You’re in the thick of winter’s chilly embrace, and all you want to do at the end of the day is enjoy a warm, satisfying meal, curl up under a blanket, and spend quality time with loved ones. You’re craving something scrumptious, but you’re not necessarily in the mood to season, marinate, chop, mince, puree, fry, or any of the other time-consuming, dish-dirtying activities you might normally enjoy on the weekends.
You’re in luck because we’ve rounded up 25 of the tastiest, easiest-to-make winter dinners. We made sure to include soul-nourishing dishes from an array of culinary traditions and cuisines, so no matter what you’re craving, we’ve got a recipe that will hit the spot on your cozy winter night in.
Quick Beef Stir-Fry
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This beef stir-fry is impressively colorful and full of bold flavor, but it’s easy to throw together in minutes.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll
Photographer: Kyle Carpenter / Food Styling: Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling: Prissy
Maybe you have a Polish grandmother who hand-made traditional stuffed cabbage leaves or “galumpkis,” and you need these nostalgic flavors minus the time-consuming hand-rolling. This deconstructed version of the traditional dish is just as tasty and a crowd-pleaser to boot. “This is a quick and easy main dish. My kids don’t even like cabbage, but they love this,” says recipe submitter tlc_adams. “I usually try to serve it with green beans, new potatoes, corn, and a pan of cornbread. They eat over half the pan every time. Also, the longer it stands the better it tastes.”
Best Taco Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I’ve made it twice,” says Allrecipes member Dean Gapp. “Once with ground beef and the other with shredded chicken. Great easy dish! Endless possibilities for modifications.”
Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Simple, straightforward and ready in just 30 minutes, this Mongolian dish includes rice noodles, white rice, and a flavorful sauce of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar, along with melt-in-your-mouth morsels of beef and bright slices of crisp-tender green onion.
Simple Beef Stroganoff
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This rich and creamy beef stroganoff recipe is made with ground beef and served with egg noodles,” says recipe submitter Brenda. “It’s super simple to prepare, and ready to serve in under 30 minutes making it a great choice for busy weeknights.”
Simple Macaroni and Cheese
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Make this easy macaroni and cheese with just seven ingredients in under half an hour.
Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
There’s nothing like a stick-to-your-ribs meat-and-potatoes classic to leave you feeling like all is right with the world. This hamburger steak with sautéed onions and a rich gravy is a home run. “Traditionally served with hot white rice or potatoes, it’s a great way to dress up a pound of ground beef, and you probably have all the ingredients on hand!” says recipe creator Anne Marie Sweden of the dish she calls an “easy-to-make classic.”
Ham and Split Pea Soup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This is the best soup I ever made,” says reviewer karengseltzer. “Prep was simple with just the right amount of ingredients. Easy to make. I had the bone left from a baked ham and put that in the pot, too. Perfect for a cold winter day.”
Cacio e Pepe Potato Gratin
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I’ve made tradition potatoes au gratin many times over the years, but this recipe is my new go-to,” says reviewer lindak681. “Absolutely delicious! Everyone loved them.”
The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
With 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven, this is perhaps the easiest Parmesan chicken recipe you’ll ever find. “This chicken Parmesan is done casserole style (so, no breading or frying!), but [it] still offers up that irresistible combination of tender chicken, crunchy/cheesy coating, and flavorful sauce,” says Chef John.
Vegetarian Korma
Allrecipes Magazine
“This is an easy Indian dish that’s rich, creamy, mildly spiced and extremely flavorful,” says recipe creator YAKUTA. “Serve with naan and rice.”
Sweet Glazed Salmon
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This was very good and easy to prepare,” says Allrecipes member boganrealtor. “We Vacuum Sealed two more portions in the extra marinade. Can’t wait to try this again!”
Italian Sausage Soup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“A hearty winter favorite,” says SALLYJUN, the maker of this beloved Italian sausage soup with stewed tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, garlic, great Northern beans, spinach and, of course, Italian sausage. With 10 minutes of prep and minimal follow-up as it simmers, you can help with homework or catch your favorite show before savoring a bowl of this tasty soup.
