Food Recipe Collections & Favorites 49 Winter Dinner Ideas That Will Keep You Cozy All Season Long These hearty recipes are perfect for both busy weeknights and holiday entertaining. By Ariel Klein Ariel Klein Ariel Klein is a freelance writer specializing in lifestyle, fashion, beauty, technology, home, cooking, and gardening topics. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Well+Good, Travel+Leisure, Better Homes and Gardens, and Food & Wine magazine. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 13, 2024 Close Photo: Antonis Achilleos You either love or hate that time of year when the sun goes down earlier, the weather gets chilly, and you have to bundle up just to venture out to your mailbox. And while the winter months can be cold and dreary, it’s the perfect time to whip up some delicious dishes that will bring comfort and warmth to your kitchen. With that in mind, we’ve put together a helpful list of winter dinner recipes that are sure to satisfy any palate and preference. From vegetarian dishes like spiced sweet potato soup and spinach and artichoke quinoa casserole to hearty dishes like Southwestern beef chili and butternut carbonara, you’ll love cooking these five-star meals for your family all season. 01 of 49 Spiced Sweet Potato Soup With Pistachio Dukkah Alison Miksch If you’re a sucker for sweet potatoes, you’re going to want to make this silky, flavorful soup as soon as possible. Spices like cumin and coriander add warmth, while the pistachio Dukkah provides the crunchy topping. This hearty soup is filled with nutrients and antioxidants, making for an ideal healthy weeknight dinner. GET THE RECIPE 02 of 49 Minestrone VICTOR PROTASIO; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless Warm up with a bowl of minestrone soup, a classic Italian dish perfect for a cold winter's evening. This recipe, which comes from Tamar Adler, author of The Everlasting Meal Cookbook, packs in all the ingredients you know and love with a few extra surprises to keep you intrigued. Think a dollop of ricotta cheese and savory salami lending its flavors to the broth. GET THE RECIPE 03 of 49 Clams with Chorizo & Crusty Bread Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley For an easy and elegant dinner that will warm you up on a chilly night, try this hearty clam dish cooked in a flavored white wine broth. It comes together in just under an hour, so you don't have to wait too long to eat. If you're looking for an even more comforting dish, serve the clams over cooked spaghetti. GET THE RECIPE 04 of 49 Khichdi VICTOR PROTASIO; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless Cozy up with a bowl of khichdi, a hearty South Asian meal that is full of rice, split mung beans, and veggies. The recipe requires a couple of cups of mixed vegetables, which is perfect if you still have vegetables you need to use up. You'll top the bowl with a spoonful of yogurt and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro. GET THE RECIPE 05 of 49 Winter Lentil Soup Kana Okada Sometimes the most comforting meals are the ones that are loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a veggie-packed dish, this hearty soup will do you wonders. Consider serving with toasted bread. GET THE RECIPE 06 of 49 Hearty and Flavorful Pork and Kabocha Squash Curry CHRISTOPHER TESTANI This curry dish is oh-so-satisfying and comforting and takes less than an hour of active time. Fall-apart tender shoulder pork tops a bed of filling white rice alongside sweet kabocha squash. Refreshing cilantro tops each bowl. GET THE RECIPE 07 of 49 Cheesy Sausage Pasta Bake With Brussels Sprouts Caitlin Bensel Why make boring roasted Brussels sprouts when you can add them to a delicious pasta bake? The combination of sweet Italian sausage, rich Gruyere cheese, and rigatoni is truly something to write home about. Plus, it's ready in less than an hour. GET THE RECIPE 08 of 49 Chicken and Vegetable Pot Pie Maria Robledo Use store-bought pie crust to top this creamy chicken pot pie. The secret ingredient responsible for the pie's creamy interior? A half cup of dry white wine. Use rotisserie chicken as another easy shortcut to this winter dinner staple. GET THE RECIPE 09 of 49 Simple Shepherd's Pie Greg DuPree Quick disclaimer: Once you eat a bite of this comforting shepherd's pie, you might not be able to stop (or stop thinking about it for days to come). It seriously is just that good. The beef and potato casserole pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine on a cold winter's night. GET THE RECIPE 10 of 49 Spaghetti Squash Parmesan Greg DuPree We will not stop talking about this delicious vegetarian twist on chicken parmesan. Spaghetti squash when roasted creates pasta-like strands, creating a perfect base for a tasty Italian dish like this. Crunchy panko breadcrumbs top the cheesy, creamy squash to create a crave-worthy and easy winter meal. GET THE RECIPE 11 of 49 Spicy Dumpling Soup Jen Causey If you're looking for a vegan dinner option with a little bit of spice to warm you up, you have to try this dumpling soup. Plus, thanks to store-bought frozen vegetable dumplings, it's ready to eat in just 30 minutes. You'll know the dumplings are ready when they float to the soup's surface. GET THE RECIPE 12 of 49 Ricotta Roll-Ups in Creamy Pumpkin Sauce Victor Protasio If you have yet to cook with pumpkin, here is a great winter dinner recipe to get you started. While it may take a bit of effort, the subtle sweetness of the pumpkin paired with fresh sage, ricotta, and mozzarella makes these pasta roll-ups the dish of the season. To top it all off, the pasta is homemade, adding a whole other level of freshness. GET THE RECIPE 13 of 49 Butternut Squash Carbonara Antonis Achilleos Trying to sneak extra veggies into your family’s dinner? Look no further than this butternut squash carbonara. It’s smokey, sweet, and perfect for a weeknight meal since it can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. GET THE RECIPE 14 of 49 Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka Vodka sauce is undoubtedly loved by all, especially in cold weather when you crave something hearty. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s decadently creamy, full of flavor, and ideal for bread dipping. But keep in mind that this sauce is best enjoyed when made fresh and served immediately. GET THE RECIPE 15 of 49 Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili With Sweet Potatoes Con Poulos There’s just something about slow cooker recipes that exude comfort and joy. Not only is this low and slow chili simple to make, but the fresh ingredients and spice blend give it an abundance of flavor. We urge you to go a little crazy with toppings: Sour cream, cheese, chives, tortilla chips, sliced scallions, and radishes all go great atop this bowl. GET THE RECIPE 16 of 49 Southwestern Beef Chili With Corn Hector M. Sanchez A warm, hearty bowl of chili must be one of the most comforting meals to whip up, and this one has a little extra heat thanks to the poblano peppers. Aside from being delicious, this Southwestern chili is healthy, filling, and great for freezing leftovers. It's ready in just 30 minutes, and we promise you'll at least be tempted to go back for seconds. GET THE RECIPE 17 of 49 Potato Tot Breakfast Casserole Greg DuPree We smell a new holiday tradition! If you’re looking for the perfect special breakfast to make for dinner, this potato tot casserole has it all. It’s rich and cheesy and has everything from breakfast sausage to spicy jalapeños and chopped veggies. The best part is that you can customize it based on your family’s preferences. GET THE RECIPE 18 of 49 Classic Chicken and Dumplings Abi Gunasekaran People say “chicken soup is good for the soul,” but we think homemade chicken and dumplings are where it’s at. Don’t get overwhelmed by the thought of making dumplings from scratch. They’re simple to whip up and require just six pantry staples. GET THE RECIPE 19 of 49 Saucy Simmered Eggs Victor Protasio Need inspiration for a last-minute dinner recipe? Shakshuka is always a good idea because it’s tasty, satisfying, and will warm up any belly. Plus, you probably already have all the ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry. GET THE RECIPE 20 of 49 Vegan Cashew-Cauliflower Soup Jennifer Causey This comforting vegan soup is ultra creamy and rich, thanks to cashews. The softened cashews are mixed in with cauliflower, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, onion, garlic, thyme, and oregano. Top the soup with additional cashews, a swirl of olive oil, and freshly ground pepper before serving. GET THE RECIPE 21 of 49 Slow-Cooker Squash Lasagna Romulo Yanes You're going to love this lasagna recipe. First of all, it only requires 15 minutes of hands-on prep time before the slow cooker takes over. Layered in between lasagna noodles are squash and ricotta mixtures. It's hearty and comforting and boasts a whopping 32 grams of protein per serving. Serve with a side salad if desired. GET THE RECIPE 22 of 49 Creamy Potato-Cabbage Soup Greg DuPree In less than 30 minutes, serve yourself up some of this warm and creamy soup. Cabbage, onions, potatoes, and carrots boil in a pot of vegetable broth, creating a healthy and tasty weeknight dinner. Serve with fresh bread to sop up every bite. GET THE RECIPE 23 of 49 Butternut Enchilada Casserole Jennifer Causey If you're a fan of enchiladas, you're gonna love this healthy butternut squash twist. Although you may not immediately think of squash when you think of enchiladas, when it's seasoned with chipotle chile powder and roasted with other veggies, it creates a tender and smoky enchilada interior. The toppings take the dish to the next level. GET THE RECIPE 24 of 49 Smoky Turkey Chili Caitlin Bensel This chili recipe takes a Mexican twist with a few key ingredients. Tomatillos, poblano peppers, and cinnamon blend to create this spicy chili recipe. We topped the bowl with sour cream, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese, but feel free to get creative and top it off with what you like. GET THE RECIPE 25 of 49 Spiced Chicken and Chickpea Soup Caitlin Bensel If cold and flu season has got you down, try out a bowl of this chicken soup filled with nutrients. Ready in just an hour, this soup is a low-maintenance option for a winter weeknight. Ingredients like carrots, ginger, garlic, spinach, and lemon make this soup fresh and filling. GET THE RECIPE 26 of 49 Butternut Squash and Sausage Stuffing Greg Dupree Who says stuffing can only be served on Thanksgiving? This sausage and squash stuffing is unlike any other recipe you've tried. Filled with tender cubes of butternut squash, savory sausage crumbles, and fresh sage and parsley, this winter dish is uber-filling, moist, and the perfect casserole for the whole family to devour on a weeknight. GET THE RECIPE 27 of 49 Four Cheese Lasagna Natasia Hanratty A classic lasagna dinner might just be synonymous with comfort food. Made with four types of cheeses—provolone, mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan—this casserole is sure to send you to cheese heaven. Serve with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. GET THE RECIPE 28 of 49 French Onion Casserole Victor Protasio French onion soup takes on the shape of a casserole in this cozy dinner idea. Reminiscent of mac and cheese, penne pasta gets coated with a creamy sauce of caramelized onions, Gruyere, and cheddar. You can make this casserole up to two days ahead: Simply follow the instructions until the baking step and keep it covered in the refrigerator until then. GET THE RECIPE 29 of 49 Tortellini With Sausage and Greens Fred Hardy Calling all pasta lovers: This tortellini and sausage dish is outright delicious and might just become your new go-to pasta dish. Frozen tortellini is the shortcut ingredient that makes this weeknight meal take only 25 minutes to whip up. Choose your favorite greens to throw into the mix: spinach, kale, or escarole. GET THE RECIPE 30 of 49 Butternut Squash and Chicken Pozole Christopher Testani Never heard of Pozole? This classic Mexican soup is made with hominy and meat. In this case, we used chicken. You can whip it up in no time by taking a couple of shortcuts: Use precooked rotisserie chicken and precut butternut squash. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping. GET THE RECIPE 31 of 49 Slow-Cooker Beef and Noodle Curry Fred Hardy The slow cooker does most of the work in this curry dish. The beef becomes extremely tender and juicy after sitting in the slow cooker for hours. Pour the savory mix over the rice noodles then serve for a flavor-packed meal. GET THE RECIPE 32 of 49 Cheesy Potato Casserole Alison Miksch Okay, this casserole is definitely a guilty pleasure. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes cook in a cheesy, creamy sauce. Serve with your green vegetable of choice—think broccoli or green beans—and some garlic bread that's fresh out of the oven. GET THE RECIPE 33 of 49 Slow-Cooker Coffee-Braised Brisket With Potatoes and Carrots Sang An A single bowl of this down-home brisket and potatoes recipe might not be enough. Save a cup of coffee from your morning brew to pour into the slower cooker. When mixed with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar, the coffee braises the beef to perfection. Serve with your favorite bread for a delicious, laid-back meal. GET THE RECIPE 34 of 49 Spinach-and-Artichoke Quinoa Casserole Antonis Achilleos If you’ve ever wanted to eat a whole bowl of spinach and artichoke dip—well, now you can (sort of). This unique spin on everyone’s favorite dip is flavorful, easy to make, and completely dairy-free. Plus, the quinoa makes it super-filling. GET THE RECIPE 35 of 49 Kimchi Soup with Tofu and Bacon Jennifer Causey In just 25 minutes, whip up this warm and spicy bowl of kimchi soup. With ingredients such as kimchi, bacon, onion, ginger, and gochujang, this comforting recipe is inherently tasty and full of the deep flavor you desire. Each bowl is topped with a drizzle of sesame oil, chopped scallions, and freshly ground pepper. GET THE RECIPE 36 of 49 Cheesy Baked Beans and Tomatoes Victor Protasio All you need is a few pantry staples to throw this 20-minute weeknight meal together. Fresh mozzarella cheese. cannellini beans, tomatoes, and just a few seasonings are heated together in a skillet before being transferred to the oven to broil for a few minutes. Serve with toasted bread to help scoop up every last bit of goodness. GET THE RECIPE 37 of 49 Broccoli, Spinach, and Three-Cheese Lasagna Quentin Bacon This comforting pasta bake is made with a few shortcuts, including frozen broccoli and no-boil lasagna noodles. Plus, three different types of melty cheese are found in every crevice. The hearty bake is rounded out with a quick and easy salad that is included in the recipe. GET THE RECIPE 38 of 49 Sausage, Lentil, and Kale Soup Greg DuPree A hearty soup that's ready in just 40 minutes? Yes, you heard that right. Nutritious lentils, kale, and protein-packed sausage mix for the most delicious, cozy soup. Serve with your favorite crusty bread to sop up every last bit. GET THE RECIPE 39 of 49 Skillet Chipotle-Pork Enchiladas Victor Protasio A crave-worthy Mexican dish with all your favorite toppings, this weeknight meal is sure to satisfy your hungry bunch. Instead of having to individually roll and fill each enchilada, corn tortillas are cut into triangles and layered underneath and atop the savory pork mixture. GET THE RECIPE 40 of 49 Slow Cooker Chicken and Pasta Soup Romulo Yanes With only 5 minutes of hands-on time, the slow cooker does all the hard work to make this chicken and pasta soup. While we used the cutest star-shaped pasta, use your favorite small pasta. Serve alongside buttery crackers, and a chilled glass of white wine, if you desire. GET THE RECIPE 41 of 49 Slow Cooker Chicken Tostadas Caitlin Bensel Chicken breasts become infused with salsa, onion, and poblano flavors while in the slow cooker. While we recommend topping your tostadas with our quick and fresh pico-de-gallo recipe, you can also buy it from the store if you're looking to save even more time. These crunchy chicken tostadas go perfectly with a side of rice and beans. GET THE RECIPE 42 of 49 Slow Cooker BBQ Sweet Potato Bakers Max Kelly Pick up a rotisserie chicken from the store to put together these finger-licking BBQ sweet potato spuds. Each baker is topped with a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped chives. With just 10 minutes of active time before the slow cooker takes over, this filled sweet potato recipe might just become a repeat meal. GET THE RECIPE 43 of 49 Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Sliders Caitlin Bensel After sitting in the slow cooker all day, the beef becomes incredibly tender and juicy. The meat is then placed between slider-sized buns, along with tangy pickled jalapenos, crunchy coleslaw, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Save any leftover meat for yummy tacos or nachos. GET THE RECIPE 44 of 49 Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pie Greg DuPree Rotisserie chicken is the perfect shortcut in this skillet pot pie recipe. Buttery and flaky puff pastry becomes golden when brushed with an egg wash before baking. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. GET THE RECIPE 45 of 49 Miso Noodle Soup Greg DuPree Ten ingredients and 15 minutes are all it takes to whip up this delicious bowl of miso noodle soup from the cookbook 15 Minute Meals by Ali Rosen. Unami-packed thanks to miso paste and soy sauce, the bowl is full of flavor (and for even more flavor, swap the water for vegetable broth). On a cold night when all you need is something warm in your hands and in your belly, this cozy bowl of soup will be a winner. GET THE RECIPE 46 of 49 Crunchy Nacho Bake Greg DuPree If you're not sure what to make for dinner tonight, this nacho casserole is an easy "yes." Once the beef is cooked, black beans, tomatoes, cream cheese, and taco seasoning are added to the mix. The topping options are nearly endless: pico de gallo, jalapenos, cilantro, sour cream, you name it! GET THE RECIPE 47 of 49 Eggplant Parmesan Panini Caitlin Bensel Eggplant parmesan meets a panini in this tasty twist on the classic vegetarian dish. Melted fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, marinara sauce, and roasted eggplant are packed inside of ciabatta bread before hitting the grill or panini press. Complete the meal by serving the panini alongside a fresh garden salad. GET THE RECIPE 48 of 49 Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup Jennifer Causey On a cold day, nothing will hit the spot quite like this chunky chicken taco soup. The slow cooker makes it possible for you to only spend 10 minutes on this meal. Top with all of your favorites to take it to the next level. GET THE RECIPE 49 of 49 Deep-Dish Eggplant Parmesan Move over, chicken Parmesan—it’s time to give eggplant the credit it deserves. You don’t have to be a vegetarian to devour this hot, cheesy, saucy Italian dish. Make this deep-dish eggplant Parm for a dinner party or on a cold winter’s night. GET THE RECIPE 30+ Essential, Easy Chicken Recipes for Every Day of the Week Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit