Other Creators Mentioned: Katt’s Channel: Southern Farm and Kitchen …

source

What’s For Dinner: Cheap & Easy Fall Meals

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, fall ushers in a bounty of seasonal produce and cozy cravings. With the busy days of autumn—filled with school events, work, and holiday preparations—it can be challenging to plan nutritious meals that are both time-efficient and budget-friendly. Here are some delicious fall meal ideas that won’t break the bank and will warm your heart.

1. Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 can of pumpkin puree or 2-3 cups fresh pumpkin (cubed and roasted)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: crème fraîche or sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in a pot until soft.
2. Add the pumpkin and broth. Stir in cumin and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth and serve topped with crème fraîche if desired.

Why It’s Great: This soup is not only hearty and satisfying but also utilizes inexpensive ingredients. Plus, it’s a perfect way to use up pumpkin, which is abundantly available in fall.

2. One-Pot Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or omit for a vegetarian option)
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can corn
• 1 onion, diced
• 2-3 tbsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground meat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder, and season to taste.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Why It’s Great: Chili is a versatile dish that can be made in bulk and freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s a flavorful way to incorporate beans and vegetables into your diet.

3. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa)
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup salsa
• Cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine rice, black beans, corn, and salsa.
3. Fill each bell pepper half with the mixture, top with cheese if using.
4. Place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.

Why It’s Great: Stuffed peppers are colorful, nutritious, and easy to customize based on what ingredients you have on hand. They’re an excellent way to make use of leftover grains and vegetables.

4. Autumn Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed fall vegetables (e.g., butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, carrots)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2-3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• 2 cups cooked rice or noodles

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in a pan until translucent.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry until cooked through.
3. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Serve over rice or noodles.

Why It’s Great: This stir-fry is quick, versatile, and showcases seasonal vegetables. You can swap in any veggies you have, making it a frugal and easy choice.

5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
• 1 can black beans, drained
• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Avocado or sour cream (optional)
• Lime juice, cumin, and paprika to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil or roast sweet potatoes until tender.
2. In a bowl, mix sweet potatoes, black beans, lime juice, cumin, and paprika.
3. Warm tortillas and fill with the sweet potato mixture; top with avocado or sour cream if desired.

Why It’s Great: These tacos are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, packed with nutrients and easy to prepare. Sweet potatoes are hearty and budget-friendly, making this meal wholesome and affordable.

In Conclusion

Cooking in the fall doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With these cheap and easy meal ideas, you can enjoy the flavors of the season while keeping your budget and time in check. Embrace the cozy months ahead with hearty, healthful meals that the whole family will love! Happy cooking!