15 Easy Cold Weather Dinner Ideas

Kasey Spencer
Cold Weather Dinner Ideas

When temperatures drop, it’s time for warming, hearty meals that offer both comfort and simplicity. The following 15 recipes are perfect for chilly evenings—featuring robust flavors, cozy textures, and minimal fuss.

Cold Weather Dinner Ideas

Enjoy these satisfying dinner ideas that will keep you snug all season long!

1. Classic Beef Stew

Beef stew with carrots

A timeless winter favorite. Tender beef chunks, carrots, and potatoes simmer in a rich, flavorful broth—perfect for cold nights.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 1½–2 hours (mostly simmering)
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  2. 1½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 carrots, sliced
  5. 2 celery stalks, sliced
  6. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  7. 4 cups beef broth
  8. 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
  9. 2–3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
  10. 1 bay leaf (optional)
  11. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Brown Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high. Sear stew meat until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until onion is translucent. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.
  3. Combine and Simmer: Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Add Potatoes: Stir in cubed potatoes. Continue simmering for another 20–30 minutes or until beef and potatoes are tender.
  5. Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.

2. Creamy Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken dumplings soup

A bowl of chicken and dumplings is the epitome of cozy comfort. Fluffy dumplings float in a savory, creamy broth with tender chicken and vegetables.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  2. 1 onion, diced
  3. 2 carrots, sliced
  4. 2 celery stalks, sliced
  5. 6 cups chicken broth
  6. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  7. ½ cup milk or half-and-half
  8. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
  10. Dumpling Ingredients (optional shortcut: biscuit dough): 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon butter, softened, ½ cup milk

Recipe Steps:

  1. Sauté Veggies: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until the onion is translucent.
  2. Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth, then stir in shredded chicken. Bring to a gentle boil.
  3. Thicken Broth: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk (or half-and-half) and 2 tablespoons flour. Stir this slurry into the soup to thicken.
  4. Make Dumplings: Combine flour, baking powder, salt, softened butter, and ½ cup milk to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm.

3. Vegetarian Chili

Homemade Organic Vegetarian Chili

Beans, vegetables, and spices come together in a hearty chili that’s so satisfying you won’t miss the meat.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 30–35 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 1 bell pepper, chopped
  4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  5. 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  6. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  7. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  8. 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  9. 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  10. 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
  11. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Sauté Onion and Pepper: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Cook onion and bell pepper until softened. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.
  2. Add Spices: Stir in chili powder and cumin, cooking briefly to release flavors.
  3. Combine Beans and Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, black beans, and broth.
  4. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or more chili powder as desired. Top with cheese, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

4. Shepherd’s Pie (Cottage Pie)

Shepherd's pie

This classic dish layers savory ground meat, vegetables, and a mashed potato topping that turns golden in the oven.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 45–50 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 2 carrots, diced
  4. 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  5. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  6. 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  7. 1 cup beef broth
  8. 2 cups mashed potatoes
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Brown Meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
  2. Sauté Veggies: Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook until carrots start to soften. Stir in tomato paste.
  3. Add Broth and Peas: Pour in broth, and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in peas (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Assemble: Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes on top.
  5. Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are golden on top and the filling is bubbling.

5. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

Cream of tomato soup with grilled cheese

A quick classic perfect for the cold: dunk grilled cheese sandwiches into a velvety tomato soup.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients (Soup):

  1. 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  2. 1 small onion, diced
  3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  4. 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (or use crushed tomatoes)
  5. 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  6. ½ cup milk or cream (optional)
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Grilled Cheese (per sandwich): 2 slices bread, 2 slices cheese (cheddar, American, etc.) 1 tablespoon butter

Recipe Steps (Soup):

  1. Sauté Onion: Melt butter in a pot. Cook onion until translucent, then stir in garlic for 1 minute.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in tomatoes (with juice) and broth. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Blend: Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a blender to purée until smooth. Return to pot.
  4. Add Cream (Optional): Stir in milk or cream if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Recipe Steps (Grilled Cheese):

  1. Assemble Sandwich: Place cheese slices between bread.
  2. Butter and Grill: Butter the outside of each slice. Grill in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
  3. Serve Together: Cut the sandwich into halves or strips for easy dunking in tomato soup.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Healthy chicken tortillas soup

Minimal prep, big flavor. The slow cooker does the work, and you’re rewarded with a spicy, comforting soup topped with crunchy tortilla strips.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 4–6 hours in slow cooker
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  4. 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (or tomato sauce + extra spices)
  5. 1 cup chicken broth
  6. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  7. 1 teaspoon cumin
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Tortilla strips, shredded cheese, avocado (for garnish)

Recipe Steps:

  1. Layer Ingredients: Place chicken in the slow cooker. Add onion, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, broth, chili powder, and cumin.
  2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours (or high for 3–4 hours).
  3. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return to the soup. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve: Ladle into bowls. Top with tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

7. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Warm, cheesy, and easy to assemble—this casserole is a one-dish wonder for those cold, busy nights.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 30–35 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
  2. 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  3. 1 cup cooked chicken (optional)
  4. 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or chicken soup (low-sodium if preferred)
  5. ½ cup milk
  6. 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat Oven: 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
  2. Combine Base: In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, broccoli, chicken (if using), soup, milk, and 1 cup of cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Transfer and Top: Spread mixture into the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
  4. Bake: Cook for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.

8. Butternut Squash Soup

Homemade Hot Butternut Squash Soup

Sweet butternut squash, onions, and a touch of spice make this soup warm and inviting. Serve with crusty bread.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 30–35 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. 1 small onion, chopped
  3. 2–3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  4. 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  5. 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Sauté Onion: Heat oil in a pot. Cook onion until translucent.
  2. Add Squash and Broth: Stir in cubed squash, thyme, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until squash is tender.
  3. Blend: Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a stand blender) to purée until smooth.
  4. Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper. If desired, swirl in a little cream or coconut milk for extra richness.

9. Lentil and Sausage Stew

Lentils stew with fried pork sausages

Hearty lentils meet savory sausage in a comforting stew. Add extra vegetables to make it even more wholesome.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 35–40 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 carrots, chopped
  5. 2 celery stalks, chopped
  6. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  7. 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
  8. 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  9. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Brown Sausage: Heat oil in a large pot. Cook sausage, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté Veggies: Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until onions soften.
  3. Add Lentils and Broth: Stir in lentils, broth, and oregano. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  4. Season: Add salt and pepper. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like.

10. Baked Ziti

Ziti bolognese in baking dish, pasta casserole with minced meat, tomato sauce and cheese, square

Pasta, tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese—baked to perfection. A sure-fire family favorite on cold nights.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 30–35 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 pound ziti (or penne) pasta
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 pound ground beef (optional)
  4. 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  5. 1 cup ricotta cheese
  6. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  7. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat Oven: 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain.
  3. Brown Meat (If Using): Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook ground beef, draining excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce.
  4. Combine and Layer: In a large bowl, mix pasta with the sauce and ricotta cheese. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella. Season if needed.
  5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

11. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie on a black background, side view. Copy space.

All the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie without dealing with multiple pie crusts. Creamy filling under a golden biscuit topping.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 35–40 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
  2. 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  5. 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade white sauce)
  6. ½ cup milk
  7. 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough or homemade biscuit dough
  8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Preheat Oven: 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sauté Onion and Veggies: Melt butter in a skillet, cook onion and vegetables until onion is soft.
  3. Combine Filling: Stir in chicken, soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish.
  4. Top with Biscuits: Place biscuits on top of the filling.
  5. Bake: Cook for about 20–25 minutes or until the biscuits are golden and the filling is bubbly.

12. White Chicken Chili

White chicken Chili

A lighter chili with a creamy broth, tender chicken, and white beans. Warm spices and a hint of heat make it cold-weather-friendly.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. 1 onion, chopped
  3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  5. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  6. 4 cups chicken broth
  7. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  8. 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
  9. ½ cup milk or half-and-half (optional)
  10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Sauté Onion: Warm olive oil in a pot. Cook onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, and chili powder for 1 minute.
  2. Add Broth and Beans: Pour in chicken broth. Stir in shredded chicken and white beans.
  3. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Creamy Finish (Optional): Stir in milk or half-and-half for a slightly creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper.

13. Mushroom Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff with mushrooms in frying pan. White background. Top view

Earthy mushrooms and a tangy, creamy sauce served over egg noodles—comforting yet meat-free.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 25–30 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  2. 1 pound mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  5. 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  6. 1 cup vegetable or beef broth
  7. ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Cooked egg noodles for serving

Recipe Steps:

  1. Sauté Mushrooms and Onion: Heat butter in a skillet. Add mushrooms and onion; cook until mushrooms release moisture and brown. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.
  2. Add Broth: Pour in broth and paprika if desired. Simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  3. Stir in Sour Cream: Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream (or yogurt). Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve: Spoon over cooked egg noodles.

14. Chili Mac

Homemade Chili Mac and Cheese

Combining two comfort foods—chili and macaroni—this hearty dish is cheesy, filling, and ideal for a quick weeknight meal.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients:

  1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  3. 1 onion, chopped
  4. 2 teaspoons chili powder
  5. 1 teaspoon cumin
  6. 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  7. 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  8. 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  9. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  10. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

  1. Brown Meat: Heat oil in a pot. Cook ground beef or turkey, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Sauté Onion and Spices: Add onion; cook until translucent. Stir in chili powder and cumin.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and broth. Bring to a boil.
  4. Add Macaroni: Stir in uncooked macaroni. Cover and simmer for about 8–10 minutes until pasta is tender.
  5. Cheesy Finish: Stir in shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Top with extra cheese if desired.

15. Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans

A lean twist on the classic meatloaf served alongside creamy mashed potatoes—perfect for cozy nights indoors.

Recipe Metadata:

  • Time to Make: 45–50 minutes
  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients (Meatloaf):

  1. 1 pound ground turkey
  2. 1 small onion, finely chopped
  3. 1 egg
  4. ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  5. 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients (Mashed Potatoes):

  1. 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
  2. 2 tablespoons butter
  3. ½ cup milk (or half-and-half)
  4. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps (Meatloaf):

  1. Preheat Oven: 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine turkey, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup (if using), salt, and pepper. Form into a loaf shape and place in a greased loaf pan.
  3. Bake: Cook for about 30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Recipe Steps (Mashed Potatoes):

  1. Boil Potatoes: Cook potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain.
  2. Mash: Add butter and milk. Mash to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Serve: Slice meatloaf and serve alongside warm mashed potatoes.
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