50+ Cozy Winter Dinner Ideas To Keep You Warm
As the cold weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm and comforting dinner. And what better way to do that than with these delicious and hearty winter recipes?
From creamy chicken noodle soup to cheesy beef and rice casserole, there’s something for everyone in this collection of winter dinners. And with options for plant-based and gluten-free meals, these cozy winter recipes are perfect for any dietary preference.
Featuring seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and lentils, these comfort food recipes are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients to keep you nourished during the winter months.
So, grab a glass of red wine and get ready to indulge in these cozy and comforting winter recipes.
Easy cheesy beef and rice casserole
This easy cheesy beef and rice casserole is the perfect cozy winter dinner.
Made with just 5 ingredients, including ground beef, cheese, and French fried onions, this casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal for a chilly evening.
Simply mix everything together and bake for an easy, hearty dinner the whole family will love.
We love: Easy Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole (by The Cookin Chicks)
Apple gouda sausage pasta
Cozy up with this 30-minute creamy apple gouda sausage pasta recipe.
The delicious combination of apples and sausage in a creamy gouda sauce makes it perfect for a winter dinner.
We love: Apple Gouda Sausage Pasta (by Sugar Maple Farmhouse)
Swiss chicken casserole
This creamy Swiss chicken casserole is a perfect cozy winter dinner option.
With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping, it’s a delicious and comforting meal. Just pop it in the oven and let it bake to perfection while you cozy up indoors.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy.
We love: Swiss Chicken Casserole (by Dash For Dinner)
Thai curry coconut udon noodle soup
Looking for a cozy and flavorful meal for those chilly winter nights? This Thai curry coconut udon noodle soup is just what you need.
Loaded with aromatic spices like lemongrass and ginger, and creamy coconut milk, this dish is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
We love: Thai Curry Coconut Udon Noodle Soup (by Best of Vegan)
Spicy Korean tofu stew
This spicy Korean tofu stew is the perfect cozy winter dinner recipe.
Made with soft tofu, zucchini, and enoki mushrooms, and flavored with gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), it’s a super quick and easy dish that will warm you up on cold winter days.
With a flavorful broth and a touch of spice, it’s a dish that will quickly become a household favorite.
We love: The Spicy Korean Tofu Stew I Can’t Stop Making (by Non-Guilty Pleasures)
Smoky roasted tomato soup
This smoky roasted tomato soup is one of the best winter comfort foods. With its smoky and rich flavors, it’s sure to warm you up on a cold night.
Roasting the tomatoes and garlic brings out their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the soup. The addition of smoked paprika adds a touch of smokiness, making this soup extra comforting.
And, as always, you have to serve tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate cozy dinner experience.
Or try more of my favorite side dishes to serve with tomato soup.
We love: Smoky Roasted Tomato Soup (by RecipeTin Eats)
Turkey sloppy joe casserole
Warm up on a cold winter night with this turkey sloppy joe casserole. Made in one skillet and ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is easy and flavorful.
Ground turkey, cauliflower rice, and a variety of vegetables are simmered in a tomato sauce with brown sugar, Worcestershire, and mustard for a comforting and healthy meal. Top it all off with melted cheese for a cozy and satisfying dinner.
We love: Turkey Sloppy Joe Casserole (by The Curious Plate)
Spinach beef cannelloni
Warm up with this flavorful and filling spinach beef cannelloni recipe called manicotti.
The juicy beef filling and flavorful sauce combines the comfort of beef stew with classic lasagna. The cannelloni tubes soak up the sauce as they cook, making for a perfect cozy winter dinner dish.
It’s easy to customaise and you can do a lot of prep ahead of time.
We love: Spinach Beef Cannelloni (Manicotti) (by RecipeTin Eats)
Broccoli rice casserole
This broccoli rice casserole is the ultimate comfort dish for cozy winter nights.
Made with simple ingredients and easy to prepare, it’s a great option for a meatless Monday or as a side dish to a roasted chicken or ham.
The creamy and cheesy combination of soups and vegetables makes this dish a vegetarian main dish or a crowd-pleasing side.
We love: Broccoli Rice Casserole (by Berly’s Kitchen)
Wonton char siu noodle soup
This easy wonton char siu noodle soup is the perfect cozy and comforting dish for a winter dinner.
With tender egg noodles, leafy greens, and savory char siu pork, this homemade version of a restaurant favorite is sure to warm you up on a cold night.
It’s a great way to use up any leftover BBQ pork you may have.
