Because the summer season begins to wind down and that first crisp breeze rolls in, what which means… fall is on its manner! And whereas I’m not one to want summer season away (I actually do like it), there’s one thing in regards to the cooler temps and comfy vibes of autumn that appears like a breath of recent air—actually.
Fall isn’t nearly pumpkin spice and vacation prep. It additionally brings an entire new lineup of hearty veggies and comforting meals that hit the spot because the climate cools down.
With the children again at school (or again in our homeschool rhythm), getting right into a routine feels extra essential than ever. And for us (and most mother and father), that is the place meal prepping is available in. Generally you’re prepping for busy weekdays, whereas different occasions you’re preparing for a protracted, cozy day at residence. However irrespective of the event (or the recipe), having ready-to-go meals saves my sanity each single time.
And let’s be sincere, there’s nothing higher than meal prepping with what’s in season. So as we speak, I’m sharing just a few of my favourite fall meal prep concepts! These will make it easier to soak within the season and benefit from these scrumptious autumn components.
8 Fall Meal Prep Concepts for Straightforward Seasonal Consuming
Pumpkin In a single day Oats
Suppose: pumpkin pie, however make it breakfast. These creamy oats take in all the comfortable flavors—actual pumpkin purée, heat spices, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a grab-and-go breakfast that tastes like fall in a jar.
They’re filling, full of fiber, and tremendous straightforward to make forward. Plus, it could possibly safely keep within the fridge for as much as three days—and to me, this implies no waste! You’ll be able to eat it chilly straight from the fridge (nice for busy mornings) or heat it up should you’re craving one thing additional cozy together with your espresso.
Substances
These components are for one serving, so be happy to multiply!
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp chia seeds (for that thick texture and a bit omega-3 enhance)
- ½ cup milk (unsweetened almond, complete, or any milk you want)
- ⅓ cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (or honey)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Non-compulsory Toppings
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Pumpkin seeds
- A spoonful of Greek yogurt
- Diced apples or pears
Directions
Step 1: In a mason jar or hermetic container, stir collectively the oats, chia seeds, pumpkin, milk, maple syrup, spices, vanilla, and salt.
Step 2: Combine very well to ensure the chia seeds don’t clump. You could possibly use a spoon and blend vigorously, or you should use a handheld frother or immersion blender. Simply be aware that mixing will make the oats smoother, providing you with a extra pudding-like consistency!
Step 3: Seal it up and pop it within the fridge in a single day (or for at the least 4 hours).
Step 4: Within the morning, give it a very good stir. It must be thick, creamy, and naturally, textured.
Step 5: Add your favourite toppings and luxuriate in! You’ll be able to eat it chilly or heat it within the microwave with a splash of milk for that freshly baked pie really feel.
Turkey and Candy Potato Chili
This meal is fall consolation meals carried out proper—hearty, cozy, and full of nourishing components. The lean floor turkey retains it mild, whereas the candy potatoes deliver simply the correct quantity of pure sweetness and creaminess. Add in smoky spices, and also you’ve obtained a one-pot dinner that’s heat, filling, and stuffed with taste.
And a bonus? It’s a meal prep dream. The flavors get even higher the following day, after all the pieces has had time to mingle within the fridge.
Substances
- 1 ½ lbs floor turkey
- 2 medium candy potatoes, peeled and diced small
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 crimson bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 2 cups low-sodium hen broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon (belief me—it really works!)
- Salt and pepper, to style
Non-compulsory Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Recent cilantro
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or bitter cream
- Shredded cheese
Directions
Step 1: Warmth 1 tbsp olive oil in an enormous pot or Dutch oven. Add the turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook dinner till browned. Take away and put aside.
Step 2: Add the remainder of the olive oil to the identical pot. Then, toss within the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook dinner for about 5 minutes till delicate and aromatic.
Step 3: Stir within the diced candy potatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Allow them to cook dinner for 2-3 minutes to get up these spices.
Step 4: Return the turkey to the pot. Add the beans, tomatoes, corn, and broth. Stir all the pieces collectively.
Step 5: Cowl and cook dinner on medium-low for 30-40 minutes. Stir now and again, till the candy potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened up.
Step 6: Add extra salt, pepper, or chili powder if you’d like a bit extra kick.
Make-Forward Tip: Retailer within the fridge for as much as 4 days. It additionally freezes superbly—simply thaw and reheat on a busy evening! Serve it with cornbread or over rice, and also you’ve obtained a no-fuss, cozy fall meal the entire household will love.
