Comforting One-Pots, Slow Cooks, and Harvest Flavours
Comforting One-Pots, Slow Cooks, and Harvest Flavours
From soups to skillets, discover fall flavours that save time without skimping on comfort.
I can’t believe it’s already fall. It feels like I was just packing summer salads into picnic baskets, and now I’m pulling out my biggest soup pot and slow cooker. The shift always sneaks up on me, the mornings suddenly cooler, the afternoons darker, and the kids coming home from school with flushed cheeks and big appetites. This is the season where I crave comfort foods: hearty stews, roasted vegetables, and big-batch meals that make the house smell incredible.
But here’s the thing, fall is also busy. Between work, school drop-offs, activities, and keeping the house somewhat under control, I don’t have time to fuss over complicated dinners every night. That’s why I lean so heavily on meal prep once the weather turns. If I can simmer a pot of soup on Sunday, roast a tray of root vegetables, or tuck something into the slow cooker in the morning, I know the week ahead will feel less overwhelming.
Fall is the best season for this kind of cooking. Ontario’s harvest is at its peak, with squash, pumpkins, potatoes, and apples at every market stand. These foods don’t just taste good, they’re hearty, nourishing, and made for big-batch meals. I love the rhythm of chopping, roasting, and ladling into jars or containers, knowing I’ll thank myself when Monday or Tuesday rolls around and dinner is already sorted.
Meal prep doesn’t have to feel like a chore, either. I see it as a way of building a foundation of comfort and stability for my family during the chaotic fall months. A big pot of chili can be lunch and dinner for days. A tray of roasted vegetables can stretch across salads, bowls, and quick sides. Even pancakes or muffins made with fall flavours like pumpkin or apple can become quick breakfast or snack options all week.
This collection brings together my favourite kinds of fall meals: one-pots, slow cooks, and harvest-inspired comfort foods that are easy to prep ahead. These 20 recipes from Rily are simple, cozy, and full of flavour, perfect for busy parents with packed schedules and anyone who wants to enjoy fall cooking without spending hours in the kitchen.
Turkey & Kale Stuffed Acorn Squash
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This hearty stuffed squash is fall on a plate. Roasted acorn halves are filled with savoury ground turkey, wilted kale, and aromatic herbs for a nutrient-dense meal that feels special but comes together in under an hour. With plenty of protein, fibre, and healthy fats, it supports balanced blood sugar while keeping you full and energized. Naturally gluten- and dairy-free, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that doubles as a festive option for entertaining.
Chai Oatmeal with Apple Pear Compote
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This cozy oatmeal is infused with warming chai spices and topped with a caramelized apple–pear compote for the ultimate fall breakfast. Rolled oats, shredded coconut, and chia provide fibre and omega-3s, while natural sweetness from fruit makes it satisfying without being heavy. It’s a nutrient powerhouse, offering essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to start the day right. Cook once and reheat throughout the week for a meal-prep–friendly option that’s both comforting and nourishing.
One Pan Honey Garlic Sausage, Apples & Veggies
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Sweet apples, colourful vegetables, and juicy sausage roast together in this no-fuss, one-pan dinner. Coated in a honey garlic glaze, everything caramelizes beautifully in the oven while you sit back and relax. Packed with fibre, protein, and healthy fats, this dish delivers long-lasting energy and deep, seasonal flavour. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a meal-prep favourite that also works as a crowd-pleaser when you need to feed a family quickly and with minimal cleanup.
Charred Cabbage with Miso Tahini Dressing
Recipe by Fran Allen
Simple yet sophisticated, this dish transforms humble cabbage into something special. Charring brings out natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth, while the creamy miso tahini dressing delivers umami richness. It’s quick to prepare with just a handful of ingredients, making it a versatile side that fits any season. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a plant-based dish on a festive table, this recipe proves that vegetables can truly be the star of the meal.
Maple Miso Parsnips with Garlic White Bean Mash
Recipe by Fran Allen
Sweet, earthy parsnips roasted in a maple-miso glaze pair beautifully with a creamy garlic white bean mash in this cozy, plant-forward recipe. The caramelized parsnips deliver a balance of savoury and sweet, while the bean mash provides protein and fibre for a satisfying, nutrient-rich base. It’s a fresh way to spotlight an underused fall vegetable, and it makes a fantastic meatless main or hearty side dish that’s as comforting as it is nourishing.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cornbread Stuffing
Recipe by Julia Gibson
A modern twist on a holiday classic, this stuffing combines pumpkin cornbread with savoury herbs and vegetables for a dish that’s equal parts comforting and unique. Its tender, slightly sweet interior contrasts beautifully with crispy golden edges, creating a stuffing that can easily become the star of your Thanksgiving table. Gluten-free and easy to prepare, this recipe offers a balanced mix of flavours that work for festive gatherings or simply as a cozy fall side dish.
Southwest Veggie Chili
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
Hearty, warming, and packed with flavour, this one-pot chili is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. Loaded with beans, vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s high in fibre and plant-based protein to keep you full and energized. This vegan-friendly recipe is a gut health booster and makes a perfect meal-prep option; it keeps well in the fridge for days and freezes beautifully. Serve with crusty bread or rice for a satisfying, nutrient-rich dinner.
Cottage Pie with Leeks & Mushrooms
Recipe by Fran Allen
A classic comfort dish gets an earthy update in this cottage pie, where grass-fed beef mingles with leeks and mushrooms under a blanket of fluffy mashed potatoes. Slow-cooked flavours make it rich and deeply satisfying, while the vegetable additions bring a subtle sweetness and extra nutrients. Perfect for freezing and reheating, it’s a reliable make-ahead dinner for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This wholesome pie is exactly what you crave when the weather turns cold.
