As the leaves start to change color and the temperatures start to drop, it can only mean one thing: autumn is here! This season is a great time to enjoy all of the delicious fall-inspired foods. In this post, we’ll share three recipes that are perfect for a cozy autumn dinner ideas. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, we’ve got you covered. So get your oven mitts ready and let’s get cooking!
Healthy, Seasonal Ingredients
One of the best things about autumn is all of the amazing seasonal produce that becomes available. This time of year, you’ll find plenty of squash, sweet potatoes, apples, and pumpkins at your local grocery store or farmers market. Not only are these ingredients delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients that can help boost your immune system as the weather starts to get colder. So why not take advantage of all that autumn has to offer and incorporate some of these healthy ingredients into your next meal?
Autumn Harvest Meal Prep Bowls
This first recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. It features high protein sage grilled chicken, fiber-rich roasted sweet potatoes and veggies, and omega-3 packed walnuts. You can easily make a batch of these ahead of time and then heat them up when you’re ready to eat. And since they’re packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, they’ll leave you feeling satisfied and full.
Ingredients
-1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 teaspoon dried sage
-Salt and pepper to taste
-2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
-2 cups broccoli florets
-1 red onion, sliced
-1/2 cup walnuts
Instructions
1) Preheat your grill, or heat a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat.
2) Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, sage, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3) Meanwhile, roast the sweet potatoes and veggies in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes.
4) Once everything is cooked, assemble the meal prep bowls by adding a portion of chicken, sweet potatoes, veggies, and walnuts to each bowl.
Butternut Squash Soup
This next recipe is perfect for a cool autumn evening. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make in just one pot!
Ingredients
-1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 yellow onion, diced
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
-1 teaspoon dried thyme
-Salt and pepper to taste
-1/2 cup plain yogurt (optional)
Instructions
1) In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2) Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3) Add the butternut squash and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4) Remove from heat and stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5) Stir in the yogurt, if desired. Serve warm with a crusty piece of bread.
Beef Stew with Carrots, Potatoes, and Celery
This final recipe is the perfect comfort food for a chilly autumn night. It features tender beef, carrots, potatoes, and celery in a rich and flavorful broth. Plus, it’s easy to make in the Crockpot!
Ingredients
-1 lb beef stew meat
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 yellow onion, diced
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-2 cups beef broth
-1 can diced tomatoes
-1 bay leaf
-1 teaspoon dried thyme
-Salt and pepper to taste
-4 carrots, peeled and diced
-2 potatoes, peeled and diced
-2 celery stalks, diced
Instructions
1) In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2) Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned.
3) Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
4) Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5) Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6) Remove from heat and serve warm with a crusty piece of bread. Enjoy!
