33 Tasty And Cozy, Winter Dinner Ideas

This collection of winter dinners includes recipes that are simple to make, bursting with flavor, and will keep you cozy for days.

Don’t let the cold weather stop you from enjoying a delicious winter meal! If you’re looking for some ideas for an easy winter meal, this post is perfect for you.

Curl up around the fireplace and enjoy these 30 cozy winter dinner ideas (see also ‘34 Easy, Yummy Dinner Ideas For Tonight!‘). From the decadent to the simple and the traditional to the new, there’s something for everyone.

Trying new recipes is also quite exciting because you never know what you’re going to like until you give it a go. One of those recipes could be on this list!

1. Turkey Biscuit Stew

You just can’t beat a good stew in the Winter to warm all of your bellies. There are many different types of stew in the world but a nice turkey based stew is one for the cold nights in.

The texture of the creaminess surrounded by crunchy veggies is just a delight with the added meat to fill you up.

This type of meal can feed up to 8 people and if you have less people at your table, there will be leftovers for the morning!

2. Butternut Squash Soup

This particular soup is very high on flavor and just has a nice warm feeling that is also great for the taste buds.

It is a very simple dish to make and you will be able to grab all of the ingredients for this dish at a nearby shop as it is nothing out of the ordinary.

Most people like to add pancetta to give a crispy taste and add cheese on top too. Bread on the side is great for soaking up all of the flavors and also to fill you up as well.

3. Beef And Vegetable Casserole

More traditional dishes like this one are very popular during the Winter season because you want something that is going to warm up and fill you.

This is why most of these Winter dishes are usually made in a slow cooker or hot pot.

By slowly cooking this meal, you are making sure the beef is nice and tender when it comes to serving, covered in lovely rich gravy to top it off.

What more could you ask for?

4. Winter Panzanella

This dish might not be something you have heard of before but it would be a great addition to anyone’s meal ideas for the winter time.

This is a healthy option for a lovely flavorsome salad with a mix of different textures, the crunch from the toasted cubes of bread.

This Italian salad can be used as a main meal or a side accompanied by a chicken dish. You are also able to add meat to this dish to make it more filling if needed.

5. Deluxe Mushroom Stroganoff

This dish includes a variety of different mushrooms filled with different flavors. It can serve up to 6 people, very easy to make and only taking 40 minutes to cook.

This is the type of meal that will impress your family or dinner guests with this deluxe recipe.

6. Cheese And Tortellini And Chicken Mushroom Casserole

Why don’t you try this lovely recipe which has a mix of different ingredients all combined to make something warm and delicious on those cold nights.

This is a slight twist on the traditional chicken casserole with the added crunchy veg and tomato pesto coating for sauce and flavor.

7. Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken Bake

This dish is definitely not just chicken and rice. This Is more of a full and hearty meal that will definitely hit the spot. With it all being piled into one pot, it is very easy to prepare and to cook (see also ‘33 Simple One-Pot Chicken Dinner Recipes‘) !

It is also great for freezing and re-cooking to prevent any food waste and you can save more money in the process!

8. Three Cheese Skillet With Mac And Cheese

This is very simple but also very effective for a nice warm and cozy family dinner. In the Winter, you want to have a nice warm belly and for it to be full up, making you all happy.

A lot of people LOVE to have their mac and cheese really cheesy and you can add as much as you like.

It is also a great option to add some breadcrumbs to make sure there is also another layer of a different texture to crunch on.

9. Shepherds Pie

You can’t beat a good old shepherd’s pie to finish off a Winter’s evening. It’s a very traditional and hearty meal that is good for families, couples and even just on your own.

It is also great to make it in large pots so you can freeze them into smaller containers for different days of the week as meal prep.

10. Butter Chicken

You can never beat a lovely, sweet curry on a cozy evening. You might need to gather a few more ingredients that might not be in your home for this dish but it is definitely worth the effort to include the correct herbs and spices for the sauce.

This is a classic Indian dish which will be suitable for most as it is not too spicy or too mild and just hits the right spot.

