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Home » Recipes

Published: Aug 30, 2025 by Maika · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Best of Fall Recipes | Cozy Soups, Stews & Comfort Food for Autumn

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Modified: Aug 30, 2025 · Published: Aug 30, 2025 by Maika · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Get the best of fall recipes with hearty soups, flavorful stews, and cozy comfort food perfect for crisp autumn nights. From pumpkin pasta to butternut squash chili, these seasonal dishes bring warmth and flavor to your table throughout the year.

Table of Contents

Jump to:
  • Caribbean to the Middle East: Cozy Fall Dinners
  • Recommended Reads
  • 1. Curry Chicken Gnocchi
  • 2. Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Dumplings (Dairy-Free)
  • 3. One-Pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey and Kale
  • 4. Bacon Potato Leek Chowder
  • 5. Instant Pot Spicy Beef Barley Stew
  • 6. Spicy Zhug Chicken Pita Sandwich with Spinach & Date Salad
  • 7. Scotch Bonnet Smoked Turkey Collard Greens & Bean Soup
  • 8. Baharat-Spiced Bean and Lamb Stew
  • 9. Turkey Meatball Kale Soup
  • 10. Chipotle Chorizo and Bean Stew
  • 11. Ras El Hanout White Bean and Kale Soup
  • 12. Sage Chili Pumpkin Chicken Pasta
  • 13. Honey Dijon Mustard Chicken Rice Bowl
  • 14. Chicken Paillard with Cranberry Pecan Acorn Squash
  • 15. Roasted Curry Spatchcocked Chicken
  • 16. Spicy Sweet Potato Chicken Dumplings
  • 17. Air Fryer Butternut Squash & Spiced Chickpeas Chicken Soup
  • 18. Roasted Calabrian Pepper Spatchcocked Chicken with Vegetables
  • 19. Chicken & Vegetable Couscous
  • 20. Hot Honey Baked Chicken with Glazed Vegetables
  • 21. Pumpkin Gnocchi Soup
  • 22. Butternut Squash Chicken Chili
  • 23. Beef Short Ribs with Sweet Potato Mash
  • 24. Green Lentil & Kale Stew
  • 25. Spicy Red Bean Stew with Dumplings & Smoked Turkey
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Lastest Recipes
  • Cooking Tips and Tutorials
  • Have a Comment or Question?

Caribbean to the Middle East: Cozy Fall Dinners

Fall brings the kind of crisp air and golden leaves that beg for hearty soups, warm stews, and roasted dishes full of comforting flavors. This collection of fall recipes will help you celebrate the season with meals that are nourishing, flavorful, and perfect for cozy nights at home.

Autumn Comfort Food Bonuses

  • Seasonal ingredients: Each recipe highlights fall produce like pumpkin, butternut squash, kale, and sweet potatoes.
  • Comfort in every bowl: Soups, stews, and roasted dishes designed to warm you up on crisp autumn nights.
  • Variety of flavors: From spicy Caribbean soups to creamy chowders and globally inspired pastas, there’s something for every palate.
  • One-pot and easy prep options: Many recipes are designed for minimal cleanup, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
  • Family-friendly meals: Nourishing recipes that appeal to both kids and adults, with customizable spice levels.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Several dishes reheat beautifully, perfect for meal prepping or cozy leftovers.
  • Balanced comfort: Comfort food without being heavy—plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and fresh herbs.
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Are you craving something bold and spicy or cozy and creamy? This collection has all the inspiration you need to make the most of autumn’s harvest. From hearty stews to comforting soups and seasonal twists on classic dishes, these fall recipes bring the flavors of the season straight to your kitchen.

Recommended Reads

  • Creamy Spicy Sweet Potato Chicken and Dumplings
  • Spicy Red Bean Stew with Dumplings and Smoked Turkey
  • Air Fryer Butternut Squash Spiced Chickpeas Chicken Soup
  • Quick Spicy Potstickers | Chili Momo Tibetan Style
  • Butternut Squash Chicken Chili

1. Curry Chicken Gnocchi

This creamy curry chicken gnocchi combines pillowy dumplings with bold spices for a comforting fall meal. It’s rich, flavorful, and ready to warm you from the inside out.

