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60 Best Winter Dinner Ideas to Keep You Cozy on a Cold Night

Serve up a warm soup, stew, or casserole dish.

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winter dinner ideas
Danielle Daly

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Now that the cold weather has hit, you're going to need something to keep you cozy! Sure, a fuzzy blanket or sweater might do the trick, but nothing will warm your family up quite like these comforting winter dinner ideas. Whether it's hearty casserole dishes or winter soups, there’s something on this list to get you through those long, cold nights of snowfall and blowing winds. If you're looking for something that’s easy to whip up when the temperatures drop, just try one of the sheet pan suppers or slow cooker recipes from the list ahead. You’ll still have plenty of time to shovel the driveway.

Here, you’ll find chicken, short ribs, pork, pasta, ground beef recipes, and more. For that stick-to-your-ribs goodness, try Ree's perfect pot roast served with mashed potatoes or get creative with sloppy joe casserole—it's a fun twist on a childhood classic! Looking for a Super Bowl dinner idea that's quick to prepare? Try the buffalo chicken French bread pizzas or the creamy tortellini soup—it's ready in just 15 minutes! The only thing more comforting than these dinners is a cozy winter cocktail with holiday cheer.

1

Baked Spaghetti

winter dinner ideas
Ryan Liebe

Ree describes this one as, "A mash-up of lasagna and spaghetti with meat sauce." Two comfort meals in one? It doesn't get better than that! It's complete with fresh basil and lots of cheese.

Get Ree's Baked Spaghetti recipe.

SHOP BAKING DISHES

2

Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin

winter dinner ideas
David Malosh

While this beef tenderloin will make the perfect addition to your holiday table, it's also just as great for weeknight dinner. The meat is smothered in butter and garlicky goodness that no one can resist.

Get Ree's Garlic Butter Beef Tenderloin recipe.

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3

Cheeseburger Soup

winter dinner ideas
C.W. Newell

Here's a unique and extraordinarily tasty way to satisfy a burger craving! Cheeseburger soup has a creamy base with ground beef, cheese, fries, and other fixings stirred right in. It's so savory!

Get the Cheeseburger Soup recipe.

4

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

winter dinner ideas
C.W. Newell

This recipe takes a beloved comfort meal and makes it even easier! You can use canned biscuits to make the dumplings, then place them atop chicken and a handful of other ingredients in a handy slow cooker.

Get Ree's Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings recipe.

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5

Pasta with Shrimp and Pistachio Pesto

winter dinner ideas
Ryan Liebe

As far as winter pasta goes, this one is pretty high on the list. The pesto sauce is made from spinach, parsley, and pistachios. And not only is it tasty and filling, but it's ready in under 35 minutes, too.

Get Ree's Pasta with Shrimp and Pistachio Pesto recipe.

SHOP BOWLS

6

Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon

winter dinner ideas
David Malosh

Veggies such as cauliflower and broccoli come together with flavorful bacon to make this creamy and cheesy casserole. It's finished with a cracker crumb mixture on top.

Get Ree's Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon recipe.

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7

Oven Baked Pork Chops

winter dinner ideas
Ryan Liebe

Since these BBQ glazed pork chops go on a sheet pan, then get baked in the oven, they're both super easy to make and clean up when you're done. But don't worry, they still come out so juicy and flavorful.

Get Ree's Oven Baked Pork Chops recipe.

8

Mashed Potato Casserole

winter dinner ideas
C.W. Newell

Thanks to mashed up potatoes combined with creamy onion dip, crispy bacon, and fried onions, this casserole is as scrumptious as it gets. It's also topped with cheese and kettle cooked potato chips. Yes, potato chips! You just have to try it.

Get Ree's Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.

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9

Buffalo Mac and Cheese

winter dinner ideas
C.W. Newell

What do you get when you take classic mac and cheese and combine it with buffalo chicken dip? This delicious meal! Buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and shredded rotisserie chicken mix with cheesy noodles to make it happen.

Get Ree's Buffalo Mac and Cheese recipe.

10

Chicken Schnitzel

winter dinner ideas
Ryan Liebe

Take it from Ree, this chicken schnitzel is such a versatile dinner option! The light, crispy meat seasoned in a breadcrumb mixture will pair wonderfully with anything from a bright pickled shallot salad or potato salad to creamy mashed potatoes.

Get Ree's Chicken Schnitzel recipe.

SHOP DINNERWARE

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11

Beef Noodle Casserole

winter dinner ideas
David Malosh

This hearty dish is made with chuck roast, noodles, and lots of cheese! It comes out bubbling and ready to warm your family right up.

Get Ree's Beef Noodle Casserole recipe.

12

White Chicken Enchiladas

winter dinner ideas white chicken enchiladas
Antonis Achilleos

To make this Tex-Mex dish even easier, you can use a shredded rotisserie chicken when you're in a pinch. Either way, you'll love the classic sour cream-based enchilada sauce.

Get Ree's White Chicken Enchiladas recipe.

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13

Buffalo Chicken Pasta

winter dinner ideas buffalo chicken pasta
Antonis Achilleos

Bring game day flavor to the dinner table any night of the week with this easy buffalo chicken pasta. It's saucy, spicy, and only takes 3o minutes to make!

Get the Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe.

14

Turkey Meatloaf

winter dinner ideas turkey meatloaf
Will Dickey

You'll be struck with a wave of nostalgia when you try this classic comfort food dish. The ketchup glaze and side of mashed potatoes really makes it.

Get the Turkey Meatloaf recipe.

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15

Broccoli Chicken Casserole

broccoli chicken casserole
Will Dickey

If you're looking for a casserole that everyone in the family can agree on, it would have to be this cheesy chicken and broccoli dish. Even picky eaters won't be able to resist that buttery bread crumb topping.

Get the Broccoli Chicken Casserole recipe.

SHOP CASSEROLE DISHES

16

Sweet Potato Chili

winter dinner ideas sweet potato chili
Will Dickey

This meatless marvel is made with veggies, sweet potatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, and two types of beans. Top it off with your favorite chili accompaniments, like sour cream and diced avocado.

Get the Sweet Potato Chili recipe.

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17

Marry Me Chicken

winter dinner ideas marry me chicken
C.W. Newell

Snuggle up with your loved ones for this impressive chicken dish. It would make for a great Valentine's Day dinner or even just a weeknight meal since it's ready in 30 minutes.

Get the Marry Me Chicken recipe.

18

Shrimp and Grits

winter dinner ideas shrimp and grits
Will Dickey

Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of cheesy grits? Add Cajun-seasoned shrimp, bacon, and plenty of butter to make it even tastier.

Get Ree's Shrimp and Grits recipe.

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19

Pierogi and Meatball Skillet

winter dinner ideas pierogi meatball skillet
C.W. Newell

Inspired by Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes, this skillet dinner combines pork and beef meatballs with potato-filled pierogis in one creamy, dreamy sauce instead.

Get the Pierogi and Meatball Skillet recipe.

20

Slow-Cooker Bolognese

winter dinner ideas slow cooker bolognese
Will Dickey

Keep a big batch of this hearty meat sauce in the freezer so you can whip up dinner any night of the week! It's so easy to do using your slow cooker.

Get the Slow-Cooker Bolognese recipe.

SHOP SLOW COOKERS

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