One Pan Greek Chicken Thighs
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This simple one-pan dish brings Greek-inspired flavours to the table with minimal effort. Chicken thighs are slow-cooked with herbs, lemon, and potatoes until tender, juicy, and infused with savoury seasoning. The combination of crisped potatoes and melt-in-your-mouth chicken makes this a comforting, hearty option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With little cleanup and big flavour, it’s a go-to recipe that feels both rustic and satisfying.
Apple Cinnamon Bliss Balls
Recipe by Julia Gibson
These bite-sized energy balls are a wholesome way to enjoy the flavours of fall. Naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup, and packed with oats, spices, and fibre, they’re a nutrient-dense snack for kids and adults alike. They’re quick to make, portable, and freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prep or a grab-and-go bite during busy days. Warm cinnamon and apple notes make these little bites taste like a cozy dessert, without the guilt.
One Pan Sausage & Winter Vegetables
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Caramelized root vegetables and juicy sausage come together in this easy, one-pan dish that’s loaded with flavour and nutrition. A bright, tangy dressing elevates the hearty roasted ingredients, creating a balance of sweet, savoury, and acidic notes. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this recipe requires little prep and cleanup, making it as practical as it is satisfying. Serve it as-is or alongside a fresh salad for even more seasonal variety.
Sunday One Pot Roast Dinner
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
A comforting classic, this roast dinner features tender beef cooked with potatoes, carrots, and celery for a hearty, all-in-one meal. The pan drippings combine with a splash of red wine to make a rich homemade gravy that ties it all together. Perfect for a Sunday gathering or a cozy evening at home, this recipe delivers traditional flavours with minimal fuss. It’s a timeless dish that warms both the table and the spirit.
Autumn Farro Bowl
Recipe by Fran Allen
Nutty farro takes centre stage in this hearty, nutrient-rich bowl. Seasonal produce, toasted nuts, and gruyère cheese come together to create a dish full of textures and flavours. Balanced, filling, and deeply comforting, it’s ideal as a make-ahead lunch or simple weeknight dinner. The combination of wholesome grains and fresh fall ingredients makes this bowl as nourishing as it is delicious, a cozy way to celebrate the harvest season.
Stewed White Beans with Lemon & Parmesan
Recipe by Fran Allen
This hearty dish is the perfect balance of cozy and bright. Slow-stewed white beans provide a creamy base, while lemon and greens lift the flavours with fresh acidity. A sprinkle of Parmesan brings a savoury finish, making it satisfying yet light enough for weeknights. It’s versatile, too, easily made plant-based with a dairy-free swap. Meal prep a batch for comforting lunches all week or freeze portions for an effortless, ready-to-go dinner.
Gluten-Free Cherry Hand Pies
Recipe by Megan Horsley
These flaky, golden hand pies are bursting with tart cherry filling, offering a healthier twist on the nostalgic treat. Naturally gluten-free and packed with antioxidant-rich cherries, they’re as nourishing as they are indulgent. Perfect for packing in lunches, serving at gatherings, or enjoying as an after-dinner sweet, they’re proof that comfort food can also support long-term wellness. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favourite.
Green Lentil Vegetable Soup
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Warm, hearty, and nutrient-packed, this lentil soup is a must-have for chilly fall days. Combining earthy lentils, leafy greens, hearty squash, and aromatic herbs creates a balanced bowl that’s both filling and nourishing. High in fibre and plant-based protein, it supports gut health while keeping you energized. Make a big pot to share with family or portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week; it’s as practical as it is comforting.
Instant Pot Beef & Mushroom Stew
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Rich and savoury, this stew delivers all the classic comfort of slow-cooked beef in a fraction of the time, thanks to the Instant Pot. Mushrooms add earthy depth, while tender beef and hearty vegetables create a satisfying, one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful broth. A modern twist on a timeless dish, it’s hearty, nourishing, and built for fall.
Orange Marmalade Turkey Legs
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Sweet, tangy, and deeply comforting, these turkey legs bring big Thanksgiving vibes in a scaled-down format. The orange marmalade glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the turkey a sticky, flavorful finish that’s as cozy as it is delicious. Perfect for a dinner-for-two or an intimate fall gathering, this recipe proves that you don’t need a whole bird to enjoy the festive flavours of the season. Easy, elegant, and endlessly satisfying.
Pumpkin Soup with Herby Oil Drizzle
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This velvety pumpkin soup brings together the warming spices of Thai curry with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree. Finished with a drizzle of herb-infused oil and crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds, it’s a vibrant twist on a seasonal classic. Packed with vitamins and fibre, it’s both comforting and nourishing, ideal for cozy fall evenings. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that feels both elegant and homey.
Gluten-Free Turkey Pot Pie
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This cozy gluten-free turkey pot pie is the ultimate way to breathe new life into holiday leftovers. Packed with tender turkey, roasted vegetables, and rich gravy, it transforms fridge staples into a hearty, satisfying meal. Its golden crust and nourishing ingredients make it a comforting dish the whole family will love. Perfect for chilly nights, this pot pie balances homestyle comfort with a wholesome twist; an easy, delicious way to stretch your holiday feast into the week ahead.
**Loved this Fall inspired collection? Keep the inspiration going with more comforting, nutrient-packed ideas from the Rily blog: **
- Eating for Energy as the Seasons Shift
- 28 Recipes From Rily Featuring Seasonal Squash
- 27 Must-Try Autumn Dishes Crafted by Rily's Culinary Experts
Lead photo by Tina Gravalos.