1
Homemade curry coconut chicken gnocchi soup with colorful vegetables and herbs.
Creamy Curry Chicken Gnocchi Soup | Caribbean Style
A rich, flavorful curry chicken gnocchi soup recipe combines velvety coconut curry, tender gnocchi, and bold Caribbean spices for a one-pot comfort meal.
Check out this recipe

2. Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Dumplings (Dairy-Free)

A hearty chowder packed with sweet corn and tender chicken, finished with soft dumplings. This dairy-free recipe proves cozy fall dinners can be both indulgent and allergen-friendly.

2
Hearty chicken corn chowder topped with fluffy cornbread dumplings and fresh parsley garnish.
Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Dumplings | Dairy-Free
This Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder with Dumplings is a hearty, dairy-free comfort dish packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, fluffy dumplings, and aromatic seasonings perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Check out this recipe

3. One-Pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey and Kale

Juicy turkey meatballs and hearty kale simmer in a fragrant curry broth for a one-pot wonder. This soup is perfect for busy fall nights when you need comfort fast.

3
Delicious curry turkey meatball soup with vibrant colors and hearty ingredients, perfect for comfort food.
One-Pot Curry Meatball Soup with Ground Turkey and Kale
Warm up with this hearty one-pot curry meatball soup featuring tender ground turkey meatballs, nutrient-rich kale, and a spiced tomato broth. Easy to make and full of bold flavors, it's a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. Get Ad-Free Flipbook.
Check out this recipe

4. Bacon Potato Leek Chowder

Classic fall flavors shine in this bacon potato leek chowder, where smoky bacon and tender potatoes create a rich, creamy base. It’s a timeless dish made for sweater weather.

4
Vibrant spicy bacon potato leek chowder served in a cobalt blue pot, perfect for comfort food.
Easy Bacon Potato Leek Chowder
This Easy Bacon Potato Leek Chowder combines crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and savory leeks in a creamy, flavorful broth with a touch of spice from Calabrian chili peppers, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Get Ad-Free Flipbook
Check out this recipe

5. Instant Pot Spicy Beef Barley Stew

This Instant Pot stew blends tender beef, pearl barley, and warming spices for a filling fall classic. It’s a quick way to get deep, slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time.

5
Hearty spicy beef barley stew garnished with fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting meal.
Spicy Beef and Barley Stew (Instant Pot Version)
This soup combines tender beef, pearl barley, and fresh herbs in a rich, spiced broth with fire-roasted tomatoes, offering a hearty Caribbean twist that's perfect for an easy, flavorful Instant Pot meal.
Check out this recipe

6. Spicy Zhug Chicken Pita Sandwich with Spinach & Date Salad

Bold Middle Eastern flavors take center stage in this spicy chicken pita sandwich, paired with a refreshing spinach and date salad. It’s a lighter fall meal that still packs plenty of warmth.

6
pan-fried pita bread with a layer of cooked zhug spiced ground chicken topped with spinach in a pomegranate vinaigrette with dates and pecans on a round plate with shallow straight sides.
Spicy Chicken Pita Wrap
Olive oil-soaked pan-fried fresh pita bread topped with spicy zhug ground chicken seasoned wtih fresh parsley, shallots, garlic, and baharat seasoning. Then topped with a crispy baby spinach salad tossed in a tangy, crunchy date pecan pomegranate vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe

7. Scotch Bonnet Smoked Turkey Collard Greens & Bean Soup

Collard greens, beans, and smoked turkey get a fiery kick from Scotch bonnet peppers in this soul-warming soup. It’s a true taste of Southern fall comfort with Caribbean flair.

7
Scotch Bonnet Smoked Turkey Collard Greens Beans Soup
Caribbean-inspired smoked turkey meat with kidney beans and collard greens simmered in a spicy Jamaican curry and scotch bonnet chicken broth with a hint of coconut milk.
Check out this recipe

8. Baharat-Spiced Bean and Lamb Stew

Slow-simmered lamb and beans come alive with aromatic baharat spice in this rustic stew. It’s hearty, spiced just right, and perfect for chilly evenings.