We love: Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup (叉烧云吞面) (by Omnivore’s Cookbook)
Creamy gnocchi chicken soup
This creamy gnocchi chicken soup is the perfect cozy winter dinner for busy December days.
With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy gnocchi in a creamy broth, this soup is full of comforting flavors. This elevated creamy chicken soup only takes 30 minutes to make!
Serve with a warm piece of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
We love: Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Soup (by Half Baked Harvest)
Dan dan noodles
This fiery and flavorful dan dan noodle recipe is a long-standing cozy winter dinner favorite in my house.
This dish is made of fresh noodles layered in an intense savory, smoky, spicy sauce and topped with crispy ground pork, green onions, and chopped peanuts. Plus, it has a short cook time—perfect for busy weeknights!
The authentic Sichuan flavors and pantry-friendly substitutions make this dish a breeze to prepare and will definitely satisfy your noodle cravings.
We love: Dan Dan Noodles (by Carlsbad Cravings)
Easy homemade chinese wontons
These quick and easy homemade Chinese wontons are filled with tender pork and shrimp, making them the perfect cozy winter dinner for nights where you’re just feeling peckish.
Made with simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, they can be enjoyed as a light meal, snack, side dish, or addition to soup noodles.
These wontons are versatile and sure to be a hit with the whole family.
We love: Easy Homemade Chinese Wontons (by Christie At Home)
Crockpot chicken pot pie stew
This crockpot chicken pot pie stew combines all the flavors of a classic comfort food in an easy slow cooker recipe.
Just add chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings to your slow cooker and let it cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Add frozen vegetables an hour before it’s done and serve over noodles, biscuits, or potatoes.
We love: Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Stew (by The Cookin Chicks)
Easy tuna casserole with cream of mushroom soup
This easy tuna casserole with cream of mushroom soup is a classic and comforting winter dinner option.
Egg noodles, tuna, and vegetables are coated in a creamy mushroom soup and topped with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese layer.
It’s quick and simple to make, making it perfect for a cozy night in.
We love: Easy Tuna Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup (by She’s Not Cookin’)
Tater tot casserole
Tater tot casserole is the ultimate family friendly winter dinner.
Made with a creamy ground beef and vegetable mixture, and topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
It’s super easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.
We love: Tater Tot Casserole (by Dash For Dinner)
Simple to make chicken pastina soup
This simple chicken pastina soup is the perfect cozy winter soup dinner.
Made with savory chicken, tiny star-shaped pasta, and a variety of vegetables, this soup is both comforting and healthy.
The addition of lemon and dill adds a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish.
We love: Simple to Make Chicken Pastina Soup (by Two Cloves Kitchen)
Best ever chicken and rice casserole
This chicken and rice casserole is a classic American comfort food that is perfect for a cozy winter dinner.
With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish comes together quickly and easily, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights. Just mix everything together, bake, and enjoy a warm and satisfying meal.
We love: Best ever chicken and rice casserole (by The Cookin Chicks)
Gluten-free chicken casserole
Warm up on a chilly winter night with this cozy gluten-free poppy seed chicken casserole.
It’s just as tasty as the original recipe, but uses gluten-free alternatives for a quick and easy dinner.
With layers of chicken, creamy soup, cheese, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
We love: Gluten-Free Chicken Casserole (by Dash For Dinner)
Mexican vegetable soup
This easy and versatile Mexican vegetable soup is a great veggie-packed dinner.
It’s easy to customize this soup with the vegetables you have on hand. Simply blend the tomato, onion, and garlic for a smooth sauce, then add in diced vegetables like carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and green beans.
Cook in chicken or vegetable stock (for a vegan soup), add a parsley sprig, and let simmer until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
We love: How to make an easy & delightful Mexican Vegetable Soup (by Mexico in My Kitchen)
Ramen noodle soup
Ramen is the ultimate winter comfort food. I could eat it every day the whole winter through!
This simple ramen recipe is packed with tender shredded chicken flavored with fresh garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying and comforting meal that will have you coming back for more.
We love: Ramen Noodle Soup (by The Recipe Rebel)
Easy cheesy mexican chicken spaghetti
This easy cheesy Mexican chicken spaghetti is the perfect throw together winter dinner.
Combining creamy chicken spaghetti with Tex-Mex flavors, this dish is full of gooey cheese, shredded chicken, and a hint of spice. Simply mix and bake for a comforting and delicious meal.
We love: Easy Cheesy Mexican Chicken Spaghetti (by The Cookin Chicks)
Creamy chicken tortilla soup
This creamy chicken tortilla soup is an all-time winter favorite in my house.
It is loaded with shredded chicken, beans, corn, and a blend of southwestern spices. With just one pot and simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and will warm you up on a cold night.
Top it off with tortilla strips, sliced avocado, sour cream, and cilantro for a satisfying and delicious meal.
We love: Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe (by Midwest Foodie)
One pot cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole
This one pot cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole hits all the comfort food spots we crave on cold days.
With tender chicken, broccoli, and rice cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening. And with only one pot to clean up, it’s a great option for busy weeknights!
We love: One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole (by Julie’s Eats & Treats)
Easy egg drop soup
Warm up on a cold winter day with this easy egg drop soup.
Made with chicken broth, soy sauce, ginger, and mustard, this Chinese soup only takes 10 minutes to make. Drizzle beaten eggs into the broth to create delicate ribbons, and top with sliced green onions for a cozy and comforting meal.
Perfect as a light lunch or side dish to your favorite Chinese food. Once you realize how easy it is to make, you’ll never need take out egg drop soup again!
We love: How To Make Egg Drop Soup (by The Schmidty Wife)
Spicy Korean gochujang noodles
Looking to take the spice up a notch with hardly any effort? Look no further than these spicy Korean Gochujang noodles.
They’re quick and easy to make, and packed with saucy, spicy, and sweet flavors. It’s a protein-packed meal with ground meat—perfect for a chilly winter night. Top with scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro for added texture and taste.
We love: Spicy Korean Gochujang Noodles (by Eat With Clarity)
15-minute Korean noodle soup
This 15-minute Korean noodle soup is a perfect one-pot dinner for busy weekdays. M
ade with simple ingredients and flavorful sauces, this hearty dish is loaded with nutrients and can be customized with leftover meat or eggs. Serve as a main dish for a cozy winter meal.
We love: 15-Minute Korean Noodle Soup (by Omnivore’s Cookbook)
Easy hot and sour soup with chicken
I can never have enough chicken soup in winter, and this hot and sour soup is no exception!
It’s ready in just 30 minutes and is packed with authentic flavors like garlic, ginger, and shiitake mushrooms. The cooked chicken and bamboo shoots gives it a hearty and satisfying texture. Just add a splash of vinegar and hot sauce to adjust the taste to your liking.
We love: Easy Hot and Sour Soup with Chicken! (by I Heart Umami)
Crock pot creamy chicken and corn soup
This creamy chicken and corn soup is prepped in a slow cooker so that you can have a cozy meal on the table with hardly any effort.
It’s filled with tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty vegetables, all in a creamy soup base. With just a few simple ingredients and a few hours of cook time, this soup is sure to warm you up on a cold winter night.
We love: Crock Pot Creamy Chicken and Corn Soup (by Nibble and Dine)
Sheet pan gnocchi with brussel sprouts and bacon
This sheet pan gnocchi with brussel sprouts and bacon is a delicious one (sheet) pan meal that is as satisfying as it is delicious!
Shelf-stable gnocchi, bacon, and shaved brussel sprouts are tossed together on one sheet pan and baked to crispy perfection. The addition of thyme and maple syrup adds a delightful depth of flavor. Plus, with minimal prep and cleanup, this is a great option for a busy weeknight meal.
We love: Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Brussel Sprouts and Bacon (by Wandering Chickpea)
Chicken pot pie casserole without crust
This chicken pot pie casserole (without crust) is the perfect cozy winter dinner.
Made with creamy filling, tender chicken, and a biscuit topping, it’s easy to make and sure to impress. Make a large batch because it tastes even better as leftovers.
This is a must-try for busy moms and anyone looking for a comforting and delicious meal.
We love: Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Without Crust (by She’s Not Cookin’)
The best creamy chicken wild rice soup
There is just something so comforting about rice soup and this creamy and filling chicken and wild rice soup hits the comfort food spot every time.
Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich broth make this a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Make it well ahead of time for easy meal planning.
We love: The BEST Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup (by Salted Mint)
Weeknight Thai chicken meatball khao soi
The comforting flavors of Thai khao soi in this easy chicken meatball soup is a cozy and healthy dinner option for those chilly winter nights.
Tender chicken meatballs, bok choy, and flavorful Thai red curry paste are cooked in creamy coconut milk and served over noodles. Top it off with fresh herbs, lime juice, and chili oil for a warm and satisfying meal.
We love: Weeknight Thai Chicken Meatball Khao Soi. (by Half Baked Harvest)
Easy creamy baked ziti
Would this even be a list of cozy recipes if I didn’t include baked ziti?
This family favorite is made with ziti pasta, ground beef or turkey, spaghetti sauce, and Alfredo sauce, it’s a hearty and comforting dish that is sure to please. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, this baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food.
We love: Easy Creamy Baked Ziti (by The Cookin Chicks)
Pumpkin chili
This pumpkin chili recipe is a flavorful and cozy winter dinner option.
Made with ground beef or turkey, red bell pepper, sweet potato, and pumpkin puree, it’s a delicious twist on traditional chili.
Serve with a cold beer and corn muffins for the perfect comforting meal.
We love: Pumpkin Chili (by Small Town Woman)
Creamy chicken noodle soup
This creamy chicken noodle soup is the perfect cozy and hearty dish for a cold winter evening.
Filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and noodles, this soup is simmered in a rich and creamy broth that will warm you up from the inside out.
With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, this soup is the ideal winter dinner recipe.
We love: Creamy chicken noodle soup (by Spend With Pennies)
Thai coconut curry chicken soup
Cozy up this winter with a bowl of Thai coconut curry chicken soup!
Made with healthy ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and flavorful spices, this Whole30, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free dish is perfect for a chilly evening. With even a vegan option available, this soup is versatile and easy to make.
Top with fresh herbs, onion, chili oil, and cashews for a delicious and warming meal.
We love: Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Soup {Whole30 + Paleo + Gluten free + Vegan option} (by Nyssa’s Kitchen)
Creamy chicken and mushroom soup
What’s more comforting than a creamy bowl of mushroom soup? Maybe one with added chicken that’s ready in 30 minutes?
Cozy up with a bowl of this creamy chicken and mushroom soup on a chilly winter night. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and a creamy broth, it’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner.
Serve with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
We love: Creamy Chicken And Mushroom Soup (by Damn Delicious®)
Mushroom pasta
This creamy mushroom pasta is the perfect cozy winter dinner recipe.
Loaded with garlic, buttery caramelized mushrooms, and a luxurious Parmesan mascarpone sauce, this pasta is bursting with flavor and guaranteed to become a new favorite. It’s quick and super easy to make and you can easily customize it with your favorite mushrooms, protein, and veggies.
We love: Mushroom Pasta (by Carlsbad Cravings)
Thai curry chicken noodle soup!
What can be better than classic chicken noodle soup? Thai curry noodle soup!
Made with fragrant red curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh herbs, it’s a vibrant and aromatic meal that will warm you up. Plus, it’s easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes!
We love: Thai curry chicken noodle soup! (by Savvy Bites)
Chicken and cabbage soup with ginger
Looking for a cozy and flavorful winter dinner? This chicken and cabbage soup with ginger is the answer.
Made with succulent chicken thighs, vegetables, and a dash of champagne vinegar, this soup is sure to warm you up on a cold evening. Why not try it tonight, you’ll only need 30 minutes to make it!
We love: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger (by Two Cloves Kitchen)
Tan tan ramen
Another firm favorite on cold nights! A bowl of spicy tan tan ramen always warms me up on even the coldest, darkest winter days.
This Japanese dish is quick and easy to make, with a flavorful broth and crispy pork. Top with leafy greens and scallions for a satisfying meal.
We love: Tan Tan Ramen (by The Woks of Life)
Crockpot ritz chicken
This slow cooker Ritz chicken recipe is the ultimate cozy winter dinner.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, the result is a delicious and comforting dish that will warm you up on a cold evening. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a creamy soup and sour cream mixture, then topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust.
Serve it over your choice of sides for a satisfying and easy meal. I love it with creamy mashed potatoes!
We love: Crockpot Ritz Chicken (by The Cookin Chicks)
Hot and sour noodle soup
Hot and sour noodle soup (Suan La Fen 酸辣粉) is a signature Sichuan dish that is perfect for a cozy winter dinner.
Made with tender potato noodles, a savory and spicy broth, and topped with flavorful meat and garnishes, this dish is easy to make and addictive to eat. It can also be adapted to be vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
We love: Suan La Fen (Hot and Sour Noodle Soup, 酸辣粉) (by Omnivore’s Cookbook)
Healthy zuppa toscana
Cozy up this winter with a bowl of healthy zuppa toscana soup.
Loaded with tender potatoes, kale, homemade Italian sausage, and bacon, this Whole30, paleo, and dairy-free recipe is full of flavor and perfect for a chilly evening. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal for easy cleanup.
We love: Healthy Zuppa Toscana (Whole30, Paleo, Dairy Free) (by 40 Aprons)
Broccoli cauliflower casserole
This cozy broccoli cauliflower casserole is the perfect veggie-forward winter dinner option.
This easy-to-make comfort food combines veggies, creamy sauce, cheese, and optional crispy bacon all in one pan for a delicious and satisfying meal.
It’s perfect for a cold winter night and will warm you up from the inside out.
We love: Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole (by Wholesome Yum)
Ten-minute congee
If you’re looking for quick and easy winter dinner ideas, it doesn’t get quicker than this 10-minute congee recipe made with leftover cooked rice!
It’s a hearty and comforting meal that you can dress up with various toppings or keep it simple. Just blend the rice and broth, simmer with garlic and ginger, and season with fish sauce or salt.
Serve hot and enjoy!
We love: 10 Min. Easy Congee (With Leftover Rice) Recipe (by Farah J Eats)
Asian chicken noodle soup
This Asian chicken noodle soup is an adventurous alternative to classic chicken noodle soup.
It’s easy to make and packed with flavorful ingredients like garlic, ginger, and shiitake mushrooms that’ll leave you feeling happy on the coldest days.
Loaded with veggies, noodles and chicken, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for winter.
We love: Asian Chicken Noodle Soup (by I Heart Umami)
Healthy white chicken chili
This easy and delicious white chicken chili is another great winter dinner option.
With the option to make it on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or the Instant Pot, it’s a versatile and convenient meal. Plus, it’s packed with protein and flavor from chicken, white beans, and spices.
Top it off with your favorite toppings for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
We love: Healthy White Chicken Chili – Easy & Delicious (by Tastes Better From Scratch)
Cheesy brown butter bacon tortellini
This cheesy brown butter bacon tortellini epitomizes comfort food.
With tender cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, and flavorful asparagus, all coated in a luxurious brown butter sauce, this simple pasta dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and only requires one pan for easy cleanup.
Top it off with some freshly chopped basil and Parmesan cheese for a touch of freshness and extra flavor.
We love: Cheesy Brown Butter Bacon Tortellini (by Two Peas & Their Pod)
Comforting chicken miso soup
Looking for a cozy and healthy winter dinner option? Chicken miso soup is another great alternative to classic chicken noodle soup.
It’s packed with veggies and lean protein, and can be on your table in just 30 minutes. Warm up with a flavorful broth and hearty ingredients, all in one comforting bowl.
We love: Healthy and Comforting Chicken Miso Soup (by Maes Menu)
Pumpkin risotto
Creamy pumpkin risotto is a delicious dairy-free winter dinner.
With savory bacon, crispy sage, and a hint of fall spices, it’s a delicious way to embrace autumn flavors. It’s easy to customize with more protein or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a satisfying and comforting meal.
We love: Pumpkin Risotto (by Simply Whisked)
Creamy chicken enchilada soup
This creamy chicken enchilada soup is a cozy and delicious Tex-Mex dish that’s perfect for a winter dinner.
Made with tender chicken, green chiles, black beans, and corn in a cheesy and creamy broth, this easy recipe can be ready in just 30 minutes. Serve with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese and tortilla chips, for a satisfying meal.
We love: Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup (by Lemon Blossoms)
Ground beef stroganoff
This ground beef stroganoff is the perfect cozy one pan dinner recipe.
It’s creamy, flavorful, and pure comfort food. Perfect for a chilly winter night!
We love: Ground Beef Stroganoff (One Pan Dinner) (by Striped Spatula)
Buffalo chicken casserole
Warm up with our tasty buffalo chicken casserole, featuring tender chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and crispy bacon.
Topped with pepper jack cheese and served with a side of ranch dressing, this dish is perfect for a cozy winter dinner at home.
We love: Buffalo Chicken Casserole (by Gonna Want Seconds)
One pot eggplant parmesan orzo
This one pot eggplant parmesan orzo is the perfect balance of comforting and satisfying.
With sautéed eggplant, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan orzo all cooked in one pot, this dish is quick, easy, and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal.
We love: One Pot Eggplant Parmesan Orzo (by Serving Dumplings)
Frequently asked questions
As the temperatures drop and the nights get longer, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm and comforting meal. These cozy winter dinner recipes are sure to hit the spot and keep you feeling warm and satisfied.
So grab a blanket, light some candles, and enjoy these delicious and cozy dishes all season long.
