As the weather cools, there’s something so comforting about creating hearty, wholesome meals for your family. Fall is the perfect time to embrace simplicity and intentionality in the kitchen. It doesn’t have to be hard—just a little planning and some go-to recipes can make all the difference! Here are some of my favorite fall recipes, perfect for keeping things nutritious, budget-friendly, and healthy.
Become a Soup Expert With Homemade Broth
Fall in love with cooking a whole chicken! I love using my Instant Pot to roast a whole organic, free-range chicken and make homemade broth. It makes such a huge difference in the flavor of soups! Here’s my go-to method:
Easy Instant Pot Roasted Chicken
- Wash your whole chicken (I love these organic, free-range chickens).
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices (I like a few lemon slices too!).
- Add a little water or chicken stock. Cook on manual for 30-35 minutes.
- Let it naturally release, then remove the chicken and debone.
- Add the bones and skin back into the Instant Pot with more water. Cook on manual for 90 minutes to make a flavorful broth.
If you’re not making soup right away, freeze the broth for future meals. I love using these freezer trays for easy storage.
Comforting Fall Soup Recipes
Here are a few of my family’s favorite fall soups. I’ve made a few gluten- and dairy-free adjustments, so they stay healthy while still being delicious!
Chipotle Pumpkin Soup With Chicken
This has quickly become a family favorite. I use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and brown rice instead of barley to keep it gluten-free. Try the recipe here.
White Chicken Chili
This recipe is not only simple but also perfect for freezing! Find the recipe here.
Classic Chili
A must-have basic chili recipe that you can easily customize! Add peppers, bacon, or black beans to make it your own. Check it out here.
Easy, Cozy Sides and Main Dishes
Sometimes, the simplest meals are the best. These recipes pair perfectly with fall’s comforting soups or as stand-alone dishes.
Butternut Squash Risotto
This creamy, satisfying risotto makes an excellent side dish alongside roasted chicken or salmon. Try it here.
Shepherd’s Pie
One of my family’s favorites. Make a double batch of mashed potatoes, freeze half, and use the rest for this delicious pie. Here’s the recipe.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Perfect for a Sunday meal or a busy weeknight. Pair it with fresh rolls or cornbread for a complete meal. Check out the recipe here.
Comfort Food Favorites
Sometimes we just need true comfort food, and these recipes hit the spot every time.
Gluten-Free Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a cozy classic, and this recipe is gluten-free! Make a double batch and freeze one for later. Get the recipe here.
Sausage Gravy
From one of my most-used cookbooks, this sausage gravy recipe is a staple in our home. I make it dairy- and gluten-free, but it’s just as delicious! Here’s the cookbook.
I hope these recipes inspire you to keep things simple and comforting this fall. With a little planning and a few key ingredients, you can serve up nutritious, budget-friendly meals your family will love!
