3 Easy Dinners for the Cold Months Ahead

Fall is here, which means busy schedules for parents and kids alike. Between school, extracurricular activities, and work, it can be hard to find time to make a healthy, home-cooked meal. But don't despair! Try these quick and easy fall dinners that will help you get a hot meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen:

Ravioli Lasagna

This recipe, from Taste of Home, not only uses pre-made ravioli but also employs jarred sauce to speed up the cooking process. Simply layer the ravioli, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef 1 jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce 1 package (25 ounces) of frozen sausage or cheese ravioli 1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese Minced fresh basil, optional

Directions:

1. Cook and shred the beef in a sizable skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes; drain.
2. Greasing a 2-1/2 qt. Layer 1/3 of the spaghetti sauce, 1/2 of the beef and ravioli, and 1/2 cup of cheese in a baking dish.
3. Repeat layers. Add cheese and any remaining sauce on top.
4. For 40–45 minutes, bake with a cover at 400° until thoroughly heated.
5. Serve with the basil on top, if preferred.

Shepherd's Pie

This cozy dish is perfect for a chilly night. The leftovers also freeze well, so you can have an easy meal on hand for those nights when you just don't feel like cooking. Thanks to The Wholesome Dish for the inspiration here.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef 1 onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 2 tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 cup beef broth 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 cups frozen peas and corn 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed 3 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons milk salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the onion and carrots, and cook for 5 minutes longer. Stir in the flour and Worcestershire sauce, then add the beef broth and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a large pot of water until tender. Drain and mash with the butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the frozen peas and corn to the beef mixture and stir to combine. Pour into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, and spread them into an even layer.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Hamburger Soup With Macaroni (Goulash Soup)

Famous for its ability to feed a large crowd, this hearty soup (via Ahead of Thyme) is perfect for a cool autumn night. Plus, it's easy to make and can be ready in under an hour.

Ingredients:

vegetable oil ground beef Onion Garlic Carrots tomato paste + diced tomatoes elbow pasta beef broth Seasoning

Directions:

1. Prepare beef. For about 2 minutes, over medium-high heat, heat the oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven or big pot until it is boiling hot.
2. Add the ground beef and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until uniformly browned. The ground beef should be divided into small pieces using a spatula. Eliminate the extra fat.
3. Include aromatics. Saute the carrots, onions, and garlic for two to three minutes or until they are soft.
4. Put seasoning in. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and pepper after combining the Italian seasoning. Stir in the diced tomatoes after adding them.
5. Include broth. When the soup is at a boil, add the beef broth and stir well.
6. Put macaroni in. Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the macaroni pasta. For about 15 minutes, with the lid on, boil the pasta until al dente. To keep the spaghetti from sticking to the bottom of the pot, stir it occasionally.

With these easy recipes, you'll be able to get through the cold season without resorting to take-out every night. These hearty meals are sure to please even the pickiest eaters and best of all, they won't leave you stranded in the kitchen for hours on end. So put on your comfy pants, turn on some good tunes, and get cooking!