Fall is my favorite season to cook for my family. There’s something about the crisp air, the early sunsets, and the way everyone gravitates toward the kitchen when something warm is simmering on the stove. With a big family, though, cooking can feel less like a Hallmark moment and more like a juggling act. It’s not just about feeding people—it’s about feeding lots of people without breaking the budget or spending hours chained to the stove.
Over the years, I’ve leaned into cozy, hearty meals that stretch easily, please most palates, and leave me with fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night. Here are five of our favorite fall dinners that always feed a crowd and keep everyone full and happy.
1. Big Batch Chili
Chili is one of those meals that feels like it was invented for fall. The smell alone makes the whole house feel cozy, and it’s the kind of dinner that brings everyone running to the table. What I love most is how flexible it is—you can make it spicy, mild, meat-heavy, or loaded with veggies, and it still comes out delicious.
For a big family, chili is a lifesaver. It’s budget-friendly, especially when you bulk it up with beans, and it stretches beautifully. If I make a huge pot on Monday, I know we’ll have plenty for lunch the next day or even another dinner later in the week. And let’s be honest, chili somehow tastes even better as leftovers.
The boys love it with tortilla chips for dipping, and I’ll usually bake cornbread on the side for a real fall feast. Sometimes I even set up a chili bar with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions so everyone can make their bowl their own. It turns dinner into something a little more fun without adding extra work for me.
Get the full chili recipe here →
2. Cheesy Casserole Night
If there’s one dinner I know will stretch without stress, it’s a casserole. I love casseroles in the fall because they’re warm, filling, and forgiving. You can mix and match ingredients depending on what’s in the pantry, and once it’s in the oven, you’re free to walk away.
For a big family, casseroles are a dream because they bake all at once in one dish. That means no juggling pots and pans, no timing everything perfectly—just one big dish that comes out ready to feed everyone. And if you need more, it’s easy to double the recipe without doubling the effort.
The best part is how many variations you can make. Sometimes I go classic with chicken, rice, and broccoli covered in cheese. Other nights it’s pasta baked in a creamy sauce with bits of sausage or ground beef. And when I’m really short on time, I’ll raid the fridge for leftovers and turn them into a casserole that somehow feels brand new.
The kids never complain about casserole night, and I never complain about how easy it is to serve and clean up afterward.
See our favorite casserole recipe here →
3. Sheet-Pan Sausage and Veggies
Some nights, I just don’t have the energy to cook. Between school, errands, and the general busyness of family life, the last thing I want is a pile of dishes. That’s when sheet-pan dinners save me.
All it takes is slicing up sausage and tossing it with hearty fall vegetables—sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, or Brussels sprouts work perfectly. A little olive oil, some seasoning, and everything goes into the oven together. Thirty minutes later, dinner is done.
The beauty of this meal is in its simplicity. One pan means minimal cleanup, and because everything roasts together, the flavors blend beautifully. It’s colorful, nutritious, and filling without feeling fussy. For a bigger family, I’ll often spread it across two pans, and it still doesn’t add much work.
What I love most is how customizable it is. If one of the kids isn’t a fan of Brussels sprouts, they can load up on carrots or potatoes instead. Everyone finds something they like on the pan, and nobody walks away hungry.
Get the sheet-pan sausage + veggies recipe here →
4. Hearty Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie feels like the definition of comfort food. The flaky crust, creamy filling, and cozy flavors are exactly what I crave once the temperatures drop. For my family, it’s one of those meals that makes everyone slow down a little, as if we’re savoring more than just the food.
What makes pot pie especially good for big families is how far it stretches. With a little chicken, some veggies, and a simple sauce, you can create a filling dish that satisfies even the hungriest crew. You can make it in one big casserole dish or as smaller pies for individual servings—either way, it feels special.
I also love that it freezes so well. If I know a busy week is coming, I’ll make two and tuck one into the freezer. Pulling out a homemade pot pie on a hectic night feels like a gift to my future self.
Pot pie is the kind of dinner that reminds me why I love fall cooking. It’s cozy, practical, and it feels like a little celebration every time it comes out of the oven.
Grab our chicken pot pie recipe here →
5. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Beef stew is one of those meals that makes the whole house smell incredible all day long. There’s something about knowing dinner is already simmering away in the slow cooker that instantly makes the day feel easier. By the time evening rolls around, we’ve got tender beef, soft vegetables, and a broth that feels like pure comfort.
For a big family, beef stew is a workhorse. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone, and you can stretch it easily with bread, rice, or even noodles on the side. And since it’s all made in one pot, cleanup is minimal—another big win.
What I love most is the flexibility. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand—potatoes, carrots, celery, parsnips—and it always works. If I’m trying to keep the budget low, I’ll buy a cheaper cut of beef, and the slow cooker still works its magic, turning it tender and flavorful by dinnertime.
Beef stew is fall in a bowl. It’s nourishing, cozy, and the kind of dinner that makes everyone linger a little longer at the table.
Find the slow cooker beef stew recipe here →
Wrapping It Up
Feeding a big family in the fall doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a few go-to dinners in your back pocket, you can keep everyone full without losing your sanity. These meals are simple, cozy, and designed to stretch—and when you’ve got a big table to feed, that’s exactly what you need.
What I love most about these recipes is how they bring people together. Whether it’s chili on a football Sunday, a bubbling casserole after a long day, or beef stew that’s been simmering all afternoon, these are the meals that make fall feel special.
Which one will you try first?
Leave a reply to Hearty Chicken Pot Pie – The Gathered Kind Cancel reply