Fall Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

As the crisp air of fall sweeps through Denver, it’s the perfect time to gather your family in the kitchen and embrace the flavors of the season. Fall is all about warm, hearty dishes that bring comfort and coziness to the table. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling homeownership and family activities or you’re simply looking for easy, delicious meals everyone will enjoy, this list of fall recipes is sure to satisfy.

Here are some fall-inspired dishes that are simple, nutritious, and perfect for feeding the whole family.

1. Pumpkin and Sausage Soup

Nothing says fall like the flavor of pumpkin, and this hearty soup is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Combining savory sausage with the natural sweetness of pumpkin creates a rich, satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and sage. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the cooked sausage and let the soup cook for 10-15 minutes.
5. Add the cream, and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup heat through before serving.

Why the Family Will Love It: The creamy texture and mild pumpkin flavor make this soup comforting and fun for kids, while the sausage adds enough heartiness to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

2. Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins

Looking for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack that celebrates the flavors of fall? These apple cinnamon oat muffins are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and apples, making them a nutritious option the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large apple, peeled and diced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg, applesauce, and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apple.
5. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Why the Family Will Love It: These muffins are soft, naturally sweet, and full of fall flavors. They’re great for busy mornings or packed in school lunches as a healthy treat.

3. Sheet Pan Roasted Veggies and Chicken

Fall is the perfect time to make the most of seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. This sheet pan dinner is not only incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also a nutritious, one-pan meal the whole family can get behind.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 2 cups butternut squash, diced
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and carrots with 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread them in an even layer on a large sheet pan.
3. Rub the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil on the chicken thighs and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the sheet pan among the vegetables.
4. Roast for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Why the Family Will Love It: This easy, flavorful dish uses only one pan for both protein and veggies, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the roasted vegetables become sweet and caramelized, making them an appealing option for even picky eaters.

4. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

On busy fall days, a slow cooker can be a lifesaver. This beef stew is packed with tender meat, root vegetables, and a rich broth that will warm you up after a long day. The best part? You can set it in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 large potatoes, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion to the slow cooker.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and flour. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender.

Why the Family Will Love It: The slow-cooked beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the vegetables are perfectly seasoned. This is the ultimate comfort food for chilly fall evenings, and it’s so simple to prepare.

Fall is the perfect time to embrace the warmth and coziness of home-cooked meals, and these family-friendly recipes are sure to become seasonal favorites. Whether you’re making a simple sheet pan dinner or baking apple muffins for a snack, these dishes will help you enjoy the flavors of fall while bringing the family together around the table. Enjoy the season with delicious food that everyone in your household will love!

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