A 7-Day Meal Plan of Cozy September Dinners

Updated: May 13, 2021

As the weather starts to get cooler, things start to heat up in the kitchen. This week, enjoy cozy dinners that are heartier than summer's lighter fare.

1 / 7

Sunday: Grampa’s German-Style Pot Roast

Grampa was of German heritage and loved the old-world recipes his mother gave him. I made a few changes so I could prepare this dish in a slow cooker and give it a slightly updated flavor. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
2 / 7

Monday: Apple-Topped Ham Steak

Sweet apples combine nicely with tangy mustard in this dish to create a luscious topping for skillet-fried ham steak. I especially like to serve this to guests in fall. —Eleanor Chore, Athena, Oregon
3 / 7

Tuesday: Pressure-Cooker Risotto with Chicken and Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this creamy classic, while shredded rotisserie chicken makes it a snap to prepare. You'll savor every bite. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
4 / 7

Wednesday: Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake

I love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
5 / 7

Thursday: Rigatoni with Sausage & Peas

With a tomato-y meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
6 / 7

Friday: Slow-Cooker Meatball Sandwiches

Our approach to meatball sandwiches is a simple one: Cook the meatballs low and slow, load them into hoagie buns, and top them with provolone and pepperoncini. —Stacie Nicholls, Spring Creek, Nevada
7 / 7

Saturday: Fish and Fries

"Tuck in" as if you're in a traditional British pub. These oven-baked, moist fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned and also baked, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado

Find more 7-day meal plans here.