Member Access Only
Kitchen Club
Welcome back, friend. Enter your member password to access your June meal plan, recipes and grocery lists.
Incorrect password. Check your welcome email.
Megan
Member Exclusive
The Healthy Homesteader Kitchen Club
September 2026  |  Issue No. 04
September 2026 | Issue No. 04
Back to the
Family Table.
Hey friend! Welcome back to your Kitchen Club. September is all about cozy, easy and real. Nearly every dinner is one pot with real fall flavor, there is a brand new Stock Your Freezer section, and I did all the deciding so you can just cook.
Megan
Megan
September 2026
5-Week Cozy Fall Meal Plan with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every single week
Grocery Lists
Weekly Lists Organized by Store Section, Ready to Print
Featured in September
One pot, less mess, cozy fall flavor. Butternut Squash Soup, Chicken and Dumplings, Beef Stew, French Onion Pasta and a full Stock Your Freezer section
Monthly Staple
Pumpkin Pie Spice and Apple Pie Spice Blends
Stock Your Freezer
A Full Guide Plus 4 Bonus Recipes Built to Freeze
Download August Recipe Booklet Download September Recipe Booklet
Print-ready PDFs — every dinner and bonus recipe from each issue
One Pot, Less Mess
Real food, real simple, real good. Nearly every September dinner is one pot or one pan, so you spend less time cooking and even less time cleaning up.
Cozy Fall Flavor All Month
Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup, Chicken and Dumplings, French Onion Pasta, Pumpkin Chicken Chili. The kind of dinners that make the whole house feel like fall.
Stock Your Freezer
A full guide plus 4 bonus recipes built to freeze. Double a batch while you're already cooking and future you gets a real dinner on the hardest night of the week.
Your September Password
fall2026
Save this somewhere easy to find. You will need it each time you log in.
September 2026 | Family Meal Plan
5-Week Cozy Fall Plan
Nearly every dinner is one pot or one pan
Breakfast, lunch piggybacks and dinner every week
Thaw It Tonight Reminders Check tomorrow's dinner each night and move anything frozen to the fridge. Crockpot mornings need the earliest start, pull those the night before.
Mon
31
Tue
1
Wed
2
Thu
3
Fri
4
Sat
5
Sun
6
Breakfast
Pumpkin Overnight Oats → Recipe
Real fall flavor, prep the night before
Prep Sunday
Scrambled Eggs
Butter toast and fruit
Yogurt Parfait
Granola, apples, honey
5 min
Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal → Recipe
One dish, make ahead friendly
Prep Wednesday
Fried Eggs
Avocado toast
Smoothie
Frozen fruit, yogurt, honey
5 min
Pumpkin Overnight Oats → Recipe
Real fall flavor, prep the night before
Prep Sunday
Lunch
Deli Sandwiches
Quick and easy, no cook
No Cook
Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Leftovers
Monday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Beef Taco Rice Leftovers
Tuesday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Chicken Fajita Rice Leftovers
Wednesday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Chili Mac Leftovers
Thursday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Skillet Deep Dish Pizza Leftovers
Friday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Baked Ziti Leftovers
Saturday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Dinner
Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup → Recipe
Creamy
Slow Cooker
One Pot Beef Taco Rice → Recipe
One Pan
20 min
One Pot Chicken Fajita Rice → Recipe
One Pan
25 min
One Pot Chili Mac → Recipe
One Pot
25 min
Skillet Deep Dish Pizza → Recipe
One Skillet
Weekend Special
Baked Ziti → Recipe
Weekend Comfort
Weekend Special
Sheet Pan Pumpkin Pancakes with Sausage → Recipe
Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday Tradition
Thaw It Tonight Reminders Check tomorrow's dinner each night and move anything frozen to the fridge. Crockpot mornings need the earliest start, pull those the night before.
