12 Seasonal Meal Plans to Make November and December Easier

As the holiday season approaches, meal planning can become overwhelming. Finding time for home-cooked meals while juggling holiday preparations is no easy task. That’s where seasonal comfort foods come in: hearty soups, stews, and sheet pan meals made with fresh, in-season ingredients like squash, sweet potatoes, and root vegetables. These time-saving meals are not only easy to prepare but also perfect for busy days, ensuring you can enjoy wholesome, delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Hearty Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is the epitome of comfort during colder months, offering a rich, velvety texture that soothes the soul. Roasting the squash beforehand enhances its natural sweetness, while blending it with ingredients like onions, garlic, and a touch of cream brings out a deliciously smooth and hearty flavor. Adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of ginger elevates the soup, making it perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying. This recipe can easily be made in a slow cooker, letting the flavors meld together over time without much attention, freeing up your hands for other tasks.

One of the best things about making butternut squash soup is that it holds up well for leftovers. You can prepare a large batch at the start of the week, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. It also freezes beautifully, meaning you can store extra portions for when you’re short on time but still want something hearty. The ease of prep and the fact that this meal provides multiple servings make it an excellent choice for meal planning during the busy holiday season.

Brussels Sprout and Bacon Sheet Pan Meal

Brussels sprouts are often underappreciated, but when roasted with bacon, they become a delectable side dish or main course that will impress even the most skeptical eaters. The key to making this dish flavorful is to ensure the Brussels sprouts are well-seasoned with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic, then spread evenly on a sheet pan. Adding chunks of bacon to the pan infuses the sprouts with a rich, smoky flavor as they cook. The beauty of this meal is in its simplicity; everything cooks together on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze, which is always a time-saver during the hectic holiday season.

What makes this meal even more appealing is its versatility. You can add other seasonal vegetables, like carrots or sweet potatoes, to the sheet pan for added nutrition and flavor. The balance of savory bacon and slightly bitter Brussels sprouts creates a satisfying dish that is perfect for either lunch or dinner. The meal can also be doubled for larger gatherings or split into smaller servings for later use, ensuring that you’ll have a comforting meal waiting for you throughout the week.

Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Lemon Dressing

Kale is a fantastic green to incorporate into your diet, especially in the colder months when lighter salads are less appealing. When paired with roasted sweet potatoes, it becomes the perfect hearty salad. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes complements the earthy bitterness of kale, creating a balanced and satisfying dish. Tossing the salad with a simple lemon dressing adds a refreshing citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the sweet potatoes, making each bite feel bright and lively. You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick, nutrient-packed meal option.

To save time, you can roast a large batch of sweet potatoes at the start of the week and use them in multiple meals. The kale holds up well when dressed, so you can enjoy this salad for several days without it wilting. This meal is particularly great for holiday lunches when you need something light but filling. It pairs well with a variety of proteins, such as grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted fish, making it a versatile addition to your seasonal meal plan.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Stew

Slow-cooker chicken and vegetable stew is a great way to combine seasonal root vegetables and lean protein into a single, hearty meal. You can easily load the slow cooker with chopped carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions, and chunks of chicken. Adding herbs such as thyme and rosemary, along with a rich chicken broth, gives the stew a fragrant, comforting aroma. The slow cooker works wonders in tenderizing the chicken and allowing the vegetables to soak up the flavors, making for a deeply satisfying dish. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal prep and only occasional stirring, making it ideal for busy days when you want a hot, homemade meal without the fuss.

The beauty of this stew lies in its adaptability. You can switch up the vegetables depending on what you have available, such as adding turnips, rutabagas, or celery. This stew also makes for excellent leftovers, as the flavors tend to improve after sitting for a day or two. If you’re looking to save time, you can prepare a double batch and freeze half for later, ensuring that you have a quick and nourishing meal ready for the next week. It’s a great option for busy holiday weeks when you need a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Sheet Pan Roast with Root Vegetables and Pork

A sheet pan roast with root vegetables and pork is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, seasonal meal with minimal effort. Roasting root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, and carrots alongside a seasoned pork tenderloin allows the flavors to meld together as they cook. The pork stays tender and juicy while the vegetables caramelize, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. This one-pan meal means less clean-up, and it’s simple to prep, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you want a filling meal without a lot of work. The addition of garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme brings depth and complexity to the flavors.

This sheet pan roast can easily be customized to your liking. For added variety, you can swap in other seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, turnips, or beets. The beauty of a sheet pan meal is that you can make a large batch and use leftovers for sandwiches or salads the next day. The slow-roasted flavors will only deepen over time, making this a great meal to prepare in advance and enjoy multiple times throughout the week.

Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin chili might sound unconventional, but it’s a fantastic way to incorporate fall flavors into a hearty, filling dish. The rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin pairs wonderfully with the spiciness of chili, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that warms you up from the inside out. Ground turkey or beef can be used as the base, and seasonal spices like cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon add layers of flavor. The pumpkin itself helps to thicken the chili, giving it a velvety texture. This dish is perfect for a chilly evening and can easily be made in a slow cooker, letting all the ingredients simmer together for maximum flavor.

Making pumpkin chili in large batches is a smart strategy for busy weeks. Not only does it save time, but it also keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be frozen for later use. Serving the chili with cornbread or a dollop of sour cream is an excellent way to round out the meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this seasonal chili is a tasty, versatile dish that will become a staple during the fall and winter months.

Roasted Chicken with Vegetables and Herbs

Roasted chicken is a timeless, comforting meal that is perfect for the holiday season. Roasting a whole chicken allows you to enjoy the crispy skin and tender meat, while the vegetables surrounding it soak up all the savory juices. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips are ideal for roasting alongside the chicken, as they become caramelized and flavorful. Adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage brings a fragrant aroma to the dish, making it feel like a holiday feast. You can even stuff the chicken with garlic and onions for extra depth of flavor, ensuring that every bite is packed with deliciousness.

One of the best things about roasted chicken is its versatility. The leftovers can be used in salads, soups, sandwiches, or tacos, making it an excellent option for meal planning. Roasting a whole chicken may take a little more time upfront, but the result is a complete meal that provides multiple servings. It’s an efficient way to feed a family during the holiday season while minimizing the amount of cooking required throughout the week.

Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A beef and vegetable stir-fry is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy nights. The key to a great stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking, which locks in the flavors and maintains the crispness of the vegetables. Seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers work beautifully in a stir-fry, providing both color and nutrients. You can use any type of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin, and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for added flavor. This dish cooks in a matter of minutes, making it ideal when you need a meal on the table in no time.

Stir-fries are also incredibly customizable. You can switch up the protein, add different vegetables, or adjust the level of spice to suit your taste. The dish can be served over rice or noodles, and the leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day. This meal is a great option for those who want to enjoy fresh, seasonal vegetables without spending hours in the kitchen.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that shines in the fall and winter months. The slow cooker is ideal for making beef stew, as it tenderizes the meat while infusing the vegetables with deep, rich flavors. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips absorb the savory broth, making each bite hearty and satisfying. You can add herbs such as thyme and bay leaves to elevate the flavor profile, while beef broth provides a rich base. The beauty of this dish lies in its hands-off cooking method; you can set it in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a hot, nourishing meal ready to serve.

The leftovers from beef stew can be just as enjoyable, if not better, the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. This meal also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and save some for a busy week ahead. It’s a perfect option for meal prep, allowing you to have a comforting meal on hand with minimal effort. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice, this stew is a filling and hearty choice during the colder months.

Sheet Pan Salmon with Vegetables

For a quick and healthy meal, sheet pan salmon with vegetables is an excellent choice. The rich, flaky salmon is perfectly complemented by seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and beets. Simply drizzle the salmon and vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and let the oven do the work. The salmon cooks quickly, and the vegetables become tender and flavorful, creating a balanced, well-rounded dish in just one pan. Sheet pan meals are a great time-saver, and the minimal cleanup makes them an excellent choice for busy evenings.

This meal can easily be customized depending on what vegetables are in season. You can add things like asparagus, zucchini, or carrots to suit your taste. The salmon provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. For a little extra flavor, top the salmon with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of dill sauce just before serving.

Pumpkin Risotto

Pumpkin risotto offers a rich, creamy dish that takes advantage of the season’s most iconic ingredient. The pumpkin adds a natural sweetness and velvety texture to the creamy rice, while sage and Parmesan provide a savory contrast. Cooking the risotto slowly allows the rice to absorb all the flavors, resulting in a satisfying and comforting dish that’s perfect for the cooler months. This recipe can easily be adapted to include other seasonal vegetables like spinach or roasted squash for added color and nutrients.

While risotto requires a bit of attention to stir the rice frequently, it is a wonderfully rewarding dish to prepare. If you’re short on time, you can make the base ahead of time and reheat it later. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and served for lunch or dinner the next day, and the flavors only improve with time. This meal is a great option for holiday dinners when you want to add a touch of elegance and seasonal flair to your menu.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Sweet potato and black bean chili is a vegetarian-friendly dish that combines hearty root vegetables with protein-packed black beans. The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness, while the chili spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika bring warmth and depth to the dish. The black beans provide a satisfying texture, making this chili a filling meal on its own. Cooking the chili in a slow cooker or on the stove allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare.

What’s great about sweet potato and black bean chili is its versatility. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for heat. It’s also easy to double the recipe for meal prep, and leftovers are perfect for quick lunches throughout the week. This chili pairs well with cornbread or a dollop of sour cream, making it a comforting and nutritious choice for fall.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.