45 Winter Dinners for When You’re Cold, Tired, and Sick of Deciding

Cold weather often makes dinner planning feel like another chore, but 45 winter dinners are here to help. Making a hot meal at home becomes less of a hassle when you’ve got a little inspiration. Plans change quickly during the winter, so it’s helpful to have a range of ideas to turn to.

A sliced loaf topped with a red sauce, showing a dense filling of vegetables and legumes, served on a wooden cutting board and garnished with chopped herbs. — Vegetarian Meatloaf. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Marry Me Butter Beans

A cast iron skillet with creamy pasta mixed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, topped with cheese, with a wooden spoon resting inside. — Marry Me Butter Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft, rich beans in a creamy sauce turn this Marry Me Butter Beans recipe into the comfort food everyone is craving. There’s a warmth to each bite that makes winter nights less gloomy. I find this dish fills you up but still feels light. Curious faces always gather near when it’s on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Butter Beans

Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs. — Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp outsides and fluffy middles make these Potato Croquettes impossible to ignore during cold dinners. Every bite brings joy, especially fresh out of the oven. I usually prepare extra since leftovers are rare. People love how a simple potato can become something special with just a little crunch.
Get the Recipe: Potato Croquettes

Sheet Pan Pizza

A close-up of a rectangular pizza topped with melted cheese, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and fresh herbs, on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. — Sheet Pan Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Melted cheese bubbles across the golden top of this Sheet Pan Pizza, drawing everyone to the kitchen. Each slice feels like a party, even when it’s just a simple night at home. I find that homemade pizza is a cure for decision fatigue in winter. Guests always go back for seconds, whether they planned to or not.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Pizza

Mushroom Bolognese

A plate of tagliatelle pasta topped with tomato sauce and chopped herbs, with a black fork resting on the side. — Mushroom Bolognese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Deep, earthy flavors blend with hearty pasta in this Mushroom Bolognese. Each twirl of noodles delivers something cozy and delicious, perfect for chilly evenings. I fill my bowl high and settle in with a good movie. People surprised by the meatless version often ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Bolognese

Marry Me Tortellini

A bowl of creamy tortellini pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a basil garnish. — Marry Me Tortellini. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy sauce and soft pockets of pasta turn this Marry Me Tortellini into a go-to meal for nights you want something easy and comforting. Every forkful melts away the chill after a long day. I love the way this dish brings everyone to the table in a good mood. Friends always ask if they can have the leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini

Vegetable Stir Fry

Colorful veggies come alive in this Vegetable Stir Fry, making dinner both bright and inviting. The sizzle and aroma wake up tired senses at the end of a winter day. I toss in whatever fresh vegetables I have for variety. People always ask how dinner can be so full of flavor with produce alone.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Stir Fry

Veggie Sliders

Close-up of a Veggie Burger Slider with a fried patty, sliced cucumber, shredded purple cabbage, greens, and mayonnaise in a bun. In the background, a blurred portion of another slider and a dish are visible. — Veggie Sliders. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bite-sized and full of flavor, these Veggie Sliders turn any meal into something memorable. The golden buns and colorful fillings invite even the pickiest eaters to try a bite. I stack them high and serve with crunchy sides. No one leaves the table with an empty stomach once these are out.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Sliders

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork. — Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soft, pillowy bites make this Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi truly special on frosty nights. The orange color brings brightness to dark winter dinners. I love tossing them in a light sauce for that cozy feeling. People often express surprise at how much comfort you can find in a simple gnocchi bowl.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Spaghetti Marinara

Rich tomato sauce and steaming pasta combine in this Spaghetti Marinara for a classic feel-good meal. The bright, familiar flavors make it an easy option when you’re tired of thinking. I serve heaping bowls and always have bread nearby for dipping. There are never complaints when this lands on the table after a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Cheese Quesadilla

A person lifts a cheesy quesadilla slice from a wooden board. Nearby are bowls of guacamole and salsa on a light-colored table. — Cheese Quesadilla. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Gooey cheese held in a crisp tortilla gives this Cheese Quesadilla its spot on the winter dinner rotation. Perfect for nights when time or energy is low, it leaves you warm and satisfied. I usually add salsa on the side for a little brightness. Requests for more come soon after the first serving is gone.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Quesadilla

