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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    27 Family Favorite Fall Meals That Are Easy and Cheap

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 25, 2025, updated September 10, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    These 27 family favorite fall meals are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With simple ingredients and comforting flavors, these dishes will warm you up without breaking the bank. Enjoy the season with hearty recipes that everyone will love. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.

    Pesto Chickpea Bake

    Pesto Chickpea Bake.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This chickpea casserole is a great way to use up any vegetables you have lying around. Just throw your veggies into a baking dish, add some chickpeas and pesto, top it with cheese, and bake it. It's a hearty vegetarian dish that goes well with bread or can be enjoyed as a side.

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    Chicken Taco Casserole

    Chicken taco casserole.
    Photo Credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    Chicken Taco Casserole is a simple dish that comes together quickly with just 7 ingredients and 7 easy steps. It features shredded chicken, tomatoes, taco seasoning, crunchy tortilla chips, and cheese, all baked together for a comforting meal. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a hearty meal. Perfect for a potluck or a simple weeknight dinner, this is a great option for busy families.

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    Great Northern Bean Soup

    Great Northern Bean Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This great northern bean soup is a warm and satisfying dish, ideal for a chilly evening or whenever you want something healthy and filling. It's simple to prepare, and you can easily make it in your crock pot or slow cooker. This soup is perfect for families looking for a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a hearty dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all topped with plenty of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead, which keeps it light and healthy. It's a straightforward dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Soup is a simple and healthy dish that's perfect for fall. Made in the crockpot, it features poblano peppers in a flavorful Southwest broth. This soup is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for everyone at the table. It's an easy meal that warms you up without requiring much effort.

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    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This soup brings together all the great flavors of stuffed bell peppers, but it's made in a slow cooker for an easy meal. It's hearty and satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting without putting in a lot of effort. Just let it simmer and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness.

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    Chickpea Soup

    Chickpea Soup.
    Photo Credit: Narturallie Plant Based.

    A warm bowl of Tuscan Chickpea Soup is perfect for the cooler months. This soup brings together Mediterranean flavors like sundried tomatoes and fresh herbs, along with hearty chickpeas, creating a creamy dish that everyone will enjoy. It's a comforting meal that's easy to make and great for family dinners.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. It combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients, all made with simple items you probably already have in your pantry. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe cuts down on cooking time while still delivering a satisfying meal for the whole family.

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    30 Minute Chicken Taco Soup

    30 Minute Chicken Taco Soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Creamy chicken taco soup combines shredded chicken, taco spices, black beans, and corn in a smooth broth. With a topping of sour cream and crunchy tortilla strips, this dish is a warm and comforting choice for chilly days.

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    Chicken Minestrone Soup

    Chicken Minestrone Soup.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    Chicken Minestrone Soup is a simple and filling meal that's perfect for a hectic day. With colorful veggies, rotisserie chicken, and elbow pasta, it comes together easily and offers a comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup

    Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken and Leek Soup.
    Photo Credit: Living Sweet Moments.

    This Cream of Chicken & Leek Soup is a simple and satisfying dish that brings warmth to any table. With just six ingredients, it's quick to prepare and perfect for families on the go. This soup is a great choice for a cozy dinner, especially during the fall months.

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    Enchilada Bake

    Enchilada bake.
    Photo credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

    This Enchilada Bake is simple to put together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and freezer. It's delicious enough that your family will want it again and again. Plus, you won't even need to use your oven since it cooks perfectly in a slow cooker.

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    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A quick chicken stew can be made using rotisserie chicken, bringing in bright flavors of lemon and rosemary. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy fall meal. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

    Salisbury steak in mushroom gravy.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    This classic Salisbury steak is smothered in a thick, luscious Mushroom Gravy and is a fast, easy, and inexpensive comfort food recipe to make in only 30 minutes! Everything cooks in one skillet for an easy and hearty dinner. If you've never had Salisbury steak, here's the deal: it's essentially a giant meatball, formed flat like a steak and pan-seared. This version is then smothered in a thick mushroom gravy cooked up in the same pan (though you can skip the gravy if it's not your thing)

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    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole

    Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is all about comfort and simplicity, perfect for cozy fall evenings. With its cheesy goodness, it brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. It's a great option for families looking for a tasty meal that doesn't require a lot of work.

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    Cream of Mushroom Soup

    Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This gluten-free Cream of Mushroom Soup can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it a quick option for dinner. It's simple to prepare and doesn't use any flour, relying instead on plenty of cream for a rich flavor. Perfect for a cozy fall meal, this soup is sure to warm you up.

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    Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

    Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Chicken pot pie casserole is a warm and satisfying dish that combines chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, all covered with a fluffy biscuit topping. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty meal that the whole family will love. This dish is made for chilly fall evenings when you want something cozy and filling.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in about 5 minutes and on the table in under 40. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want a quick and satisfying meal.

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    Crockpot Mexican Casserole

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit" Haute & Healthy Living.

    This crockpot Mexican casserole is packed with all the flavors you love from Mexican cuisine, making it a great choice for a quick dinner. It's a simple meal that won't break the bank and is healthier than ordering takeout. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal effort while still delivering a satisfying meal for the whole family.

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    Cheesy Tortellini Skillet Lasagna

    Cheesy Tortellini Skillet Lasagna
    Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic.

    Skillet lasagna is a great option when you're craving lasagna but need something quick. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a simple choice for a busy evening. This dish combines all the classic flavors of lasagna without the lengthy preparation, so you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

    A serving of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Gather the family around for a hearty casserole that everyone will enjoy. This simple skillet dish is packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices, all topped with a layer of homemade buttermilk cornbread. It's a comforting meal that's perfect for a cozy evening together.

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    Biscuit Topped Vegetarian Pot Pie

    Biscuit Topped Vegetarian Pot Pie.
    Photo Credit: Occasionally Eggs.

    This vegetarian pot pie is packed with a variety of vegetables and topped with a delicious biscuit crust. It's a filling meal that works well for any evening. This dish is not only comforting but also a great option for families looking for something simple and satisfying.

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    Hearty Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup

    Hearty Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup.
    Photo Credit: Dizzy Busy & Hungry.

    Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup is a warm and tasty dish that's great for chilly days. Tender chicken combines with tomatoes and a hint of spice to create a satisfying meal. It's simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

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    Slow Cooker Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

    Slow Cooker Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole combines the familiar flavors of enchiladas with a variety of healthy veggies, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family. Using just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, this dish comes together easily. It's a great option for a warm family dinner and takes only a few hours to prepare.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    Slow cooker lasagna soup is a filling dish that's full of flavor. Using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this easy soup comes together with very little effort. It's a great option for a cozy dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal comes together with just 8 ingredients, making it perfect for a quick dinner any night. Featuring tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it offers a great mix of flavors and textures. It's a dish that the whole family will enjoy and is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      Dump-and-Go Dinner: 21 Casseroles That Almost Cook Themselves
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      26 Simple Slow Cooker Recipes That Will Change Your Potluck Plans
    • Chicken alfredo.
      20 Dump-And-Cook Pasta Dinners That Are Super Easy to Prepare
    • Cajun chicken pasta casserole.
      25 Dump-And-Go Chicken Recipes You’ll Want to Make All the Time

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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