My reluctance to switch gears to fall menus shouldn't be read as a lack of enthusiasm for fall flavors. I love all of the cozy soups and stews, the pumpkin everything, and finally using my oven again! By delaying the fall onslaught a bit, I can avoid rushing the end of summer. I feel the pumpkin spice pull, but I hate to miss out on the last of the summer tomatoes, grilling, and the fruit. The cooler mornings as we walk to the bus these days are telling me that the time has come for the fall seasonal meal plan. I have loads of new recipes to try and hopefully a good number to share with you!
Looking for more fall meal plan inspiration? Check out this collection of 25 delicious family friendly recipes for fall 2022!
As a reminder, a seasonal meal plan is just a way for me to collect the dinner recipes I want to try in the next few months in one place. Having a big list to choose from helps streamline my weekly meal planning and keeps me from falling into a dinner rut. I make my weekly plan by checking the calendar for the week's events and then choosing a meal or two from each category. I'm done in no time!
Stovetop Meals
This category is pretty broad, and includes soups, pastas, curries, and stir-frys. I come back to some of these recipes year after year, but a lot of them are brand new!
- Creamy Thai Curry Sweet Potato Soup (Sweet Peas and Saffron)
- Eggplant and Brussels Sprouts with Coconut Rice (Love and Lemons Cookbook)
- Crunchy Roll Bowls (Pinch of Yum)
- Curry Poached Fish
- Cashew Nut Mango
Sheet Pan and Oven Meals
This is the group of dinners that I turn to for heartier meals. Many of these are easy to prepare ahead of time so they get to the oven with minimal effort on busy nights.
- Chicken Thighs with Chimichurri Sauce
- Enchiladas
- Chiles Rellenos Casserole
- Chicken Sheet Pan Fajitas
- Turkey and Bacon Meatloaf (Joy the Baker)
- Sheet Pan Peanut Chicken
- Curried Broccoli Chicken and Cheddar Casserole
Dinner Salads and No-Cook Meals
Some nights I want the simplicity of a no-cook meal or the vegetable-forward quality of a big dinner salad. It doesn't always translate to a lighter meal, but it can be a welcome change in pace.
- Flank Steak Salad with Cilantro and Pepita Dressing
- Barbecue Chopped Chicken Salad
- Chicken and Cabbage Salad with Hoisin Vinaigrette
- Breads and Spreads: Hummus, Muhammara, Edamame and Lemon Spread
- Antipasto Chopped Salad
Slow Cooker and Pressure Cooker Meals
- Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
- Chile Colorado
- Chuck Roast
- Chicken with Mole Sauce
Family Favorites
These dinners are in constant rotation, no matter the time of year. I keep these meals in mind when I think the kids are plotting a mutiny against me for too many new meals.
- Chili Mac
- Pizza
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Tacos
- 4P + T Stir Fry
Treats and Snacks
I've got to have a few baking projects ready for rainy weekends or to brighten up a lunchbox. Here are a few that feel right for the fall season.
New Recipes to add to the seasonal meal plan
Here's a list of a few more recipes that I'll be working on in the next few months to bring to the blog!
- Sage and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Spinach and Feta Pie
- Cranberry Braised Short Ribs
- Molasses Loaf with Ginger Glaze
- Melted Leek and Bacon Pasta
- Cider Braised Pork
- Pumpkin and Bacon Bisque
- Turkey Curry Turnovers
- Sweet and Sour Sheet Pan Chicken
I hope you find some new recipes to try in the links above! Fall is here, so let's enjoy all the good dinners that come with the change in seasons.
I'd love to hear your thoughts!