These comforting winter dinner ideas will warm you right up! From chilis to casseroles, these recipes are all healthy, cozy, and delicious.
I’ve included a wide variety of cooking methods, including stovetop, Instant Pot, slow cooker, sheet pan/oven roasting, and more. Because I like to switch things up. 🙂 And I want to make sure you have lots of options to choose from!
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Cozy Dinner Ideas for Cold Weather
There’s nothing better than a hot meal on a chilly night. It’s just so satisfying. Whether it’s soup with a hunk of crusty bread or a creamy enchilada bake, all of these meals will keep your families happy and your bellies full!
And of course, they’re all nutritious and full of flavor. So let’s dive in!
Winter Soups & Chili
Winter is the perfect time for hearty soups and chilis. Here are some of my favorites! For even more, check out this list of healthy soup & chili recipes.
This is the perfect healthy comfort meal for a busy weeknight.
The combination of ground turkey, fire-roasted tomatoes, sautéed onions, spices, and three types of beans make this turkey chili recipe both healthy and delicious.
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This chicken tortilla soup is flavorful and savory – one of our absolute faves!
And, because it’s cooked in an Instant Pot, it comes together in under 30 minutes flat!
Sweet Potato & Lentil Coconut Curry
This curry is vegetarian, but it’s definitely hearty enough for meat eaters, too! The sweet potatoes make it a great seasonal choice.
And, it’s packed with flavor from spices, coconut milk, and Thai basil. Yum!
I love how easy minestrone soup is.
Plus, it’s light yet filling, with a delicious combination of beans, whole grain pasta, vegetables, and tasty broth.
This white bean chicken chili is the ultimate cozy (and healthy!) winter meal. We’ve made this recipe over and over!
Delicious on its own, or add your favorite toppings: avocado, crushed tortilla chips, Greek yogurt, etc.
Comforting Casseroles & Oven-Roasted Dinners
Fire up that oven and get roasting for an uber-comforting and delicious winter meal.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This casserole is super satisfying, with those nostalgic broccoli cheddar soup flavors, but without being too heavy.
And the leftovers keep well, so you can make a big batch of it and enjoy it throughout the week!
These creamy chicken enchiladas are a lightened-up version, swapping Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. But they’re just as tangy and delicious!
Stuffed peppers are such a simple and nourishing meal.
So versatile, too: perfect for using whatever fillings you have on hand and whatever flavors you’re craving!
Healthier Tuna Noodle Casserole
I tweaked this classic casserole recipe to be veggie-packed.
Tastes just like your favorite childhood comfort food, but lighter and more nutritious!
Mediterranean Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs
I love a dump-and-bake recipe, and sheet pan meals are where it’s at!
These Mediterranean chicken thighs and veggies are an easy and healthy, all-in-one meal that’s a frequent staple in our house.
Even if you aren’t a huge fan of meatloaf, you should try these turkey meatloaf muffins! They’re packed with flavor from the herbs & dijon mustard, and they go well with practically any side dish.
They even make a great protein-filled snack because they are muffin sized!
This salmon is drizzled in a simple but so flavorful lemon dijon sauce, then baked alongside the veggies of your choice.
Super simple and healthy – a perfect weeknight meal!
Vegan & Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie
Fluffy mashed potatoes nestled atop savory veggies: does it get any more comforting than that? I think not!
This recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, too.
Instant Pot Winter Dinners
If you have an Instant Pot (which I highly recommend!), you’ll love these quick and easy winter dinner ideas.
Instant Pot Farro & Veggie Risotto
This creamy, savory risotto is made in an Instant Pot, so it’s done in a fraction of the time (and with less work)!
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash & Vegan Bolognese
This spaghetti squash and lentil bolognese is totally crave-worthy. It’s vegan, but even meat eaters will love it!
Maple Mustard Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful maple and dijon mustard sauce. They come out super tender. And with the Instant Pot, it’s easy to toss in potatoes and carrots to make a complete meal in one pot!
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I hope these cozy winter dinner ideas have you inspired. 🙂 Feel free to share some of your favorites (from this list or otherwise) in the comments!
