15 One-Pot Fall Recipes Perfect For Weeknights

Let’s be real—weeknights are chaos. Between work, errands, and pretending you’ll actually fold that laundry, dinner needs to be fast, comforting, and preferably not involve 17 pans. That’s where one-pot fall recipes come in clutch. These cozy meals are packed with seasonal flavors, easy cleanup, and just enough flair to make you feel like a kitchen wizard (without the stress).

I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite one-pot fall dinners that are perfect for busy nights. We’re talking hearty soups, creamy pastas, and warm skillet meals—all with that autumn glow-up. Let’s get cozy and efficient, shall we?

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🍲 1. One-Pot Pumpkin Pasta

Creamy, savory, and shockingly simple.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in a large pot.
2. Add pumpkin, broth, coconut milk, and spices.
3. Stir in pasta and simmer until tender (about 12–15 mins).
4. Serve with fresh parsley or vegan parmesan.

Why It Works:
It’s creamy without being heavy, and the pumpkin adds that subtle sweetness fall demands.

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🥘 2. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

A hug in a bowl. No slow cooker required.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato (diced)
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup veggie broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté sweet potato for 5 mins.
2. Add remaining ingredients.
3. Simmer for 25–30 mins until thick and tender.

Bonus:
Top with avocado, lime, or tortilla chips for crunch.

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🍄 3. Mushroom Stroganoff

Rich, earthy, and totally meat-free.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups veggie broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 8 oz pasta
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
2. Add broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, and paprika.
3. Stir in pasta and cook until soft.

Pro Tip:
Use baby bella mushrooms for extra depth.

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🧅 4. French Onion Orzo

All the flavor of French onion soup, minus the soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups veggie broth
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Caramelize onion slowly (about 15 mins).
2. Add thyme, orzo, and broth.
3. Simmer until orzo is tender and creamy.

Optional:
Top with vegan cheese or crispy breadcrumbs.

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🥬 5. One-Pot Lentil & Kale Stew

Healthy but still cozy. Yes, it’s possible.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 carrot (diced)
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 onion
• 4 cups veggie broth
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery.
2. Add lentils, broth, and garlic powder.
3. Simmer for 25 mins, then stir in kale.

Why It’s Great:
It’s hearty, nutrient-packed, and perfect with crusty bread.

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🍚 6. Butternut Squash Risotto

Fancy vibes, lazy execution.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2 cups diced butternut squash
• 1 small onion
• 3 cups veggie broth
• ½ cup white wine (optional)
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and squash.
2. Add rice and stir for 2 mins.
3. Gradually add broth (and wine), stirring often.
4. Cook until creamy and tender.

Extra:
Top with toasted walnuts or vegan parmesan.

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🌮 7. One-Pot Taco Skillet

Weeknight dinner meets taco night. No dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Dump everything into a skillet.
2. Add 2 cups water or broth.
3. Simmer until rice is cooked (about 20 mins).

Serve With:
Avocado, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips.

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🥔 8. Potato Leek Soup

Creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy.

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes (peeled & diced)
• 2 leeks (sliced)
• 3 cups veggie broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt, pepper, thyme

Instructions:

1. Sauté leeks until soft.
2. Add potatoes, broth, and seasonings.
3. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
4. Blend for a smooth finish or leave chunky.

Why It’s Cozy:
It’s basically a warm blanket in soup form.

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🍝 9. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Simple, classic, and always a win.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups veggie broth
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic.
2. Add tomatoes, broth, basil, and pasta.
3. Simmer until pasta is cooked and sauce thickens.

Optional:
Add spinach or vegan sausage for extra oomph.

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🫘 10. White Bean & Sage Skillet

Savory, herby, and done in 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 can white beans
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic
• 1 tsp sage
• 1 cup veggie broth
• 2 cups chopped greens (spinach or kale)

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic and sage.
2. Add beans and broth.
3. Simmer for 10 mins, stir in greens.

Serve With:
Toasted sourdough or over rice.

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🍛 11. One-Pot Coconut Curry

Warm spices + creamy coconut = fall magic.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped veggies (carrot, bell pepper, cauliflower)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 cup chickpeas
• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups veggie broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté veggies with curry powder.
2. Add rice, broth, coconut milk, and chickpeas.
3. Simmer until rice is tender.

Flavor Boost:
Add lime juice and cilantro before serving.

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🍠 12. Sweet Potato Gnocchi Skillet

Store-bought gnocchi, elevated.

Ingredients:

• 1 package vegan gnocchi
• 1 sweet potato (diced)
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup veggie broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic and sweet potato.
2. Add gnocchi and broth.
3. Cook until gnocchi is soft and sauce thickens.
4. Stir in spinach at the end.

Why It’s a Win:
It’s pillowy, savory, and feels gourmet.

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🍜 13. One-Pot Ramen with Veggies

Ramen, but make it wholesome.

Ingredients:

• 2 blocks ramen noodles (discard seasoning)
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 3 cups veggie broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms and carrots.
2. Add broth, soy sauce, and noodles.
3. Simmer until noodles are soft.
4. Stir in spinach and sesame oil.

Optional:
Top with scallions or chili flakes.

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🧆 14. One-Pot Falafel Rice Bowl

Middle Eastern vibes, minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup frozen falafel (or homemade)
• 1 cup chopped cucumber & tomato
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 2 cups veggie broth
• Lemon juice, parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook rice and falafel together in broth.
2. Top with fresh veggies and drizzle tahini.
3. Finish with lemon juice and herbs.

Why It Works:
It’s fresh, filling, and totally meal-prep friendly.

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🍛 15. Autumn Veggie Stew (continued)

Why It’s a Fall Favorite:
This stew is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. It’s hearty, packed with seasonal root veggies, and has that slow-simmered flavor—without actually needing hours. The rosemary and tomato paste give it depth, while the chickpeas add protein and texture. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up in a blanket and pretend you live in a cabin.
Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with crusty sourdough or garlic toast

• Add a swirl of vegan yogurt or cashew cream for richness

• Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color

Meal Prep Tip:
This stew tastes even better the next day. Store in airtight containers and reheat for quick lunches or lazy dinners. It also freezes like a champ—just thaw and warm when you need a cozy meal in a pinch.

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Final Thoughts
Fall is the season of comfort, and these 15 one-pot recipes are here to make your weeknights easier, tastier, and way less messy. Whether you’re craving creamy pumpkin pasta, spicy chili, or a rustic veggie stew, these meals deliver big flavor with minimal effort. And let’s be honest—less cleanup means more time for fuzzy socks and binge-watching your favorite show.
So grab your biggest pot, stock up on seasonal produce, and get ready to make dinner the coziest part of your day. Because when the leaves start falling, your meals should rise to the occasion. 🍂🫶