The Coziest Ready-to-Eat Meals You Can Buy This Fall (So Far)

Fall is a busy time for all of us. Sure, it’s not technically here yet, but based on some (seriously tasty) autumnal ice cream flavors, not to mention all things pumpkin spiced, we can all kinda consider it “Crisp o’Clock” and proceed as such. 

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Which, usually, means busily. Whether you’re already back in school or just sorting through your fall wardrobe and trying to remember if corduroys ever came back into style, you’re probably already back in your “proactive” mode. 

Considering all this seasonal busy-ness, and the coming chill―not to mention those 4:30PM sunsets―we thought it’d be a good idea to compile a list of some of the coziest, more affordable “ready-to-eat” meals you can buy this fall (so far). 

Kirkland Signature Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter ― $29.09

Most Costcos should be carrying their braised beef with Yukon gold potatoes right about now (priced about the same way as the salmon), but this is a nicer, maybe more unique ready-to-eat autumn option. This salmon Milano is a Kirkland classic―a hint of fading summer flavor in that pesto sauce, but enough richness from the salmon and the pesto butter to warm you up for the cozy night. 

Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese ― $3.79

To be fair, yes, it’s a frozen entree―but it’s easy to prepare! And it combines the classiness of the whole butternut squash/pumpkin ravioli vibe with perhaps the most comforting food of all: macaroni and cheese. Not to mention, TJ’s isn’t just phoning it in. You’re getting a blend of parm, gouda, and cheddar, plus perfect autumnal complementary seasonings from sage (basically the gourd’s best friend), thyme, and a bit of nutmeg. Seriously, for the price, buy a few. 

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butternut Squash Bisque ― $4.79

Okay, just one more squashy offering from Trader Joe’s. But this one’s an easy, ready-to-heat, ready-to-eat, luscious thick and aromatic soup made with not one, but two, orange seasonal gourds. And yes, we get that “soup” doesn’t quite excite the palate, but it should when you add the word bisque―meaning a richer, creamier soup with a depth of flavor and more of that autumnal sagey, oniony TJ’s seasoning. Get a big bowl and a baguette and you should be good to binge watch to your heart’s content with no meal prep required. 

Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken ― $4.98

A perennial favorite―also, rotisserie chicken’s just great any time of the year. But especially as temperatures drop and, well, prices don’t, you won’t want to forget this tried and true, under-five-buck favorite. (Bonus points, you can do a lot with rotisserie chicken leftovers.) 

Kirkland Signature Chicken Sandwich on Pretzel Buns with Sauce ― $17.89

This one’s an easy and fun pick for Game Day. Six sandwiches, each with cheddar, swiss, Dijon mayonnaise sauce, and that added heartiness of the pretzel bun. Not to mention, six sandwiches for under $20? Add a bag of chips, maybe some (compostable) paper plates, and you’ve got a ready-to-eat Game Day meal that should show up and leave your life as quickly, and deliciously, and easily as you could dream. 

Sam’s Club Member’s Mark Beef Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes ― $29.90

It is very, very difficult to go wrong this time of year with pot roast. And this offering from Sam’s Club looks about as good and classically simple as it gets, complete with those must-have carrots and spuds. This one’s pricier, but should fill a smaller family up well.