Welcome back to my “What To Cook” monthly series! September is when many families transition into “back-to-school” mode, and our favorite cozy fall flavors start appearing on dinner tables. That means hearty and healthy meal preps with soups and chilis!
As much as I love summer, I also appreciate this transition into fall. This is when I get to enjoy crisper air on my morning walks, simple nights in, and most importantly, heartier and cozier meals. September is when I’m actually excited to cook up big pots of all my chili recipes, and don’t even get me started on in-season apples and squashes. My apple crisp is always a must-make!
September is also when my schedule gets a tad busier, prepping for the upcoming holidays (aka my busy season as a food blogger). So one-pot meals and dinners that I can meal prep for the week become crucial. And for any parents of kids in my community, recipes like my muesli or trail mix granola bars for breakfast will surely come in handy.
I will always stand by this classic beef chili recipe during the fall and winter. It's so easy to whip up with ground beef and veggies, and tastes incredible. Plus, I always make an extra batch to freeze (best kind of meal prep!).
This creamy tomato soup is a non-negotiable fall soup. From the San Marzano tomatoes to the variety of veggies and seasonings used, it's soooo flavorful. And the best part is that no additional sugar is added, unlike many other tomato soup recipes!
Oh man, is this meatloaf so juicy and flavorful! It's a classic for a reason and perfect with your favorite mashed potato and veggie sides. And for a kid-friendly version, try my mini meatloaf muffins!
I like to think I've perfected the ultimate chicken soup recipe. My version is packed with a ton of nutrient-dense vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, leek, celery, and onions. But it's the tarragon that makes it uniquely delicious.
This stuffed butternut squash has been a Downshifter favorite since day one! The apple sausage filling alone is so delicious on its own, too. Definitely one to bookmark for a wonderful fall dinner.
If you love sweet potatoes as much as I do, this is a must-make fall soup! It's silky smooth, layered with sweet, spiced flavors, and perfect for a starter or side dish.
Nothing beats these stuffed peppers for a family favorite! The filling packs in juicy ground beef, rice, and plenty of veggies seasoned with Italian flavors. Basically, a whole balanced meal in each stuffed pepper.
This is certainly the fall dessert I make every year! The oat crumble topping with warm spiced apples is truly the best combo ever. I would also save this for a Thanksgiving dessert the whole family will love.
Since we're on the topic of more one-pan meals, you don't want to miss this one! It's one of my favorite chicken and rice dinners, packed with bright, and herby Mediterranean flavors.
If you're looking for your next breakfast meal prep, this is my go-to! Keep this stored in a large jar in your pantry for 2 to 3 weeks, and enjoy with milk, Greek yogurt, and any fresh seasonal fruit such as diced apples.
If you make any of these September recipes, let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here.
About the author
Lisa Bryan
Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.
