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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    15 Cheap Dinners That Are Perfect for Cold Evenings

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on January 23, 2025, updated January 10, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    As the temperature drops, there's nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal to make you feel cozy. Here are 15 budget-friendly dinner ideas that are perfect for chilly evenings. These dishes are not only easy to prepare but also comforting and satisfying, making them ideal for gathering around the table with family or friends.

    Creamy Burrito Casserole

    Creamy Burrito Casserole.
    Photo Credit: In the Kitch.

    This creamy burrito casserole is packed with layers of meat, cheese, tortillas, and peppers, giving it a delicious Mexican twist. It's a simple dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy.

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    Classic Chicken Pot Pie with Homemade Biscuit Topping

    Classic Chicken Pot Pie with Homemade Biscuit Topping.
    Photo Credit: Peanut Butter & Julie.

    This chicken pot pie is a warm and hearty dish filled with colorful vegetables and topped with fluffy herbed buttermilk biscuits. It's a family favorite that everyone enjoys, and the leftovers are just as good.

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    Turkey Ragù

    Easy Turkey Ragù Recipe
    Photo Credit: Tried and True Recipe.

    This turkey ragù is a favorite in our home. It's a simple and delicious pasta dish that's perfect for a cozy meal.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into a simple one-dish meal. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for a potluck or a quick weeknight dinner.

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    Minestrone Soup

    Minestrone Soup Recipe (Olive Garden Inspired).
    Photo Credit: The Kitchen Girl.

    This filling minestrone soup features a rich tomato broth packed with fresh veggies, beans, and pasta. It's a great way to feed a crowd without spending a lot.

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    Spicy Mac and Cheese

    Spicy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    This spicy mac and cheese gives a fun Indian twist to a classic dish. Packed with cheesy pasta, jalapeños, and warm spices, it's a simple vegetarian meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

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    Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta

    Cheesy smoked sausage pasta on a skillet.
    Photo Credit: On My Kids' Plate.

    Cheesy sausage pasta is a simple and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes using just one pot. It's great for busy weeknights and can be adjusted based on what you have at home.

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    Taco Mac and Cheese

    A pan filled with Stovetop Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: Busy Family Recipes.

    This dish puts a fun spin on a classic favorite. It's quick to prepare with basic ingredients, making it a great option for busy evenings when you want something warm and filling.

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    Old Fashioned Chicken & Rice Casserole

    Chicken baked on top of rice.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic dish that everyone loves. It's simple to make, with well-seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked rice, making it a great choice for dinner.

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    Moussaka-Greek Eggplant Potato Casserole

    Moussaka-Greek Eggplant Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Greek Foodie.

    Moussaka is a classic Greek dish that combines layers of eggplant and potatoes in a hearty casserole. This comforting meal is perfect for warming up on chilly days.

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    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    Gochujang pasta is creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet, and it can be ready in just 15 minutes. This dish is a quick and easy option that packs a punch of flavor, similar to pasta alla vodka but with a unique twist.

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    Sour Cream Noodle Bake

    Sour Cream Noodle Bake.
    Photo Credit: My Kitchen Serenity.

    Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a warm and filling casserole that's perfect for chilly days. It features creamy egg noodles, a hearty beef sauce, and gooey cheese in every layer.

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    Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

    Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cupcakes and Kale Chips.

    This dish is a tasty mix of cheese and potatoes that’s packed with flavor. It’s a great choice for a cozy family dinner on a chilly night.

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    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that everyone in the family will enjoy. It combines ground beef, carrots, peas, and mashed potatoes for a hearty meal that's great for chilly days.

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    Potato Soup

    A bowl of potato soup.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This crock pot potato soup takes about 10 minutes to prep, is loaded with tons of flavor, and the best part is the slow cooker does most of the work for you! Whether you need an easy dinner on a busy weeknight or something cozy for Sunday night dinner, this potato soup is sure to be a family favorite!

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      18 Easy Summer Casseroles to Feed a Crowd
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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