8
Quick and Easy Lean Baharat Spiced Bean and Lamb Stew
Spicy brown broth-based stew with flavors of lamb, fire-roasted tomatoes, and hints of cinnamon, chili peppers, cumin, and fresh rosemary with tender onions and pinto beans perfect on mashed potatoes, rice or couscous.
Check out this recipe

9. Turkey Meatball Kale Soup

Light yet filling, this turkey meatball kale soup is wholesome comfort in a bowl. It’s a family-friendly fall recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

9
Spicy Turkey Meatball Kale Soup
Middle Eastern-inspired, spicy, tender turkey meatballs seasoned with spices like cumin, paprika, jalapeno peppers, garlic, and onions with shredded kale, simmering in a lemon chicken broth and toasted crunchy pine nuts.
Check out this recipe

10. Chipotle Chorizo and Bean Stew

Smoky chipotle and spicy chorizo give this bean stew a bold kick. Each spoonful delivers a balance of heat and heartiness, perfect for autumn nights.

10
Vegetarian Smoky Chipotle Chorizo and Bean Stew
A comforting bowl of stewed chickpeas and pinto beans in a spicy tomato-based broth with the smokiness from the chipotle peppers and crumbled soy chorizo with hearty bell pepper and carrots, all topped with creamy fresh avocado chunks.
Check out this recipe

11. Ras El Hanout White Bean and Kale Soup

This Moroccan-inspired soup layers ras el hanout spices with creamy white beans and earthy kale. It’s a fragrant, nourishing bowl for seasonal eating.

11
Vegetarian Ras El Hanout White Bean and Kale Soup
Cannellini beans and chopped kale in a spicy coconut tomato broth with an aromatic hint of turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, chili peppers, garlic, and ginger with carrots and cauliflower.
Check out this recipe

12. Sage Chili Pumpkin Chicken Pasta

Sage and pumpkin make this pasta dish an unmistakable fall favorite, while tender chicken rounds it out as a complete meal. It’s autumn comfort food at its most delicious.

12
Creamy Cheesy Sage Chili Pumpkin Chicken Pasta
Amazingly delicious and easy rigatoni pasta tossed with creamy pumpkin puree seasoned with honey caramelized onions spiced with crushed Calabrian peppers, fresh chopped garlic and sage, and cooked chicken.
Check out this recipe

13. Honey Dijon Mustard Chicken Rice Bowl

Sweet and tangy honey Dijon chicken tops a hearty rice base for a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s a quick fall dinner that feels both light and cozy.

13
Best Air Fryer Honey Dijon Mustard Chicken Rice Bowl
And easy-to-make spicy and herbed seasoned air-fried chicken breast with beets, carrots, sweet potato, and onion served with a shaved brussel sprout salad with almonds and cranberries in a honey dijon vinaigrette on brown basmati rice and drizzled with a tahini garlic dressing.
Check out this recipe

14. Chicken Paillard with Cranberry Pecan Acorn Squash

This elegant fall dish pairs tender chicken paillard with roasted acorn squash, cranberries, and pecans. It’s as festive as it is flavorful, perfect for seasonal gatherings.

14
Chicken Paillard and Roasted Acorn Squash Salad with Cranberry Dressing
Delicious tender chicken topped with roasted acorn squash, winter baby greens, dried cranberries, and spicy candied pecans tossed in a cranberry dijon mustard dressing.
Check out this recipe

15. Roasted Curry Spatchcocked Chicken

Bold curry seasoning and golden roasting transform this spatchcocked chicken into a show-stopping fall dinner. Juicy, aromatic, and made for sharing.

