soup
This blended soup uses roasted vegetables for a smooth, naturally sweet flavor. It’s rich in fiber, easy to digest, and warming on cool nights. A sprinkle of spices adds depth without cream.
Check out this healthy roasted fall veggie soup on this page.
39. Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Curry Soup
Cauliflower and cottage cheese are blended with warm curry spices for a creamy, low-fat soup. It’s full of flavor and makes a good light dinner or snack. Serve with naan or crackers on the side.
Make this cozy cauliflower curry soup with cottage cheese with this recipe.
40. Crockpot Ground Beef Minestrone Soup
This slow-cooked minestrone adds lean ground beef for extra protein. It’s loaded with veggies, beans, and a light broth for a balanced, filling dinner. Great for big batches and freezing.
Try this hearty beef minestrone soup right here.
41. Three Sisters Casserole with Cornbread Topping
This casserole features beans, squash, and corn—ingredients known as the “three sisters” in Indigenous cooking. It’s hearty, plant-based, and topped with a soft cornbread layer. Everything bakes together for a cozy, filling meal.
Try this comforting three sisters casserole with this recipe.
42. Cottage Cheese & Broccoli Chicken Casserole
This baked dish uses lean chicken, broccoli, and cottage cheese for a light but satisfying meal. It’s high in protein and full of simple, whole ingredients. Great for weeknights or meal prep.
Make this healthy chicken and broccoli casserole right here.
43. Butternut Squash Cottage Cheese Pasta
This creamy pasta uses roasted squash and cottage cheese for a light, high-protein sauce. It feels comforting but doesn’t weigh you down. Serve it with greens or a side salad to round it out.
Try this cozy butternut squash pasta recipe at this link.
44. Crockpot Coconut Curry Meatballs
These chicken meatballs cook in a light coconut curry sauce with gentle heat and fall spices. The crockpot makes it an easy, hands-off dinner. Serve with rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
Make this simple coconut curry meatball recipe with this method.
45. Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup
This soup is filled with lean chicken, wild rice, and chopped veggies in a light broth. It’s hearty, balanced, and easy to make in large batches. Great for lunches or cozy weeknight dinners.
Try this filling chicken and wild rice soup right here.
46. Cottage Cheese Beef Sweet Potato Bowl
This bowl brings together roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned beef, and a creamy cottage cheese topping. It’s high in protein and packed with slow-digesting carbs. Simple, filling, and great for meal prep.
Make this balanced beef and sweet potato bowl with this recipe.
47. Roasted Pumpkin & Tomato Soup
This soup blends pumpkin and tomato for a rich, slightly tangy flavor that’s perfect for fall. It’s smooth, easy to make, and full of natural fiber. Add herbs or spices to change the flavor.
Try this easy pumpkin tomato soup using this recipe.
48. Pumpkin Falafel with Maple Tahini Drizzle
These baked falafel are made with pumpkin and chickpeas for a lighter, fall-inspired version. The maple tahini sauce adds sweetness and richness without being too heavy. Great over grains or salad greens.
Make this flavorful pumpkin falafel recipe right here.
49. Scalloped Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash
This baked dish layers sweet potatoes and squash in a light, herbed sauce. It’s naturally sweet and perfect as a healthy comfort food option. Serve it as a side or vegetarian main.
Try this wholesome scalloped sweet potato and squash recipe with this method.
50. Crockpot Smoky Pineapple Chicken Fajitas
Chicken cooks with pineapple, peppers, and spices for a sweet and smoky fajita filling. It’s a healthy crockpot meal that’s great for tacos, bowls, or salads. Easy to prep and packed with flavor.
Make these smoky pineapple chicken fajitas in your crockpot.
51. Crockpot Sweet Corn & Pepper Jack White Chicken Chili
This white chili uses shredded chicken, sweet corn, and pepper jack cheese for a creamy but light crockpot meal. It’s full of flavor without being too heavy. The mild spice and slow cook make it extra comforting.
Try this warm white chicken chili with corn right here.
52. Roasted Acorn Squash Soup
Acorn squash gives this soup a soft texture and mild, earthy flavor. Roasting brings out its sweetness without needing added sugar. It’s a simple, healthy option for fall lunches or light dinners.
Make this cozy roasted acorn squash soup with this recipe.
53. Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup with Fresh Thyme
This soup blends pumpkin and wild rice in a broth flavored with fresh thyme and vegetables. It’s filling, fiber-rich, and full of fall flavor. Great for a meatless Monday or batch cooking.
Try this healthy pumpkin and wild rice soup using this recipe.
54. Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
This baked casserole mixes chicken, wild rice, and veggies in a light, creamy base. It’s hearty without being too rich and makes great leftovers. A good balance of protein, fiber, and comfort.
Make this easy wild rice chicken casserole with this recipe.
55. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are stuffed with shredded BBQ chicken for a quick, satisfying dinner. It’s high in protein and naturally sweet without added sugar. Great for meal prep or busy nights.
Try this simple BBQ stuffed sweet potato recipe right here.
56. Thai Curry Butternut Squash Soup
This soup combines butternut squash and Thai curry paste for a bold, flavorful meal. Coconut milk makes it smooth and dairy-free. It’s a great way to warm up with healthy ingredients.
Make this spiced butternut squash Thai soup with this recipe.
57. Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl
This bowl includes roasted sweet potatoes, cooked chicken, and brown rice for a balanced fall dinner. It’s full of fiber and protein and easy to customize with sauces or greens. Great for weekly meal prep.
Try this filling chicken and sweet potato bowl right here.
58. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are filled with seasoned taco meat and fresh toppings for a healthier twist on taco night. It’s naturally gluten-free and easy to make in batches. The sweet and savory mix works really well.
Make these hearty taco stuffed sweet potatoes with this recipe.
59. Gut-Healing Pumpkin Soup
This gentle soup uses pumpkin, bone broth, and anti-inflammatory spices for a soothing meal. It’s light but nourishing, great for digestion and cooler weather. Works well as part of a reset or simple weeknight dinner.
Try this wholesome gut-friendly pumpkin soup right here.
60. Creamy Parmesan Kale Soup
This kale soup is blended with a creamy broth and a little Parmesan for extra flavor. It’s comforting, nutrient-rich, and easy to serve with bread or grains. The texture is smooth with bits of soft greens.
Make this easy creamy kale and Parmesan soup with this recipe.
61. Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo with Crispy Chickpeas
Orzo pasta and roasted squash come together in a warm, satisfying bowl with crispy chickpeas on top. It’s a hearty vegetarian meal with great texture and flavor. A drizzle of lemon or herbs makes it pop.
Try this balanced butternut squash orzo recipe right here.
Final Thoughts
Healthy fall dinners don’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. With cozy ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and squash, you can make warm meals that feel good to eat and are easy on your routine. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these recipes offer plenty of variety with simple, real ingredients.
Save your favorites and come back to them any time the weather calls for something warm and nourishing.