11. Cauliflower Cheese

Most people tend to turn their noses up at a bit of cauliflower and most kids do not tend to like eating it.

However, this dish is something that anyone would be happy to have on a nice cold evening around the dinner table.

This is because it is filled with lots of parmesan cheese all roasted together. It has very simple steps to follow and doesn’t take too much time to prep which is ideal if you’re a bit rushed off your feet.

12. Mongolian Lamb Stir-Fry

This is the ideal midweek kind of meal in the winter. Something easy but delicious that will get whipped up in no time.

Stir-fry is a really popular dish but you can mix it up a bit with a recipe like this trying a little bit more of an exotic dish.

You are gaining all of your nutrition from a meal like this with your meat, rice and veggie.

13. Fish Pie And Mash

If you are a fish lover (check out our favorite foods to pair with fish), this meal could be a perfect pot of warmth and goodness for a late night meal.

A slice of fish pie and some mash with a load of rich gravy poured over the top is just a delight when you want a nice easy meal for an evening.

This type of meal feels more homely and family orientated and makes everyone feel warm, hitting the right spot with the taste buds. It might be simple but you just can’t go wrong!

14. Moussaka

This is a traditional Mediterranean dish filled with juicy minced beef and eggplant. It is a relatively healthy meal ticking lots of great boxes.

Try something a little bit different if you have never had this before because the mix of different flavors is something very exciting and would be appealing to most meat lovers.

Creamy and soft, there are different layers to this meal that will just melt in the mouth.

15. Vegetarian Minestrone

This vegetarian minestrone is simple, colorful and delicious. It’s a perfect dish to make when you have lots of vegetables at the end of the season.

This minestrone is a tasty way to use up the leftovers from last night’s dinner. For a variation, use cooked ham instead of bacon.

16. Magic Bean Stew

A tasty and nutritious dish, this stew is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. The recipe is suitable for all age groups, although it is ideal for children.

The magic bean stew is a hearty bean stew with a sweet and spicy sauce that is great in the winter because of the deep flavors and heartiness of the dish.

17. Tuna Pasta Bake

This tuna pasta bake is a quick and easy dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal.

A creamy tomato sauce for this tuna-based tuna bake is perfect and changes up the usual tuna pasta recipe (see also ‘26 Amazing Penne Pasta Recipes‘). You can serve with a side salad or an easy pan sauce to finish.

This tuna pasta bake is a one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is quick and easy to prepare, and it will be ready in about 35 mins.

18. Beef Chow Mein

Beef chow mein is a great easy weeknight meal. This easy beef chow mein recipe is so delicious, you’ll want to make it over and over again.

Beef chow mein is best made with lean, boneless beef that’s been marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

In addition to being delicious, it’s also healthy and packed with protein.

19. Classic Chicken Kiev

Classic Chicken Kiev is one of the most popular chicken recipes. The chicken is marinated in a sour, spicy, and sweet sauce. This is a perfect dish for a Sunday lunch or special romantic meal.

The chicken, cooked in a creamy and light sauce, is simply delicious. Look no further than this classic chicken Kiev recipe for a simple dinner with a side of roasted broccoli.

20. Steak Diane

Steak Diane is a classic dish that has been around for many years. It is one of the few dishes that is cooked in a skillet.

It is one of the most popular dishes in the southern United States. It has a rich history and is simple to prepare.

This is very simple but loved by many because of the pure tastes and flavors that it is cooked in.

21. Braised Beef Short Ribs

Braised short ribs are a great cut of beef that can be served as a main or even as a bowl, but they take a bit of time to cook (for more impressive beef rib recipes, read here).

Here, they are braised with a dry red wine and herbs and served with a creamy mushroom sauce. This recipe for Braised Beef Short Ribs is a hearty and delicious meal.

As with all of my recipes, you can use beef, or pork, or lamb instead of the beef, depending on what you have on hand.

22. Easy Cottage Pie

This hearty and filling casserole is a classic example of comfort food. This recipe for cottage pie is a delicious meat and potato pie that’s as easy to make as it is to eat.

It’s a dish that’s much loved by our families and friends.

