Quick & Easy Meals to Try This Fall
Fall is here which means cooler weather is approaching fast. Nothing is better on these cold days than getting cozy under a blanket and enjoying a warm, home-cooked meal. Here are six easy-to-make recipes to enjoy on cold days!
Image: The Recipe Critic
If you are looking for a quick and easy vegetarian option, then this bean soup recipe is for you. Throw some canned black beans into a pot along with a variety of different vegetables (canned or fresh), vegetable broth and delicious seasonings like cumin and chili powder. Bring your mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, serve and enjoy! If you are feeling a little adventurous, you can even throw in some sour cream, fresh cilantro and squeeze in fresh lime to beat the heat.
Image: Illinois Times
This traditional Irish dish is perfect to enjoy on chilly evenings. Shepherd’s Pie pairs ground beef (or lamb) with vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with cheesy mashed potatoes and baked. This dish takes about an hour to make, and it is great to enjoy for leftovers. Start by sautéing chopped onions in olive oil, add ground beef or lamb, then add a variety of spices (parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper). Cook until browned. Then, add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and flour and tomato paste to thicken. Add vegetables and beef broth, then simmer the mixture until thick.
Next, you’ll want to prepare your potatoes (they can be homemade or premade). After preparation, add some cheese into your potatoes. Finally, pour the meat mixture into a baking dish and top it with the cheesy potatoes. Bake until it is bubbling and the potatoes are golden.
Image: Cooking Classy
Soup warms the soul and is the perfect match for cold weather. A creative twist to the traditional red bean chili, this white chicken chili recipe is a delicious combination of white beans, tender chicken, and a rich and creamy broth. This recipe is super easy and can be cooked as you do schoolwork or hang out with friends.
First, heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion and garlic together. Add chicken broth, green chilies and a variety of seasonings (cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper). Bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes. Next, add beans, Neufchatel cheese, and corn. Add lime juice, cilantro and sliced chicken. For an easier option you can use a rotisserie chicken and just pull the chicken apart into small shreds.
Image: Delish
Anything pumpkin screams cooler weather. This super easy recipe only takes about 30 minutes to make and incorporates pumpkin in a creative way. You’ll need two packages of gnocchi. Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Cook the gnocchi per the requirements on the package. Next, add oil and garlic to a heated skillet and stir for about 1 minute. Add tomato paste and stir for another minute. Next, whisk in chicken broth, pumpkin puree and sage, then bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper and simmer until thickened – about seven minutes. Stir in the gnocchi and some heavy cream, toss together and then remove from heat. Plate it in your desired dinnerware and top with grated parmesan cheese!
Image: Joe Lingeman
5. Sausage, Kale and Sweet Potato Soup
This unique soup incorporates several different flavors and brings them all together into one beautiful dish, and you only need 6 ingredients! To begin, peel and dice sweet potatoes, coarsely chop kale and cut 12 ounces of Italian sausage into small pieces. Add olive oil to a pot and bring to a simmer. Add sausage and cook until browned. Next, add chicken broth, Italian seasoning and sweet potatoes into the pot and bring to a boil. Simmer until potatoes are tender. Finally, add kale and cook until wilted – about three minutes. This soup is hearty, simple, and super tasty!
Image: Ahead of Thyme
6. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese? Try this twist on a classic dish that is delicious and flavorful. Begin by cooking your preferred pasta al dente. To make the cheese sauce, heat butter in a pot until melted, then whisk in flour and combine. Add milk into the mixture. Whisk in butternut squash puree, grated cheese and any desired seasonings. To top it all off, toss your pasta in the cheese sauce and enjoy.
At the Talon, we know that being a student or new to the workforce can come with multiple challenges. We hope these yummy and easy recipe ideas can help you cozy up this fall and enjoy a warm meal as we head into the holiday season!