Whether you’re reading this at the start of winter or at the very end, it honestly doesn’t matter. Winter dinner recipes are always gonna be a good idea because they’re so ridiculously comforting and good.
In fact, it’s my favorite time to be in the kitchen. I love having a weekly lineup of cozy recipes for dinner. There’s something so nice about heating up the home with a hearty home-cooked meal.
And whether you enjoy cozy recipes like creamy pasta bakes or a classic comfort food like mac and cheese, I legit think you’re gonna find plenty of cozy recipes that’ll work for your winter meal plan.
So turn on the oven and cozy up to cold weather meals for your winter nights all season long. You deserve it. 🥘
1. Creamy Pesto Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes
If you’re a dedicated pesto lover who also likes restaurant-quality pasta dishes, then this is just for you.
I’ve made this a couple of times and it’s highly addictive. The creamy pesto works so well with the savory chicken and tangy bursting oven-roasted cherry tomatoes.
Honestly one of the best comfort food dishes I’ve ever made. 10/10 would recommend. 👌
Pro tip: I really liked using Barilla brand for pesto. Not sponsored, it just tasted great.
GET THE RECIPE2. Guinness Beef Chili
I love any cold weather food that’s incredibly hearty and packed with flavor, and this cozy meal looks like it’s the perfect cure for cold, dreary days.
Also, it’s kind of hard to go wrong with chili that’s filled with Guinness, beef, and incredible spices. I honestly think this is the perfect winter staple for chilly days (no pun intended).
GET THE RECIPE3. Caramelized Onion & Parmesan Pasta
I will never stop singing the praises of this cozy winter recipe.
Are the caramelized onions a bit of a process? Yes. But will you also have probably the best pasta dish of your life? Also yes.
It’s so ridiculously rich, creamy, savory, and satisfying. I honestly think it should become a staple in your weekly meal plan this winter.
Side Note: I omitted the chili oil since I couldn’t find it where I was, and I added a lot more parmesan because it’s kind of hard to add too much cheese.
GET THE RECIPE4. Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
I really want to dive more into certain types of cuisine, and southern Creole is one of them. Also, this cozy dinner recipes looks like a great place to start! It’s packed with savory and hearty ingredients like bacon, sausage, smoked ham, and beans. Probably one of the best cold weather recipes to cozy up to in your pajamas this season.
GET THE RECIPE5. Beef Tenderloin Tips in Mushroom Gravy
I love steak tips (I recently made some and topped them on carbonara – so good!), and this recipe sounds like a clear winner. It’s buttery rich goodness, and it’s kinda hard to go wrong with this cold season staple. Also with mushrooms, you’re probably gonna get some nice umami flavors.
Just make sure to pair it with mashed potatoes and you’re all set!
GET THE RECIPE6. Rigatoni Bolognese
If you’re curating an entire list of cold weather dinner ideas, then this should definitely be in there. Also, I love a good comforting pasta dish for a winter dinner; it’s always so satisfying and delicious!
And with zesty tomatoes and filling beef and pork, this is the kind of recipe you make and enjoy all week long when it’s cold outside.
GET THE RECIPE7. Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops
Pork chops are so good when you do them right, and especially when they have cream, bacon, cheese, and garlic.
Pair them with some rice or pasta, and you have a pretty good dinner with comforting flavors during the cold winter months! Also, it might just taste even better the next day. 🤷♀️
GET THE RECIPE8. Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
If you love tater tots and bakes, then this is probably one of the most perfect winter dinner ideas for you. Also, it’s hearty, cheesy goodness so you really can’t go wrong. And while it might not be healthy, it’s a great dish for cozying up to on a cold winter’s night.
GET THE RECIPE9. Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Crockpot soups are always a good idea for cold winter nights. The smell of them cooking fills up the entire home for hours and makes you feel incredibly cozy.
And this creamy tortellini soup definitely has my attention! With Italian sausage and cheese filled tortellini, I can’t imagine not being satisfied after this tasty dish.
I honestly feel like this is a great way to cheer yourself up on the next dreary day.
GET THE RECIPE10. Vegan Polenta With Roasted Mushrooms
Whether you’re vegan or not, I feel like this recipe demands to be made. It looks so creamy and delicious, and polenta is always a good idea for dinner. Also, if you want to make this a non-vegan recipe, you could always add steak, a poached egg, or garlicky chicken.
It’s a great quick and easy meal for when you want to stay in during the cold months.
GET THE RECIPE11. Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
I love potatoes ah gratin which means this should be on my list for winter meal ideas.
Also, I am definitely down for trying the sweet potato version. It’s cheesy, hearty, buttery, and wonderfully spiced. I think you and your family need this on your weekly rotation of cozy and filling meals this week. It’s a great way to take a classic comfort food and change it up.
GET THE RECIPE12. Beef Enchilada Pasta (One Pan)
This looks like the ultimate winter comfort food which means I need to make it very soon. There’s just something about stuffing your face full of cheesy meaty noodles; it’s so incredibly satisfying.
And this beef enchilada pasta looks like it would definitely hit the spot if you’re craving cold weather foods.
GET THE RECIPE13. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
This is probably one of the most elevated looking cozy dinner ideas on this list.
It’s the kind of recipe you make when you wanna feel like you’re Martha Stewart, or you kind of wanna impress your friends. So the next time you have a get together, try this dish out and see if they start asking your for the recipe.
GET THE RECIPE14. Creamy Steak Pasta (With Mushroom & Whiskey Sauce)
I love steak and pasta! Earlier I talked about how I had made buttery garlicky steak tips and topped them on carbonara (my husband’s idea). It was incredible and super rich.
Also, while this looks like a recipe that’d have you in the kitchen for a hot minute, it’s actually a quick and delicious winter dinner. It only takes 30 minutes from start to end which honestly surprised me.
GET THE RECIPE15. Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about gnocchi dishes on cold evenings. And this recipe with bacon, cheese, cream, and gnocchi look ridiculously tasty. With a lot of flavor and a creamy and savory broth, you and your family will probably love it.
GET THE RECIPE16. Slow Cooker Pork Roast
Another good slow cooker recipe and this one really gives you those warm and nostalgic feelings. At least it does for me; I remember my mom making cozy meals like this on cold evenings.
Also, if you want a recipe that’s super tasty, hearty, and will feed you most nights this week, then this is probably it. You really can’t go wrong with pork roast and flavorful slow cooked veggies.
GET THE RECIPE17. Dutch Oven Creamy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes
Yes. This one sounds like an immediate win.
It’s one of those winter recipes where you decide to not care about the calories and you’re so glad you didn’t. And with a prep time of just 5 minutes, hearty potatoes, and LOTS of seasonings, I think this needs to be at the top of your list.
GET THE RECIPE18. No bake Stovetop Mac and Cheese With Crispy Panko
It’s really hard to go wrong with mac and cheese. I mean creamy pasta and cheese on a cold winter’s night; both go hand in hand so well. Maybe pair it with some oven baked drum sticks for the protein and you’re good to go!
GET THE RECIPE19. Rustic Roasted Winter Vegetable Chowder
Something sounds so cozy about a rustic chowder with roasted veggies. I mean, you’re getting comforting potatoes and butternut squash in a warm savory broth. It’s sounds like a very good dinner to enjoy during the colder months.
GET THE RECIPE20. Braised Short Rib Risotto With Mushrooms
Risotto with mushrooms and braised short ribs. This is the kind of winter dinner recipe you make when you want your family (or date) to think you’re essentially a cooking genius.
And with red wine, parmesan, and garlic, you know it’s gonna be flavorful and an incredible meal.
GET THE RECIPE21. Easy Delicious Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts
While it might not be authentic Italian food, Mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts will never not be good. I love slicing them open and seeing all the melty cheese coming out. Great to pair with some rice or pasta!
GET THE RECIPE22. Pastel Azteca (Mexican Chicken Casserole)
This is one of those winter recipes for dinner that you make when you’re craving something with good flavor. Also, I bet it smells great as it’s cooking in the oven!
And with cream, cheese, chicken, and veggies, you and/or your family are probably gonna fall in love.
GET THE RECIPE23. Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole
No need to head to your local Tex-Mex restaurant on a super cold evening.
This good Mexican-inspired dish looks like it’ll satisfy your cravings. and sounds super satisfying. Pair with some pan-fried corn tortillas or tostadas and you’re all set for a cozy night in!
GET THE RECIPE24. Hearty Curry Pumpkin Soup With Chicken
Curry pumpkin soup sounds like one of the best winter dinners right now! I can just imagine spooning up a bowl with some steaming jasmine rice and enjoying on a cold dark night.
Also, the recipe is fairly simple and can be made in less then thirty minutes, so if you don’t wanna spend a lot of time on your feet, then this is a great one to try this week.
GET THE RECIPE25. Easy Homemade Beef Stew
It’s a classic so it’d be a bit strange to not include this in any comfort food meal planning. Also, you’ll probably have leftovers if you want some warm cozy lunches that week.
GET THE RECIPE26. Instant Pot Pot Roast
An instant pot beef roast sounds so delicious and convenient! I mean there’s nothing wrong with slow cooking, but if you want it quicker, then this is a great option for your busier winter nights!
GET THE RECIPE27. Creamy Pesto Tortellini Bake With Mozzarella
Ok, creamy pesto tortellini bake with mozzarella. Think about that. Think about each of those words and the ingredients. How does that not sound good? And on top of that, it yields 8 servings which makes it good for a family or if you’re eating solo and don’t wanna cook that much.
GET THE RECIPE28. One Pot Chicken and Rice
A one pot chicken and rice dinner sounds so simple and wholesome on a cold evening! It’s a cozy and hearty mix of tasty spices, savory chicken, comforting rice, and nutritious veggies. Perfect for any winter meal plan.
GET THE RECIPE29. Chicken Potato Soup
If you’re in the soup kind of mood, then I think a cozy steaming bowl of chicken potato soup is a great recipe to try. Also, put a bit of bacon on top and it’s just perfect. 👌
GET THE RECIPE
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.