17 Winter Dinner Recipes You Need To Try!

If you love cozy winter dinner recipes that are perfect for whipping up on those chilly days when you need a little extra comfort, you’ve come to the best possible place! 

I’ve created this collection of the very best, easy to prepare winter meals that are just perfect for celebrating all the flavors of the season, and serving up family friendly meals that everyone at your table will love tucking into. 

When writing this post, I wanted to create a smorgasbord of lots of different options so you can dip in and out when you know you want something satisfying but you just can’t decide what to cook! Featuring everything from warming stews, to super simple pasta dishes, to veggie packed curries, I hope you’ll return to these ideas time and time again to give you all the inspiration you need for dinnertime. 

Without any further ado, let’s jump in… 

1. Classic Beef Bourguignon

This French classic features tender beef simmered in a rich red wine sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and hearty vegetables. It’s the perfect dish for impressing guests or warming up after a cold day. I’ve made this recipe dozens and dozens of times over the years, and it’s one of my all-time favorite winter warmers! 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 4 cups red wine (Burgundy preferred)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 4 oz bacon, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb pearl onions
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy; remove and set aside.
2. Brown the beef in the bacon fat; add onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms.
3. Pour in wine and broth; add bouquet garni. Simmer for 2-3 hours until tender. Adjust seasoning and serve.

2. Chicken Paprikash

This hearty Hungarian dish features chicken simmered in a rich, paprika-infused sauce, typically served over egg noodles or dumplings. Mild and slightly sweet with a subtle tang, it’s a delicious twist on a chicken dinner that’s full of flavor and comfort.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, skinless
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Egg noodles for serving

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add chicken and brown on all sides. Add bell pepper and sauté for a few minutes. 
2. Stir in paprika and broth; simmer until chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove chicken and stir sour cream into the sauce. Serve over egg noodles.

3. Baked Ziti with Sausage

This cheesy pasta bake is loaded with zesty Italian sausage, marinara, and topped with gooey mozzarella—perfect comfort food! Serve this one with garlic bread and a green salad for a super satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and always a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook ziti according to package instructions; drain.
2. In a skillet, cook sausage until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Combine cooked pasta, sausage, marinara, and ricotta. Pour into a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. 

4. Ground Beef Stroganoff

This creamy beef stroganoff is a comforting, cozy dish made with ground beef, mushrooms, and a savory sauce served over egg noodles. It’s quick, easy, and the ultimate comfort food for cold winter nights!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley, for garnish
• Egg noodles for serving

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onions; drain fat.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce; simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Serve over egg noodles, garnished with parsley. 

5. Sweet Potato Curry

A veggie curry is always a great meal to have in your repertoire for winter nights. They’re packed full of goodness, easy to prepare, and perfect for when you want something a little lighter that’s packed with veggies. My husband is a big meat eater but he loves this recipe and we never feel like we’re missing out on anything when I serve it up for dinner! It’s also suitable for vegans. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add sweet potatoes, curry powder, and chickpeas.
2. Pour in coconut milk and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.

6. Garlic Mushroom Pasta

This quick and easy pasta dish is simple and elegant, and it’s ideal for those evenings when you just need dinner on the table fast, and without any fuss. It mostly uses store cupboard ingredients, so it’s one of my go-to ideas for when I need to take a trip to the grocery store but just haven’t had the time! 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook until golden.
3. Toss in cooked pasta and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.

7. Beef Ragu

This rich and hearty beef ragu is slow-cooked to perfection and served over your favorite pasta for a truly comforting meal. It’s a cozy dish that’s perfect for making ahead and sharing with loved ones. We’re using ground beef in this recipe, which typically cooks pretty fast, so it’s worth noting that the longer cooking time isn’t to ensure that the meat is cooked – instead, it’s to achieve a real depth of flavor. If you have less time then it’s fine to cut down the simmering time, though be mindful that the flavor won’t be quite as good. 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil and parmesan, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the beef; remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Return beef to the pot, add crushed tomatoes and wine. Simmer for 2-3 hours. Make sure you keep an eye on it and add a little extra water if it’s starting to look dry. Serve over pasta, garnished with fresh basil and parmesan.