Mushroom Stroganoff

Creamy mushroom sauce with herbs and sliced mushrooms, stirred with a wooden spoon. — Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy sauce blankets tender mushrooms in this Mushroom Stroganoff for a dinner that feels both rich and comforting. Each bite brings out layers of deep flavor, perfect for long, cold evenings. I pair it with wide noodles so nothing goes to waste. Almost everyone asks how such simple ingredients create so much warmth.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Roasted Broccoli

Florets with crispy edges and a gentle bite make this Roasted Broccoli a winter favorite. The aroma will have people peeking into the kitchen before mealtime. I love loading up the tray for easy batch cooking. Any leftovers tend to vanish as quick snacks the following day.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

French Bread Pizza for Busy Nights

Four slices of French bread pizza with tomatoes and cheese on a cutting board. — French Bread Pizza for Busy Nights. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Slices of bread covered in bubbly cheese and sauce make this French Bread Pizza for Busy Nights shine. It’s a clever way to fix pizza cravings in a hurry while using ingredients you already have. I pile on different toppings for a custom dinner. “Can I help make the next one?” is asked almost every time.
Get the Recipe: French Bread Pizza for Busy Nights

Burrito

Wrapping up rice, veggies, and beans gives this Burrito its all-in-one appeal, especially when winter calls for something cozy. The satisfying, packed flavor means everyone finds something they love inside. I roll up a few extras to stash for lunch. Burritos are the one dinner that never sparks complaints about repeats.
Get the Recipe: Burrito

Mushroom Tacos

Three soft tacos filled with lettuce, mushrooms, shredded cheese, and cherry tomatoes, garnished with a lime wedge. — Mushroom Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Meaty mushrooms tucked into warm tortillas make these Mushroom Tacos a simple yet bold dinner choice. The blend of spices and juicy filling makes each taco the highlight of any weeknight meal. I set out toppings so everyone can build their favorite version. Extra tacos vanish before you blink.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Tacos

Mashed Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with crispy fried onions and sliced green onions, served in a white oval dish on a tiled surface with a beige cloth nearby. — Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy and golden-topped, this Mashed Potato Casserole is like a big, warm hug on a cold winter evening. Each scoop brings deep comfort and nostalgia to the table. I’ve found that everyone gets excited when this appears alongside the main dish. Plates come back scraped clean every single time.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Thai Yellow Curry

Fragrant and soothing, this Thai Yellow Curry delivers warmth with every spoonful. Its gentle spices and creamy broth are perfect for cold nights or fractured dinner plans. I like to ladle it over fluffy rice to soak up every drop. Dinner guests usually ask what makes that flavor so inviting.
Get the Recipe: Thai Yellow Curry

Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby. — Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy rice and sweet squash combine in this Butternut Squash Risotto to make winter feel softer. Each bite brings a bright color and a hint of sweetness. I tend to go back for seconds before the table clears. The conversation usually turns to how comforting a simple risotto can be.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background. — Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Silky eggplant baked in a hearty sauce earns Eggplant Casserole a spot on my comfort food list. There’s a deep, homey taste that pairs perfectly with chilly evenings. I enjoy how leftovers taste even better the next day. Not a drop remains after everyone discovers the rich flavor.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Mushroom Pasta

Close-up of fusilli pasta with mushrooms, garnished with rosemary and black pepper. — Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tender noodles tangled with mushrooms form the backbone of this Mushroom Pasta recipe. The pairing always wins applause for delivering big flavor with little fuss. I appreciate how quickly it goes from pot to table. There are never any leftovers to worry about when dinner tastes this good.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Stuffed Acorn Squash

A roasted acorn squash half filled with a stuffing of couscous, apples, nuts, raisins, and fresh herbs sits on a plate. — Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bright squash filled with savory goodness makes this Stuffed Acorn Squash a true centerpiece for winter meals. Each serving turns dinner into something memorable and a little festive. I appreciate how everyone picks their favorite filling first. Guests usually ask if they can take leftovers home.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese. — Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy, rich, and brimming with earthy flavors, this Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto feels like a special occasion even on an ordinary night. The steady stirring pays off when a mountain of warm rice reaches the table. I save a little extra for next-day lunches. People always ask how it gets so smooth without cream.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Egg Fried Rice

