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Fall can be a busy season—and once the holidays arrive, it can be tough to find the motivation to cook on the days we don’t want to do anything. That’s why we put together this collection of our 30 “laziest” recipes, from casseroles to soups and salads. Some just use one pan, others only a baking dish. Some take longer while others are done in a half hour. Either way, all these recipes are fall-focused, have simple steps, and take advantage of herbs, spices, and seasonal flavors.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Here’s a great rendition on an easy and cozy classic. “Butternut squash mac and cheese is a great way to incorporate cooked squash into a family favorite pasta dish. It’s rich, cheesy, and absolutely delicious!” says recipe creator bwayfreak3.
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This delicious beet salad with creamy goat cheese, maple-candied walnuts, and a tangy orange and balsamic vinaigrette is a beautiful way to serve beets,” says Allrecipes member Donna. We agree. This recipe has over 400 reviews and 5-star ratings.
Best Butternut Squash Soup Ever
Fall season is soup season. If you want a delicious soup with little hassle, this one is for you. “This butternut squash made with chicken broth is slightly sweet. It’s one of the best soups I’ve had in a while!,” says Allrecipes member Chester.
Gourmet Mushroom Risotto
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
I discovered risotto later than I would have liked. To make up for it, I eat it as often as possible in the fall. This recipe is an easy and comforting one-pan dinner that does not need your constant attention. “This mushroom risotto is cooked the slow and painful way, but-oh so worth it,” says recipe creator Myleen S. “Complements grilled meats and chicken dishes very well.”
Cedar Planked Salmon
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This cedar plank salmon is a dish my brother prepared for me in Seattle,” says Allrecipes member Wendy Freeman-More. “The salmon is moist, smoky, and by far the best I’ve ever eaten. I like to serve it with Asian-style rice and asparagus.”
Easy Pasta Fagioli
“This hearty pasta fagioli recipe with cannellini beans and ditalini pasta is a classic and deliciously comforting Italian soup. Serve with a grating of Parmesan cheese and crusty bread,” says recipe creator Cindy.
Easy Chicken Marsala
Who doesn’t love Chicken Marsala? Here’s an easy way to make it. “Chicken breasts are sauteed, then braised in Marsala wine and cream with mushrooms and green onion. Chicken Marsala simplified!” says recipe creator Sara.
Grilled Pork Loin Chops
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“A great grilled pork chop marinade that’s tangy, a little sweet, and very easy to prepare. The pork loin chops turn out wonderfully tasty with an awesome array of flavors,” says recipe creator ScorpioGG. “You might want to throw an extra chop on the grill for leftovers because you will have a craving for it the next day—guaranteed.”
Fish Chowder
“This fish chowder recipe is one of the best chowders I’ve had; my kids love it too! The fishermen of Bodega Bay, California, shared this favorite, quick, and easy recipe with my sister during a fish festival,” says recipe submitter AMYTHE. “We top the chowder with bacon bits and a few shakes of hot sauce for a little spice. Enjoy!”
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
“Use your air fryer for the easiest and fastest way to cook a spaghetti squash,” says Allrecipes Allstar Soup Loving Nicole. “Cutting them in half was intimidating for me until I discovered the microwave hack, which makes prepping a breeze!”
Shoyu Chicken
With hundreds of 5-star ratings and reviews, this chicken tops the list as a community favorite. Simply marinate your chicken and grill it. “Shoyu chicken is a popular Hawaiian dish often served with rice. The word shoyu is Japanese for soy sauce,” says recipe creator The Big E. “Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least an hour; the longer the better.”
Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
If you want to make risotto but can feel the energy to use a pan, this recipe is for you. “This delicious Instant Pot risotto with tender mushrooms and Parmesan cheese is so simple and fuss-free to make,” says recipe creator Shauna James Ahern. “It tastes like a fancy dish ordered at an Italian restaurant! You’ll probably start making risotto in your pressure cooker far more often after you try this recipe.”
Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken Dinner
“Spice up your night with this sheet pan harissa chicken. The North African red pepper sauce adds depth and kick to this one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknights,” says recipe developer Juliana Hale.
Creamy Corn Soup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This corn soup recipe is really easy to make, lower in fat than most cream soups, and delicious—especially if you are fighting off a cold!” says Allrecipes member Abby. Take a rest on the couch and let soups do what soups do best.
Curry Red Lentil Soup
“Clean, delicious, comforting red lentil soup! You can prep dry ingredients and spices, and add whatever veggies you have on hand,” says recipe creator Hedz. “I made it with cauliflower, carrots, and kale!”
