10+ Autumn Recipes to Warm Up Your Cozy Evenings

Autumn recipes just have a way of making your kitchen feel extra cozy as the nights get colder. They use all those seasonal ingredients that make meals feel hearty and satisfying.

These recipes let you enjoy fall flavors without fuss.

You’ll find something here for every taste and skill level. Maybe you want to keep it simple or maybe you’re itching to try something new.

Soups, stews, baked treats—take your pick. There’s something here to make your fall nights better.

1) Pumpkin Curry

Pumpkin curry is the definition of autumn comfort. It’s got the natural sweetness of pumpkin, creamy coconut milk, and those warm, cozy spices.

You can make this dish vegan or toss in some chicken if you like. One pot is all you need, which keeps cleanup easy.

The sauce turns out rich but not heavy, and it goes great with rice or flatbread. Throw in some fresh spinach or bell peppers for color and a little extra nutrition.

Try an Indian-inspired version or go for a Thai-style pumpkin coconut curry if you want to mix it up. Both hit the spot on a chilly night.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 tbsp curry paste or powder
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (spinach, bell peppers)
• Optional: 1 lb chicken pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
3. Stir in curry paste or powder.
4. Add pumpkin puree and coconut milk, mix well.
5. Add chicken if using, cook until done.
6. Toss in chopped vegetables, simmer 5 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Find more ideas for pumpkin curry here.

2) Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is the kind of meal you crave when the air gets crisp. Add in some butternut squash or mushrooms for a fall twist.

If you’re short on time, store-bought puff pastry or phyllo dough works just fine.

The filling is loaded with tender chicken, chicken stock, and herbs like sage and thyme. A pinch of pumpkin pie spice gives it a subtle autumn vibe.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds skinless chicken legs and thighs
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups butternut squash, diced
• Mushrooms (optional)
• Sage and thyme
• Puff pastry or phyllo dough
• Pumpkin pie spice (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook chicken in chicken stock until tender.
2. Add diced butternut squash and mushrooms; cook until soft.
3. Stir in herbs and seasoning.
4. Pour filling into a baking dish.
5. Cover with puff pastry or phyllo dough.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden.

3) Butternut Squash Casserole

This casserole is pure fall comfort. Sweet butternut squash pairs up with caramelized onions or sausage for a savory kick.

Toss in some cheese if you want it extra rich. Cinnamon and herbs bring out those cozy autumn flavors.

You might want to try adding apples or a pecan topping for more texture. It’s a solid pick for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup caramelized onions
• 1 cup cooked sausage or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere or other cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook squash in butter with salt, pepper, and herbs for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in onions, sausage, and cheese.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

For more ideas, you can check this butternut squash casserole recipe.

4) Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Apple cinnamon muffins are an easy way to fill your kitchen with fall scents. Juicy apples and warm cinnamon make them soft and moist.

Eat them for breakfast or as a snack. If you like a little crunch, add a crumb topping or sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.

You probably have most of the ingredients already. Swap in whole grain flour if you want to make them a bit healthier.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped apples
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cups.
2. Mix flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk milk, oil, egg, and vanilla.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently, then fold in apples.
5. Divide batter into muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool before eating.

For more ideas, see apple cinnamon muffin tips at Sally’s Baking Addiction.

5) Classic Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is just what you want when it’s chilly outside. Sear tender strips of beef with mushrooms and onions for a solid base.

The sauce gets its richness from sour cream or crème fraîche—so good. Serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for peak comfort.

You’ll want to sear the beef quickly to keep it soft. Cook the mushrooms and onions until they’re nice and tender, then bring it all together with that creamy sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef tenderloin or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth or white wine

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Sear beef strips quickly until browned; remove from pan.
3. Sauté onions and mushrooms in the same pan until soft.
4. Add broth or wine and simmer for a few minutes.
5. Return beef to the pan.
6. Stir in sour cream and heat gently; do not boil.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over noodles or potatoes.

Find more details on a classic Beef Stroganoff recipe.

6) Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root veggies are one of the simplest ways to get those autumn vibes. Carrots, parsnips, beets, sweet potatoes—they all work.

Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives you those crispy edges everyone loves. Just toss the veggies in olive oil, salt, and whatever herbs you like.

Garlic and rosemary are a classic combo. Spread everything on a baking sheet and roast until golden and tender.

This side is colorful, healthy, and goes with pretty much anything.

Ingredients:

• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Beets
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh rosemary

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and chop the vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
3. Toss them with olive oil, salt, garlic, and rosemary.
4. Spread on a baking sheet in one layer.
5. Roast for 35-45 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and browned.

7) Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy mushroom risotto is a go-to for chilly evenings. Fresh and dried mushrooms bring deep flavor, and the rice gets creamy as it slowly cooks in broth and wine.

If you want a filling, meat-free dinner, this is it. Parmesan gives it that salty, creamy finish.

Try shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms for a little variety. If you skip the cheese or use a plant-based one, it’s easy to make vegan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup white wine
• 8 oz mixed mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
3. Stir in mushrooms and cook until they release their juices.
4. Add Arborio rice, stir to coat with oil and mushrooms.
5. Pour in white wine and cook until mostly absorbed.
6. Slowly add vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring until rice absorbs the liquid before adding more.
7. Continue until rice is tender and risotto is creamy, about 18-20 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
9. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

8) Spiced Pumpkin Latte

This spiced pumpkin latte just feels right when the air turns crisp. You mix pumpkin puree with cinnamon and nutmeg—seriously, it smells like fall in a mug.

Add some steamed milk and brewed coffee. The combo is sweet, rich, and honestly better than most coffee shop versions.

I like using maple syrup, but brown sugar works if that’s what you have. It’s creamy and cozy, and you don’t even have to leave home.

Top it with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy. It’s a little cup of autumn, right in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk or milk alternative
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 cup brewed coffee

Cooking Instructions:

1. Combine milk, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and sweetener in a small saucepan.
2. Warm it gently over medium heat, stirring often—don’t let it boil.
3. Brew your coffee.
4. Pour the pumpkin milk mixture over the coffee.
5. Stir well and serve. Add whipped cream if you want.

9) Cabbage Gratin

Cabbage gratin is one of those dishes that just makes sense when it’s chilly outside. You layer cooked cabbage with a creamy white sauce and plenty of cheese.

The top gets all bubbly and golden in the oven. That crispy crust is honestly the best part.

Simple ingredients like cabbage, cream, Gruyère, and Parmesan make it rich and satisfying. I usually broil it for a few minutes at the end so the cheese browns up nicely.

It pairs well with roasted meats or even just a bowl of soup. The creamy sauce softens the cabbage and makes it super comforting.

Ingredients

• 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the cabbage until just tender, then drain it well.
3. In a saucepan, heat cream and butter until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix the cabbage with the cream sauce and half the cheeses.
5. Pour it all into a baking dish and top with the rest of the cheese and breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes, until it’s bubbling.
7. Broil on high for 3-4 minutes to get that golden top.

Try this cabbage gratin recipe on a chilly evening.

10) Slow-Cooked Autumn Stew

Slow-cooked autumn stew is just what you want on a cold day. You get tender beef, potatoes, and sweet carrots all simmered together in a rich broth.

It’s so simple to throw together. Let it cook while you go about your day.

When it’s done, the meat is super tender and the flavors have blended in the best way. This is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 3 cups potatoes, diced
• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the beef in a skillet. Move it over to your slow cooker.

2. Toss in the potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic.

3. Pour beef broth on top. Give everything a gentle stir.

4. Cover it up. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or crank it to high for 4 hours if you’re in a hurry.

5. Add peas about 30 minutes before it’s done.

6. Sprinkle in salt and pepper right before serving.

If you’re hungry for more cozy ideas, check out this collection of fall slow-cooker recipes.