23. Beef And Guinness Stew

A stew is always a winner if you are looking for a nice cozy meal. It is warm, rich and filled with succulent meat, bacon and herbs.

Beef and Guinness stew is a hearty and warming meal made with lots of hearty Irish Stew Meat.

This recipe takes a little bit of time but is well worth the effort when you set a table of loved ones down to tuck into this hearty Irish.

24. Beef Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

Beef meatballs in tomato sauce is a quick and easy recipe that is delicious! Serve with pasta and bread!

Beef meatballs taste like they take all day to make, but they’re super easy to whip up. Dinner will be on the table in 20 minutes with no hassle and no mess.

This is a childhood meal which is meaty and great with a stick of oven cooked garlic bread.

25. Keema Pie

This is a version of cottage pie with a bit of a twist. Are you someone who loves a little bit of spice in your food?

It includes pinches of chili, cumin and ginger to give it that kick and something special. This will take around 50 minutes in total to prepare and pop in the oven.

The smell is absolutely delightful with the herbs and spices finding their way through the harder top layer.

26. One Pan Tomato Fish Chowder

This is a gluten free meal ideal for anyone in particular who is unable to eat any gluten but also everyone in general.

There are different versions of this dish which can either be dairy free or a vegetarian option as well which would be the corn option.

This is also a very elegant looking dish, light and colorful which would impress any guests.

27. Classic Ragù And Mozzarella Pasta Bake

What makes this pasta bake so much nicer than all of the rest? It is actually quite simple because texture is everything. You want to have lovely crispy tops with cheese baked.

This particular bake is a different take on the traditional bolognese. It doesn’t even have to include meat if you are a vegetarian because there are other substitutes which are just as good!

28. Easy Toad In The Hole

This is the ideal family meal in the winter. Sitting next to a nice fire with a lovely traditional, meaty meal. You can either make this for you and your partner or the whole family.

There is not much to the meal in total but all of the elements put together really just works. It might also bring back some of those childhood memories of this meal.

29. Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

Everyone needs a quick easy meal which they use as they go in times where you just don’t have the energy to cook for hours.

This particular meal recipe has lots of zest and color. The succulent chicken should melt in your mouth, covered in herbs and spices to give it the flavor it needs.

This also goes with the side to create a whole meal with some roast potatoes, vegetables and anything that you fancy adding.

30. Quick Chicken And Broccoli Stir-Fry

This is a traditionally Asian style meal which usually is covered with a lovely, spicy hot sauce with the chicken or pork.

This is an ideal cozy meal because of the variety of different tastes and different elements you are able to add to make it your own.

You are also able to add in seafood if you prefer and it will work the same!

31. Steak And Blue Cheese Pie

An easy and delicious pie recipe, this is the ultimate comfort food.

A quick and delicious pie recipe ideal for a winter’s day. Full of flavor, this is sure to be a favorite. This will definitely warm your belly and fill you up a treat!

32. Pork Belly

This recipe is easy but needs to be cooked properly to have the crispiness of the outside and the succulent inside.

You will need to cook this piece of meat for longer and on a higher temperature to really get that crisp exterior.

33. Slow Cooked Brisket

slow-cooked brisket (see also ‘19 Savory Side Dishes To Serve With Brisket‘) is the perfect recipe for a night next to the fire. The combination of the sweetest berries and savory, slow-cooked brisket makes for an unforgettable meal.

This is a slow-cooker brisket recipe (see also ‘16 Delicious Ways To Use Up Leftover Brisket‘), which is a recipe for beef brisket cooked for about 10 hours in a slow-cooker.

Conclusion

Overall, if you are looking for some belly warming food for a cozy evening during the cold weather, these are some brilliant options.

It can be a bit overwhelming when hundreds of options pop up on Google and you just want to find the right one for you.

This guide has a variety of different types of food for you to choose from with some really simple methods and recipes to follow!

It has from hot to mild, different cultured food and also a lot of traditional options that people tend to opt for in the winter days.

It also includes meals that would be perfect for either couples, families or even if you’re looking to be eating alone in the winter days.