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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Ultimate Dinners to Beat the Winter Chill

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on January 24, 2025, updated January 10, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    As the cold weather sets in, there's nothing quite like a warm, hearty dinner to make you feel cozy and satisfied. From rich stews to comforting casseroles, these 23 ultimate dinners are perfect for warming you up on chilly nights. Each dish brings its own unique flavors and warmth, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends.

    Spicy Mac and Cheese

    Spicy Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: Spice Cravings.

    This spicy mac and cheese puts a fun Indian spin on a classic dish. Packed with cheesy pasta, jalapeños, and warm spices, it's a simple and tasty vegetarian option that you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

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    Baked Brats in Caramelized Sauerkraut

    Baked Brats in Caramelized Sauerkraut.
    Photo Credit: The View from Great Island.

    Baked brats with caramelized sauerkraut is a simple and hearty dish perfect for a chilly evening. This classic German meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake

    A creamy pesto pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Rich and Delish.

    This creamy pesto pasta bake is rich and cheesy, all made in one pan for easy cleanup. It comes together in under an hour and has a delicious flavor that rivals what you'd find at a restaurant.

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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 dinner.

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    Creamy Garlic Parmesan Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli

    Creamy Garlic Parmesan Instant Pot Pasta with Broccoli.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This creamy garlic pasta is quick to prepare and packed with rich Parmesan flavor, complemented by tender-crisp broccoli. It's a perfect dish for chilly evenings when you want something comforting and satisfying.

    Get the recipe

    Vegan Pastelón

    Vegan Pastelón (Puerto Rican Plantain “Lasagna”).
    Photo Credit: Sense & Edibility.

    This Vegan Pastelón is a meat-free take on the classic Puerto Rican lasagna that everyone will enjoy. Layered with fried sweet plantains and a plant-based filling, this baked dish offers a comforting twist on a beloved favorite.

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    Taco Mac and Cheese

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

    This dish offers a tasty take on a classic favorite. It's quick to prepare with easy ingredients, making it a great option for busy evenings when you want something warm and filling.

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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 fresh veggies 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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    Instant Pot Turkey Soup

    A bowl of Instant Pot Turkey Soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This is a warm and comforting soup packed with turkey and a refreshing lemon flavor. It's perfect for chilly evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying.

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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 hearty one-dish meal. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck.

    Get the recipe

    Sour Cream Noodle Bake

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

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

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    Moussaka

    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 chilly evenings and is sure to warm you up.

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    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 and enjoyable dinner that everyone in the family will appreciate.

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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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    Dairy free Cream of Mushroom Soup

    Dairy free Cream of Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: Debra Klein.

    Creamy vegan mushroom soup is a tasty dairy-free option that warms you up on chilly days. It's made with a mix of flavorful mushrooms, savory herbs, and a smooth cashew cream.

    Get the recipe

    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 easily adjusted based on what you have at home.

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    Creamy Gochujang Pasta

    Creamy Gochujang Pasta.
    Photo credit: Dished by Kate.

    This gochujang pasta is creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet, and it only takes 15 minutes to prepare. It's a quick and easy dish that packs a punch of flavor, similar to pasta alla vodka but with a unique twist.

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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 meal for chilly days and perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

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    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

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

    Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It features ground beef, carrots, peas, and creamy mashed potatoes on top, making it a great choice for chilly evenings.

    Get the Recipe

    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 prepare, with well-seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked rice, making it a great choice for dinner.

    Get the recipe

    White Bean and Escarole Soup

    White Bean and Escarole Soup.
    Photo Credit: Debra Klein.

    This soup is filling and warm, perfect for chilly days. It's simple to prepare and great for enjoying during the colder months.

    Get the Recipe

    Burrito Bake

    Burrito Bake.
    Photo Credit: Miss in the Kitchen.

    Burrito Bake is a simple and satisfying dinner that combines ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and crescent dough. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without a lot of work.

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    Seafood Pasta Bake

    Baked seafood pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Creamy, cheesy, seafood pasta all in a simple casserole package.

    Get the recipe

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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 more than 20 years of 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, Daily Kos, The Grio, The Asian Parent, 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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