29 Best Roasted Dinner Recipes For A Memorable Cold Weather Meal

It's officially fall, and the weather has finally started cooling down. This is the moment all the autumn lovers out there have been waiting for since last year. But now that the temps are dropping, what are you going to make for dinner? Those light, fresh salads may have carried you through the summer, but there's a good chance that you'll want to make something heartier and more substantial now that the cool days are here to stay.

We've compiled some of our best roasted dinner recipes so you can make a cold-weather meal worth celebrating. Whether you want to go all-out by roasting a whole chicken or you just want to keep things nice and easy with some roasted vegetables, these recipes will make you want to turn on your oven and spend some time in the kitchen. Share these recipes with family and friends, and freeze the leftovers so you have plenty to nosh on when those cool fall afternoons turn into cold, blustery winter nights.

There's nothing like the savory simplicity of roasted pork, which is why we love this easy pork tenderloin recipe so much. It can be served with a wide variety of foods, from salads to baked potatoes, so it's definitely a recipe you should keep in your repertoire, especially during the colder months of the year.

The unique spice mixture is what gives this pork recipe its signature mouthwatering flavor profile, but its quick cook time — only 25 minutes — is what'll prompt you to make it again and again on weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.

Recipe: Simple Roasted Pork Tenderloin

When you're really trying to impress your guests, neighbors, or family members, you have to make this slow-roasted rib roast. It's a show-stopping main course that looks just as good as it tastes.

Just don't forget to be generous with the flavorful seasoning blend. This roast recipe yields quite a lot of meat, which makes it a perfect recipe for those times when you want to save some leftovers (or send them home with your guests).

Recipe: Slow-Roasted Rib Roast

Many cultures have their own version of roast chicken, and Puerto Rican pernil is one of our absolute favorites. This recipe calls for a four-pound shoulder roast along with a host of seasonings you won't want to skip — they're what gives this dish its incredible, rich flavor.

Traditionally, pernil is served with arroz con grandules, but you can use other types of rice as well. Have any leftovers? Turn them into a meaty, savory sandwich for day-after deliciousness.

Recipe: Slow-Roasted Puerto Rican Pernil

Cornish game hens is a way to make your chicken dinner a lot more interesting without venturing into totally new flavor territories. This recipe calls for fresh garlic, thyme, and brown sugar to create an interesting but understated flavor profile.

Since these hens are so small, everyone can have their own. These Cornish game hens take about three and a half hours to prep, but once you see how cute they turn out to be, you'll realize it was all worth the hard work.

Recipe: Roasted Cornish game hens

Worried about overcooking your roast? That can be a bummer, especially when you put so much time and energy into cooking.

But with this recipe for eye of round roast, you'll cook the dish very slowly, ensuring you won't have to deal with a tough or rubbery cut of meat by the time you're ready to serve dinner. Once you're done cooking your eye of round roast, make sure to let it sit for a few minutes before slicing it up and serving it to your family, your friends, or even to just yourself.

Recipe: Slow-Roasted Eye of Round Roast

You may be used to cooking chicken and beef at home, but when was the last time you prepared lamb? If it's been a while, you may want to try this simple roast leg of lamb recipe for dinner.

What sets this lamb recipe apart from many others out there is the fact that you're actually going to use breading to create a crunchy crust for the meat. Combined with a slew of different seasonings, that crust is going to create an unforgettable culinary experience in the comfort of your own home.

Recipe: Roast Leg of Lamb

Cabbage deserves a space in the center of the table, and this roasted cabbage recipe will ensure it's what everyone around the table will be talking about. Fresh, unassuming cabbage takes on a deep, dynamic flavor once it's been roasted (and topping it with feta cheese doesn't hurt, either).

Add some chili flakes to your cabbage to give it an extra punch of flavor and heat. Take one bite of this dish, and you'll realize that veggies can and should be the centerpiece sometimes.

Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Wedges

Crock Pots are basically made for fall, and they're perfect for cooking rump roast to tender perfection. This recipe cooks for eight hours in your slow-cooker, but it only takes 10 minutes to prep, so you'll be on your way to a delicious dinner with just a few minutes of prep work in the morning.

Make your rump roast into a whole meal by cooking some potatoes and carrots along with the meat. Enjoy a piece of fresh bread on the side, and you have an autumnal dinner to remember.

Recipe: Rump Roast Crock-Pot

This beef pot roast recipe harnesses the flavors of North Africa — and Tunisia specifically — to add an extra touch of flavor to a huge hunk of meat. The spicy, herbed condiment is the perfect flavorful backdrop to a rich, hearty main course.

Make your own harissa from scratch, or head to your local supermarket to pick up some of the jarred stuff. Enjoy your pot roast with vegetables, rice, and even more harissa on top if you want an extra dose of spiciness.

Recipe: Harissa Beef Pot Roast

Do you think a pot roast requires hours of your time, a bunch of waiting around in the kitchen, and possibly getting dinner on the table way too late? Think again. You can make this instant pot roast recipe in an hour, and you'll have four pounds of meat to share with family members, friends, and neighbors.

Dried porcini gives this recipe its signature earthy flavor, and beef stock ensures the meat stays nice and moist as it cooks. Give it a try the next time you're looking for a simple recipe that won't require hours of work.

Recipe: Instant Pot Roast

There are few vegetables that roast up as gloriously as fennel, which is why you need to have some on hand this fall. This lemon-roasted fennel recipe is warming and comforting during days when the weather turns cold, but it's bright and refreshing enough to enjoy all year long.

By adding some sliced black olives to the mix, you'll get even more of that briny, refreshing note. This recipe only takes 40 minutes to throw together, so you can always have a side dish worth savoring.

Recipe: Lemon-Roasted Fennel

Once you've opened up a pumpkin to use in a recipe (or to carve it for the amusement of passing trick-or-treaters), you may think that you should just throw the innards away. Actually, though, you'll want to save those seeds.

They can make for a deliciously savory snack, especially when you roast them with chili for a touch of heat. With just 20 minutes in the oven, you'll have flavorful pepitas you'll want to snack on all day long.

Recipe: Chili-Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

There's nothing that will get a party — or, at least, dinner — started like a rack of lamb. It's delicious, it's impressive, and it's sure to wow even the most experienced of diners. But when you give that rack of lamb a mustard crust, it takes it to a whole new level.

With this recipe for a mustard-crusted rack of lamb, you can create a stunningly flavorful dish in just 30 minutes. Whether you want a quick meal or you're celebrating a special occasion, this rack of lamb fits the bill.

Recipe: Mustard-Crusted Rack of Lamb

Roasted Brussels sprouts are always guaranteed to add something special to the dinner table, but the same old salt and pepper seasoning situation isn't going to cut it if you want to wow your friends and family. All you really need is some balsamic vinegar to highlight just how delicious Brussels sprouts can be after they spend some time in the oven.

Keep an eye on your sprouts as they're roasting. You want to make sure they take on a nice golden color, but keep them from getting too crispy for best results.

Recipe: Easy Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts