In a perfect world, families sit around the dinner table together every evening and enjoy a wholesome home-cooked meal that mom or dad slaved in the kitchen to create. Who the heck has time for that?! Sitting down to dinner together – done. But let’s dial down the complexity and stress of weeknight supper to something a little more manageable. Here are five simple fall family meal ideas for weeknights.

One Pot Pasta

There are so many easy and delicious recipes out there for one pot pasta. But, if you’re like me and prefer winging it, here are the basics. All you need to nail down when cooking a one pot pasta meal is the ratio of pasta to liquid. For every 4 ounces of pasta, you need 8 ounces of liquid.

Easy right?! Put your pasta and liquid in a large *wide* pot and add in all the flavour accoutrements you wish – meat (I prefer to cook my meat first and then add it back in to the pot later), veggies, aromatics, herbs – and bring the mixture to a boil. After a few minutes reduce the heat to medium (adding more liquid if needed) and cook until the pasta is done to your desired taste. My family favourite is Chicken Alfredo!

Crock Pot Stew

Slow cookers were made, some feel, with working parents in mind. Set it and forget it – and voila! You have a delicious home cooked meal all prepared for you. Stew is one of the easiest things you can make in a slow cooker – or Instant Pot if that is your preference.

Simply add your meat, veggies, water, and seasonings to the pot. Set the temperature to low and let it do it’s thing! Serve with a side salad or fresh bread for a complete and warming meal. Check out this programable slow cooker!

Related Post: Warm & Comforting Soup

Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken & Root Vegetables

Another “one pot” type of meal is the classic and super versatile sheet pan meal. This concept of cooking doesn’t require any fancy equipment and makes cleanup a breeze. Chicken usually plays the starring role is this style of cooking, but so many protein options you can try.

Be sure to line your sheet pan with foil or parchment. And begin with your choice of protein (chicken, sausage, chops, tofu), then add your vegetables, fat and seasonings. Roast at high heat (usually 450 degrees) until everything is a beautiful golden brown. Enjoy!

Porcupine Meatballs

This kind of meatball is just like all the other varieties – except they have rice added to the mix. So, just make your usual meatball mixture, the way your family enjoys it best, and add about half a cup of minute rice. Form and bake in the oven as usual.

Now for the good stuff! Mix a can of condensed mushroom soup with about a 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup of ketchup and pour this over the cooked meatballs (drain any excess fat off first) and top with shredded cheese. Return meatballs to the oven until bubbly! Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.

Chili

Super simple – and another meal that can be made in the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot – and a family favourite. Add all your ingredients to the pot and just set it and forget it! One serving option, that the whole family will love, is tortilla chips! Perfect for dipping and scooping! Don’t forget the sour cream and shredded cheese!

Do you have any favourites beyond these five simple fall family meal ideas that you wish to share? Leave a never-fail weeknight dinner suggestion in the comments!