It’s getting colder these days and there’s nothing better than returning home from a long day and gobbling up something warm and delicious—like one of these 45 comfort food dinner ideas for cold weather.
On the coldest days of the year, it’s typical that we crave meals that will fill us up and combat chilly weather at the same time. Whether it’s a skillet full of pasta (fun fact: it was Audrey Hepburns’s weekly comfort dish!), a big bowl of hearty stew, or a plate of Swedish meatballs doused in creamy gravy, as long as it keeps you warm and full on a cozy night at home, it’ll do the trick.
Related: 100+ Sensational Soup Recipes to Warm You Up This Winter and Year-Round
If you’re the same, and comfort food is the only thing you want on wintry nights, we have got you covered with a wide variety of easy winter meals to choose from. From pot roast and beef pot pie to slow cooker split pea soup and chicken and noodles, there’s more than enough comfort food goodness to pass around and share…or tuck into all by yourself. You deserve it!
Related: 200+ Best Crock Pot Recipes and Easy Slow Cooker Dinner Ideas for Stress-Free Meals
Comfort Food Dinner Ideas and Recipes for Cold Weather
Here are 45 comforting dinner recipes to make this winter. With dishes this cozy, trying them on will be as soft and delightful as putting on a cardigan. Prepare yourself for something incredibly hearty tonight!
Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Krista Marshall
This simple weeknight supper tastes like holiday leftovers in the best way.
Get the recipe: Chicken Stuffing Casserole
Related: 55 Best Leftover Chicken Recipes
Easy Beef Pot Pie
Liz Pearson
Pot pie isn’t just for chicken—this is a great use for leftover pot roast.
Get the recipe: Easy Beef Pot Pie
Mississippi Pot Roast
Alice Knisley Matthias
There is a reason this easy recipe went viral—it’s delicious!
Get the recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast
Sheet Pan Macaroni and Cheese
Krista Marshall
The best mac and cheese of your life starts with a sheet pan! Creamy but still baked to a delicious crunch factor too.
Get the recipe: Sheet Pan Macaroni and Cheese
Slow Cooker London Broil
Krista Marshall
The best beef roast you will ever taste, this comes out tender and juicy every single time.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker London Broil
Crock Pot Italian Meatballs
Krista Marshall
These flavorful slow-cooked meatballs are perfect for a plate of pasta or a sub sandwich dripping with the yum factor.
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Italian Meatballs
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Krista Marshall
Come inside to a hearty soup that tastes like it was cooked all day, but can be on the table in about 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Cheesy Baked Tortellini
Krista Marshall
This casserole supper has both red and white sauces, giving it all the yummy Italian flavors you love.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Baked Tortellini
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Krista Marshall
This copycat recipe is totally budget-friendly thanks to using canned chicken.
Get the recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Amish Casserole
Krista Marshall
Say hello to your next favorite weeknight supper made with pantry ingredients.
Get the recipe: Amish Casserole
Related: 30 Tried and True Casserole Recipes
Shepherd’s Pie
Jon Ashton
If you think this classic recipe is labor-intensive and time-consuming, think again.
Get the recipe: Shepherd’s Pie
Creamy Taco Soup
Krista Marshall
When Taco Tuesday includes freezing temps, this is the perfect compromise.
Get the recipe: Creamy Taco Soup
Tortellini Alfredo
Krista Marshall
Homemade Alfredo sauce is easier than you might think, and this recipe will prove it!
Get the recipe: Tortellini Alfredo
Copycat Wendy’s Chili
Krista Marshall
Nothing says winter time comfort food like a big bowl of chunky chili.
Get the recipe: Copycat Wendy’s Chili
Crock Pot Beef Stew
Mark Boughton Photography
Big chunks of meat and veggies in a warm broth feel like a hug on a cold day.
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Beef Stew
Hamburger Casserole
Krista Marshall
This retro casserole has been making a comeback on social media because it is made with cheap ingredients to feed a hungry crowd.
Get the recipe: Hamburger Casserole
Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
Krista Marshall
A Sunday supper favorite can now be enjoyed any night of the week.
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
One-Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Chad A Elick
A classic comfort food can now be a 30-minute meal.
Get the recipe: One-Skillet Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Copycat Bob Evans Chicken and Noodles
Krista Marshall
A popular restaurant staple gets an easy update thanks to the Crock Pot.
Get the recipe: Copycat Bob Evans Chicken and Noodles
Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Mark Boughton Photography
This isn’t your mom’s meatloaf, it’s easier!
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Related: 50 Best Slow Cooker Beef Recipes
Easy Goulash
Krista Marshall
This has been a go-to recipe for many families to save time, money and energy after a long day.
Get the recipe: Easy Goulash
Crock Pot Irish Stew
Krista Marshall
Beef Stew is the epitome of wintertime comfort food, and this version has big flavor.
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Irish Stew
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Krista Marshall
This childhood favorite is now a great supper after a long day.
Get the recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Stew
Krista Marshall
This stick-to-your-ribs stew is filled with big bites of chicken, perfectly cooked veggies and rich, creamy broth.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Stew
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Krista Marshall
This vintage recipe never gets old thanks to deep flavor from simple ingredients.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup
Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy
Joyce Kaut
This meal is melt-in-your-mouth good.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Krista Marshall
Beef Stroganoff is a classic comfort food, but this version goes a little easier on the wallet thanks to ground beef.
Get the recipe: Ground Beef Stroganoff
French Onion Pasta
Spicy Southern Kitchen
This pasta version of French onion soup makes a simple, delicious comfort meal full of onion flavor and gooey melted cheese. Sweet onions are caramelized in olive oil and butter to form the base of the sauce.
Get the recipe: French Onion Pasta
Roasted Tomatoes with Goat Cheese Polenta
Pinch of Yum
Roasted tomatoes with goat cheese polenta—an easy vegetarian recipe adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand. Healthy meets comfort food!
Get the recipe: Roasted Tomatoes with Goat Cheese Polenta
Thai Butternut Squash Red Curry
Little Spice Jar
Ultra delicious Thai-inspired butternut squash red curry that is creamy, spicy, rich and comforting! The sweet butternut squash pairs beautifully with all the red curry spices.
Get the recipe: Thai Butternut Squash Red Curry
Related: 58 Best Butternut Squash Recipes
Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings
Noshtastic
This gluten-free chicken and dumplings makes the perfect weeknight comfort food!
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Chicken and Dumplings
Chuck Roast with Balsamic and Dijon
The Wicked Noodle
This chuck roast recipe takes just minutes to prep and has the winning flavor combination of balsamic and dijon to make it extra special.
Get the recipe: Chuck Roast with Balsamic and Dijon
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Life In The Lofthouse
This comforting and delicious casserole has all the elements of the classic soup and more! This is a family-favorite!
Get the recipe: Chicken Noodle Casserole
One Pot Cajun Chicken Bacon Pasta Alfredo
Whole and Heavenly Oven
Ready for the ultimate one-pot dinner? This Cajun chicken pasta alfredo is unbelievably simple to throw together and absolutely the best kind of comfort food—it’s on the dinner table in only 30!
Get the recipe: One-Pot Cajun Chicken Bacon Pasta Alfredo
Shrimp and Corn Risotto with Bacon
From A Chef's Kitchen
Shrimp and corn risotto with bacon is an American twist on traditional risotto and the perfect summer comfort food!
Get the recipe: Shrimp and Corn Risotto with Bacon
Beef Short Ribs with Mushroom Risotto
Flavor The Moments
Tender beef short ribs braised in the slow cooker until the meat falls off the bone, and served over creamy mushroom risotto. This is a flavorful, comforting dish that the whole family will love!
Get the recipe: Beef Short Ribs with Mushroom Risotto
Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes
Baker By Nature
These broccoli and cheddar twice-baked potatoes are the epitome of comfort food! Add a salad to make them a full meal.
Get the recipe: Broccoli and Cheddar Twice-Baked Potatoes
Zucchini Noodles in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Eat Well 101
Try these zucchini noodles for a low-carb comfort dinner that will be on your table in less than 20 minutes!
Get the recipe: Zucchini Noodles in Creamy Tomato Sauce
One-Pot Spicy Pork Ragu with Orzo
Jo Cooks
This deeply flavored spicy pork ragu with orzo makes for a delicious and comforting dinner. So simple and ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: One-Pot Spicy Pork Ragu with Orzo
Skillet Beef Broccoli Ramen
Chelsea's Messy Apron
The best way to enjoy beef and broccoli is over ramen noodles!
Get the recipe: Skillet Beef Broccoli Ramen
Related: 63 Best Broccoli Recipes
Beef Noodle Stir Fry
Fox and Briar
This quick and easy beef noodle stir fry takes under 30 minutes and is easily made gluten-free! Full of veggies, beef and a flavorful sauce, your whole family will love it!
Get the recipe: Beef Noodle Stir Fry
Mushroom Spaghetti Aglio Olio
Dish by Dish
Mushroom spaghetti aglio olio: a simple but incredibly tasty and fulfilling meal that you can make from scratch in just 40 minutes. Best of all, it’s gluten-free and vegan too!
Get the recipe: Mushroom Spaghetti Aglio Olio
Swedish Meatballs in Brown Gravy
Little Spice Jar
Swedish meatballs nuzzled in a simple yet creamy brown gravy! Just like IKEA but only better.
Get the recipe: Swedish Meatballs in Brown Gravy
Spicy Thai Curry Pumpkin Noodle Soup
My Food Story
Creamy, comforting spicy Thai curry pumpkin noodle soup gets ready in 20 minutes and the recipe takes you back to Thailand!
Get the recipe: Spicy Thai Curry Pumpkin Noodle Soup
Korean BBQ Bowls with Garlic-Scented Rice
Little Spice Jar
Hearty Korean BBQ bowls made with bulgogi beef, garlic-scented rice, quick cucumber carrot salad and half-boiled eggs. These bowls are warm, comforting and loaded with protein.
Get the recipe: Korean BBQ Bowls with Garlic Scented Rice
Related: 25 Authentic Korean Recipes
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