Mon
7
Tue
8
Wed
9
Thu
10
Fri
11
Sat
12
Sun
13
Breakfast
Pumpkin Overnight Oats → Recipe
Real fall flavor, prep the night before
Prep Sunday
Scrambled Eggs
Butter toast and fruit
Yogurt Parfait
Granola, apples, honey
5 min
Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal → Recipe
One dish, make ahead friendly
Prep Wednesday
Fried Eggs
Avocado toast
Smoothie
Frozen fruit, yogurt, honey
5 min
Pumpkin Overnight Oats → Recipe
Real fall flavor, prep the night before
Prep Sunday
Lunch
Deli Sandwiches
Quick and easy, no cook
No Cook
Crockpot White Chicken Chili Leftovers
Monday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Beef Tacos Leftovers
Tuesday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet Leftovers
Wednesday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup Leftovers
Thursday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Sheet Pan Nachos Leftovers
Friday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Slow Cooker Pot Roast Leftovers
Saturday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Dinner
Crockpot White Chicken Chili → Recipe
Creamy
Slow Cooker
Beef Tacos → Recipe
Classic
15 min
One Pot Cheesy Beef and Potato Skillet → Recipe
One Pan
25 min
One Pot Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup → Recipe
One Pot
30 min
Sheet Pan Nachos → Recipe
Fun Friday
15 min
Slow Cooker Pot Roast → Recipe
Weekend Comfort
Slow Cooker
Baked Apple Cinnamon French Toast → Recipe
Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday Tradition
Thaw It Tonight Reminders Check tomorrow's dinner each night and move anything frozen to the fridge. Crockpot mornings need the earliest start, pull those the night before.
Mon
14
Tue
15
Wed
16
Thu
17
Fri
18
Sat
19
Sun
20
Breakfast
Pumpkin Overnight Oats → Recipe
Real fall flavor, prep the night before
Prep Sunday
Scrambled Eggs
Butter toast and fruit
Yogurt Parfait
Granola, apples, honey
5 min
Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal → Recipe
One dish, make ahead friendly
Prep Wednesday
Fried Eggs
Avocado toast
Smoothie
Frozen fruit, yogurt, honey
5 min
Pumpkin Overnight Oats → Recipe
Real fall flavor, prep the night before
Prep Sunday
Lunch
Deli Sandwiches
Quick and easy, no cook
No Cook
Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup Leftovers
Monday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Beef Enchilada Rice Leftovers
Tuesday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Leftovers
Wednesday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot French Onion Pasta Leftovers
Thursday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Sheet Pan Quesadillas Leftovers
Friday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Slow Cooker Beef Stew Leftovers
Saturday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Dinner
Crockpot Beef and Barley Soup → Recipe
Hearty
Slow Cooker
One Pot Beef Enchilada Rice → Recipe
One Pan
20 min
One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken → Recipe
One Pan
25 min
One Pot French Onion Pasta → Recipe
One Pot
30 min
Sheet Pan Quesadillas → Recipe
Fun Friday
20 min
Slow Cooker Beef Stew → Recipe
Weekend Comfort
Slow Cooker
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with Maple Glaze → Recipe
Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday Tradition
Thaw It Tonight Reminders Check tomorrow's dinner each night and move anything frozen to the fridge. Crockpot mornings need the earliest start, pull those the night before.
Mon
21
Tue
22
Wed
23
Thu
24
Fri
25
Sat
26
Sun
27
Breakfast
Pumpkin Overnight Oats → Recipe
Real fall flavor, prep the night before
Prep Sunday
Scrambled Eggs
Butter toast and fruit
Yogurt Parfait
Granola, apples, honey
5 min
Maple Pecan Baked Oatmeal → Recipe
One dish, make ahead friendly
Prep Wednesday
Fried Eggs
Avocado toast
Smoothie
Frozen fruit, yogurt, honey
5 min
Pumpkin Overnight Oats → Recipe
Real fall flavor, prep the night before
Prep Sunday
Lunch
Deli Sandwiches
Quick and easy, no cook
No Cook
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Leftovers
Monday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Pumpkin Chicken Chili Leftovers
Tuesday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Beef and Rice Skillet Leftovers
Wednesday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Leftovers
Thursday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Sheet Pan Loaded Potato Bar Leftovers
Friday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Baked Mac and Cheese with Smoked Sausage Leftovers
Saturday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Dinner
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings → Recipe
Creamy
Slow Cooker
One Pot Pumpkin Chicken Chili → Recipe
One Pot
30 min
One Pot Beef and Rice Skillet → Recipe
One Pan
20 min
One Pot Creamy Sausage and Tortellini → Recipe
One Pot
25 min
Sheet Pan Loaded Potato Bar → Recipe
Fun Friday
10 min
Baked Mac and Cheese with Smoked Sausage → Recipe
Weekend Comfort
Weekend Special
Breakfast Burritos → Recipe
Breakfast for Dinner
Sunday Tradition
Thaw It Tonight Reminders Check tomorrow's dinner each night and move anything frozen to the fridge. Crockpot mornings need the earliest start, pull those the night before.
Mon
28
Tue
29
Wed
30
Breakfast
Pumpkin Overnight Oats → Recipe
Real fall flavor, prep the night before
Prep Sunday
Scrambled Eggs
Butter toast and fruit
Yogurt Parfait
Granola, apples, honey
5 min
Lunch
Deli Sandwiches
Quick and easy, no cook
No Cook
Crockpot Lasagna Soup Leftovers
Monday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
One Pot Beef and Cheese Taco Pasta Leftovers
Tuesday dinner piggyback
Piggyback
Dinner
Crockpot Lasagna Soup → Recipe
All the Lasagna Flavor
Slow Cooker
One Pot Beef and Cheese Taco Pasta → Recipe
One Pan
20 min
One Pot Chicken Alfredo → Recipe
One Pan
25 min
September 2026 | Shopping Guide
Weekly Grocery Lists
Organized by store section
Check your freezer first every single week
Download All 5 Weeks
One printable PDF with every week's grocery list
The Healthy Homesteader Kitchen Club
Week 1 Shopping List
August 31 to September 6 | Check your freezer and pantry before heading to the store
Meat and Protein
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 lbs
Chicken broth
6 cups
80/20 ground beef
1.5 lbs
Beef broth
2 cups
Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 lbs
Sausage links
1 package
Produce
Carrots, diced
2
Celery, diced
2 stalks
White onion, diced
1
Garlic, minced
3 cloves
Salt and pepper
generously
Diced tomatoes with green chilies
10 oz can
Bell peppers, sliced
3
White onion, sliced
1
Garlic powder
1 tsp
Diced tomatoes
14.5 oz can
Tomato paste
2 tbsp
Dairy
Heavy cream
1 cup
Shredded cheddar
1.5 cups
Shredded cheese and lime
to serve
Shredded mozzarella
2 cups
Ricotta cheese
1.5 cups
Parmesan, grated
1/2 cup
Buttermilk
2.5 cups
Butter, melted
6 tbsp
Pantry and Bread
Wild rice blend
1 cup
Taco seasoning
3 tbsp
Instant white rice
1.5 cups
White rice, uncooked
1.5 cups
Chili powder
2 tsp
Cumin
1 tsp
Elbow macaroni
2 cups
Warm water
1 cup
Active dry yeast
2.25 tsp (1 packet)
Sugar
1 tsp
Flour
2.5 cups
Salt
1 tsp
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Pizza sauce
1 cup
Toppings of choice
to taste
Ziti or penne pasta
1 lb
Marinara sauce
24 oz jar
Italian seasoning
1 tsp
Baking powder
3 tsp
Cinnamon and pumpkin spice
1 tsp each
Pumpkin puree
1 cup
Eggs
3
Maple syrup, for serving
to serve
The Healthy Homesteader Kitchen Club
Week 2 Shopping List
September 7 to 13 | Check your freezer and pantry before heading to the store
Meat and Protein
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 lbs
Chicken broth
4 cups
80/20 ground beef
1.5 lbs
Beef broth
1.5 cups
Smoked sausage, sliced
1 lb
Chuck roast
3-4 lbs
Produce
White onion, diced
1
Garlic, minced
3 cloves
Shredded lettuce
2 cups
Diced tomatoes
1 cup
Baby potatoes, diced small
1.5 lbs
Garlic powder and onion powder
1 tsp each
Salt and pepper
generously
Diced tomatoes, jalapenos, green onion
to top
Baby potatoes, halved
1.5 lbs
Carrots, cut into chunks
4
White onion, quartered
1
Apples, peeled and diced
3
Maple syrup and pecans, for serving
to serve
Dairy
Cream cheese
8 oz
Shredded cheese and cilantro
to serve
Shredded cheddar
1.5 cups
Sour cream and salsa
to serve
Butternut squash, cubed
4 cups (fresh or pre-cut)
Heavy cream
1/2 cup
Sour cream, salsa, guacamole
to serve
Whole milk
2 cups
Butter, melted
3 tbsp
Pantry and Bread
White beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans
Green chilies, diced
4 oz can
Cumin
1 tsp
Taco seasoning
3 tbsp
Hard or soft taco shells
12
Cinnamon
1/4 tsp
Tortilla chips
1 large bag
Black beans, drained
1 can
Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp
Italian seasoning
1 tsp
Thick cut bread, cubed
1 loaf
Farm eggs
8
Brown sugar
1/2 cup
Vanilla extract
1 tsp
The Healthy Homesteader Kitchen Club
Week 3 Shopping List
September 14 to 20 | Check your freezer and pantry before heading to the store
Meat and Protein
Beef stew meat, cubed
2 lbs
Beef broth
6 cups
80/20 ground beef
1.5 lbs
Boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2 lbs
Chicken broth
1 cup
Cooked shredded chicken or seasoned ground beef
3 cups
Sausage links
1 package
Produce
Carrots, diced
3
Celery, diced
2 stalks
White onion, diced
1
Garlic, minced
3 cloves
Tomato paste
2 tbsp
Salt and pepper
generously
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup
Fresh spinach
3 cups
White onions, sliced thin
4 large
Baby potatoes, halved
1.5 lbs
Carrots, cut into chunks
4
Dairy
Shredded cheddar
1.5 cups
Heavy cream
1 cup
Parmesan, grated
1/2 cup
Butter
3 tbsp
Gruyere or Swiss cheese, shredded
1.5 cups
Shredded Mexican cheese blend
2.5 cups
Butter, melted
3 tbsp
Sour cream, salsa, guacamole
to serve
Milk
2.5 cups
Cream cheese
4 oz
Pantry and Bread
Pearl barley
3/4 cup
Red enchilada sauce
1 can (10 oz)
Instant white rice
1.5 cups
Black beans, drained
1 can
Italian seasoning
1 tsp
Rotini or penne pasta
12 oz
Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp
Large flour tortillas
8
Cornstarch
3 tbsp
Flour
2.5 cups
Sugar
3 tbsp
Baking powder
3 tsp
Salt
1/2 tsp
Eggs
2
Brown sugar
1/2 cup
Cinnamon
2 tbsp
Powdered sugar
1 cup
Maple syrup
3 tbsp
The Healthy Homesteader Kitchen Club
Week 4 Shopping List
September 21 to 27 | Check your freezer and pantry before heading to the store
Meat and Protein
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
2.5 lbs
Chicken broth
6 cups
Boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 lbs
80/20 ground beef
1.5 lbs
Beef broth
3 cups
Smoked sausage, sliced
1 lb
Shredded cheddar, bacon bits, sour cream, chives
to top
Breakfast sausage, crumbled
1 lb
Produce
Carrots, diced
3
Celery, diced
2 stalks
White onion, diced
1
Salt and pepper
generously
Diced tomatoes
14.5 oz can
Garlic powder
1 tsp
Garlic, minced
3 cloves
Fresh spinach
2 cups
Russet potatoes
6 large
Broccoli, steamed, optional
to top
Dairy
Heavy cream
1/2 cup
Shredded cheese and sour cream
to serve
Shredded cheddar
1.5 cups
Refrigerated cheese tortellini
20 oz
Parmesan, grated
1/2 cup
Butter
to serve
Whole milk
3 cups
Sharp cheddar, shredded
3 cups
Pantry and Bread
Refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into strips
1 can
Pumpkin puree
1 cup
Black beans, drained
1 can
Chili powder
2 tbsp
Cumin
1 tsp
White rice, uncooked
1.5 cups
Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Salt
generously
Chili or taco meat leftovers, optional
to top
Elbow macaroni
1 lb
Flour
1/4 cup
Mustard powder
1/4 tsp
Farm eggs
10
Frozen shredded hash browns
3 cups
Large flour tortillas
8
Salsa, for serving
optional
The Healthy Homesteader Kitchen Club
Week 5 Shopping List
September 28 to 30 | Check your freezer and pantry before heading to the store
Meat and Protein
80/20 ground beef
1.5 lbs
Beef broth
5 cups
Boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2 lbs
Chicken broth
2 cups
Produce
White onion, diced
1
Garlic, minced
3 cloves
Crushed tomatoes
28 oz can
Diced tomatoes with green chilies
10 oz can
Salt and pepper
to taste
Dairy
Ricotta cheese
1 cup
Shredded mozzarella and parmesan
to serve
Cream cheese
4 oz
Shredded cheddar
1.5 cups
Butter
3 tbsp
Heavy cream
1.5 cups
Parmesan, grated
1 cup
Pantry and Bread
Italian seasoning
1.5 tsp
Broken lasagna noodles
8 noodles
Taco seasoning
3 tbsp
Rotini pasta
12 oz
Fettuccine or penne pasta
12 oz
September 2026 | Featured Recipes
This Month's Recipes
A full recipe for every dinner
Nearly every one is one pot or one pan
Download September Recipe Booklet
All 31 dinner recipes — print at home and keep forever
Monday August 31 Dinner
Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy | Cozy | One Pot | Dump and Go
Prep
10 min
Cook
6 hrs
Serves
6
Level
Easy
Megan's TipStir in the cream right at the end, off heat if possible. Adding it too early can cause it to separate instead of staying smooth and velvety.
Ingredients
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 lbs
• Wild rice blend
1 cup
• Carrots, diced
2
• Celery, diced
2 stalks
• White onion, diced
1
• Chicken broth
6 cups
• Garlic, minced
3 cloves
• Heavy cream
1 cup
• Salt and pepper
generously
Instructions
1
Place chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, onion and garlic in the slow cooker.
2
Pour in chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
3
Cook on LOW 6 hours or HIGH 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and rice is cooked.
4
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
5
Stir in heavy cream at the end. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6
Serve warm with crusty bread.
September Monthly Staple | Fall Baking Essential
Pumpkin Pie Spice and Apple Pie Spice
Two blends, both from spices already in your cabinet. These are the exact seasonings behind the Pumpkin Bread, Pumpkin Bars, Apple Crisp and just about every Fall Staple recipe this month. Make both once and you are set for the whole season.
Why Make Your Own
Store-bought pumpkin pie spice and apple pie spice run out fast right when you need them most. A homemade batch costs almost nothing, uses spices you likely already have, and never leaves you scrambling mid-recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Cinnamon
3 tbsp
Ground ginger
2 tsp
Nutmeg
2 tsp
Ground cloves
1 tsp
Ground allspice
1 tsp
Apple Pie Spice
Cinnamon
4 tbsp
Nutmeg
1 tsp
Ground allspice
1 tsp
Ground cardamom, optional
1/2 tsp
Instructions
1
Whisk each spice blend together separately in its own small bowl.
2
Transfer each to its own labeled jar with a lid. Store in a cool dry place up to 6 months.
3
Use pumpkin pie spice anywhere a recipe calls for it, roughly 1 to 2 teaspoons per batch of baked goods. Use apple pie spice the same way in anything apple based.
Megan's Tip Double both batches at once since you are already getting out the spices anyway. A jar of each makes a genuinely thoughtful homemade gift for a neighbor or teacher once the holidays roll around.
September 2026 | Member Resource
Pantry and Kitchen Tips
Cozy, simple, less mess
Feel prepared and stress less
The One-Pot Pantry
Keep these on hand and a cozy one-pot dinner is always within reach, no matter how busy the week gets.
  • ·A protein in the freezer. Ground beef and chicken thighs both work in almost every one-pot format this month.
  • ·Broth on hand, always. Chicken and beef broth are the backbone of nearly every soup and one-pot dinner in September.
  • ·A quick-cooking starch. Instant rice, small pasta shapes and refrigerated tortellini all cook directly in the pot without extra steps.
  • ·Canned tomatoes and beans. The base of half the soups and chilis this month, and they last practically forever in the pantry.
  • ·Your Monthly Staple spice blends. Pumpkin pie spice and apple pie spice keep the fall baking moving without a grocery run.