Roasted Harvest Grain Bowls With Maple-Tahini Drizzle
This bowl is certainly one of my favourite fall recipes—it has all the comfortable vibes. First off, you’ve obtained roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts bringing that candy, caramelized goodness. Then you could have hearty grains for endurance, and a creamy maple-tahini dressing that pulls all of it collectively.
It tastes indulgent however is secretly full of healthful, feel-good components. Plus, it shops like a dream, making it good for meal prep lunches or straightforward weeknight dinners.
Substances
- 1 cup dry quinoa or farro (your name!)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 small crimson onion, reduce into wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to style
Maple-Tahini Dressing
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 tbsp heat water (to skinny)
- Salt and pepper, to style
Directions
Step 1: Make quinoa or farro in line with the bundle. Put aside to chill barely.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss squash, Brussels sprouts, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Unfold out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-Half-hour, flipping midway, till golden and tender.
Step 3: Whereas the veggies roast, toss chickpeas with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and a tiny drizzle of olive oil. Roast in a separate pan (or the identical one if there’s area) for 20-25 minutes till golden and a bit crispy.
Step 4: Whisk collectively tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, heat water, salt, and pepper till clean and creamy. Add extra water if wanted to skinny all the pieces out.
Step 5: Scoop some grains into every bowl or container. Add roasted veggies, chickpeas, and your favourite toppings. Drizzle with that dreamy dressing proper earlier than serving.
Make-Forward Tip: Retailer all the pieces individually within the fridge. Whenever you’re able to eat, heat the grains and veggies, then toss these along with the dressing. You could possibly even add recent greens should you’d like!
And for extra hearty meals like this one, try: “My Favourite Every day Harvest Meals.”
Sheet Pan Rosemary Hen with Root Veggies
This sheet pan rosemary hen recipe is a type of meals that makes your complete kitchen odor like fall. Juicy hen thighs roast proper alongside hearty root veggies—carrots, parsnips, and potatoes—all tossed in olive oil, garlic, and recent rosemary.
The veggies caramelize superbly whereas the hen will get that good golden, crispy pores and skin. It’s rustic, cozy, and comforting. Kinda like a Sunday roast… however extra weeknight-friendly.
And because it’s all made on one sheet pan, cleanup is a breeze.
Substances
- 4 bone-in, skin-on hen thighs (or breasts should you favor)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 small potatoes (Yukon Gold or candy potatoes), cubed
- 1 small crimson onion, reduce into wedges
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 sprigs recent rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper
- Non-compulsory: drizzle of balsamic glaze on the finish
Directions
Step 1: Set the oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper for straightforward cleanup.
Step 2: In an enormous bowl, toss in carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and onion. Then, add in 1 tbsp olive oil, the garlic, half the rosemary, salt, and pepper. Unfold all the pieces evenly on a pan.
Step 3: Pat the hen dry (this helps get it crispy). Rub it with the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Nestle the hen items proper into the veggies.
Step 4: Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping the veggies midway by. You’ll comprehend it’s carried out when the hen hits an inside temperature of 165°F and the veggies are golden and tender.
Step 5: Non-compulsory however scrumptious: drizzle with a bit balsamic glaze or squeeze recent lemon excessive proper earlier than serving.
Make-Forward Tip: You’ll be able to chop all of the veggies and season the hen as much as 24 hours prematurely. Simply retailer all the pieces in separate containers within the fridge. Whenever you’re able to cook dinner, unfold all of it on the sheet pan and pop it within the oven. It additionally makes wonderful lunch bowls the following day, simply reheat and luxuriate in!
Savory Candy Potato and Kale Egg Muffins
These little egg muffins are like mini frittatas in grab-and-go type—and I’m an enormous fan. They’re full of a comfortable fall taste, due to the candy potato and kale.
The candy potatoes add a delicate, barely candy base. The kale brings that hearty, earthy chew. And the eggs? They maintain all of it collectively in fluffy, protein-packed bites you possibly can reheat in seconds.
Excellent for meal prep, busy mornings, and even tossing in a lunchbox.
Substances
(Makes 12 muffins / about 6 servings)
- 8 massive eggs
- 1 medium candy potato, peeled and diced small (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 cup kale, chopped (take away these stems!)
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded cheese (elective—cheddar or feta are each nice)
- 2 tbsp milk (any sort works)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to style
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
Step 2: Warmth 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Then, add diced candy potatoes and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, or till tender, and put aside.