Oval dish filled with fried rice garnished with chopped green onions. — Egg Fried Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fluffy grains and a golden egg shine in this Egg Fried Rice. The fast, comforting dish promises warm bowls in minimal time, especially welcome during blustery evenings. I use it as a back-pocket dinner for busy nights. Seconds disappear as fast as I can scoop them.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

Halloumi Stroganoff

A dish of grilled paneer cubes in a rich, orange curry sauce, garnished with chopped cilantro, served in a shallow bowl. — Halloumi Stroganoff. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This creamy Halloumi Stroganoff swaps out the expected for chewy, golden cheese that soaks up all the sauce. Winter feels much friendlier once this lands at the table. I like piling it on noodles or rice for a hearty twist. More than a few people comment that it’s their new favorite version.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Stroganoff

Cacio e Pepe

Close-up of cooked spaghetti with cracked black pepper and a fork partially visible. — Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple ingredients come alive in this Cacio e Pepe with a peppery, cheesy bite that feels right on frosty nights. The silky sauce clings to each strand for a pleasantly bold flavor. I love the smell as it hits the plate. It always disappears faster than you’d expect.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Pesto Pizza

Rectangular slices of pizza topped with melted cheese, tomato, green pesto, and fresh basil leaves on a baking tray. — Pesto Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright green herbs and a fragrant aroma set this Pesto Pizza apart from classic cheese pies. Each slice bursts with fresh flavor that wakes up any evening meal. I top pieces with a few surprises for variety. Friends are quick to ask how to make pizza this interesting at home.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pizza

Aglio e Olio

Close-up of fettuccine pasta tossed with grated cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes being lifted with a fork. — Aglio e Olio. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Garlic and oil have star power in this classic Aglio e Olio. It’s a rescue plan for empty pantries and cold nights, turning just a few ingredients into something memorable. I spin the noodles and let the aroma fill the kitchen. Guests may be surprised by how such simplicity becomes so bold.
Get the Recipe: Aglio e Olio

White Pizza

Velvet smooth cheese and a crisp crust make this White Pizza stand out at winter get-togethers. The garlic notes fill your kitchen before you even call everyone to eat. I top mine with extra fresh greens for a finishing touch. People race to grab a slice before it’s all gone.
Get the Recipe: White Pizza

Penne Alla Vodka

Each creamy forkful of this Penne Alla Vodka brings a hint of sweetness and just enough warmth for a cold night. The sauce clings to every tube for a rich, perfect bite. I like to serve a giant salad nearby for balance. Anyone looking for the recipe is definitely not alone.
Get the Recipe: Penne Alla Vodka

Sweet Potato Tacos

Two tacos on a plate with a sauce. — Sweet Potato Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Roasted cubes tuck neatly inside each Sweet Potato Taco, making winter suppers both cheerful and filling. Crunchy toppings and a bit of spice mean every bite tastes fresh. I make a batch big enough so everyone can grab seconds. Lots of people say they didn’t know tacos could feel so cozy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos

Fresh Pasta Primavera

A colorful Pasta Primavera salad with cherry tomatoes, asparagus, peas, and spinach in a blue bowl. — Fresh Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Colors from crisp vegetables liven up this Fresh Pasta Primavera for a break from heavy winter meals. Each forkful is bright and crunchy, perfect for evenings when you crave something uplifting. I toss it all together just before serving. Requests to bring it again always follow potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Pasta Primavera

Mushroom Pizza

Close-up of a pizza topped with arugula, mushrooms, cheese, and herbs on a parchment paper. — Mushroom Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sautéed mushrooms and gooey cheese give this Mushroom Pizza earthy depth and unexpected comfort. Each slice boasts that golden, bubbling edge everyone loves. I play around with extra toppings to keep things interesting. Pizza night never needs to be basic when mushrooms are involved.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Gnocchi

Pillowy dumplings in this Gnocchi make every forkful soft, cozy, and totally winter-ready. The texture stands out from other pastas and fits well with any sauce. I usually double the recipe because no one ever refuses these. Serving gnocchi on a snowy night makes for a better meal and happier guests.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Copycat Chipotle Sofritas

A plate of chickpea salad with chopped red onion, roasted red peppers, capers, almonds, and fresh herbs, served with a spoon. — Copycat Chipotle Sofritas. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Smoky aroma and a spicy kick sum up this Copycat Chipotle Sofritas recipe. Plant-based protein cooks up bold and saucy, perfect on its own or tucked inside bowls. I like prepping extra for easy lunches. Fans of the restaurant version say this copycat might taste even better at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Sofritas

