42 Winter Dinner Ideas To Warm You Up On Cold Nights (2024)

Okay, so the worst has happened: it's cold outside, and you're hungrier than ever. You love a good turkey sandwich as much as the next person, but you're craving something a little more comforting. You know – something as hot and steamy as a bowl of soup, and just as filling as some mashed potatoes? This is exactly where these winter dinner ideas come in.

Incorporate some new flavors and a whole lot of coziness into your meal rotation by checking out these cold weather meals! Make them for a crowd, or save the leftovers for a delicious lunch. Allow these winter recipes guide you to the best cozy winter dinnersof the season!

What should I make for dinner when it's cold?

When it comes to colder temperatures, you’ll want to prepare a warm, hearty meal for dinner that will warm you up in no time. Cold weather recipes like soups, stews, curries, and pot roasts are all great options.

What's a good lazy dinner?

Soups, pastas, sandwiches and tacos are all great cold weather meals to make when you really don’t feel like cooking dinner.

What should you eat on winter days?

Soups, roasted vegetables, baked potatoes and stews are perfect meals for a winter day. Ensuring you still get fruits and vegetables from your winter dinner ideas will make you feel invincible!

What should I make for dinner in January?

Make some of the tasty winter dinner ideas we’ve listed! From chili, pot pie, and mac and cheese, to ramen, chicken, and stir fry, you won’t be left uninspired for any of your January mealtimes.

What not to eat in winter?

Cold dairy products, raw fruits and veggies, and fried foods may leave you feeling yucky this winter. Avoid these groups to combat sickness and feel your best!

Slow-Cooker Mac + Cheese

Load up your slow cooker with pasta, cheeses, butter, milk, and spices, and a few hours later, you'll be in comfort food heaven. Winter recipes with melty cheese have our hearts. (via Brit + Co)

Mini Slow-Cooker Lamb Tacos

Photo by Isabella Martinez-Funcke

Beer-drenched lamb is only improved by a tomatillo-apple salsa. We think the slow cooker is the absolute MVP of cold weather meals! (via Fiestas: Tidbits, Margaritas & More for Brit + Co)

Vegan “Cheesy” Bread with Chickpea Curry Dip

These comforting bread pockets will warm you right up, along with the spiced curry dip that they're served with. (via Brit + Co)

Matzo Ball Soup

Nothing cures the winter blues like a big bowl o' matzo. When it comes to cold weather meals, this light, savory offering is one of our faves. (via Brit + Co)

Spicy Pasta Alla Vodka

Any winter dinner ideas that have a spicy kick earn bonus points in our book. This hearty, cheesy pasta has a very nice bite with the help of vodka and red pepper flakes. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

The filling for these tacos brews in the slow cooker for hours on end, and by the time it's done, your home will practically smell like comfort food. (via Brit + Co)

One-Pot Roasted Tomato Soup

This classic cozy winter meal can only be made better with some gooey grilled cheese served on the side. You know you want some! (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Slow Cooker Chana Masala

Lasagna Soup

This soup is basically like one big deconstructed lasagna. It's one of the best winter dinner ideas to make in one pot when you're feeling too lazy to cook too much or clean up at all. (via Brit + Co)

Pesto Cheese Stuffed Shells

This winter dinner recipe is sure to be a meal-prepping hit! It's filled with scrumptious cheese, pesto, and some ground spicy Italian sausage. It's saucy, cheesy, meaty – what more could you want out of a cozy dish? (via Half Baked Harvest)

Mediterranean Chicken + Pasta Bake

You never knew you need to make a yummy chicken and pasta bake meal before today. This is the perfect cozy dish to warm your senses and satiate the tummy. (via The Clever Carrot)

Vegetarian Black Bean Chili

This meat-free meal is perfect for a cold winter's night. Add quinoa, black beans, bell pepper, onions, and crushed tomatoes for a flavorful base, and warm spices and jalapeño for just the right amount of kick. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Let your slow cooker do all the hard work for you. This crock pot recipe takes only a few minutes to put together and is a wonderfully hearty meal to enjoy on a chilly night. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Mashed Potatoes

These easy-to-make mashed potatoes will become your new go-to side dish for all the winter dinner ideas you have. The magic is in the spices! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Another 30-minute meal, this lemon ricotta pasta is super versatile. Add easy grilled chicken or salmon, red pepper flakes for a little more heat, or sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost. (via Barley & Sage)

Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry

Cook flank steak in a homemade teriyaki sauce, along with broccoli, onion, and sweet red bell pepper for the perfect winter meal that shakes things up. This one only takes about 30 minutes! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Chicken Tetrazzini

Creamy béchamel sauce makes this tender chicken and pasta dish with crumb topping so tasty and comforting. Make this casserole dish in under an hour, or freeze it for the week! (via Culinary Hill)

Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs

This cold weather recipe is assembled in just one pot or skillet, so you don't have to worry about doing the dishes. Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete winter dinner! (via Cozy Cravings)

One-Pan Tofu Veggie Bowl

Another one-pan meal FTW! This plant-based bowl is packed with crispy tofu greens, and all the veggies you need to feel nourished this winter. (via The Edgy Veg)

Shepherd's Pie

A quick and easy winter dinner has never tasted better. Shepherd's Pie piles on all the veggies, potatoes, and meat to warm you up and satisfy the craving for cozy winter meals. (via Salt & Lavender)

Instant Pot Paleo Beef Stew

Immerse yourself in the deep, warm flavors of this Paleo pot roast stew. You'll be blown away by the depth! (via The Endless Meal)

Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie

Pot pie is the gift that keeps on giving. Prep this delicious comfort meal for leftovers you can enjoy all week long. Store-bought puff pastry is the ultimate hack for this winter dinner idea. (via Cozy Cravings)

Lemon Chicken Piccata

This dish looks impressive, but it's actually crazy simple to make for date nights and casual weeknights alike. (via Damn Delicious)

Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti

The only thing better than chicken parmesan or baked ziti is not having to decide between the two! This is comfort food at its finest. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Sesame Chicken Potstickers

These potstickers provide a fun group activity. Gather up your friends and make it a DIY dumpling party! (via Damn Delicious)

Classic Italian Meatballs

It's a delicate balance to make a meatball that's both tender and holds together while cooking, but this recipe does it. Make sure you use extra-soft bread in your meat mixture — it's the secret ingredient! (via Recipe Tin Eats)

Vegan Potato Leek Soup

All you need is 10 ingredients and about 30 minutes to whip up this healthy, easy soup for a winter dinner that's sure to keep you satisfied. (via Two Spoons)

Homemade Spicy Ramen with Tofu

If you're looking for something to soothe that winter cold, this ramen is savory, spicy, and as comforting as a warm blanket. Winter recipes would *not* be the same without some ramen! (via Pinch of Yum)

Garlic Sriracha Chicken

Garlic, sesame, and sriracha team up to make a powerful marinade and a zippy flavor profile in this winter dinner idea. (via Rasa Malaysia)

Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

The crock pot is a total lifesaver when it comes to winter dinner ideas. This classic chicken noodle soup is always dependable and always yummy thanks to hours-worth of simmering in some good, salty seasoning. You could even play around with the type of protein you use in the recipe, if you're just burnt out on chicken. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Asian Salmon in Foil

This yummy, easy dinner comes together in about 30 minutes and definitely beats out the winter dinner ideas that take any longer. (via Damn Delicious)

Spicy Vegan Lentil Soup

When you're looking for a little feel-good food, this vegan soup really hits the spot. It's comforting, hearty, and completely guilt-free. (via Cookie + Kate)

30-Minute Indian Butter Chicken

Make sure you have plenty of fresh naan on hand for this cozy winter meal. You'll want to soak up every last drop of the creamy tomato sauce. It's that good. (via Averie Cooks)

Roasted Carrot and Ginger Soup

Roasted veggies are a welcome change of pace when you've been indulging a little too much. This dish is definitely not lacking in the flavor department, and you'll love the garnish of fresh scallions and nuts for an added crunch. (via Show Me The Yummy)

White Chicken Chili

There's nothing like a hearty soup on a cold winter night! A little cream cheese and puréed cannellini beans are the secret to this seriously creamy chili. (via Cooking Classy)

Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry

This stir-fry comes together in 20 minutes, and it's insanely tasty. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, if you have those on hand. Cold weather recipes don't get better (or easier) than that. (via Damn Delicious)

One-Pan Apricot and Brie Stuffed Chicken Breast with Roasted Potatoes

This cold weather meal is firing on all cylinders. It's sweet, savory and creamy — *and* it all happens in one pan, so you can get through post-dinner cleanup faster. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Chicken Enchiladas

Mix things up with some Mexican fiesta influence. Enchiladas are classic comfort food and, if you're in the Southwest, put most winter dinner ideas to shame. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Pesto Bolognese Lasagna

This is the yummiest way to eat greens when you need a healthy boost from winter dinner ideas. This version of the traditional Italian soup is filled with leeks, peas, kale, and zucchini. And then… it's topped off with a flavorful basil pesto. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Lead image via Show Me the Yummy.

This post has been updated with previous reporting by Jessica Smith.

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