Tasty 2024 September Dinner Recipes: 21 Must-Try Dishes

September is here, bringing crisp air, cozy sweaters, and an abundance of fresh produce. It's one of my favorite times of the year to get creative in the kitchen. Whether it's the vibrant colors or the change in temperature, there's something about this month that makes me want to cook up a storm.

So, I've rounded up a list of 21 delicious September dinner recipes that use seasonal ingredients to create comforting and satisfying meals. From savory soups to hearty casseroles and flavorful salads, these recipes will have you looking forward to dinner every night of the week. So, let's dive right in and start cooking!

Also Read: Easy One Pan Gnocchi Recipes

1. Harvest Pumpkin Soup

Nothing says "September" like pumpkin! This creamy soup is perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the diced pumpkin and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until the pumpkin is tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

2. Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops

These pork chops are sweet and savory, perfect for a midweek meal.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
2. In a saucepan, combine apple cider and brown sugar, reducing until thickened.
3. In a skillet, sear the pork chops on both sides until golden brown.
4. Pour the apple cider glaze over the chops and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. Serve with your favorite side dishes.

3. Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy and aromatic, this risotto is a great way to use seasonal squash.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the butternut squash in the oven until tender.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion until translucent.
3. Add the rice and cook for a few minutes until it begins to turn translucent.
4. Begin adding the chicken broth one cup at a time, stirring constantly.
5. Once the rice is tender, stir in the roasted squash, Parmesan, butter, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve immediately.

4. Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast

This dish combines earthy mushrooms with fresh spinach for a delightful main course.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast.
3. In a skillet, sauté the garlic, mushrooms, and spinach until wilted.
4. Stuff the chicken breasts with the spinach mixture and top with mozzarella.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot.

5. Sweet Potato and Kale Salad

This hearty salad is packed with nutrients and flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine the kale, roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss everything together and serve.

6. Beef Stroganoff

A classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy September evening.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and mushrooms in butter until soft.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well.
4. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the sour cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve over egg noodles or rice.

7. Eggplant Parmesan

A vegetarian favorite that even meat lovers will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Dip each eggplant slice in egg, then breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown.
4. In a baking dish, layer eggplant slices with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
5. Top with Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Serve hot.

Also Read: Must-Try Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

8. Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken

Simple yet delicious, perfect for a Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken.
4. Place lemon slices inside the chicken cavity.
5. Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let rest before carving.

9. Sausage and Pepper Skillet

A quick and easy one-pan meal with tons of flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 Italian sausages, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic, onion, and bell peppers until tender.
3. Add the sliced sausages and cook until browned and cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot.

10. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

A healthy, colorful dish perfect for late summer.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut and seeds removed
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix quinoa, black beans, corn, cheese, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture.
4. Place in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
5. Serve immediately.

11. Beef and Vegetable Stew

Warm and filling, this stew is ideal for the start of fall.

Ingredients

• 1 lb stew beef, cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a pot, brown the beef on all sides.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened.
3. Add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Cook for about 1.5 hours, until the beef is tender.
6. Serve hot.

12. Chicken Pot Pie

Comfort food at its finest, perfect for a cool September night.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 pie crust
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour, cooking for a minute.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
4. Add the chicken, peas, and carrots, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and top with pie crust.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden.
7. Serve hot.

13. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A creamy, cheesy soup that's pure comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a pot, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add the chicken broth and broccoli, bringing to a boil.
3. Reduce to a simmer and cook until broccoli is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

14. Ratatouille

A classic French dish that's light, yet satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchinis, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the garlic and onion until soft.
2. Add the eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper, cooking until tender.
3. Stir in the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

15. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

A light and zesty dish that's quick to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb pasta
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss pasta with the shrimp mixture.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

16. Stuffed Acorn Squash

A beautiful and hearty dish that's perfect for fall.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roast the acorn squash halves until tender, about 40 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix quinoa, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.
4. Stuff the roasted squash halves with the quinoa mixture.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for an additional 10 minutes and serve.

17. Chicken Alfredo

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that's always a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Toss pasta and chicken with the Alfredo sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

18. Shepherd’s Pie

A comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for the start of fall.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned.
3. Stir in mixed vegetables, beef broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour mixture into a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
6. Serve hot.

19. Pesto Spaghetti Squash

A healthy, low-carb alternative to pasta that’s super flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 1 cup pesto sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half and remove seeds.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast for about 40 minutes, until tender.
5. Use a fork to scrape out the "spaghetti" strands.
6. Toss with pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve hot.

Also Read: Best Fall Weeknight Dinner Recipes

20. Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese

A gourmet twist on a childhood classic.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Butter for spreading

Instructions

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. On the unbuttered side, layer with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
3. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
4. Grill in a skillet until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve hot.

21. Braised Lamb Shanks

A luxurious and hearty dish to end this list with a bang.

Ingredients

• 4 lamb shanks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large ovenproof pot, brown the lamb shanks on all sides.
3. Remove the shanks and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Return the shanks to the pot and bring to a simmer.
6. Cover the pot and move to the oven, cooking for about 2 hours until the lamb is tender.
7. Serve with mashed potatoes or your favorite side.

There you have it - delicious September dinner recipes that are perfect for this vibrant and cozy month. Each dish is crafted to bring out the best flavors of the season and provide comfort as the days begin to cool. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!