Step 3: In the identical skillet, add yet one more tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes, after which add kale. Cool till wilted, then take away from warmth.
Step 4: In a big bowl, whisk eggs, milk, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese should you’re utilizing it.
Step 5: Divide the veggie combination evenly into the muffin cups. Pour the egg combination on high, filling every cup about ¾ full.
Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes. Or, relying in your range, you possibly can cook dinner till the eggs are set and the tops are simply golden.
Step 7: Allow them to cool utterly earlier than storing.
Make-Forward Tip: Maintain them within the fridge for as much as 5 days or freeze for as much as 2 months. I prefer to pop one or two within the microwave for 30 seconds within the morning.
Curried Butternut Squash Soup
This soup is all the pieces I would like on a cold fall night—clean, comforting, and stuffed with heat, cozy taste. The roasted butternut squash brings a pure sweetness that pairs completely with the light warmth of curry and ginger.
And the coconut milk? It makes all the pieces creamy with out feeling heavy. Though this meal feels a bit fancy, it’s secretly easy and so nourishing. Plus, it reheats like a dream, so it’s good for meal prep or freezing a batch for later.
Substances
- 1 massive butternut squash (about 3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp recent ginger, grated (or 1 tsp floor)
- 1 tbsp olive or coconut oil
- 1 tbsp curry powder (delicate or medium—your name!)
- 1 tsp floor cumin
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for creamier texture or mild should you favor)
- Juice of ½ lime (elective, however brightens the flavour)
- Salt and pepper, to style
Directions
Step 1: Toss the cubed squash with a bit olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25-Half-hour till golden and caramelized. (Brief on time? Skip the roasting and simmer it straight within the pot—it’s nonetheless delish.)
Step 2: Warmth the oil in a big pot. Then, add the onion and carrots and cook dinner for about 5 minutes, till delicate. Stir within the garlic, ginger, curry powder, and cumin. Cook dinner for an additional minute or two, simply till all the pieces smells wonderful.
Step 3: Add the roasted (or uncooked) squash and pour within the broth. Deliver to a boil, then decrease the warmth and simmer for about 20 minutes, till the squash is fork-tender.
Step 4: Use an immersion blender proper within the pot. Or you would fastidiously mix in batches in a daily blender till all the pieces is silky clean.
Step 5: Stir within the coconut milk and lime juice (if utilizing). Season with salt and pepper to style, then heat by.
Step 6: Ladle into bowls and high together with your favorites. Pumpkin seeds for crunch, cilantro for freshness, or a swirl of coconut milk to make it fairly.
Make-Forward Tip: This soup freezes very well. I really like doubling the recipe and stashing half within the freezer for a simple dinner later. Simply defrost in a single day within the fridge and heat on the range.
Lentil and Veggie Shepherd’s Pie
This veggie-packed casserole is cozy consolation meals at its greatest. It swaps the meat for hearty lentils and will get topped with the creamiest mashed candy potatoes. The filling is heat and herby, stuffed with tender veggies and savory taste. And, on the similar time, the candy potato provides simply the fitting contact of pure sweetness.
It’s the sort of plant-based dinner that’s each filling and feel-good—one thing you’ll really need to reheat for lunch the following day.
Substances
- 1 cup dry inexperienced or brown lentils (rinsed)
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (elective, however so good)
- Salt and pepper, to style
For the candy potato topping:
- 3 medium candy potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Salt and pepper, to style
Directions
Step 1: Add lentils and broth to a medium pot. Deliver to a boil, then cut back the warmth and simmer for about 25 minutes. You need them to be tender, not mushy. Drain any additional liquid if wanted and put aside.
Step 2: In a big skillet, warmth olive oil over medium warmth. Add onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook dinner for 7-8 minutes till delicate, after which stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika (if utilizing). Cook dinner for an additional 2 minutes till all the pieces smells wonderful.
Step 3: Stir within the cooked lentils, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken barely, then take away from warmth.
Step 4: Boil candy potato cubes in a big pot of salted water till fork-tender (about quarter-hour). Drain and mash with olive oil or butter, milk, salt, and pepper till clean and creamy.
Step 5: Unfold the lentil-veggie combination evenly in a 9×13’’ baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes excessive and unfold with the again of a spoon. Or, should you’re up for it, make cute ridges together with your fork!
Step 6: Pop it within the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, till the highest will get flippantly golden.
Step 7: Let it cool earlier than storing. This casserole retains completely within the fridge for 4-5 days and reheats simply.