Fewer Dishes, Less Hassle
The whole point of one-pot cooking is spending less time at the sink. A few extra ways to cut down even more.
  • ·Line sheet pans with foil or parchment before roasting anything. Peel it off, toss it, and the pan is already clean.
  • ·Let the crockpot do double duty. Most slow cooker inserts go straight in the dishwasher when dinner is done.
  • ·Serve straight from the skillet or pot when you can. One less serving dish to wash at the end of the night.
  • ·Soak the pot the moment it is empty. A few minutes of hot soapy water while you eat means it wipes clean in seconds later.
Building a Fall Flavor Base
A few ingredients show up again and again this month. Keep them stocked and cozy flavor is always one pot away.
  • ·Cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin spice for the baked goods and the pumpkin chili.
  • ·Canned pumpkin puree, unsweetened. Works in both sweet baking and savory dinners like Pumpkin Chicken Chili.
  • ·Apples on hand for snacking, baking, or tossed into a sheet pan dinner for a little sweetness against something savory.
  • ·Fresh or dried thyme and rosemary. A small addition that makes soups and roasts taste like real fall cooking.
Fastest Dinners for Busy Nights
When practice runs late or the week gets away from you, these are the fastest dinners in the September lineup.
  • ·Beef Tacos, Week 2 Tuesday. Fifteen minutes, classic, no fuss.
  • ·Sheet Pan Nachos, Week 2 Friday. Genuinely five minutes of hands-on effort.
  • ·One Pot Beef Taco Rice, Week 1 Tuesday. Everything cooks together in twenty minutes flat.
  • ·Breakfast Burritos, Week 4 Sunday. Ready in twenty minutes, and doubles as a freezer stash recipe too.
September 2026 | Member Bonus
Fall Staple Treats
The recipes that make the whole house smell like fall
Simple ingredients, cozy flavor, worth the oven time
Fall Staple | September 2026
Pumpkin Bread
Moist | Classic Fall Staple | Freezer Friendly
Ingredients
  • Flour3 cups
  • Baking soda2 tsp
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves1 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1/4 tsp
  • Salt1 tsp
  • Pumpkin puree2 cups
  • Sugar2 cups
  • Vegetable oil1 cup
  • Eggs4
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease two loaf pans.
  2. Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt together.
  3. In a separate bowl whisk pumpkin puree, sugar, oil and eggs until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed.
  5. Divide batter between the two loaf pans.
  6. Bake 50-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pans 10 minutes before removing.
Megan's Tip Freezer Friendly — this freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Fall Staple | September 2026
Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Soft | Sheet Pan | Feeds a Crowd
Ingredients
  • Flour2 cups
  • Baking powder2 tsp
  • Cinnamon and pumpkin spice1 tsp each
  • Salt1/2 tsp
  • Pumpkin puree15 oz can
  • Sugar1.5 cups
  • Vegetable oil1 cup
  • Eggs4
  • Cream cheese, softened8 oz
  • Butter, softened1/2 cup
  • Powdered sugar3 cups
  • Vanilla extract1 tsp
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a large sheet pan (half sheet, roughly 13x18).
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and salt together.
  3. In a separate bowl whisk pumpkin puree, sugar, oil and eggs until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Spread evenly onto the sheet pan.
  5. Bake 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
  6. Beat cream cheese and butter together, add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until smooth. Frost the cooled bars and slice into squares.
Megan's Tip Let the bars cool completely before frosting, at least an hour. Warm bars melt the frosting right off instead of letting it set into a nice smooth layer.
Fall Staple | September 2026
Apple Crisp
Warm | Buttery Oat Topping | Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients
  • Apples, peeled and sliced8 (a mix of tart and sweet works best)
  • Flour1/4 cup + 1 cup, divided
  • Cinnamon1.5 tsp, divided
  • Sugar1/2 cup
  • Lemon juice1 tbsp
  • Old-fashioned oats1 cup
  • Brown sugar3/4 cup
  • Butter, cold and cubed3/4 cup
  • Salt1/4 tsp
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Toss sliced apples with 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice. Spread into a 9x13 baking dish.
