October is here, and it's the perfect time for heartier meals and fall flavors. This list of 31 recipes has something for every night of the month-soups, casseroles, baked pastas, and plenty of satisfying dinners that are easy to make, even on busy weeknights. Whether you're in the mood for something familiar and comforting or want to try something new, you'll find plenty of inspiration here.
Ginger Pumpkin Soup
This easy soup is made with fresh pumpkin, ginger, and simple vegetables for a light, wholesome meal. Pair it with crusty bread for a cozy fall dinner.
Pizza Pasta Bake
This easy pasta bake is loaded with ziti, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and plenty of melted cheese. It's a fun, family-friendly dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Turkey Salisbury Steaks
These seasoned turkey patties are simmered in a rich mushroom gravy for a hearty, comforting meal. It's a lighter take on a classic that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Roasted Broccoli
Need a quick veggie side? This roasted broccoli is easy to make with just a few ingredients and comes out tender, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Beef and Bean Chili
Loaded with ground beef, red and black beans, tomatoes, and spices, this hearty chili is perfect for game day, cold nights, or whenever you need a satisfying one-pot meal.
Spaghetti with Ground Turkey
This budget-friendly pasta is made with fresh and pantry ingredients. It's simple, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Butternut Squash Soup
With simple ingredients and balanced flavor, this soup lets the butternut squash shine. Onions, carrots, celery, and a touch of coriander bring it together for a satisfying bowl.
Ropa Vieja
This classic Cuban dish features tender shredded beef in a flavorful tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and spices. A simple, satisfying recipe that lets the saucy beef shine.
Seasoned Rice
This easy side dish is a flavorful upgrade from plain white rice. Made with herbs, spices, and chicken broth, it's a budget-friendly option that pairs well with just about any meal.
Bacon Lentil Soup
This hearty soup starts with crispy bacon and builds flavor with sautéed vegetables, spices, and lentils. Easy to make and perfect for a warm, filling weeknight meal.
Easy Chili Mac
This one-pot dinner combines seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta for a hearty, budget-friendly meal with homemade flavor and minimal fuss.
Sausage and Wild Rice Casserole
Packed with sausage, mushrooms, almonds, and creamy rice, this casserole works as a hearty main or flavorful side.
Chicken and Gravy
Pan-fried chicken is shredded into a rich, homemade gravy. Easy, affordable, and perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.
Cinnamon Apples
Sliced apples are cooked in butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until tender and golden. They're quick to make and perfect as a sweet side dish or simple dessert.
Vegetable Beef Soup
This hearty soup is packed with sirloin steak, potatoes, pasta, and mixed vegetables. It's a great way to stretch a pound of beef into a satisfying, family-friendly meal.
Reuben Sandwich
Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing grilled on rye. A warm, satisfying option for lunch or an easy dinner.
Lasagna Soup
All the flavors of classic lasagna in one easy pot. With pasta, beef, and melty cheese, this hearty soup is perfect for a comforting dinner.
Mini Beef Pot Pies
These mini pot pies are a fun twist on a classic. Made with biscuits and a savory beef filling, they're easy, cozy, and great for dinner or a hearty snack.
Mushroom Rice Pilaf
This savory rice dish is made with wild and long grain rice, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and broth. It's flavorful, satisfying, and pairs with almost any main.
Sausage Tortellini Soup
This hearty soup is packed with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and plenty of vegetables. It's comforting, flavorful, and makes an easy one-pot meal the whole family will enjoy.
Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
This simple skillet meal combines smoked sausage, potatoes, and onions in a savory tomato sauce. It's budget-friendly, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Baked Ziti
This cheesy baked pasta is made with flavorful Italian sausage and plenty of melted cheese. It's hearty, comforting, and always a hit at the dinner table.
Beef Barley Soup
This quick and hearty soup is filled with steak, vegetables, and tender barley. It's satisfying, simple to make, and full of homemade flavor.
Smoked Sausage Soup
Made with smoked sausage, potatoes, and white beans, this hearty soup is full of flavor and ready fast-perfect for chilly nights and busy weeknights.
Ham and Pinto Bean Soup
This hearty soup is a great way to use up leftover ham. Made with canned pinto beans, fresh vegetables, and spices, it's flavorful and satisfying-plus it's ready in about an hour.
Chili Cornbread Casserole
This comforting casserole layers a quick homemade turkey chili with golden, fluffy cornbread. It's easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for a no-fuss weeknight dinner.
Beef Empanadas
These Cuban-style beef empanadas are filled with savory picadillo and fried until golden. Great for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack-especially with a cafecito.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This creamy chicken and rice casserole is hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. A buttery breadcrumb topping adds a golden, crunchy finish.
Italian Sausage Rigatoni
Need a filling dinner fast? This baked rigatoni with Italian sausage is easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and perfect for leftovers. Pantry and fresh ingredients give it a delicious homemade taste.
Beef and Noodle Soup
This easy beef noodle soup is made with tender beef, vegetables, and vermicelli in a savory broth. It's quick, hearty, and full of homemade flavor.
Warm Potato Salad
This hearty side dish is made with red potatoes, bacon, onions, and a sweet-tangy sauce. It's simple, flavorful, and budget-friendly.
If you're looking for more seasonal inspiration, don't miss our mini food ideas for parties-perfect for game day. With the holidays right around the corner, be sure to check out our holiday main courses that aren't turkey. And as the weather cools off, keep our 31 days of soups and stews handy for easy, comforting meals all month long.
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