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up. — Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy filling, stretchy cheese, and sheets of pasta layer together in this Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Something about the warmth and the slightly tangy filling keeps guests crowding the dinner table. I make two pans so leftovers can be enjoyed the next day. People brag about their office lunch when they’ve got this in their container.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Hush Puppies

Each bite of these Hush Puppies packs crunch and a whisper of sweetness, perfect for rounding out cozy dinners. The deep golden color never fails to grab attention on the table. I like to serve them hot so the inside stays extra fluffy. Platter after platter tends to vanish before the meal wraps up.
Get the Recipe: Hush Puppies

Veggie Burger

Patties loaded with vegetables and hearty grains in this Veggie Burger offer warmth and great texture to your winter menu. Grill marks and melty cheese make the homemade version stand out. I pile mine high with toppings for a fun bite every time. Guests always ask if there are any left to take home.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Burger

Pasta alla Norma

A pot filled with penne pasta in a tomato sauce, topped with grated cheese, basil leaves, and herbs. — Pasta alla Norma. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hearty eggplant mingles with pasta in this Pasta alla Norma, offering a robust but bright flavor during winter. Each plate pops with color from simple tomato sauce. I enjoy finishing each bowl with a quick sprinkle of fresh herbs. Even those new to eggplant rave about this dish after only one taste.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma

Vegetarian Meatballs

A white bowl filled with meatballs topped with creamy sauce and garnished with chopped fresh herbs. — Vegetarian Meatballs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Savory, tender, and perfect with red sauce, these Vegetarian Meatballs work wonders with spaghetti or piled in a sandwich. Each bite gives just the right amount of chew and heartiness. I make huge batches and freeze some for making dinner simple. Meatball skeptics don’t believe they’re missing anything.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Meatballs

Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese

A close-up of a spoon lifting creamy, melted cheese sauce with macaroni from a pot. — Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy, stretchy and perfectly seasoned, this Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese is a lifesaver during hands-off dinner nights. The slow cooker fills the kitchen with a welcoming aroma that signals comfort ahead. I always leave the lid on until the moment of serving. No one ever says there’s too much mac and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese

Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

A cast iron skillet filled with vegetable shepherd's pie, topped with mashed potatoes and garnished with rosemary sprigs and chopped parsley. Two spoons are placed inside. — Vegetarian Shepherds Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A golden top hides a rich, vegetable-packed layer in this Vegetarian Shepherds Pie. Mashed potatoes add creaminess and comfort in every forkful. I bake it ahead so dinner is covered on really busy nights. Most people never miss the meat after cleaning their plates.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Shepherds Pie

Butternut Squash Ravioli

A plate of ravioli topped with creamy sauce, grated cheese, and fresh herbs, served with a fork. — Butternut Squash Ravioli. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Each pillow in this Butternut Squash Ravioli bursts with sweet, nutty squash that makes cold evenings so much brighter. The balance of silky filling and tender pasta hits all the right notes. I top it with a sprinkle of herbs for a finishing touch. Anyone who tries it immediately wants to know where you got the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Ravioli

Flatbread Recipe

Three freshly cooked flatbreads on a plate. — Flatbread Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp and warm from the oven, this Flatbread Recipe brings people together at the table as they tear off pieces. It’s an easy way to turn soup or salad into a full meal. I brush the tops with a little flavor before serving. Plates clear faster every time flatbread is included.
Get the Recipe: Flatbread Recipe

Vegan Ratatouille

A flavorful ratatouille recipe prepared in a skillet filled with vegetables and herbs. — Vegan Ratatouille. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stewed vegetables layered in this Vegan Ratatouille make for a satisfying, colorful dish when winter drags on. The gentle simmer brings out deep flavors in every bite. I bulk it up with bread or rice for an easy dinner. People who try it are always glad they gave vegetables another shot.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ratatouille

Vegetarian Meatloaf

Plant-based comfort shines through each thick slice of this Vegetarian Meatloaf. A robust, savory glaze grabs attention from the first look. I bake two loaves so everyone can claim leftovers. Comments at the table always include, “Who knew meatloaf could taste like this?”
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Meatloaf