  2. In a separate bowl combine oats, remaining 1 cup flour, remaining 1 tsp cinnamon, brown sugar and salt.
  3. Cut in cold butter with a fork or your fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs.
  4. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
  5. Bake 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling.
  6. Let cool 10 minutes and serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Megan's Tip Toss the apples with the flour and cinnamon before adding sugar. It coats them evenly and helps thicken the juices as it bakes instead of leaving a watery bottom layer.
Fall Staple | September 2026
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft and Cakey | Freezer Friendly | Kid Approved
Ingredients
  • Butter, softened1/2 cup
  • Sugar1 cup
  • Pumpkin puree1/2 cup
  • Egg1
  • Vanilla extract1 tsp
  • Flour2 cups
  • Baking powder and baking soda1 tsp each
  • Cinnamon and pumpkin spice1 tsp each
  • Salt1/2 tsp
  • Mini chocolate chips1.5 cups
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy.
  2. Beat in pumpkin puree, egg and vanilla.
  3. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and salt together.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in chocolate chips.
  5. Scoop rounded tablespoons onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake 11-13 minutes until set. Cool 5 minutes on the pan before transferring.
Megan's Tip Freezer Friendly — scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a tray before baking. Once frozen, transfer to a bag and bake straight from frozen anytime, just add 2 extra minutes.
Fall Staple | September 2026
Giant Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
Big, Soft and Gooey | Make Ahead Friendly | A Real Fall Weekend Treat
Ingredients
  • Whole milk2 cups
  • Butter, softened1/2 cup
  • Sugar1/2 cup
  • Salt1 tsp
  • Instant yeast1 tbsp
  • Eggs, room temperature2
  • Flour6 cups
  • Butter, softened, for filling1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp
  • Brown sugar, packed1.25 cups
  • Cinnamon1.5 tbsp
  • Cream cheese, softened2 oz
  • Powdered sugar2.25 cups
  • Butter, melted, for glaze3 tbsp
  • Vanilla extract1 tsp
  • Milk, for glaze2-3 tbsp
Instructions
  1. Warm the milk until steaming but not boiling. Pour into a stand mixer bowl with softened butter, sugar and salt. Mix on low until the butter melts and the mixture cools to warm, not hot.
  2. Add yeast and eggs, mix until combined. Gradually add flour, switching to the dough hook once it comes together. Knead 2-3 minutes until soft and slightly sticky. Do not add extra flour to compensate, that softness is exactly right.
  3. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.
  4. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, roughly 18x12 inches. Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top, pressing in gently.
  5. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls using a gentle sawing motion with a serrated knife.
  6. Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13 pan or on a lined sheet pan. Cover and let rise again until puffy, 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350F and bake 24-26 minutes until light golden brown.
  7. While rolls bake, whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla and enough milk to make a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls before serving.
Megan's Tip This is genuinely the easiest yeast dough you'll make. It's soft and a little sticky, and that's exactly right, resist the urge to add extra flour. A soft dough is what gives you that pillowy, bakery-style texture instead of a dense, tight roll.
Giant Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze Make Ahead Make Ahead: Assemble through slicing the rolls, place them in the pan, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight instead of letting them rise. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature 1-2 hours until puffy, then bake as directed. To freeze, follow the same steps but freeze the unrisen rolls in the pan instead of refrigerating. Thaw and rise overnight on the counter before baking, this takes about 8-10 hours.
September 2026 | Batch Cooking Made Simple
Stock Your Freezer
Double a batch while you're already cooking
Future you gets a real dinner on the hardest night of the week
Cool It Down First
Never freeze food piping hot. Let it cool to room temperature first, about 30-45 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for an hour before freezing. This keeps ice crystals from forming and protects the texture.
Best Containers to Use
Freezer-safe zip bags work great for soups, chilis and sauces, laid flat to freeze so they stack easily later. Glass or freezer-safe containers work best for casseroles. Always leave an inch of space at the top since liquids expand as they freeze.
Label Everything
Write the meal name and the date on every bag or container. It feels obvious in the moment and impossible to remember three weeks later. A permanent marker and painter's tape is all you need.
