Winter dinners should be warm, filling, and easy, especially on busy weeknights. I’ve gathered more than 45 easy winter dinner ideas that are simple to make, family-friendly, and perfect for colder nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. From quick skillet meals to cozy casseroles and slow cooker favorites, these easy winter dinners make it simple to get a homemade meal on the table that everyone will love.
Quick and Easy Winter Dinners
A simple weeknight meal is often time the best! Meals that come together fast using everyday ingredients. These winter dinners are made for busy nights when you want something warm and filling without a lot of prep.
- Cajun Chicken Skillet – the homemade cajun seasoning is the secret!
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Quesadillas
- Chicken Pomodoro
- Chicken with Mushroom Cream Sauce
- Easy Butter Chicken
- Cheesy Ravioli Skillet
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas – quick, easy, and healthy!
Family-Friendly Winter Dinner Ideas
Comforting, kid-approved meals the whole family will enjoy. These recipes focus on familiar flavors and easy methods that work for even picky eaters.
- French Onion Pot Roast
- Sheet Pan Southern Meat Loaf
- Cheddar Bay Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie – with creamy chicken and tender veggies topped with golden brown cheesy biscuits
- Smothered Chicken Breast with Gravy
- Baked Chicken Spaghetti
- Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Tenders
- Garlic Steak Skillet
- Easy Ground Chicken Sloppy Joes
Best 30 Minute Winter Dinner Ideas
Short on time? These winter dinners are ready in 30 minutes or less and still deliver big flavor, making them ideal for hectic weeknights.
- One Pot Easy Lasagna Soup
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Marry Me Chicken and Tortellini
- Tuscan Italian Sausage and Spinach Pasta – this has the most delicious rich flavors!
- Pepperoni Ravioli Lasagna – layers of pasta, cheese, rich tomato sauce and pepperoni
- Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Muffins
Healthy Winter Recipes
Lighter winter dinners made with wholesome ingredients that don’t sacrifice flavor. Perfect for balancing comfort food with nutritious, feel-good meals.
- Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
- Chicken Stuffed Poblano Peppers – packed with flavor and low carb
- Chicken Salsa Soup
- Turkey Burger Sliders
- Taco Skillet Dinner – high protein and low carb…but if you aren’t afraid of carbs, scoop this dinner up with some tortilla chips!
- Pesto Chicken Salad
Cozy Winter Dinners
Warm, baked casseroles and hearty dishes that feel extra comforting on cold nights. These are the kinds of meals everyone looks forward to at the end of the day.
- Easy Chicken Pot Pie
- Easy Chicken Tetrazzini with Peas – I use store-bought rotisserie chicken
- Easy Crustless Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken Burrito Skillet
- Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies with Cajun Butter Sauce
- Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole – just like grandma’s but easier
- Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole
- Meatball Pasta Bake
Winter Crockpot Recipes
Easy slow cooker meals that simmer all day and are ready when you are. These winter favorites make dinner effortless while still being filling and family-friendly.
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew
- Easy Crockpot Chili – use leftovers to make my Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans
- Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
- Crockpot Taco Soup
- Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup – nothing more delicious on a chilly day
- Crockpot Sirloin Tip Roast
- Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
- Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup – this recipe has been a reader favorite for years and years
- Crockpot Southern Pork Chops
- Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes
- Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
- Southern Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
If you’re looking for some easy winter dinner recipes, this list will be a keeper. If you need more last minute dinner ideas, check out this post.
If you have a tried and true recipe that is perfect for a winter meal, make sure and let me know in the comments!
What types of meals are best for the winter months?
During the winter months, think warm, hearty, cozy recipes, like beef stew or chili, comforting soups, casseroles, and pot pies. Also, things like sheet pan dinners, one pot pasta meals, and whatever you might consider comfort food.
What vegetables are in season in the winter?
You’ll find hearty root vegetables and cruciferous greens that thrive in cold weather in season this time of year. Some popular choices are sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, beets, kale, and cabbage.
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