20 Winter Recipes to Warm You Up This Season

Once the cold weather hits and that first snowfall sticks to the ground, my kitchen transforms into one of the coziest places in my house. There’s pretty much always a casserole baking in the oven, a crockpot on the counter, or a stew simmering on the stove. When the fuzzy socks and fur coats come out, so do the warm and cozy winter recipes. This time of year, I love experimenting with seasonal winter produce, soul-soothing dishes, and rich flavors that warm you right up on frigid days. Plus, snow days and dreary evenings where the sun sets by 4 p.m. are perfect opportunities to try some new recipes and cooking techniques (homemade pasta, anyone?). So, if you’re ready to romanticize winter evenings by getting cozy in the kitchen, here are 20 warm, delicious winter recipes to make this season.

1. Winter Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a serious contender as an all-time favorite comfort food. Although I’m a sucker for any kind of soup during the winter, this slow cooker-friendly recipe is packed with winter vegetables and orzo pasta mixed into a rich, hearty broth.

2. Creamy Garlic Chicken

Rich, savory flavors are the name of the game during the winter season. As a garlic lover myself, I’ll definitely be turning to this recipe on cold winter nights. The creamy garlic sauce paired with tender chicken breasts just might become a staple in your kitchen all season long.

3. Chorizo Chili

When temperatures drop, chili is the star of the show in my kitchen. Although you may already have a go-to family recipe, this Mexican chorizo chili will make you want to switch it up. The mix of chorizo and ground beef gives the dish even more depth of flavor, and the recipe makes a big batch, so it’s great for leftovers.

4. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Stir fry is one of my go-to meals when I don’t know what to cook—it’s both quick and easy to make. This version is made with tender beef tossed in a garlicky Asian sauce along with broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Serve with rice, or enjoy it all on its own.

5. Brown Butter Ravioli with Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a staple cold-weather ingredient. This veggie is light yet filling and adds delicious seasonal flavor to this ravioli recipe. And if making pasta from scratch sounds like too much effort, don’t fret. This recipe uses pre-made cheese ravioli for a weeknight-friendly shortcut.

6. Winter Salad

There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with seasonal ingredients—and this winter salad combines them all into a fresh salad. Toss together kale, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, pecans, and pomegranate arils for a dish that pairs perfectly alongside a hearty holiday meal.

7. Vegan Loaded Potato Soup

I literally dream of loaded potato soup during the winter months. It’s that perfect combination of rich, creamy goodness that leaves you both full and warm. This recipe walks you through how to make a vegan version, but you could easily make this soup with dairy products and real bacon if you wish.

8. Spicy Maple-Glazed Salmon

While I’m a fan of salmon year-round, this spicy maple-glazed recipe is the perfect way to add some holiday flavors to your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s quick and easy to make, and pairs well with roasted veggies, noodles, or a side salad.

9. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

A pasta dish is always going to hit the spot on a chilly day. This dish uses Cajun spices to give the shrimp a zesty, satisfying flavor. Serve over your favorite type of pasta, and eat it while it’s nice and hot!

10. Braised Short Ribs

I definitely gravitate toward heartier recipes during the winter, and the ingredients for this braised short rib recipe are already on my grocery list. The tender, fall-off-the-bone meat is braised in a red wine sauce that gives it so much flavor.

11. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

Whipping up a cozy winter recipe doesn’t have to involve spending hours in the kitchen. This creamy pumpkin pasta recipe requires just 30 minutes to make but doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s made with pumpkin purée, fresh sage, parmesan, walnuts, and pepitas for a whole lot of seasonal flavor in one simple dish.

12. Baked Cheesy Cuban Chicken Taquitos

Richly spiced chicken and veggies wrapped in crispy tortillas and covered in melty cheese? Say less. These Cuban-inspired chicken taquitos are a twist on a classic Mexican dish that’s bursting with flavor. Bake your taquitos on a sheet pan until crispy and then top with cheese, avocado, and your favorite salsa.

13. Vegan Drunken Noodles

While it might be easy to pick up the phone and order takeout when it’s too cold to go anywhere, this drunken noodle recipe is just as good as your favorite Thai restaurant. This dish is vegan, packed with veggies, and tossed in a simple yet delicious sauce.

14. Crockpot Pot Roast

Winter recipes don’t get more classic than a good old pot roast. The rich, tender meat cooks low and slow in the crockpot along with plenty of potatoes, veggies, and herbs for flavor. Start this recipe in the morning, and it’ll fill your whole house with those warm, mouth-watering smells all day long.

15. Stuffed Butternut Squash

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option that still packs the nutrients and protein you need to get through cold winter days, this stuffed butternut squash recipe is perfect for you. Made with quinoa, apple, spinach, and feta cheese, it combines a hearty blend of seasonal flavors but requires just 10 minutes to throw together. Load your stuffed butternut squash onto a sheet pan and let your oven do the rest.

16. Cranberry Meatballs

If you’ve never had cranberry meatballs before, let me introduce you to your new winter staple recipe. Be careful—they’re seriously addictive. The sweet and tangy sauce mixture is rich, savory, and satisfying. They make a perfect holiday appetizer to share but can also work as a yummy seasonal dinner when served over rice.

17. Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

My crockpot lives on my countertop during the winter months. It’s great for saving time during the week—and filling your home with warm, savory fragrances. Filled with beef, quinoa, cheese, and plenty of spices, these stuffed peppers are perfect for cold nights when you want something easy, warm, and filling.

18. Ground Beef Alfredo Bake

‘Tis the season for casseroles! Made with plenty of cheese and hearty ground beef, this alfredo pasta bake will warm you up from the inside out. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive, making this a great budget-friendly dish that’ll please everyone around the table.

19. Baked Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is one of those classic dishes that gives me some seriously nostalgic feelings. It’s a great comfort dish for snowy days that chill you to the bone. This baked version lets you skip the mess of frying while still achieving the crispy chicken and melty cheese we know and love.

20. Sweet and Sour Tofu

If you’re looking for a tofu dish that will satisfy your cravings during the winter, this sweet and sour tofu recipe is for you! The tofu is baked crispy and tossed in a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce. Serve with rice and broccoli for a well-rounded meal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenna Piotrowicz, Editorial Assistant

Jenna began working as an Editorial Assistant for The Everygirl in 2024. With her eye for detail, she assists the team with content creation, sourcing products and images, and works behind the scenes to support The Everygirl in uploading and updating content.

READ JENNA’S FULL BIO

The post 20 Winter Recipes to Warm You Up This Season appeared first on The Everygirl.