Fall is one of my favorite times to cook — cozy flavors, cooler nights and food that brings everyone to the table. But let’s be honest, between homeschool, therapies, lessons and other activities, I don’t have time for complicated dinners.

That’s why I lean on meals that practically make themselves — soups simmering in the crockpot, one-pan dinners in the oven, and easy recipes that don’t require me hovering over the kitchen.

Here are 5 of our go-to fall meals that save my sanity:

1. Cheeseburger Sliders

These are a family favorite and perfect for busy weeknights (meal prep the meat on Sunday) and Sunday football. Brown ground beef with onion, layer it with cheese on slider buns, brush the tops with butter + sesame seeds, and bake until melty.
Pair with roasted veggies, fries or a simple salad. Grab the full recipe here. 

👉 Bonus: They reheat well for lunch the next day, which is a win for me. 

2. Veggie Soup

Simple, hearty, and budget-friendly. Toss carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, tomatoes, meat and broth into a crockpot. Add your favorite seasoning and let it simmer.
It’s warm, cozy, and easy to serve with grilled cheese or warm bread. I love throwing this in the crockpot in the morning and serving it for lunch or dinner.

Grab the recipe here. 

3. Tortellini Sausage Soup

This one feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Brown Italian sausage, add garlic, onion, broth, cream cheese and  diced tomatoes. Right before you’re ready to serve, throw in the tortellini. Finish with a little spinach and parmesan. It’s rich, comforting and perfect for lunch or dinner. This is a favorite of mine and the kids. 

Grab our favorite here.

4. Sheet Pan Sausage & Potatoes

The ultimate “dump-and-done” dinner. Slice sausage, potatoes and any veggies you have (like peppers or zucchini). Toss with olive oil and seasoning, spread on a sheet pan, and roast.
Dinner’s ready in 30 minutes with almost no cleanup. 

Grab the recipe here.

5. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

This one takes a bit longer to make, but it’s so good. It’s perfect to meal prep on the weekends or make when you have a little more time. The chicken is so juicy and the whole dinner is just flavorful. 

Grab the recipe here.

Mom, dinners don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. These simple fall meals take the stress out of “what’s for dinner?” so you can spend more time around the table and less time in the kitchen. They’re also perfect for leftovers for dinner and lunch. Almost every time I cook, I make sure to make enough for leftovers.

If dinnertime always sneaks up on you, in The Simplify the Chaos I will show you how to meal plan in a way that actually fits your life — with simple rhythms that save your sanity. We create these routines together. 

Simplify the Chaos ➡️ HERE.

Love and Support,