13 Cozy Fall Dinners to Make Before Thanksgiving

When the days grow shorter and the air turns cool, it’s nice to slow down with dinners that feel warm and comforting. Before the rush of Thanksgiving, simple fall meals bring a sense of calm to weeknights. Think creamy soups, baked pastas, and one-pan dinners that fill the kitchen with good smells. These cozy dishes are perfect for evenings when you want something hearty without all the holiday fuss.

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Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

This pasta is smooth, rich, and full of the season’s warmth. Roasted butternut squash blends into a velvety sauce with garlic, onion, and parmesan. It’s hearty enough for a main course but still light. A sprinkle of nutmeg gives it a cozy depth that feels like autumn in a bowl.

You’ll need 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 garlic cloves, ½ small onion, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated parmesan, 12 ounces fettuccine or penne, and salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Roast squash cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes until soft. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then blend with squash, cream, and cheese until smooth. Toss with cooked pasta and season to taste. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This soup is thick and creamy with tender bits of chicken and chewy wild rice. Carrots, celery, and onions add sweetness and color, while a splash of cream makes it silky. It’s the kind of soup that fills the house with comforting smells. A bowl of this on a cool evening feels like a hug.

You’ll need 2 cups cooked chicken, ¾ cup wild rice, 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk, ½ onion, 2 tablespoons butter, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup milk or cream, and salt and pepper.

Sauté vegetables in butter until soft, add broth and rice, then simmer 20 minutes. Stir in chicken and milk, and heat gently. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 40 minutes.

Pumpkin and Spinach Lasagna

This lasagna layers creamy pumpkin puree with spinach and cheese for a lighter but still cozy meal. The pumpkin adds sweetness that balances the richness of the ricotta and mozzarella. It’s a great meatless option for cool nights. It reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

You’ll need 9 lasagna noodles, 2 cups pumpkin puree, 1½ cups ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella, 2 cups spinach, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Mix pumpkin with nutmeg and ricotta. Layer noodles with pumpkin mixture, spinach, and mozzarella. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until bubbly. Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 40 minutes.

Beef and Barley Stew

This old-fashioned stew is full of tender beef, carrots, and potatoes simmered with nutty barley. It’s thick and hearty, perfect for slow evenings. The flavors deepen as it cooks, filling the kitchen with a rich aroma. A sprinkle of parsley adds color at the end.

You’ll need 1 pound beef stew meat, 3 carrots, 2 potatoes, ½ cup barley, 1 onion, 4 cups beef broth, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, salt, and pepper.

Brown beef, add vegetables and tomato paste, then stir in broth and barley. Simmer for 1 hour until thick. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes.

Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping

This baked mac and cheese gets extra flavor from sharp cheddar and Gruyère. The sauce is thick, creamy, and perfectly coats every bite. A breadcrumb topping turns golden and crunchy in the oven. It’s comfort food that pleases everyone.

You’ll need 12 ounces elbow macaroni, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 cups milk, 1½ cups shredded cheddar, ½ cup shredded Gruyère, ½ cup breadcrumbs, and salt.

Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk, then stir in cheese. Combine with pasta, top with crumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 35 minutes.

Maple Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Salmon gets coated in a maple-mustard glaze that caramelizes as it bakes. The sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with roasted carrots and parsnips. It’s an easy dinner that feels like something special. A squeeze of lemon balances the sweetness.

You’ll need 4 salmon fillets, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 cups chopped carrots and parsnips, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Toss vegetables with oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Brush salmon with glaze and bake 12–15 minutes more. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes.

Sausage and Sweet Potato Skillet

This one-pan meal brings together sausage, sweet potatoes, and onions for a colorful, filling dinner. The mix of savory sausage and sweet vegetables makes every bite balanced and rich. Add a handful of spinach for freshness. It’s fast, simple, and hearty.

You’ll need 2 sausages (about 8 ounces), 2 medium sweet potatoes, 1 onion, 2 cups spinach, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Sauté sausage until browned, remove, and cook diced sweet potatoes and onion until tender. Stir in spinach and sausage. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 25 minutes.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake

Tender chicken bakes under a creamy mushroom sauce that’s full of flavor. The sauce bubbles up golden at the edges, and the mushrooms turn silky and rich. It’s comfort food that never disappoints. Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

You’ll need 4 chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, ½ cup cream, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon flour, and salt and pepper.

Brown chicken, remove, and cook mushrooms in butter. Stir in flour, broth, and cream to make sauce. Pour over chicken and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 35 minutes.

Butternut Squash Risotto

This creamy risotto has soft grains of rice surrounded by buttery, cheesy sauce. Roasted squash gives it sweetness and a golden color. It’s a slow-cooked dish that feels like a treat. Serve it with grilled chicken or a green salad.

You’ll need 1 cup Arborio rice, 2 cups roasted squash cubes, 4 cups warm broth, 2 tablespoons butter, ½ cup parmesan, and salt and pepper.

Sauté rice in butter, add broth ½ cup at a time while stirring until absorbed. Stir in squash and cheese. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 35 minutes.

Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry Glaze

This lighter meatloaf brings in fall flavors with a tangy cranberry glaze. The turkey stays juicy, and the sauce adds a sweet touch. It’s a simple dinner that feels festive. Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans.

You’ll need 1 pound ground turkey, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 small onion, ½ cup cranberry sauce, 1 tablespoon ketchup, salt, and pepper.

Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and onion, shape into a loaf, and top with cranberry-ketchup mixture. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 45 minutes.

Creamy Pumpkin Curry with Chickpeas

This curry is warm and spiced, with pumpkin puree giving it a silky texture. Coconut milk makes the sauce rich, and chickpeas add protein. The aroma of curry powder fills the kitchen. It’s a cozy plant-based dinner that goes perfectly with rice.

You’ll need 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 can chickpeas, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 garlic clove, 1 tablespoon oil, and salt.

Sauté garlic in oil, stir in pumpkin and curry powder, then add chickpeas and coconut milk. Simmer 15 minutes. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

Soft, pillowy gnocchi made with sweet potatoes soak up a nutty butter sauce. The brown butter and sage give it a deep, earthy aroma. Each bite feels rich and comforting. Sprinkle with parmesan for extra flavor.

You’ll need 1 cup mashed sweet potato, 1 egg, 1½ cups flour, 3 tablespoons butter, 6 sage leaves, salt, and parmesan.

Mix potato, egg, and flour into dough, roll and cut into small pieces. Boil until they float, then toss in butter and sage. Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This classic dish turns rich and tender after hours in the slow cooker. Beef, mushrooms, and onions simmer in a creamy sauce until they melt in your mouth. It’s an easy make-ahead dinner that tastes like comfort. Serve over noodles or rice.

You’ll need 1 pound beef stew meat, 1 cup mushrooms, ½ onion, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon flour, and salt and pepper.

Combine meat, mushrooms, onion, broth, and flour in slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours, then stir in sour cream before serving. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 6 hours.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.