5 Cool Weather Weeknight Meals

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is a classic Italian soup that relies on early fall produce such as carrots, cabbage, and celery. Using canned beans keeps this soup squarely in the weeknight dinner category—it’ll be on your table in 60 minutes and the majority of it is hands-off. This version skips the pasta for a gluten-free version, but if gluten isn't a problem then add a small pasta, like ditalini, for a heartier dinner.

Broccoli Beef Stir Fry

Let broccoli shine in this family favorite that’s ready in 30 minutes. The sauce is made with four simple ingredients: soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and black pepper. Slice sirloin or flank steak against the grain to keep it tender. We support you leaning on store-bought broccoli florets. I would cook the rice at the same time! 

Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder With Apple Gravy

I would usually save a meal like this for the weekend, but it’s so simple that I’m going for it. Here is my plan: Prep the apples and vegetables and rub the pork shoulder the night before. Pop both in the fridge. The next day, throw them in the oven a few hours before dinner. 

My favorite cooking apples are Jonagold or Fuji.

Sheet Pan Chicken with Roasted Broccoli and Potatoes

Buy pre-cut broccoli and small potatoes for a meal that requires zero chopping. I use boneless chicken thighs because they are easy to slice and can be eaten with a fork—no messy fingers here. But I do admit that it’s hard to beat crisp-skinned bone-in chicken thighs. Serve with rice, bread, pasta, or salad—whatever you have readily available.

Avocado Tuna Salad

Tuna salad gets an upgrade in this quick and easy recipe. Skip the mayo and instead add a creamy ripe avocado and a splash of lemon juice. Smear it in between two slices of toasted bread or make it a tuna melt by scooping some onto a piece of toast, adding a slice of cheese, and baking it until the cheese is melted. This recipe makes two sandwiches but is easy to scale up as needed.

Weekend Baking: Apple Turnovers

These handheld pastries are a fall highlight. The no-cook filling of apples, cinnamon, currants, and walnuts is spooned into store-bought puff pastry (check the frozen foods aisle.) I like to double the recipe and stock my freezer to bake and enjoy when I need a warm treat.