As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves paint the landscape with warm hues of orange, red, and gold, it’s the perfect time to gather around the table and enjoy hearty, comforting meals. For those who follow a vegetarian lifestyle or simply want to incorporate more plant-based dishes into their fall dinners, autumn offers an abundance of delicious produce to create satisfying meals.
From roasted root vegetables to creamy squash soups, these vegetarian recipes highlight the best flavors of the season. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these dishes bring warmth, nutrition, and a touch of seasonal magic to your dinner table.
In this post, you’ll find three delightful autumn dinner recipes that are vegetarian, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. Each recipe celebrates the bounty of fall and offers a comforting twist that will make you look forward to cooler evenings and cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These autumn dinner recipes are crafted to showcase the best of seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms. They are not only vibrant and flavorful but also nourishing and filling.
You’ll appreciate how easy these recipes are to customize based on what you have on hand, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike. Plus, these dishes are free from meat and packed with wholesome ingredients, helping you eat more plant-based without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring meatless meals, these recipes bring heartiness and warmth to your plate in every bite.
Ingredients
- Roasted Butternut Squash & Chickpea Salad:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or vegan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Mushroom & Kale Risotto:
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped kale, stems removed
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Oven
- Blender or food processor (optional for enchilada sauce)
Instructions
Roasted Butternut Squash & Chickpea Salad
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash and chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and lightly browned.
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted squash and chickpeas with mixed greens, pumpkin seeds, and feta if using.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the salad and toss gently before serving.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil sweet potatoes in water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash coarsely.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add black beans, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with the bean mixture.
- Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the mixture, roll tightly, and place seam side down in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Mushroom & Kale Risotto
- In a medium saucepan, warm the vegetable broth over low heat.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and sauté until soft and browned.
- Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, coating each grain with oil.
- If using, add white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
- Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly, waiting for liquid to absorb before adding more. Continue until rice is creamy and tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in chopped kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
Tips & Variations
For extra warmth and spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the roasted butternut squash.
Swap out black beans for pinto or kidney beans in the enchiladas for a different flavor profile.
If you prefer a creamier risotto without wine, simply use extra broth and a splash of plant-based cream or coconut milk at the end.
For a gluten-free option, ensure your tortillas are corn-based and check all sauces and cheeses.
Try adding toasted walnuts or pecans to the salad for crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
---|---|---|---|---|
Roasted Butternut Squash & Chickpea Salad | 350 | 12g | 45g | 10g |
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas | 400 | 15g | 55g | 12g |
Mushroom & Kale Risotto | 450 | 13g | 60g | 14g |
Serving Suggestions
Pair the Roasted Butternut Squash & Chickpea Salad with a warm slice of Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
The Sweet Potato & Black Bean Enchiladas go perfectly with a side of fresh guacamole or a simple corn and tomato salad to add brightness to the plate.
For the Mushroom & Kale Risotto, a crisp white wine or a refreshing glass of Green Goodness Juice Recipe complements the earthy flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
Embracing vegetarian autumn dinner recipes offers a wonderful way to celebrate the season’s harvest while enjoying meals that are both nutritious and satisfying. These recipes are designed to be approachable and adaptable so you can create warm, comforting dishes that suit your taste and lifestyle.
From the sweet, roasted butternut squash salad to the hearty enchiladas and creamy risotto, each dish brings something unique to your table.
Try incorporating these meals into your weekly menu to keep dinners exciting and wholesome during the cooler months. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out other comforting recipes like Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or satisfy your sweet tooth with the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.
Happy cooking and enjoy the flavors of fall!
📖 Recipe Card: Autumn Harvest Vegetable Stew
Description: A warm and hearty vegetarian stew packed with seasonal autumn vegetables and comforting spices. Perfect for cozy dinners on chilly evenings.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add carrots, parsnips, and butternut squash; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add green beans and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 35 g
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