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This Greek lemon chicken dish with garlic and roast potatoes is a classic recipe and easy to cook in one roasting pan,” says Chef John. “The lemony crispy chicken is a proven crowd-pleaser, easy on the wallet, and a favorite of mine.”
Frogmore Stew
Draderness
This iconic Lowcountry dish has as many variations as coleslaw and barbecue—everyone has their own spin. But the basis of this one-pot boil is the same: seafood, sausage, corn, sweet onions, new potatoes, and seasoning spices. “I’ve been using this recipe for over 20 years, ever since I moved to South Carolina. It can be adjusted to serve any number,” says recipe submitter Shirley.
Thai Green Curry Chicken
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“The wonderful national noodle dish of Thailand … can be adjusted to your taste,” says Allrecipes member Fatty Arbuckle. “Add ingredients that you like and make it as spicy or tart as you want to. This is a recipe for those who like it HOT, [so] if you can’t handle the heat, go easy on the chile sauce.” And with 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking for a to-die-for taste, it’s a winner. Plus, once you have these Thai ingredients on hand, a new world of easy-to-whip-up, delicious stir-fries, noodle bowls, and salads will open up to you!
Homemade Beef Stew
humblepieliving
“I was looking for a stew recipe that was like the one my mom made when I was a kid. This is it! Delicious!! Definitely a keeper.” —Allrecipes member SpryBuns8781
Shakshuka
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This is a great recipe. I make the sauce and then portion it in 4 containers and freeze it,” says recipe reviewer John. “When I want Shakshuka for one, I thaw a container and put it in a 6″ cast iron pan, heat it up, add the eggs, and cook. I serve it with fresh grated Parmesan on top.” For those who are game for breakfast-for-dinner dishes, this fantastic dish is for you.
Best Tuna Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
A super-tasty dish made popular in the ’50s, tuna casserole has some serious staying power. And with minimal prep—one onion to chop, noodles to boil, a few cans to open, and a casserole dish to put it all in—it’s a favorite of busy cooks. “This is a tuna casserole that even my picky family loves! The potato chips give the casserole a crunchy crust,” says recipe submitter JAICARD.
Easy Meatloaf
Grant Webster / Food Styling: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Gabriel Greco
“This is a very easy and no-fail recipe for meatloaf,” says Allrecipes member Janet Caldwell of her highly-rated recipe. “It won’t take long to make at all, and it’s quite good!” Ten minutes of prep is all you need. Top your warm slice of meatloaf with a helping of your favorite barbecue sauce or a simple drizzle of ketchup, and serve it alongside your favorite seasonal veggie and creamy mashed potatoes. You can’t go wrong with this classic!
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Jen Causey / Food Styling: Margaret Monroe Dickey / Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle
“Absolutely loved this soup! Taste: the bright, fresh lemon lifts the savory chicken broth so each spoonful is comforting yet vibrant. The orzo stayed pleasantly al dente, the chicken was tender, and the thyme/oregano add depth without overpowering the citrus.” —Allrecipes member Denise
We Love This Weeknight Shortcut Chicken Parmesan—Ready In Less Than 30 Minutes!
Photographer: Jacob Fox / Food Styling: Shannon Goforth / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley
Quick and easy to make for an easy weeknight meal, this dish turns a freezer staple, chicken nuggets, into a tasty dinner with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Easy One Pan Caesar Chicken Bake
Peyton Beckwith
This one-pan Caesar chicken bake hits all the classic flavor notes. With only 5 ingredients, it’s easy as ever to make. “Whole family loved it, served it with baked potatoes, corn and salad,” says reviewer Reeda. “Will definitely make it again, it was so easy!”
Cheesy Lasagna Sheet Pasta
Peyton Beckwith
This decadent cheesy lasagna sheet pasta recipe is only 3 ingredients, and it could not be easier. Top it with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie
Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Sue Mitchell
This easy shepherd’s pie hits all the spots if your looking for a hearty comfort dish—and made in the slow cooker with just 15 minutes of prep, you can set and forget it.