15
Roasted Curry Spatchcock Chicken & Vegetables
Simple one-sheet pan meal with spicy Jamaican curry wet-rubbed chicken with a medley of Brussels sprouts, carrots, onions, and baby Dutch yellow potatoes with a hint of thyme and ginger.
Check out this recipe

16. Spicy Sweet Potato Chicken Dumplings

These dumplings are stuffed with sweet potato and chicken, creating a spicy-sweet bite that’s both unique and comforting. They’re a fall twist on a classic favorite.

16
Creamy Spicy Sweet Potato Chicken and Dumplings
Habanero spiced creamy fire-roasted tomatoes and sweet potato broth with chunks of shredded tender chicken and carrots with fluffy dumplings with a hint of rosemary.
Check out this recipe

17. Air Fryer Butternut Squash & Spiced Chickpeas Chicken Soup

This soup brings roasted flavor fast with butternut squash, chickpeas, and chicken in a cozy broth. The air fryer keeps it easy while packing in fall flavor.

17
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Spiced Chickpeas Chicken Soup
Air-fried butternut squash, chickpeas, and baby Dutch yellow potatoes tossed in an aromatic ras el hanout spice blend. The butternut squash is pureed and filled with chicken breast chunks, mushrooms, baby spinach, and crushed Calabrian peppers for heat.
Check out this recipe

18. Roasted Calabrian Pepper Spatchcocked Chicken with Vegetables

Calabrian peppers infuse this roasted chicken with smoky heat, balanced by caramelized fall vegetables. It’s a vibrant, oven-to-table meal.

18
Roasted Calabrian Pepper Spatchcocked Chicken & Vegetables
Spicy chicken from the ras el hanout seasoning, heat from the Calabrian pepper paste with seasoned caramelized vegetables served with a cooking tangy yogurt sauce and sprinkled with fresh herbs for an earthy taste.
Check out this recipe

19. Chicken & Vegetable Couscous

This couscous dish brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and warming spices for a comforting fall staple. It’s light yet filling, with flavors that transport you abroad.

19
Chicken Meatballs & Israeli Couscous Vegetable Soup
Mediterranean spiced savory meatballs and couscous pasta pearls with carrots, zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms in a harissa lemon chicken broth.
Check out this recipe

20. Hot Honey Baked Chicken with Glazed Vegetables

Spicy-sweet hot honey coats tender baked chicken, paired with glossy roasted vegetables. It’s a fall weeknight dinner with a kick.

20
Hot Honey Baked Chicken Breast and Glazed Vegetables
Succulent chicken breast with carrots, beets, red bell pepper, and sweet potatoes tossed in hot honey, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, thyme, and parsley, creating a rich red sauce.
Check out this recipe

21. Pumpkin Gnocchi Soup

Creamy pumpkin broth meets soft gnocchi in this cozy fall soup. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

21
Pumpkin Gnocchi Soup
A hearty, comforting soup with a spicy, savory sage pumpkin broth with sweet pumpkin gnocchi, shredded chicken, smoked turkey, and vegetables.
Check out this recipe

22. Butternut Squash Chicken Chili

Sweet butternut squash balances smoky chili spices in this hearty chicken chili. It’s a wholesome fall dish that’s perfect for family dinners.

22
Butternut Squash Chicken Chili
Comforting spicy, smoky, hearty tomato-based soup with chunks of sweet butternut squash, soy chorizo, kidney beans, chili peppers, and shredded chicken.
Check out this recipe

23. Beef Short Ribs with Sweet Potato Mash

Slow-braised beef short ribs served over creamy sweet potato mash is the ultimate comfort food. Rich, tender, and deeply satisfying, it’s a fall showstopper.

23
Korean Style Beef Short Ribs with Sweet Potato Mash and Stir-Fried Vegetables
Sweet thin bone-in beef strips paired with sesame, chilies, and honey smashed sweet potatoes and with onion, zucchini, and mushrooms sauteed in a spicy, tangy black sauce made of hot pepper paste, soy sauce, and black vinegar.
Check out this recipe

24. Green Lentil & Kale Stew

Protein-packed lentils and hearty kale create a stew that’s both healthy and filling. It’s earthy, warming, and ideal for cool weather.

