Updated: Jan 10, 2025 · Published: Jan 18, 2024 by Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

25 Cozy Winter Meals for When it's Too Cold to Go Outside

As the cold weather sets in, I find myself craving hearty, home-cooked meals. In this post, I've gathered 25 cozy winter meals that are perfect for those days when it's too cold to venture outside.

A bowl of Dutch oven meatballs in tomato sauce with pasta. The bowl is surrounded by a wedge of parmesan cheese, garlic heads, basil, tomatoes, and a cheese grater.

From hearty soups to easy one-pot dishes, these simple and comforting winter dinner ideas are guaranteed to warm you up. So, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, pick up your favorite book or movie, and let the delicious scents wafting from your kitchen set the stage for a warm and relaxing winter evening indoors.

Table of Contents -

1. Chicken Pot Pie

2. Italian Meatballs

3. Braised Beef with Mushroom Gravy

4. Dutch Oven Turkey Breast

5. Beef and Bean Chili

6. Turkey Shepherd's Pie

7. Chicken Noodle Soup

9. Linguine Bolognese

10. Turkey Pumpkin Chili

11. Corned Beef and Cabbage

12. Sourdough Focaccia Pizza

13. Stuffed Peppers

14. Sourdough Grilled Cheese

15. Red Lentil Curry with Sweet Potatoes

16. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

17. Lemon Garlic Whole Roasted Chicken

18. Blackened Salmon Pasta

19. Pesto Rigatoni

20. Parmesan Garlic Pizza

21. Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

22. Bolognese Pizza

23. Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna

24. Pumpkin Soup

25. Fettuccine Alfredo

25 Cozy Winter Meals

1. Chicken Pot Pie

A piece of chicken pot pie on a small white plate.

Chicken Pot Pie

This Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie is a quick and easy one-pot meal filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy gravy. Topped with a single pie crust, it's a lighter take on a comfort food classic that is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

A slice of dutch oven chicken pot pie on a white plate. There is a fork in the slice of chicken pot pie as if someone is about to take a bite. The pie is garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

2. Italian Meatballs

A bowl of spaghetti and meatballs topped with grated parmesan cheese and a single basil leaf. Out of focus in the background is a few garlic heads, basil leaves, tomatoes, and a block of parmesan cheese.

Italian Meatballs

These Dutch Oven Meatballs are seared to perfection, then simmered in homemade tomato sauce for the most tender, juicy, and flavorful meatballs you’ll ever taste. Made entirely in one pot, this classic Italian dish is perfect for the holidays and is make ahead-friendly.

A bowl of Dutch oven meatballs in tomato sauce with pasta.

3. Braised Beef with Mushroom Gravy

A serving of dutch oven steak tips on a pile of mashed potatoes.

Braised Beef with Mushroom Gravy

Dutch Oven Steak with Mushroom Gravy is an easy, one-pot recipe made with only 10 ingredients. Rich, hearty, and satisfying, each step builds upon the last, leading to juicy, fork-tender beef and flavorful mushroom gravy. It's sure to become a new family favorite dinner recipe.

Dutch oven steak served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

4. Dutch Oven Turkey Breast

Slices of dutch oven turkey breast smothered in gravy on a dinner plate with stuffing and vegetables.

Dutch Oven Turkey Breast

This Dutch Oven Turkey Breast is unbelievably tender, juicy, and flavorful. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, both the turkey breast and gravy come together in one pot. It’s the perfect recipe for a small Thanksgiving gathering or a hearty weeknight meal.

Slices of dutch oven turkey breast smothered in gravy. On the plate next to the turkey is stuffing and green beans.

5. Beef and Bean Chili

Dutch oven chili topped with sour cream and cilantro in a white bowl next to two pieces of cornbread.

Beef and Bean Chili

This Dutch Oven Chili is rich, hearty, and loaded with flavorful ground beef, beans, and spices. Easy to make with just one pot, this stovetop chili recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Serve it with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and cilantro for the ultimate comfort food dish.

A bowl of Dutch oven chili topped with sour cream and cilantro. The dish is next to a small jar of chili seasoning and a piece of cornbread.

6. Turkey Shepherd's Pie

A cast iron skillet filled with ground turkey shepherd's pie. A single slice of the dish is missing from the skillet and is on a small white plate to the left.

Turkey Shepherd's Pie

This Ground Turkey Shepherd's Pie is made in a cast iron skillet with tender ground turkey, flavorful vegetables, and fresh herbs for the best tasting shepherd's pie you'll ever try.