Make-Forward Tip: You’ll be able to prep all the pieces forward of time and simply bake it on the evening you want it. Or, you would freeze it unbaked. Simply let it thaw within the fridge in a single day and add 5-10 additional minutes to the bake time. Excellent for busy weeknights or while you’re feeding a crowd.
Fall Harvest Salad
This cozy bowl affords all the pieces you need in a fall meal—roasted veggies, candy apples, and hearty grains. On high of that, it makes the right make-ahead lunch or dinner facet. It’s wholesome, filling, and so easy to toss collectively, particularly should you’re already roasting or meal prepping for the week.
And should you’re questioning the place the lettuce is on this fall “salad,” don’t fear—I didn’t overlook it! I really skip the leafy greens for meal prep salads as a result of heartier components maintain up higher within the fridge. No soggy bites right here, simply a number of crunch and taste each time you dig in.
Substances
- 1 cup farro (or quinoa should you want it gluten-free)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 medium apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Pink Girl works nice)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup goat cheese or feta (elective, however so good)
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper, to style
Directions
Step 1: Cook dinner your farro (or quinoa) in line with the bundle instructions. As soon as it’s carried out, let it cool whilst you prep the remaining.
Step 2: Toss the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts in a bit olive oil, salt, and pepper. Unfold them out on a sheet pan and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, till they’re golden and tender.
Step 3: In an enormous bowl, mix your cooked grain, roasted veggies, diced apple, cranberries, and toasted nuts. Crumble within the goat cheese or feta should you’re utilizing it.
Step 4: In a small jar or bowl, combine collectively the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake or stir nicely.
Step 5: Maintain the salad in an hermetic container within the fridge, and retailer the dressing individually in a small jar. Simply toss all the pieces collectively while you’re able to eat so it stays recent and vibrant!
Learn how to Meal Prep within the Fall
Select fall-friendly components that retailer nicely.
When most individuals take into consideration in-season fruits and veggies, their thoughts jumps straight to summer season. However fall? It brings a lot goodness to the desk. Suppose butternut squash, candy potatoes, apples, carrots, kale, pears, and Brussels sprouts—simply to call just a few.
And sure, these seasonal staples are each scrumptious and tremendous cozy. However, on high of that, they’re additionally loaded with vitamins that our our bodies crave this time of 12 months. Constructing your fall meal prep round them is a straightforward method to eat with the seasons and enhance your loved ones’s diet with out even attempting. And, should you’re like us and have a house backyard, it’s a good way to place that development to make use of!
Wish to begin a backyard however really feel intimated by the concept (or dedication)? Try my publish, “I began a Backyard,” after which head over to “Learn how to Dehydrate Herbs at House.”
Batch-cook your staple components.
I prefer to put aside someday every week to batch cook dinner just a few staples I do know we’ll use repeatedly. Suppose large trays of roasted veggies, a pot of quinoa, farro, or rice, just a few hen breasts or salmon fillets, and possibly a hearty soup or stew to spherical all of it out. It’s a bit effort up entrance that saves a lot time (and stress) in a while.
If rice is in your pep listing, don’t overlook to peek at my publish on Learn how to Retailer Leftover Rice. It’s stuffed with fast security suggestions to ensure your rice stays recent and protected.
Retailer meal prep correctly within the fridge.
The way you retailer your meal prep makes an enormous distinction! I like utilizing clear glass containers so I can see what’s within the fridge at a look. For issues like in a single day oats, layered salads, or soups, mason jars work completely.
A fast reminder: Roasted veggies normally keep recent for 3-4 days within the fridge. Soups and stews can final a bit longer—as much as 5 or 6 days. And should you’re not planning to eat one thing quickly, simply pop it within the freezer (I take advantage of these for all the pieces). Most meal prep dishes freeze nicely for a few months!
Embrace the flavors of fall and save time with these seasonal meal prep concepts!
Preserving everybody full and completely satisfied can really feel like a juggling act, particularly while you’ve obtained 1,000,000 different issues in your plate. However that’s the place the magic of meal prep is available in! It’s actually a game-changer. And while you construct your meals round seasonal components, it saves time and brings these cozy fall flavors to mealtime.
Because the temperatures begin to dip and routines settle in, it’s the right time to begin planning your fall meal prep. So, what higher time to offer just a few of the recipes above a strive? I’ve a sense they’ll turn into fast favorites.
And should you’re in search of extra inspiration, try another meal prep concepts beneath:
