10 Easy One-Pot Meals For Fall

I love this time of year. Come September, I’m over sweating and rosé, and while I don’t do pumpkin spice, I think I look very nice in sweaters. I also like boots. And apples. And NEW TV!! What can I say? It’s the most wonderful time of the yearrrrrr.

(I know the Christmas people will fight me on this, but whatever. To each her own.)

Perhaps the best thing about autumn (weirdly into that word) is that it’s a great time to reset and get back into a healthy, comforting routine in the wake of summer’s heat, weddings, booze consumption, and travel. Especially in the kitchen. But while nothing makes me happier than whipping up a cozy and nourishing meal on a chilly fall night, that doesn’t mean I’m looking to spend hours on dinner or make a big old mess in my kitchen. We are all very busy and important, and excessive cooking and cleaning is straight up burdensome most days. That’s where one-pot meals come in.

For the sake of our communal comfort and convenience, I’ve taken the liberty of rounding up some deliciously foolproof one-pot recipes. From game-day chili to seasonal risotto and hearty stews, these nutritious, low-maintenance meals are my favorites for fall feasting. May they stick to your ribs without actually padding them…

10 One-Pot Meals for Fall:

Butternut Squash Brown Rice with Fontina and Thyme. The combo of butternut squash, nutty-sweet Fontina, and fresh thyme in this risotto-like brown rice dish is like a seasonal koala hug for the soul. It’s great as a vegetarian meal or side, but you could always add some chicken or turkey sausage into the mix if necessary.

One Skillet Braised Chicken Thighs with Spinach and White Beans. This recipe for fork tender chicken thighs melting into a simple tomato and white bean stew is one of my favorite no-fuss fall dinners. It happens to be made with mostly pantry ingredients, requires about 15 minutes of hands-on prep, and looks very rustic chic served directly out of your cast iron.

Mexican Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew with Quinoa and Kale. Sweet and savory with a chipotle-induced kick, this super easy stew tastes sort of like deconstructed enchiladas, which is a very, very good thing. What I love most about this stew is how easily it can be adapted based on what you have on hand. Any type of beans will work, butternut squash can be subbed for sweet potatoes, and the green possibilities (spinach, dinosaur kale, chard, etc.) are endless.

Pork and Pinto Bean Chili. This chili has long been my go-to for cozy weeknight dinners and game day fiestas. In addition to being a heady taste treat, the one-pot wonder slays on the heath front. There’s minimal oil involved, and lean pork tenderloin trims calories and fat (and cooking time!) while still packing plenty of flavor. Very Dude Diet-friendly.

Sausage and Apple Risotto with Goat Cheese. Turkey sausage adds heft and savory flair to this creamy risotto, while apples provide a delightfully unexpected sweetness, and the subtle goat cheese tang is downright delightful. It’s hearty without being heavy and will warm you up from the inside out on a chilly fall night.

Spicy Jicama Tortilla Soup with Shrimp. Spicy, veggie-heavy, and boasting a laundry list of health benefits, reach for this recipe when you’re in the mood for something quick and nourishing. Not into seafood? Try chicken breasts or thighs in their place.

Tomato and White Bean Stew with Chicken Sausage. Made with mostly pantry staples, this hearty stew is a total breeze to whip up. I’m talking less than 15 minutes of hands-on time, another 15 minutes simmering on the stove, and boom. Done. Throw some freshly shaved Parm on top, serve it with salad, crusty bread, or grilled cheese, and you’ve got yourself a kickass meal with almost zero cleanup.

Brown Rice Noodle Soup with Spicy Pork and Greens. Insanely comforting yet still surprisingly light, this noodle soup is perfect for the awkward summer fall-transition period. Each bowl is packed with protein, fiber, and all the glorious health benefits of kale, so you should probably eat it as much as humanly possible. If you’re keeping things extra tight, try subbing 93% lean ground turkey for pork.

Smoky Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash and Kale. This stew is one of the most highly trafficked recipes on this site, and for good reason. It’s a total sexpot. Sweet and savory with smoky undertones, each bite works some serious magic on your taste buds, and the nutritional profile (fiber! antioxidants! folate!) is quite impressive. Get on it.

Balsamic Roast Chicken with Tomatoes and Mushrooms. This beautiful bird only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on time and is guaranteed to make you feel like a domestic god(dess). I recommend serving it over some peppery arugula to keep things light, but it would be equally delicious with cauliflower puree or mashed potatoes. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, throw them in salads or sandwiches later in the week.