Hearty, easy autumn recipes the family will love 🍂

‍When it comes to feeding a busy family, the goal is always the same: meals that are quick to prepare, nutritious, and most importantly, delicious! So, I’m sharing three of my go-to autumn recipes that tick all those boxes. Bonus – they’re perfect for batch cooking and freezing, giving you more time to enjoy the season without worrying about what’s for dinner.
‍

1. One-Pot Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew 🍲

This vibrant stew is an autumn staple in our house. It’s packed with fibre and nutrients, super easy to make, and the best part? It all happens in one pot! Less washing up means more time for pumpkin carving or cosy nights by the fire.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 cup of red lentils, rinsed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat a little olive oil in a large pot. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Stir in the cumin and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped butternut squash, red lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable stock. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, until the squash is tender and the lentils are cooked.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh coriander and some crusty bread on the side.

Tip: This stew freezes really well, so make a big batch and save some for those extra busy weeknights.
‍

2. Slow-Cooked Beef and Root Vegetable Casserole 🥕

Nothing says comfort food like a slow-cooked beef casserole. It’s hearty, warming, and perfect for a chilly evening. I love using root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, which are at their best this time of year. Plus, slow cooking means the flavours have time to really come together.

Ingredients:

• 500g diced beef
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 parsnips, chopped
• 1 large potato, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 500ml beef stock
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt, pepper, and olive oil to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a little olive oil in a pan and brown the beef on all sides. Transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until soft. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute before adding to the slow cooker.
3. Add the carrots, parsnips, potato, thyme, beef stock, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

Tip: If you don’t have a slow cooker, this casserole can be cooked in a lidded pot on the hob over a low heat, just extend the cooking time by an hour or two.
‍

3. Apple and Cinnamon Crumble 🍎

No autumn meal is complete without a comforting dessert, and this apple crumble is always a winner. It’s quick to throw together, and the combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon is the perfect way to finish a meal. Serve with custard or vanilla ice cream for a real treat.

Ingredients:

• 6 large cooking apples, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 150g plain flour
• 100g unsalted butter, cubed
• 50g rolled oats
• 50g brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Place the sliced apples in a baking dish. Sprinkle over the sugar and cinnamon, and toss to combine.
3. In a bowl, rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the oats and brown sugar.
4. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling underneath.
6. Serve warm with a dollop of custard or ice cream.

Tip: For an extra autumn twist, add a handful of blackberries to the apples before baking.