The air is cooling down and the meals are heating up. It’s the season for family dinners and cozy comfort foods! And we’ve got 5 meal ideas that your friends and family will enjoy.
We’ve gathered some hearty and healthy recipes that will feel manageable for those last-minute dinner plans, without sacrificing flavor. Tip: invest in pantry staples that you can use again and again, saving you time and helping to reduce food waste! Plus, working with what you’ve got on hand will boost your creativity in the kitchen.
Cooking with seasonal ingredients is also a great way to keep your dining table feeling fresh (and is always something to look forward to each season). Find a helpful guide on what’s in season in September at the end of this article.
Here are 5 delicious meals to add to your autumn menu.
White Chicken Chili by Cooking Classy
Creamy and comforting, this white chili is a great alternative to traditional beef chili, and is super delicious with slices of fresh avocado on top. Add a little hot sauce or jalapenos for a spicy twist.
Butternut Squash Alfredo by The Kitchn
Pasta is one of the best pantry items to have on hand. And this rich, cheesy dish will definitely be a family dinner night favorite. Fresh garlic and butter never disappoint!
Beef Stew by Mountain Mama Cooks
This is a super easy and delicious one-pot meal, and surprisingly doesn’t need to simmer all day. The Worcestershire and red wine really enhances the beef’s deep flavors. Think cottagey, cozy type of dinner.
Autumn Harvest Salad (Or the ‘What’s-in-the-fridge Salad’) by Half Baked Harvest
We’ve included a recipe for the ‘what’s-in-the-fridge salad’, but you can get creative with ingredients. Grab whatever nuts and seeds you have on hand, leftover protein from yesterday’s dinner, the fruit that’s on the counter, and toss with a simple vinaigrette. Play with mixing crunchy, sweet, and tangy ingredients you already have in the fridge.
Roasted Cajun Vegetables by Fresh Out
Roast veggies are an underrated yet classic side dish. Olive oil, salt, and cajun seasoning draw out the best in potato and yam hashes. Why not add some garlic bulbs too? With little prep, it’s a staple dish that compliments so many mains.
Shop Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
For September, some of the best produce we see this month are: figs, plums, raspberries, cantaloupe, apples, pears, peppers, potatoes, green beans, cauliflower, onions, mushrooms, eggplant, swiss chard, and more.
We love Brightland’s produce guide that comes out each month with tips for what’s ripe.
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