25 Winter Dinner Ideas That’ll Warm Your Soul and Delight Your Taste Buds
I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.
When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting meal. Winter dinners are all about hearty dishes that warm you up from the inside out. From creamy soups to savory stews, these cozy meals will make you forget about the chilly temperatures outside.
You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make a tasty winter dinner. Many recipes use simple ingredients and can be ready in no time. Whether you’re craving a classic like chicken pot pie or want to try something new like Thai red curry chicken, there are plenty of options to keep your taste buds happy all season long.
Beef Stew
You’ll need:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Brown the beef in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onions and garlic, cook until softened.
Pour in wine and broth, add tomato paste and thyme.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
Add carrots and potatoes, cook for another 30-40 minutes until tender.
Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Chicken Pot Pie
You’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pie crusts
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix chicken, vegetables, soup, broth, and seasonings in a bowl.
Line a pie dish with one crust. Pour in the filling.
Cover with the second crust. Seal edges and cut slits on top.
Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your warm, comforting chicken pot pie!
Creamy Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Melt butter in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until soft.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add broth, stirring constantly.
Add chicken and thyme. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Pour in cream and cook for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy chicken soup!
Chili
You’ll love this hearty winter chili recipe! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Brown the beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in beans, tomatoes, and spices.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve your chili hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or corn chips. Enjoy!
Lasagna
You’ll love this comforting lasagna recipe on a cold winter night. Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions:
Brown beef with onion and garlic. Add tomatoes, paste, and seasonings. Simmer 30 minutes.
Cook noodles according to package directions.
Mix ricotta with egg.
Layer in 9×13 pan: sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining sauce and Parmesan.
Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles for serving
Instructions:
Brown beef in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Simmer until thickened.
Stir in sour cream and return beef to the pan.
Cook egg noodles separately.
Serve beef stroganoff over noodles.
Baked Ziti
You’ll need:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the ziti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the sausage in a pan. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Mix the pasta with the sausage and marinara sauce.
Spread half the pasta in a baking dish. Top with dollops of ricotta and half the mozzarella.
Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, comforting baked ziti!
Shepherd’s Pie
You’ll love this classic comfort food on chilly winter nights. Here’s what you need to make a delicious shepherd’s pie:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Brown the meat in a large skillet. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until veggies soften.
Stir in peas, broth, tomato paste, and thyme. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Spread meat mixture in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes.
Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your hearty shepherd’s pie!
Roasted Vegetable Medley
You’ll need:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Mix all the veggies in a large bowl.
Add olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
Spread the veggies on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Your veggies are done when they’re tender and lightly browned.
Enjoy your colorful and tasty roasted vegetable medley!
Macaroni and Cheese
You’ll need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce. Mix well.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy your creamy mac and cheese!
Stuffed Peppers
You’ll need:
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cut peppers in half, remove seeds.
Brown beef in a pan. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
Mix in rice, tomatoes, and half the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Stuff peppers with mixture. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until peppers are tender.
Enjoy your warm, comforting stuffed peppers on a chilly winter night!
Casserole Dishes
You’ll love these cozy winter casseroles:
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
- Chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, rice, poppy seeds
- Mix ingredients, top with crushed crackers, bake until golden
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
- Cauliflower, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, bacon
- Steam cauliflower, mix with cheeses, top with bacon, bake until bubbly
Pork and Pumpkin Cornbread Casserole
- Ground pork, pumpkin, spices, cornbread mix
- Brown pork with spices, layer with pumpkin, top with cornbread, bake until set
Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake
- Pasta, chicken, spinach, mushrooms, cream sauce
- Cook pasta, mix with other ingredients and sauce, bake until golden
These hearty dishes will warm you up on chilly nights. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Chicken and Dumplings
You’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions:
Mix broth, soup, and 1 cup milk in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
Add chicken and veggies. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Stir in melted butter and 3/4 cup milk to make dumpling dough.
Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering pot.
Cover and cook for 15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.
Serve hot and enjoy your cozy meal!
Pork Roast with Apples
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb pork roast
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup apple juice
- Salt and pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large pot. Season pork with salt and pepper.
Sear the roast on all sides until browned.
Add apple juice, apple slices, onions, and bay leaf.
Cover and simmer for 3 hours on low heat.
Remove bay leaf before serving.
Slice the roast and serve with the cooked apples and onions.
Vegetable Curry
You’ll need:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g. sweet potato, cauliflower, broccoli)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
Add vegetables and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Season with salt to taste. Serve hot over rice.
Gnocchi with Spinach
Ingredients:
- 1 package gnocchi
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Toss in the cooked gnocchi and stir to combine with the spinach.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir until melted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious gnocchi with spinach!
Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb beef brisket
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix the broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar in your slow cooker.
Rub the brisket with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place the brisket in the slow cooker and cover with the liquid mixture.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender.
Remove the brisket and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Serve with the cooking juices spooned over the top.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
You’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 shallot, diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat broth in a pot. Keep warm.
Sauté mushrooms in a pan with 1 tablespoon oil until golden. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat remaining oil and butter. Add shallot, cook until soft.
Add rice, stir to coat with oil. Toast for 2 minutes.
Pour in wine, stir until absorbed.
Add warm broth, 1/2 cup at a time. Stir often. Wait for each addition to absorb before adding more.
Cook for about 18-20 minutes, until rice is creamy and tender.
Stir in mushrooms and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting winter meal!
Sweet Potato Chili
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sweet potatoes, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Stir occasionally until sweet potatoes are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cheese.
Italian Wedding Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like orzo or acini di pepe)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 onion, diced
Instructions:
Mix beef, sausage, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
Brown meatballs in a large pot. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté carrots, celery, and onion until soft.
Add broth and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender.
Return meatballs to the pot and add spinach. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Italian Wedding Soup!
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Ingredients:
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook pasta according to package directions. Add peas in the last minute if using.
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and milk.
Pour half the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish.
Sprinkle half the mozzarella over the pasta.
Add remaining pasta mixture and top with rest of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy, comforting dinner!
Sloppy Joes
You’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 hamburger buns
Instructions:
Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook until soft.
Stir in ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve the meat mixture on toasted hamburger buns.
Seafood Chowder
You’ll need:
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, white fish)
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Melt butter in a large pot. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
Add potatoes and stock. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in corn and cream. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add seafood. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Beef Noodle Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
Stir in tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix the sauce with the cooked noodles in a large bowl.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top with shredded cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting winter meal!
Moroccan Tagine
You’ll need:
- 1 lb lamb or chicken, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dried apricots
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp each: cumin, coriander, cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat oil in a tagine or large pot. Add meat and brown for 5 minutes.
Add onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in spices, tomatoes, apricots, and honey. Bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours until meat is tender.
Sprinkle with almonds before serving. Enjoy with couscous or bread!