A cast iron skillet filled with ground turkey shepherd's pie. A single slice of the dish is missing from the skillet and is on a small white plate to the left.

7. Chicken Noodle Soup

A light purple Dutch oven filled with chicken noodle soup. There is a wooden spoon in the pot.

Chicken Noodle Soup

This Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food meal. Ideal for quick and easy weeknight dinners, this one-pot recipe ensures minimal cleanup and is beginner-friendly. It uses simple, fresh ingredients and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

A light purple Dutch oven filled with chicken noodle soup. There is a wooden spoon in the pot.

8. Potato Soup

A white bowl of 4 ingredient potato soup topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and scallions. The bowl is sitting on a butcher block countertop and there is a white cloth napkin to the left.

Potato Soup

This 4 Ingredient Potato Soup is so simple, creamy, and delicious. You'll be amazed at how rich and flavorful a soup made with only potatoes, onion, milk, and butter can be. Coming together in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy potato soup is sure to be a new comfort food favorite.

A white bowl filled with 4 ingredient potato soup. The soup is topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and scallions. There is a silver spoon sticking out of the soup bowl to the right.

9. Linguine Bolognese

A small plate of linguine bolognese next to a white cloth napkin, dried linguine noodles, and parmesan cheese.

Linguine Bolognese

This Linguine Bolognese is slow-simmered to perfection, then tossed with linguine pasta, for a rich, hearty, and authentic Italian meal that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Made with ground beef, San Marzano tomatoes, and white wine, it’s perfect for special occasions and delicious weekend dinners.

A plate of linguine bolognese garnished with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese.

10. Turkey Pumpkin Chili

A white ceramic pumpkin-shaped mug filled with pumpkin white bean chili. Out of focus in the background is a white bowl of chili.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

This Pumpkin White Bean Chili is hearty and flavorful fall comfort food in a bowl. Made entirely in one pot, this easy chili recipe is ready in just 45 minutes and is a breeze to clean up. It’s perfect for both a quick weeknight meal and game day gatherings.

A bowl of pumpkin white bean chili topped with sour cream and cilantro.

11. Corned Beef and Cabbage

Slices of corned beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes on a white dinner plate.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

This Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe is the best method for cooking your St. Patrick’s Day feast. Corned beef brisket is simmered for hours, resulting in fall-apart tender meat that pairs beautifully with the boiled vegetables. Serve with Irish soda bread and horseradish for a comforting meal that celebrates the Irish holiday.

Dutch oven corned beef and cabbage on a white dinner plate.

12. Sourdough Focaccia Pizza

Four pieces of sourdough focaccia pizza on a piece of parchment paper.

Sourdough Focaccia Pizza

This Sourdough Focaccia Pizza recipe creates a thick, pan-style pizza with a soft, fluffy crust and deliciously crispy edges.

Four pieces of sourdough focaccia pizza on a piece of parchment paper.

13. Stuffed Peppers

Two stuffed peppers without tomato sauce on a small white plate.

Stuffed Peppers

These Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers Without Tomato Sauce are healthy, satisfying, and jam-packed with flavor. Made with roasted red pepper purée, this dish is loaded with lean ground beef, vegetables, and rice. Serve them with a side salad or roasted veggies for a well-balanced and easy weeknight dinner.

Two stuffed peppers without tomato sauce on a small white plate.

14. Sourdough Grilled Cheese

A sourdough grilled cheese sandwich cut in half diagonally on a small white plate. The sandwich is oozing melted cheese and sprinkled with coarse salt.

Grilled Cheese on Sourdough Bread

This Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich takes comfort food to the next level. Three cheeses are melted between slices of tangy sourdough bread to create a crispy, gooey sandwich perfect for dipping into your favorite soup.

A sourdough grilled cheese sandwich cut in half diagonally on a small white plate.

15. Red Lentil Curry with Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of red curry lentils with spinach and sweet potato served with rice and garnished with cilantro. There is a fork sticking out of the bowl to the left.

Red Lentil Curry with Sweet Potatoes

Red Curry Lentils with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach is a flavorful, warmly spiced vegetarian dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Made with red lentils, sweet potato, and fresh baby spinach, this healthy and delicious dish is jam-packed with nutrition.

A white bowl filled with red curry lentils with sweet potatoes and spinach.

16. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

A small white plate of pasta coated with creamy pumpkin pasta sauce next to a small bowl of pumpkin puree and three fresh sage leaves.

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

This Pumpkin Pasta Sauce is rich and creamy with aromatic notes of fresh sage and garlic. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pumpkin pasta recipe is perfect for dinner parties and seasonal gatherings. It’s the ultimate cozy fall comfort food meal!

A small white plate of creamy pumpkin pasta sauce on cavatappi pasta. The pasta is garnished with grated parmesan cheese, black pepper, and one whole sage leaf.

17. Lemon Garlic Whole Roasted Chicken

Sliced roasted dry brined chicken meat on a dinner plate with green beans and mashed potatoes.

Lemon Garlic Whole Roasted Chicken

This Dry Brined Chicken is the most tender, juicy, and flavorful whole roasted chicken you’ll ever try. Brined for 24 hours in a lemon-garlic salt rub, this easy chicken recipe will change your roast chicken game forever.

Slices of dry brined chicken on a dinner plate.

18. Blackened Salmon Pasta

A plate of Cajun Alfredo pasta with a piece of seared blackened salmon on top.

Blackened Salmon Pasta

This Blackened Salmon Pasta is rich, creamy, and jam-packed with Cajun flavor. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy weeknight dinner is hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

A large white dinner plate with a pile of Cajun alfredo pasta with a piece of blackened salmon on top.

19. Pesto Rigatoni

Rigatoni with pesto on a white plate topped with grated parmesan cheese.

Pesto Rigatoni

Pesto Rigatoni is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Just toss some rigatoni pasta with homemade basil pesto sauce, and enjoy this flavorful pasta dish on its own or paired with your favorite protein and vegetables. It takes just 20 minutes to make!

A plate of pesto rigatoni garnished with parmesan cheese and basil.

20. Parmesan Garlic Pizza

A garlic parmesan pizza on a pizza peel.

Parmesan Garlic Pizza

This Garlic Parmesan Pizza is so creamy, cheesy, and garlicky. Made with a homemade parmesan garlic pizza sauce and topped with plenty of mozzarella cheese, you'll love how quickly and easily it comes together. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or pizza party.

A garlic parmesan pizza cut into 8 slices on a pizza peel.

21. Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

A lavender dutch oven is filled with one-pot mac and cheese. Out of focus in the background is a wooden spoon sticking out of the pot. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley.

Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

This Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family is sure to love. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy homemade macaroni and cheese recipe will make you swear off boxed versions forever.

A lavender dutch oven filled with creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese. The pasta is garnished with fresh parsley and there is a wooden spoon sticking out of the pot in the background.

22. Bolognese Pizza

Slices of homemade bolognese pizza on a wooden cutting board.

Bolognese Pizza

This Bolognese Pizza is one you're going to want to share with all of your friends and family. Made using leftover bolognese sauce, homemade pizza dough, and mozzarella cheese, it truly is one of the most delicious and satisfying pizzas I've ever had.

Slices of bolognese pizza on white parchment paper.

23. Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna

Chicken and broccoli lasagna in a clear glass baking dish. A piece of lasagna has been removed and is on a small white plate to the left of the baking dish.

Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna is made entirely from scratch with fresh lasagna noodles, a lightened-up homemade alfredo sauce, and plenty of tender chicken and broccoli. Packed with flavor, this hearty homestyle meal is perfect for a fun weekend dinner or even for a holiday party. Pair it with some garlic bread or a side salad for the ultimate comfort food meal.

A baking dish filled with chicken and broccoli lasagna. One piece of lasagna is sitting on a small white plate to the left of the baking dish.

24. Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup dripping out of a roasted pumpkin bowl. You can see the top of the pumpkin out of focus in the background.

Pumpkin Soup

This Pumpkin Soup is made without cream for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Pair it with crusty sourdough bread, croutons, or pumpkin seeds for a cozy fall meal.

A roasted pumpkin bowl filled with pumpkin soup. The pumpkin bowl is sitting on a small white plate and the soup is topped with roasted pumpkin seeds.

25. Fettuccine Alfredo

A plate of homemade roasted garlic fettuccine alfredo topped with parsley.

Fettuccine Alfredo

This Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce is made with homemade roasted garlic, heavy cream, butter, and pecorino romano cheese for a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. It's made without flour and can also be used on pizza, chicken, and vegetables.

Yield: Approximately 1 cup of sauce

A plate of fettuccine pasta coated with roasted garlic alfredo sauce.

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Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].

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