How Long Things Keep
Soups, chilis and stews keep well for 3 months. Casseroles keep for 2-3 months. Breakfast burritos and sandwiches keep for up to 3 months. If it's freezer burnt or the bag has ice crystals built up, it's still safe, just may not taste as fresh.
Thawing Safely
The best method is moving it to the fridge the night before. If you forgot, a cold water bath works in a pinch, submerge the sealed bag in cold water, changing it every 30 minutes. Never thaw on the counter.
Reheating Right
Soups and chilis reheat best on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Casseroles reheat best in the oven at 350F, covered with foil for the first half to prevent drying out. Breakfast burritos reheat well in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or in a skillet for a crispier finish.
September Dinners That Freeze Beautifully
These dinners from this month's meal plan are ready-made for doubling. Make the recipe as written, then simply double the batch and freeze half using the tips above.
Breakfast Staples That Freeze Beautifully
These two breakfast staples were built specifically with the freezer in mind. Make a batch on a Sunday and mornings are handled for weeks.
Bonus Freezer Recipes
4 recipes built specifically to make ahead and freeze
Freezer Stash Recipe
Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Wrap each burrito individually in foil before freezing, then group them in one large freezer bag. That way you can grab exactly one at a time without thawing the whole batch.
Ingredients
  • Breakfast sausage, crumbled1.5 lbs
  • Farm eggs14
  • Frozen shredded hash browns4 cups
  • Shredded cheddar3 cups
  • Large flour tortillas12
  • Butter3 tbsp
  • Salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
  1. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, cook hash browns 8-10 minutes until golden. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Melt butter in the skillet, scramble the eggs until just set.
  4. Combine sausage, hash browns and eggs together.
  5. Warm tortillas, fill each with the egg mixture and cheddar, and roll tightly.
  6. Let burritos cool completely, then wrap each individually in foil. Freeze in a labeled freezer bag up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave 2-3 minutes.
Freezer Stash Recipe
Tater Tot Casserole
Assemble the whole casserole but hold off on baking. Cover tightly and freeze unbaked, then bake straight from frozen, just add an extra 20-25 minutes to the bake time.
Ingredients
  • 80/20 ground beef2 lbs
  • White onion, diced1
  • Cream of mushroom soup2 cans
  • Milk1/2 cup
  • Frozen tater tots1 bag (32 oz)
  • Shredded cheddar2.5 cups
  • Salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375F. Brown ground beef with onion, drain excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk together. Stir into the beef.
  3. Spread the beef mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.
  4. Layer frozen tater tots evenly over the top.
  5. Sprinkle cheddar over the tots.
  6. Bake 40-45 minutes until bubbly and golden. To freeze: assemble through step 5, cover tightly and freeze unbaked up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375F for 65-70 minutes.
Freezer Stash Recipe
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This one freezes beautifully both baked and unbaked. If freezing unbaked, undercook the pasta by 2 minutes since it will finish cooking when reheated.
Ingredients
  • Rotini or penne pasta1 lb
  • Cooked shredded chicken3 cups
  • Cream cheese, softened8 oz
  • Sour cream1 cup
  • Cottage cheese1 cup
  • Cream of chicken soup1 can
  • Shredded cheddar2 cups
  • Garlic powder and onion powder1 tsp each
  • Salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions, drain.
  2. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder and onion powder until smooth.
  3. Fold in shredded chicken and cooked pasta.
  4. Spread into a 9x13 baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar.
  5. Bake 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden. To freeze: assemble through step 4, cover tightly and freeze unbaked up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350F for 55-60 minutes.
Freezer Stash Recipe
Freezer Chili Base
Freeze this flat in a gallon freezer bag, pressing out the air first. Flat bags thaw faster and stack neatly, which means way more freezer space than round containers.
Ingredients
  • 80/20 ground beef2 lbs
  • White onion, diced1
  • Kidney beans, drained2 cans
  • Diced tomatoes28 oz can
  • Tomato sauce15 oz can
  • Chili powder3 tbsp
  • Cumin1 tbsp
  • Garlic powder1 tsp
  • Salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
  1. Brown ground beef with onion in a large pot. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  3. Simmer 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  4. Let cool completely. Portion into freezer bags, pressing out excess air, and lay flat to freeze.
  5. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.