What to cook in October: Hearty meals for Halloween night

October is here, which means one of the biggest events of the year is almost upon us trick-or-treating on Halloween night. What do you cook when you need to get everyone energized for an evening of roaming the chilly streets, collecting candy and dodging ghosts (or, you know, fog machines)? You want something that's simple and not too heavy, but still feels like a treat. At my house, spaghetti bolognese was always the pre-game go-to for All Hallows' Eve. It's cosy, carby and the kind of dish that says, "Grab a bowl, eat up and let's get moving!"

In the spirit of keeping things low-maintenance and kid-friendly, we've rounded up our favourite Halloween night recipes, including plenty of weeknight staples like sheet pan dinners, rice and pasta dishes, plus some make-ahead meals. They'll also be ideal for the entire month of October, since this time of year is all about grabbing something hearty and getting outside as much as possible before the real cold arrives. And for all you falliday fans, we've got the gourds, too: a few pumpkin and squash recipes to add to your menus.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Skillet Lasagna with an Easy Everyday Tomato Sauce

Meatballs with Mixed Vegetables and Tahini-Yogurt Sauce

Za'atar Orange Chicken and Potatoes

One-Pot Chickpea Curry

French Onion Soup Pasta and Handpies

Chicken Shawarma Bowls with Crispy Potatoes

Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs

Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

Zucchini Dal

Root Vegetable Stew with Rosemary Garlic Baguette

Misir Wot

Chicken Pot Pie

Vegetable Biryani

Basque-Style Bean and Kale Stew

Chicken Cacciatore Sheet Pan Dinner

Delicata Squash and Italian Sausage Bake

Delicata Squash and Mushroom Tart

Brown Rice, Chicken and Butternut Squash Salad with Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Half-Made Home-Made Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie