10 One-Pan Meals Using Autumn Ingredients

As the leaves turn and the air grows cooler, autumn brings a fresh bounty of ingredients that make cooking a joy. One-pan meals are ideal for this time of year, combining seasonal produce and savory flavors in a single dish. These meals are not only easy to make, but they also highlight the comfort and warmth we crave during the fall. Whether you are preparing a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, one-pan dishes are a go-to choice.

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One-Pan Roasted Vegetables with Sausage

A one-pan roasted vegetable medley with sausage is perfect for fall’s cooler nights. This dish combines crispy roasted vegetables with the savory flavors of sausage, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The vegetables absorb the flavors of the sausage as they roast, resulting in a delicious and easy dinner.

The main ingredients include sausage links or such as Italian or bratwurst, carrots, Brussels sprouts, red onions, and potatoes. Olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper are essential for seasoning, and a dash of balsamic vinegar adds extra depth.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. Slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces and toss with the vegetables, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast everything in a single layer on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.

Pumpkin Risotto

A creamy pumpkin risotto makes for a perfect autumn meal. The sweetness of pumpkin combined with creamy rice creates a cozy, comforting dish, while the fresh sage adds an earthy flavor. This one-pan meal is simple yet elegant and brings out the season’s best flavors.

You will need Arborio rice, pumpkin puree, chicken broth, onions, garlic, fresh sage, Parmesan cheese, and butter. A bit of white wine can enhance the dish’s richness, and a sprinkle of nutmeg will provide a warm, seasonal touch.

In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft. Stir in the rice and cook until lightly toasted before adding the wine. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked and creamy. Stir in the pumpkin puree, sage, and Parmesan for a rich and flavorful finish.

Roasted Chicken with Squash and Cranberries

A deliciously roasted chicken paired with seasonal squash and cranberries creates a colorful and hearty dish that embodies the flavors of autumn. The sweetness of the squash and the tanginess of the cranberries bring out the best in the chicken. It’s a warm and festive dish that’s simple to prepare.

The main ingredients are bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, butternut squash, fresh cranberries, garlic, and rosemary. Olive oil, salt, and pepper complete the seasoning.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. Rub the chicken with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Arrange the squash and cranberries around the chicken on a baking sheet, then roast everything for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Autumn Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Bowl

Quinoa adds protein and texture to this hearty roasted vegetable bowl, making it an ideal autumn meal. The combination of roasted root vegetables and warm spices pairs perfectly with quinoa’s nutty flavor. It’s an easy-to-make, filling dish that is both healthy and comforting.

You will need quinoa, carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, olive oil, garlic, and your choice of spices like cinnamon or paprika. Fresh parsley or feta can be added for garnish.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil and spices, then roast for 25-30 minutes. While the vegetables roast, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Combine the quinoa and roasted vegetables in a bowl, topping with parsley or feta.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Chicken

Baked apple cinnamon chicken is a flavorful one-pan dish that brings together the savory richness of chicken with the sweetness of apples. The cinnamon adds a warming, seasonal touch, making this meal perfect for autumn. It’s a cozy dish that’s both simple to prepare and delicious to eat.

For this dish, you will need chicken breasts or thighs, apples, cinnamon, honey, olive oil, and garlic. Salt and pepper enhance the overall taste.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. Place the chicken in a baking dish and surround it with sliced apples. Drizzle with olive oil, honey, and sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the apples are tender.

One-Pan Sweet Potato and Sausage Hash

A hearty and flavorful one-pan hash featuring sweet potatoes and sausage is the perfect meal for fall. The sausage adds a savory richness that complements the sweetness of the potatoes. This meal is simple to prepare and can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

You will need sausage links, sweet potatoes, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and olive oil. Fresh parsley and a dash of paprika complete the dish.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the sausage until browned. Add diced sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers, and cook until the potatoes are tender. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper, then top with fresh parsley. You can also add a fried egg to top it off.

Pumpkin and Spinach Frittata

This pumpkin and spinach frittata is a simple yet flavorful one-pan meal, perfect for autumn mornings. The pumpkin adds a slight sweetness that pairs well with the savory spinach, making it a great seasonal breakfast. The dish is light yet filling and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

For this recipe, you will need eggs, pumpkin puree, spinach, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. A touch of nutmeg enhances the autumn flavor.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. Sauté garlic and spinach in olive oil until wilted, then stir in pumpkin puree and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour in the beaten eggs and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set.

One-Pan Roasted Pork with Apples and Onions

This simple yet flavorful one-pan meal combines the savory taste of pork with the sweet, tangy flavor of apples. Perfect for autumn, the pork becomes tender while the apples caramelize in the pan, creating a delicious contrast of flavors. It’s a hearty dish that requires little prep and delivers great taste.

Ingredients for this dish include pork chops, apples, onions, olive oil, and fresh rosemary. You’`ll also need salt, pepper, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for added depth.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the pork chops on both sides. Add sliced apples, onions, and rosemary around the pork, drizzle with a little apple cider vinegar, and roast everything for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork is fully cooked.

One-Pan Chicken with Roasted Carrots and Potatoes

A classic autumn combination, this one-pan chicken with roasted carrots and potatoes is easy to make and delivers a satisfying meal. The chicken roasts alongside the vegetables, soaking up all the flavorful juices, making for a deliciously comforting dish.

You will need chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Salt and pepper will be needed for seasoning.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. Toss the chopped potatoes and carrots in olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken thighs on top, and roast everything for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Apples and Sweet Potatoes

This comforting autumn dish brings together the natural sweetness of apples and sweet potatoes with savory roasted chicken. The chicken cooks alongside the vegetables, soaking up all the flavorful juices, making it an easy, one-pan meal.

You will need chicken thighs, apples, sweet potatoes, olive oil, cinnamon, thyme, and garlic.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. Toss the chopped sweet potatoes, apples, and garlic with olive oil, cinnamon, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken thighs on top and roast everything for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.