Easy 5-Ingredient Chili
Paula
Sometimes simple things are the best. That’s the case with this recipe. “My father and I created this easy 5-ingredient chili recipe and everyone we have made it for loved it,” says recipe creator tenastic66. “It is fast, simple, and delicious.”
Buffalo-Style Chicken Pizza
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This Buffalo chicken pizza is a delicious combination of two favorite foods: Buffalo chicken wings and pizza!” says Allrecipes member Brown. Pizza might not seem like the laziest thing, but if you buy a prepared pizza crust, there isn’t much else that’s simpler. Plenty of home cooks agree.
Roasted Fall Vegetable Salad
Allrecipes Magazine
“Dig into this roasted fall vegetable salad that pairs in-season squash and sprouts with toasted pepitas and fresh herbs,” says recipe developer Kathryn Hendrix, RDN, LD. This recipe comes together in a pinch if you want something light.
Mexican Casserole
“Chicken breast simmered with a spicy black bean and corn mixture, then topped with cheese and tortilla chip crumbs and baked,” says recipe creator SUEZQZ_64. “Easy and quick to fix weekday casserole with a Mexican flair. Nutritious and kid friendly.”
Sangria Ham
Greg M
“This recipe requires four hours and twenty minutes and results in the most delicious ham I have ever tasted,” says recipe creator Mary Glenn. “Burgundy wine may easily be substituted for the Sangria, and other fruit juices may be added to the blend but the acidity of the pineapple juice and the wine combination is hard to beat for tender moist ham.”
Grilled Wild Duck Breast
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This skinless duck breast recipe is a simple way to cook small, wild ducks. It is always a huge hit—like having steak!” says recipe creators Spencer & Serena. “Use the breasts, and save the remaining meat for a stew or stock. If you only have 1 duck, you can also cook the thighs this way.”
Instant Pot Pork Chops
“These pork chops are so easy to make in the Instant Pot,” says recipe creator LDMKitchen. “I needed a quick way to cook tender pork chops, and this method did it. My husband and 6-year-old daughter fought over the leftovers!”
Bourbon Street Rib-Eye Steak
Grilling steaks is a comforting, easy way to get dinner on the table—and this recipe is top tier. “After eating this style of steak in a restaurant a few times, I worked on making my own marinade,” says recipe creator Judy Diercks OReilly. “The results are tender and do not have an overbearing bourbon taste. This marinade is very different from the only other one I have seen on this site.”
Kielbasa with Brussels Sprouts
“Kielbasa slices and baby Brussels sprouts cooked with red onion make a hearty main dish,” says recipe creator Challengergurl. “I serve this with macaroni and cheese and a loaf of French bread. Even the kids love it! My husband likes to eat his with spicy brown mustard.”
A Simply Perfect Roast Turkey
ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
If you need a turkey recipe for Thanksgiving or want to practice before the holidays, this recipe lets the oven do most of the work. It’s a “simple roast turkey just like grandma used to make. Seasoned with salt and pepper and basted with turkey stock, the flavors of the turkey really stand out,” says recipe creator Syd. “Stuff with your favorite dressing.”
Maple-Roasted Chicken Thighs
Sheet pan dinners are always a little lazy. Here’s a great fall version. “A little maple syrup brings life to roasted chicken thighs, sweet potato wedges, and caramelized Brussels sprouts. Dried cranberries and pecans add tartness and crunch,” says recipe creator Jamie.
The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“This Parmesan-style chicken bake is done casserole style (so, no breading or frying!), but still offers up that irresistible combination of tender chicken, crunchy-cheesy coating, and flavorful sauce,” says Chef John. Lay your ingredients into a baking dish and toss it in the oven.
Caramel Apple Pork Chops
“Pork chops and apples are spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg in this sweet and savory fall recipe,” says one Allrecipes member. “It’s a guaranteed favorite for kids. Serve with smashed potatoes and buttered green beans.”
Shakshuka
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Shakshuka (or shakshouka) is a traditional Tunisian dish featuring poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce with onions, bell pepper, and garlic,” says recipe submitter Ben. “It’s usually eaten for breakfast, but I think it makes a tasty lunch or dinner, served with lots of bread to mop up the sauce.”
Slow Cooker Ham
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Slow cooker ham is juicy and delicious with this no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for holiday meals,” says recipe creator Patricia Anderson. “The only ingredients you need are brown sugar and a bone-in picnic ham.” Yes, it’s really that simple. Now go spend time with your family.