As the sweaters come out, so do the soups, stews, and other fall classics. There’s a reason it’s called comfort food!
Fall is the perfect time to cozy up with a warm and comforting meal. But sometimes, deciding what to make is tough—especially as the days get shorter.
Well, worry not, chef. In this dinnertime guide to hearty meals, we’re sharing ideas for applewood-smoked ham, organic turkey breast, and more.
What Makes a Hearty Meal?
Hearty recipes are usually warm, nourishing, and satisfying. They fill up your stomach and your heart, making you feel satiated.
While heartiness may mean something different to everyone, most comfort food recipes contain the following ingredients.
Mouthwatering Meats
The science proves it: Meat is hearty. Most meats are chock-full of compounds that make food taste umami (savory).
Some of the best meats to include in comfort food recipes include:
- Bacon – There’s something about bacon that captures the coziness of a slow morning. Adding organic uncured pork bacon or organic uncured turkey bacon to a dish is practically cheating—it makes everything feel like comfort food.
- Ham—Thanks to the holidays, ham and fall go hand in hand. But beyond classic holiday spreads, ham can make an appearance almost anywhere. Whether you prefer black forest ham, applewood smoked ham, or another variety, this fan-favorite meat can make your meal feel heartier.
- Turkey – The one-pot meal crew loves chicken, but turkey can play a similar role. If you don’t feel like roasting a whole bird, you can always opt for ready-to-eat slices of organic turkey breast.
Filling Additions
As summer fades to fall, vibrant green vegetables take a backseat, leaving room for sturdy, hearty alternatives to take over.
Popular complements to meaty dishes include:
- Grains – From rice and farro to couscous and cavatelli, grains and pasta are as filling as they are delicious. And don’t forget the bread!
- Root vegetables – Fall dishes often take advantage of in-season root veggies. Consider options like potatoes, parsnips, carrots, beets, and turnips.
- Legumes – As filling as they are loaded with fiber, legumes are a fall-time delight. Make sure you stock your cupboard with dried or canned lentils, chickpeas, and other beans.
Warming Spices
Ever wonder why a pumpkin spice latte evokes feelings of fall? It’s all in the spices.
Certain flavors naturally bring autumn to mind, partly because they’re common alongside the holiday turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas. These so-called “warming spices” include:
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Cumin
While many of these may be more familiar in sweet treats (cinnamon rolls, anyone?), they’re equally delicious in savory recipes.
Hearty Recipe Ideas
With the above in mind, take a look at some of our favorite fall-inspired meal ideas guaranteed to warm you up.
Sweet Potato Hash
Some people say hash is a breakfast food. We say it’s an anytime meal. Our sweet potato hash recipe has all the makings of a cozy fall dish: salty bacon, rich sweet potato, and eggs.
For extra flavor, season your eggs with black pepper, cumin, cayenne, and garlic powder—or whatever other spices you like—before adding them to the mix.
Grilled Ham and Cheese
Can grilled cheese be dinner? Fill it with healthy deli meat and serve it with a fall soup, and it definitely can!
Whether you’re team mayo or team butter, the important part of a grilled ham and cheese is the ingredients. Because there are so few, you want top-quality applewood smoked ham, artisan bread, and cheese you’d eat straight from the package. You can also experiment with other meats, such as:
- Sliced smoked turkey breast
- Pepperoni
- Uncured, nitrate-free bacon
- Prosciutto
Cowboy Casserole
Never heard of it? Your life is about to change.
Cowboy casserole combines potatoes with bacon, ground beef, and cheese. Mix it with cream of mushroom soup and your favorite spices—we suggest smoked paprika and onion powder—then bake until golden brown.
To make this one-pan meal even heartier, add black beans or corn.
Cozy Chili
Chili is the ultimate “anything goes” meal. Along with the tomatoes, onion, and beans (or no beans, if you feel strongly), chili can include any of the following:
- Stewing beef
- Bacon
- Ground turkey
- Cooked rice
- Bulgur
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
Spices like cumin and cinnamon bring extra comfort to every bowl. It may not be traditional, but it sure is tasty.
Turkey Taquitos
Slices of oven-roasted turkey breast are the same shape as tortillas. That’s no coincidence.
For extra protein on Mexican night, you can roll up your taquitos with healthy deli meat. Make your favorite filling—ideally a mix of beans, cheese, and salsa—and fill up as many turkey-stuffed tortillas as your oven can fit. Bake until crispy, and enjoy.
Wellshire Meats: Because Quality Matters in Comfort Food
Many people see “comfort food” and “junk food” as synonyms—but they don’t have to be. With quality ingredients, any meal can be hearty and wholesome.
At Wellshire, we believe nutrition and flavor are a perfect pair. That’s why all our meats are simple, natural, and nitrate-free.
So, when you’re planning family dinners this fall, turn to Wellshire. Our quality meats will satisfy your hunger and your desire for wholesome meals.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health. Umami Characteristics and Taste Improvement Mechanism of Meat. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11097012/
PBS News. How these ‘warm’ spices from the tropics became staples of winter cooking. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/how-these-warm-spices-from-the-tropics-became-staples-of-winter-cooking