8. Chicken Tikka Masala

This flavorful chicken dish features tender chicken pieces simmered in a spiced tomato and cream sauce—a takeout classic that’s super easy to prepare at home! It’s a deliciously aromatic dish that’s perfect for those who love bold flavors, and a wonderful choice for winter dinners if you love comfort food. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp tikka masala spice blend
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt and tikka masala for at least 1 hour.
2. In a pot, cook marinated chicken until browned. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt. Serve garnished with cilantro.

9. Goulash

This comforting one-pot dish is a classic American version of Hungarian goulash, featuring ground beef and macaroni in a savory tomato sauce. It’s a nostalgic dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, macaroni, and paprika; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until macaroni is tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

10. Lasagna Soup

All the flavors of classic lasagna come together in this comforting soup that’s easy to make and always a hit with the whole family on cold winter nights. It’s a fun twist on a traditional favorite, perfect for family dinners!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, brown the ground beef; remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic; add crushed tomatoes, broth, and broken noodles; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until noodles are tender. You may need to add a little extra water, depending on the consistency you prefer. 
3. Stir in ricotta and mozzarella; garnish with fresh basil before serving.

11. Chicken and Dumplings

We can’t talk about winter meals without mentioning chicken and dumplings! This classic dish features tender chicken in a creamy broth, topped with fluffy dumplings for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming up on chilly nights!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 pack dumpling mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring chicken broth to a simmer. Add mixed vegetables and shredded chicken.
2. Prepare dumpling mix according to packet instructions; drop into simmering broth. Cook for 10-15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.
3. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

12. Lentil Mushroom Stew

This hearty stew is loaded with lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables, making it a nutritious and filling option for winter. It’s plant-based and packed with flavor, perfect for those chilly nights!

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped herbs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Stir in mushrooms, lentils, broth, and thyme; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
3. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped herbs before serving.

13. Pumpkin and Ricotta Pasta Bake

This unique dish combines the flavors of pumpkin and ricotta in a cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for fall and winter! It’s a delicious way to use pumpkin while getting your pasta fix. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ricotta, pumpkin, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning; mix well.
3. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

14. French Onion Soup

This classic soup features caramelized onions in a rich broth, topped with melted cheese and toasted bread—a true winter warmer! It’s elegant yet satisfying, and it’s one of my favorites to make if I have friends and family coming over for dinner. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of baguette
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. In a pot, melt butter and sauté onions until caramelized, about 30 minutes.
2. Stir in wine, beef broth, and thyme; simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Serve hot in bowls, topped with baguette slices and cheese, then broil until cheese is bubbly.

15. Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi Soup

This comforting soup features pillowy gnocchi, tender chicken, and veggies in a creamy broth, making it a true winter delight. It’s a perfect combination of comfort and flavor in a bowl! I like to use store-bought gnocchi to keep things super simple and easy, though you can of course make your own if you prefer. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup gnocchi
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add chicken, broth, and gnocchi; bring to a simmer.
2. Stir in spinach and heavy cream; simmer until gnocchi is cooked and soup is warmed through. Season with salt and pepper.

16. Oven-Baked BBQ Pulled Pork

This flavorful pulled pork is slow-cooked in the oven until it’s fall-apart tender and infused with smoky BBQ sauce—perfect for sandwiches or sliders! It’s a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings the classic BBQ flavor right to your kitchen, no grill needed!

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Buns and fresh herbs, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. Place the chopped onion in a large roasting pan and pour the chicken broth over it. Place the seasoned pork shoulder on top of the onions.
4. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 4-5 hours, or until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
5. Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before shredding it with two forks.
6. Mix the shredded pork with BBQ sauce to taste. Serve on buns with additional BBQ sauce and chopped herbs if desired.

17. Parmesan Risotto

This creamy risotto features arborio rice slowly cooked to perfection, enriched with Parmesan cheese, and finished with a touch of butter for extra richness. Risotto has a reputation for being a little tricky to make, but it’s simple enough if you have the time and patience too dedicate to it. 

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in the arborio rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
3. Pour in the white wine and cook until it’s mostly absorbed.
4. Begin adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until each addition is absorbed before adding the next. This process takes about 18-20 minutes.
5. Once the rice is creamy and al dente, remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

These 17 Best Winter Dinner Recipes are sure to keep you warm and satisfied all season long. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry crowd or you’re just treating yourself, these hearty dishes are the perfect way to embrace the cozy vibes of winter. Be sure to leave a comment and share your thoughts below – I love hearing about the recipes you’re recreating in your own kitchen!