6 Budget-Friendly Fall Cooking Hacks

As autumn leaves turn and temperatures drop, our appetites shift toward hearty, comforting meals. But with rising food costs, how can we enjoy seasonal flavors without breaking the bank? Try these budget-friendly fall cooking hacks to create delicious meals while stretching your grocery dollars.

1. Embrace Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes and onions are affordable staples that form the base of many fall dishes. Roast them with herbs for a simple side or blend them into creamy soups that can be portioned and frozen for later.

2. Don’t Overlook Squash: Pumpkins get all the glory this time of year, but other winter squashes like butternut, acorn and spaghetti squash offer great value. One large squash can provide multiple meals – cube and roast for salads, purée for soups, or stuff and bake for a main course.

3. Beans are Your Friend: Dried beans are incredibly cheap and perfect for hearty fall stews and chilis. Soak them overnight to reduce cooking time and boost digestibility. Canned beans are also convenient and can be a quick addition to soups, salads or pasta dishes.

4. Use Your Scraps: Save vegetable peels and ends to make homemade stock. Freeze in portions for risottos, soups and braising liquids.

5. Buy and Cook in Bulk: Take advantage of sales on seasonal produce and meats. On Sundays, batch-cook meals to freeze, saving time and money throughout the week.

6. Get Creative with Leftovers: Transform yesterday’s roast chicken into today’s chicken pot pie or soup. Leftover rice can become a warm breakfast porridge with apples and cinnamon.