24
Spicy Green Lentil Kale Stew
Bursting with fresh herbs, spices and citrus, this is a simple and satisfying lentil soup with coconut and peppers to make on those days when you are tired and need a homecooked warm bowl of soup.
Check out this recipe

25. Spicy Red Bean Stew with Dumplings & Smoked Turkey

This stew combines smoky turkey, tender dumplings, and hearty red beans in a spicy, flavorful broth. It’s rustic fall cooking at its finest.

25
Spicy Red Bean Stew with Dumplings and Smoked Turkey
A comforting sweet and spicy stew using smoked turkey leg, homemade dumplings, chunky white yam, sweet potatoes, and beans in a Jamaican-Inspired curry base sauce.
Check out this recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered about the best fall recipe ideas. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.

What makes a recipe perfect for fall?

Fall recipes often feature seasonal produce like pumpkin, butternut squash, kale, and sweet potatoes, combined with warming spices and hearty cooking methods such as roasting, braising, and simmering.

These flavors and techniques create meals that are comforting, nourishing, and ideal for cooler weather.

Can these fall recipes be made ahead of time?

Yes! Many soups, stews, and casseroles in this collection taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen. They also reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

Are these fall recipes family-friendly?

Absolutely. Most dishes are balanced in flavor and easy to adapt for different spice levels, so both kids and adults can enjoy them.

Do I need special equipment to make these recipes?

Not at all. Most recipes require basic kitchen tools like a Dutch oven, sheet pan, or Instant Pot. Optional tools like air fryers or cast-iron pans can make some dishes easier, but aren’t mandatory.

Can I substitute ingredients in these fall recipes?

Yes, seasonal flexibility is encouraged. For example, kale can be swapped for Swiss chard, pumpkin for butternut squash, or chicken for turkey, depending on what you have on hand.

Lastest Recipes

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Cooking Tips and Tutorials

If you found this tutorial helpful, you’ll love my Cook's Notebook collection. From knife skills and flavor bases to time-saving tricks and essential equipment guides, this section is packed with chef-tested lessons to help you cook with confidence.

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    Meet the Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Caribbean Heat with a Fruity Twist
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    How to Bread Chicken the Easy Way (Step-by-Step Guide)
  • Fresh ingredients for chicken corn chowder dumplings: corn, peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs.
    10 Grocery Shortcuts for Quicker Prep
  • whole chicken on the cutting board being cut with kitchen shears from the bottom up on the left side of the chicken's backbone.
    How to Spatchcock a Chicken: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Juicy, Even Cooking
See more cooks-notebook →

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Haitian-American chef and educator Maika Frederic blends bold flavors with approachable recipes. With a background in both professional kitchens, classrooms, and children therapy as a trained chef, former teacher and technician she brings a thoughtful, inclusive touch to every dish. Through her platform, Just Maika Cooking, she shares diverse meals and practical tips to empower home cooks of all ages and levels.

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Have a Comment or Question?

If you have a question or comment about this 'Best of Fall Recipes' post, please comment below. You will receive a prompt response. It also helps our other readers to stay informed. Thanks!

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  • Starting at the top going clockwise, the shredded vegetables in the scotch bonnet pepper citrus vinaigrette in a resealable zipper bag, next to a stainless steel bowl with arugula, next to the finished vinaigrette with chopped herbs in a circle glass container with a mini whisk, next to the pulled out roasting pan and air fryer basket of the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Electric Grill with Air Fryer insert with the cooked seasoned whole chicken wings.
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I’m Maika, a professionally trained chef, recipe developer, and culinary educator. For over a decade, I worked at major hotels such as the PGA National Resort, The Ritz-Carlon Hotel Company, Conrad Hilton, and W Hotel. As a lifetime passionate cook, my blog explores a world of flavors and experiments with recipes to create restaurant-quality dinners that will excite the food enthusiast's taste buds. Learn More →

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Grilled Zhug Ras el Hanout Lamb Chops and Tomato, cucumber, onion Salad served with a lemon-oregano dressing served with a grilled lemon.

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