It is officially fall! Autumn is the perfect time for warm, comforting meals, but that doesn’t mean hours in the kitchen. We will explore crowd-pleasing recipes that are simple, flavorful, and seasonally inspired.

Fair warning: we will include a slow cooker recipe or two. It is the one appliance that makes my teenager so angry, but it can be a godsend during busy weeknights after school, work, activities, and sports. 

Fall Recipes

Fall recipes capture the essence of the season with warm spices, hearty ingredients, and cozy comfort foods that bring people together. From simmering soups and slow-cooker stews to baked apple desserts and pumpkin-infused treats, autumn cooking celebrates the flavors of harvest time. Seasonal produce, such as squash, sweet potatoes, apples, and root vegetables, shines in simple, nourishing dishes that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. Here is a list of must-have recipes to add to your fall repertoire  

Fall Harvest Apple Salad

A wonderful salad with greens, spiced pecans, apple chips, feta, and cranberries just screams fall. (Fall Harvest Apple Salad on Cherry on my Sundae)

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

A classic autumn staple. This version uses roasted squash (or pumpkin) and warm spices for comfort in a bowl. (Pumpkin Soup by Love and Lemons)

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples

Sweet, warm, and versatile. They can be served over oatmeal, yogurt, or as a side.

(Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples on Real Food Whole Life) 

Hearty Hamburger Soup

A warm bowl of hamburger soup is classic fall comfort food. It’s packed with ground beef, vegetables, potatoes, and a tomato base. It is simple, satisfying, and perfect for cool evenings.

(Quick & Easy Hamburger Soup from Simply Recipes)

Slow Cooker No Bean Chili

Chili is another must-have fall recipe. This may be controversial, but we only have chili with no beans at our house. (Slower Cooker No Bean Chili on Pumpkin ’N Spice)

Sheet Pan Roast Chicken and Fall Veggies

This quick one-pan main that mixes protein and autumn vegetables (think squash, carrots, onions). (Sheet Pan Roast Chicken and Fall Veggies on Simple Bites)

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp 

A comforting dessert that feels like fall in a bowl: apples, sweet spices, and a crumbly topping that’s done in the crockpot. (Slow Cooker Apple Crisp on Allrecipes)

Crockpot Apple Cobbler 

A sweet treat using apples, caramel, and a fluffy topping.Yum! (Crockpot Apple Cobbler at Show Me the Yummy)

Local Food Sources

So, when the air gets crisp and pumpkin patches appear, your kitchen probably starts calling for warm soups, roasted vegetables, apple desserts, and hearty one-pot meals.  To bring your fall meal visions to life, you need access to fresh produce, quality meats, artisan goods, and local flavors. You can visit local farms and see what is available here and here. Or here are three standout grocery stores in the Portland metro area where you can gather everything you’ll need.

Zupan’s Markets

What makes  Zupan’s Markets  special:

  • Zupan’s is a family-owned gourmet/specialty market with an emphasis on curated, high-quality ingredients. 
  • They balance local and global goods, letting you buy both Oregon-grown produce and specialty imports. 
  • In recent years, Zupan’s has been evolving its deli / prepared foods to serve better customers seeking convenience without sacrificing quality. 

Fall shopping tips at Zupan’s:

  • Look for seasonal produce, such as squash, root vegetables, crisp apples, pears, and kale, in their produce section.
  • Their cheese and charcuterie departments are great for fall charcuterie boards (cheese,  cured meats, and fruit).
  • Check for in-store events or tastings of seasonal items (fall oils, vinegars, local ciders) — Zupan’s often does “inspired meals” promos.

New Seasons Market

What makes New Seasons Market special:

  • New Seasons is a neighborhood grocery chain with 22 locations in the Portland and Vancouver area. 
  • Their model emphasizes local sourcing, organic produce, and community engagement. 
  • They also offer online ordering, curbside pickup, and same-day delivery (via Instacart) in many areas. 

Fall shopping tips at New Seasons:

  • Watch their weekly ad for seasonal promotions (pumpkins, squash, fall produce deals).
  • Their prepared and deli kitchens often roll out fall soups, roasted vegetables, and seasonal sides.
  • Check their bulk and dry goods section for spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), which are helpful for fall baking and soups.

185th Market

What makes 185th Market  special:

  • They focus heavily on fresh fruits and vegetables, working with local vendors for items such as milk, eggs, honey, cider, and more. 
  • It’s a smaller, more community-scale market, giving it a more personal, farm-market feel.
  • Customers frequently praise the freshness, selection, and friendly staff. 

Fall shopping tips at 185th:

  • Due to their produce focus, this is a great place to get the freshest apples, squash, root vegetables, and greens.
  • Ask staff about what’s just arrived; they often rotate stock with local farms.
  • Select small-batch, local products (such as honey, cider, and local preserves) when available.

Parting Thoughts 

As you can see, fall meals don’t have to be complicated; they just need to be fresh, cozy, and full of flavor. Stock up locally, keep it simple, and savor the season. And embrace the slow cooker, no matter how many eye rolls it may inspire.