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Winter dinner ideas are hearty, comforting, and warm the soul. With the chill outside, it’s nice to come in to something toasty.
More Collections: Winter Drinks, Winter Soups, Winter Salad Recipes
Best Loved Winter Dinner Ideas
With shorter daylight hours, it can make the evenings feel like there is even less time to get a nutritious hot meal on the table.
My biggest tip is to plan a weekly menu and purchase all the needed ingredients. Even if you need to rearrange the plan you’ll have everything you need for those busy weeknights.
Why we love them:
- Healthy. Winter meals can still be healthy (to keep you on track) and don’t always need to take up a lot of time.
- Feeds a crowd. With this round up, I have plenty for you to choose from that will fit you and your family’s needs!
- Easy! These winter dinner ideas will make meal planning a breeze!
Favorite Seasonal Produce
Many recipes have ingredients that can be adjusted easily without affecting the end result. Substituting or adding seasonal produce is not only cost-effective, but fresh, and helps the dish take on the “taste” of winter.
- FRUITS: apples, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, pears
- VEGGIES: broccoli, beets, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, fennel, garlic, ginger, leek, onions, parsnip, pumpkin, potato, spinach, and turnip
Proteins
Meats are often served as a stand-alone dish like Pot Roast or within a dish like Mac and Cheese with Ham, Meatball Soup, or Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake.
- Popular cuts of beef come from eight main areas of the cow- chuck, rib, loin, round, flank steak, short plate, brisket, and shank. These main cuts are then used to create sub-cuts like roasts, steaks, stew meat, and ground beef.
- Popular poultry includes the breast, wing, thigh, and drumstick. Recipes can also call for boneless and skinless, bone and skin on, the bird whole, or ground chicken.
- Popular cuts of pork include short ribs, chops, roast, tenderloin, and shoulder. Bacon, sausage, and ham are also great choices of pork.
Meatless protein. Some favorites include tofu, edamame, lentils beans, wild rice, quinoa, oats, nuts, and seeds. Eggs, milk, and cheese are also a source of protein and are often used in winter recipes.
What to Eat in the Winter
Soup is my favorite winter dish. There’s something that warms the soul on a chilly winter eve. I also like to serve comfort food like a hot and hearty casserole or warm pasta full of protein and vegetables.
I love the crock pot because the aroma fills my home with the promise of the family sitting down together to enjoy a warm delicious weeknight dinner.
Some other winter cooking methods include:
- Simmering on the stove top: This method is typically used for soups and stews, but can also include gravies like stroganoff and sauces such as spaghetti sauce.
- Roasting vegetables or meats. It’s a great alternative to frying because it uses very little oil and creates a nice caramelization.
Our fav winter dinner recipes
We’ve rounded up several of our coziest dinner options that are perfect for winter! They are best loved by the entire family.
1 Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
2 Crock Pot Pot Roast
3 Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Recipe Video
Get the recipe4 Beef Stroganoff Recipe
5 Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
6 Easy Goulash Recipe
7 Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
8 Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Recipe Video
Get the recipe9 Easy Fettuccine Alfredo
10 Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Healthy Winter Dinner Recipes
Whether you opt for a bowl of soup or chili, or some meat and veggies, we have some healthy options you are sure to love!
11 Turkey Chili Recipe
12 Navy Bean Soup Recipe
13 Steak and Potatoes Recipe
14 Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
15 Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner
16 Zucchini Boats Recipe
17 Baked Chicken Recipe
18 Italian Pork Chops Recipe
19 Albondigas Recipe
More Winter Dinner Ideas
For even more tasty savory winter dishes that will warm the belly and soul check out these easy dinner recipes!
20 White Chicken Chili
21 Best Chili Recipe
22 Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe
23 Creamy Swiss Chicken Bake
24 Crock Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Recipe Video
Get the recipe25 Easy Meatball Recipe
26 Chicken Penne Pasta
27 Chicken Alfredo Recipe
28 Easy Lasagna Recipe
29 Homemade Lasagna Recipe
30 Baked Ravioli Recipe
31 Baked Spaghetti Recipe
32 French Onion Chicken Casserole Recipe
Recipe Video
Get the recipe33 Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
34 Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
35 Chicken and Dumpling Casserole Recipe
36 Crockpot Ham Recipe
37 Honey Glazed Ham
38 Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe
39 Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
40 Beef Stew Recipe
Warm and Cozy Winter Meals
Whether it’s a hearty, easy, or healthy meal you are looking for you’re sure to find the perfect recipes for those cold winter nights!
More Collections: Crock Pot Dinner Ideas, Easy Soup Recipes, Easy Pasta Recipes
