22 Winter Dinner Recipes You Need for Your Comfort Food Cravings

Winter dinner recipes to keep you warm! From beef tenderloin tips to cheesy pasta bakes, get cozy with hearty, family-friendly meals this season.

Cheesy pasta dish being served with a spoon.

Whether you’re reading this at the start or the very end of winter, it doesn’t really matter.

Winter dinner recipes are always gonna be a good idea because they’re so ridiculously comforting and good.

And whether you cozy up to the beef tenderloin tips in mushroom gravy or the Guinness beef chili, it’s up to you. It’s just your job to enjoy it this wintertime.

So turn on the oven and cozy up to warming dinner ideas for winter nights all season long. 🥘

You deserve it.

1. Guinness Beef Chili

A white bowl of Guinness Beef Chili.
Photo Credit: Cooking with Curls

I love anything that’s incredibly hearty and packed with a ton of flavor, and this cold-weather comfort food is calling my name.

Also, it’s kind of hard to go wrong with chili filled with Guinness, beef, and incredible spices!

Get the Guinness Beef Chili Recipe.

2. Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice in a brown bowl.
Photo Credit: Lauren from Scratch

I really want to dive more into certain types of cuisine, and southern Creole is one of them. Also, this recipe looks like a great place to start!

Get the Authentic Louisiana Red Beans and Rice Recipe.

3. Beef Tenderloin Tips in Mushroom Gravy

Beef Tenderloin Tips in Mushroom Gravy on a white plate.
Photo Credit: Dishes with Dad

I love steak tips (I recently made some and topped them on pasta carbonara – so good!), and this recipe sounds like a clear winner.

It’s buttery rich goodness, and it’s kinda hard to go wrong with this comfort food staple. Also with mushrooms, you’re probably gonna get some nice umami flavors.

Just make sure to pair it with mashed potatoes and you’re all set!

Get the Beef Tenderloin Tips in Mushroom Gravy Recipe.

4. Rigatoni Bolognese

Rigatoni Bolognese in a cooking pot.
Photo Credit: Living Lou

I love a good comforting pasta dish for a winter dinner; it’s always so satisfying and delicious!

And with zesty tomatoes and filling beef and pork, this is the kind of recipe you make and enjoy all week long.

Get the Rigatoni Bolognese Recipe.

5. Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops

Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops in a pan.
Photo Credit: Everyday Shortcuts

Pork chops are so good when you do them right, and especially when they have cream, bacon, cheese, and garlic.

Pair them with some rice or pasta, and you have a pretty good dinner with comforting flavors! Also, it might just taste even better the next day. 🤷‍♀️

Get the Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe.

6. Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole on a plate.
Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food

If you love tater tots and bakes, then this is one of the perfect winter dinner ideas for you. Also, it’s cheesy so you can’t really go wrong.

And while it might not be healthy, it’s a great dish for cozying up on a cold evening.

Get the Crockpot Chicken Bacon & Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe.

7. Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup

Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup in a white bowl.
Photo Credit: Mimosas and Motherhood

Crockpot soups are always a good idea for cold winter nights. The smell of them cooking fills up the entire home for hours, and makes you feel incredibly cozy!

And this creamy tortellini soup definitely has my attention!

With Italian sausage and cheese filled tortellini, I can’t imagine not being satisfied after this tasty dish!

Get the Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe.

8. Vegan Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms

Vegan Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms in a big white bowl.
Photo Credit: Resplendent Kitchen

Whether you’re vegan or not, I feel like this recipe demands to be made. It looks so creamy and delicious, and polenta is always a good idea for dinner!

Get the Vegan Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms Recipe.

9. Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin

Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin in a black dish.
Photo Credit: Just Gimme Fries

I love potatoes ah gratin and this should be on my list for winter meal ideas!

And I am definitely down for trying the sweet potato version!

Also, it’s cheesy, buttery, and wonderfully spiced. I think you and your family need this tonight.

Get the Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe.

10. Beef Enchilada Pasta (One Pan Meal)

A spoon serving Beef Enchilada Pasta.
Photo Credit: Semi Homemade Kitchen

This kind of looks like one of the ultimate winter comfort food recipes, and I need to make it very soon.

There’s just something about stuffing your face full of cheesy meaty noodles; it’s so incredibly satisfying.

And this beef enchilada pasta looks like it would definitely hit the spot!

Get the Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe.

11. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs in a bowl with a fork.
Photo Credit: Coley Cooks

This is the kind of recipe you make when you want to feel like you’re Martha Stewart. And it’s also the kind of recipe you make when you wanna impress friends.

So the next time you have a get together, try this dish out and see if they start asking your for the recipe.

Get the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs Recipe.

12. Creamy Steak Pasta (With Mushroom & Whiskey Sauce)

Creamy Steak Pasta in a bowl.
Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar

I love steak and pasta!

Earlier I mentioned that I had made buttery garlicky steak tips and topped them on pasta carbonara (my husband’s idea). It was incredible and super rich!

So I honestly can’t wait to try this one!

Get the Creamy Steak Pasta (With Mushroom & Whiskey Sauce) Recipe.

13. Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup in a reddish-brown bowl.
Photo Credit: Modern Honey

There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about gnocchi dishes on cold evenings. And this recipe with bacon, cheese, cream, and gnocchi look ridiculously tasty!

With lots of flavors, you and your family will probably love it!

Get the Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup Recipe.

14. Slow Cooker Pork Roast

Slow Cooker Pork Roast in a slower cooker.
Photo Credit: Get Inspired Everyday

Another good crock-pot recipe!

Also, if you want a recipe that’s super tasty, hearty, and will feed you most nights this week, then this is probably it.

You really can’t go wrong with pork roast and flavorful slow cooked veggies.

Get the Slow Cooker Pork Roast Recipe.

15. Dutch Oven Creamy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes

Dutch Oven Creamy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes in a cast iron skillet.
Photo Credit: Shutter and Mint

Yes. This one sounds like an immediate win.

It’s one of those winter recipes where you decide to not care about the calories, and you’re so glad you didn’t.

Also, with a prep time of 5 minutes, hearty potatoes, and LOTS of seasonings, I think this needs to be at the top of your list.

Get the Dutch Oven Creamy Ranch Chicken & Potatoes Recipe.

16. No bake Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko

No bake Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Knife and Soul

It’s mac and cheese, and it’s really hard to go wrong. I mean creamy pasta and cheese on a cold winter night. Both go hand in hand so well!

Maybe pair it with some oven baked drum sticks for the protein and you’re good to go!

Get the No bake Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Recipe.

17. Rustic Roasted Winter Vegetable Chowder

Rustic Roasted Winter Vegetable Chowder in a white bowl.
Photo Credit: Kitchen Treaty

Something sounds so cozy about a rustic chowder with roasted veggies. I mean, you’re getting comforting potatoes and butternut squash in a warm broth.

It’s sounds like a very good dinner.

Get the Rustic Roasted Winter Vegetable Chowder Recipe.

18. Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms

Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms in a big brown bowl.
Photo Credit: Lauren from Scratch

Risotto with mushrooms and braised short ribs. This is the kind of winter dinner recipe you make when you want your family (or date) to think you’re essentially a cooking genius.

And with red wine, parmesan, and garlic, you know it’s gonna be flavorful and an incredible meal.

Get the Braised Short Rib Risotto with Mushrooms Recipe.

19. Easy Delicious Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Easy Delicious Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts in a serving dish.
Photo Credit: Delectable Food Life

While it might not be authentic Italian food, Mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts will never not be good!

I love slicing them open and seeing all the melty cheese coming out! Great to pair with some rice or pasta!

Get the Easy Delicious Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe.

20. Pastel Azteca (Mexican Chicken Casserole)

Pastel Azteca on a large white plate.
Photo Credit: Vintage Kitchen Notes

This is one of those winter recipes for dinner that you make when you’re craving something with good flavor. Also, I bet it smells great as it’s cooking in the oven!

And with cream, cheese, chicken, and veggies, you and/or your family are probably gonna fall in love.

Get the Pastel Azteca (Mexican chicken casserole) Recipe

PS – Click here if you want some (truly) authentic Mexican recipes that really hit the spot!

21. Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole

Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole on a white plate.
Photo Credit: Haute and Healthy Living

No need to head to your local Tex-Mex restaurant on a super cold evening.

This good Mexican-inspired dish looks like it’ll satisfy your cravings. and sounds super satisfying.

Pair with some tortillas or tostadas and you’re all set for a cozy night in!

Get the Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Recipe

22. Hearty Curry Pumpkin Soup with Chicken

Hearty Curry Pumpkin Soup with Chicken in a cooking pot.
Photo Credit: Haute and Healthy Living

Curry pumpkin soup sounds like one of the best winter dinners right now! I can just imagine spooning up a bowl with some jasmine rice and enjoying on a cold dark night!

Also, the recipe is fairly simple and can be made in less than thirty minutes, so if you don’t wanna spend a lot of time on your feet, then this is a great one to try!

Get the Hearty Curry Pumpkin Soup with Chicken Recipe.

Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

WHAT TO LEARN MORE?

Explore Our Tips Below!

Lifestyle

MONEY

STYLE & BEAUTY

TRAVEL

FOOD & DRINK

Wellness