Dinners to Eat in September

September is the gentle shift back into routine. School is back, the evenings are cooling off, and dinner starts leaning toward something cozy on the stove again, even while a little summer lingers. These are my 10 favorite dinners to eat in September, from quick weeknight wins to the first comforting soups and bakes of the season.

September always feels like a soft landing back into routine. The mornings are crisper, the days are getting shorter, and after a summer of grilling and eating outside, I start craving meals that simmer and bake and fill the kitchen with that first hint of fall coziness. It’s a lovely in-between stretch, still warm enough to hold onto a little summer, but cool enough to want a bowl of something warm in the evening.

This lineup leans right into that comfort. There’s a rich, deeply savory steak chili, a brightened-up Mexican meatball soup, and a kale minestrone finished with fresh pesto, all of them the kind of cozy that makes a cool night feel good. The cheesy white bean tomato bake and the creamy coconut lentil curry are the easy, meatless dinners I come back to again and again, and the balsamic fig chicken, with its jammy figs and glossy sauce, feels just right for the turn of the season.

The best part is how much these dinners fit real life once the school-year pace kicks back in. The baked chicken thighs and sheet pan shrimp practically cook themselves, the tortellini casserole needs just 15 minutes of hands-on time, and so many of these reheat beautifully for a packed lunch the next day. Scroll through, save a few favorites, and let them ease you into fall.

Juicy & Crispy Baked Bone-In Chicken Thighs

Recipe video above. These baked chicken thighs are my weeknight go-to recipe. They're coated in a simple spice blend and roasted at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until the skin is crisp, and the meat is juicy and tender. They’re quick to get into the oven, full of flavor, and a dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

4.78 stars (141 ratings)

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Juiciest Baked Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Recipe video above. This remains my favorite baked pork tenderloin, and with over 800 5-star ratings, I know it's a winning recipe. The tenderloins are seasoned in a delicious spice rub, seared until golden, and then popped into the oven until they are tender and juicy.

When they come out of the oven, slice them thinly and pour the simple pan sauce over the top for a meal to remember.

4.72 stars (896 ratings)

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Steak Chili Recipe

This steak chili is the best beef chili recipe ever. That's a big statement, but it's true. It has a rich flavor and the tender chunks of slow-cooked chuck steak are dreamy. We go easy on the beans, but you can either omit them or add extra as you like. You'll want to keep this steak chili recipe in your back pocket so you can pull it out every weekend.

4.69 stars (258 ratings)

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Mexican Meatball Soup Recipe (Albondigas Soup)

This Mexican meatball soup is simple to make and absolutely delicious. We make it with small, rice-studded meatballs (albondigas), a few veggies, and a rich and tasty broth. You'll love it! 

4.90 stars (48 ratings)

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Kale Minestrone Soup Recipe

This kale minestrone soup is packed with vegetables, tender potatoes, and hearty kale in a rich, flavorful broth. Finished with basil pesto, it's a cozy, satisfying soup that's perfect for meal prep and chilly evenings.

4.83 stars (28 ratings)

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Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake Recipe

This cheesy white bean tomato bake is the ultimate easy and cozy dinner recipe. We take canned white beans and simmer them in a fire-roasted tomato sauce then smother them with cheese.

4.70 stars (145 ratings)

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Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry Recipe

This easy to make creamy coconut lentil curry is a vegan recipe that makes a perfect Meatless Monday dinner. It takes less than an hour (mostly hands-off time) to make and is packed full of delicious Indian flavors. Make extras, and you'll have a giant smile on your face at lunch the next day!

4.86 stars (1497 ratings)

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Tortellini Casserole (No-Boil & Extra Cheesy!)

Okay, just for you (because you deserve it), I’m sharing my family's tortellini casserole recipe. It’s my go-to comfort food when you need something cozy but effortless. With only 15 minutes of prep, this cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish practically makes itself.

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Sheet Pan Shrimp with Broccoli and Potatoes (garlic herb flavor)

This sheet pan shrimp with broccoli and potatoes uses one simple lemon-parmesan marinade to season everything on the pan. I roast the potatoes first, add the broccoli, then finish with the shrimp so each ingredient cooks perfectly and the whole meal comes together effortlessly.

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Balsamic Fig Chicken Recipe

Balsamic fig chicken feels a little indulgent but is super easy to make in one pan! Balsamic glaze and chicken stock swoop up the delicious crispy bits and drippings left over by the bacon, infusing it with smokiness. And the figs soften to become jammy and honey-like, making everything delicious, sticky, slightly fruity, and savory-sweet with a little tang.

4.72 stars (28 ratings)

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