One-dish dinners: Side dishes need not apply

Move over, mashed potatoes! There's no need for a side dish when you serve one of these hearty, kid-friendly recipes.

Whether it's the quick-and easy chicken chili or the veggie pizza with a cheesy homemade crust, each one makes a satisfying fall dinner all on its own.

Sausage Ratatouille

The classic French ratatouille is made by simmering eggplant with other vegetables and herbs. It's often served as a side or appetizer with bread, but our addition of Italian sausage turns it into a hearty meal for cooler months.

Per serving (1 1/3 cups): Calories 252; Total Fat 15 g (24% DV); Saturated Fat 3 g (17% DV)

Ingredients

3 to 4 links (about ¾ pound) Italian sausage

4 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium-size eggplant, peeled and cut into a 3/4-inch dice

2 small zucchini, halved and sliced

1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced

1 medium-size green bell pepper, halved, seeded, and sliced

2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups canned diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon tomato paste

Salt and pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Bring a medium-size pot of water to a boil. Puncture the sausage links in several places, then cook them at a low boil until they're no longer pink in the center, about 14 minutes. Transfer the links to a plate to cool, then slice them into 1/4-inch-thick rounds.

Over medium-high heat, warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add the eggplant and zucchini and saute them, stirring often, until they are lightly browned but not soft, about 7 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.

In the same skillet over medium heat, warm the remaining olive oil. Add the onion and bell pepper and saute them for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sliced sausage and saute, stirring often, for 3 minutes more. Stir in the tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini.