27 Easy Winter Weeknight Meals Recipes
When the weather is cold and the walk to work feels more like a trek, it's nice to know that come dinner time, at least, you will be sitting down to something delicious and warm. Because winter brings some of the gloomiest days of the year, we often turn to comfort foods during this season. You know the stuff: casseroles, stews, mac and cheese — stick-your-your-ribs kind of food. But all too often these dishes demand more time and effort than most of us can spare during the week.
Never fear, though: You can have your comfort food and eat it too! Turning to easy dishes that use equipment like the slow-cooker, the Instant Pot, and the humble sheet pan means you can get dinner on the table easily without sacrificing full-flavored food. From healthy dishes like warm salads and satisfying shakshuka to the classic cold-weather food we all enjoy like chicken and dumplings, beef stroganoff, or risotto, these recipes will all bring light and tons of flavor to your table, even on the coldest days of the year.
Read on to discover a plethora of satisfying recipes that won't require you to spend the whole day at the stove. After all, your time is probably better spent building a snowman, right?
A Pizza Without Crust
This pizza senza crosta is like a cross between fondue, mozzarella sticks, and pizza — a rich tomato sauce, with big wedges of mozzarella and a basket of cut-up focaccia or ciabatta to accompany it.
African Sweet Potato Stew
Throw all the ingredients for this tasty stew into your slow-cooker and leave it on low for about 4 hours. It couldn't be simpler to get a nice, hot, delicious dinner on the table.
Blissed-Out Crispy Cheesy Broccoli Gratin
Try this cheesy broccoli gratin for a simple, meat-free dinner or hearty side dish. To make it a complete meal, add some grilled chicken or fish. You could even serve it to accompany an omelette for a satisfying vegetarian dinner.
For the Blissed-Out Crispy Cheesy Broccoli Gratin recipe, click here.
Cheesy Loaded Potato Skins With Chorizo
For a hearty and comforting weeknight dinner, look no further than these loaded potato skins. Paired with a refreshing salad, they make for a wonderfully easy meal.
For the Cheesy Loaded Potato Skins With Chorizo recipe, click here.
Chicken Thighs With Creamy Leek and Caper Sauce
Here is a simple sheet pan recipe that is deceptively decadent once on the plate. Everything cooks together and the result is a lovely, comforting, and complete dish.
For the Chicken Thighs With Creamy Leek and Caper Sauce recipe, click here.
Chicken and Dumplings
Here's a comforting, classic one-pot meal that will chase away those winter chills from your toes to your nose.
No-Boil Mac and Cheese
If you're craving mac and cheese but don't want the hassle of pre-boiling pasta and making a roux, don't immediately turn to the boxed stuff! Here's an easy homemade recipe that is stress-free and full of flavor.
Falafel Burgers
If you're craving a burger but still trying to stick to your healthy New Year's resolution, make these hearty but healthy falafel burgers. They're loaded with good-for-you ingredients as well as a hit of spice and bold flavor — a perfect way to bring warmth to your table in the cold winter months.
Hoisin Eggplant, Spicy Brussels Sprouts, and Tofu
Sweet, spicy, and full of zingy ginger, this vegetable medley is the perfect way to refuel and nourish your body when there simply aren't enough hours in the day.
Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon With Veggies and Oranges
Get dinner on the table in 25 minutes flat and savor the wonderful flavors in this salmon glazed with soy sauce, Dijon, and honey.
For the Honey-Soy Glazed Salmon With Veggies and Oranges recipe, click here.
I Can’t Believe It’s Mushroom Risotto!
Risotto doesn't have to be a dish that is reserved for weekend dinner parties. This one-tray recipe allows you to step away from the stove and still make dinner absolutely delicious.
For the I Can't Believe Mushroom Risotto recipe, click here.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Make this easy version of a Filipino classic in no time at all using an Instant Pot or multi-cooker and a wonderful stew full of delicious, complex flavor. You won't believe how easy this recipe is!
Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
Turn to your trusty Instant Pot (or other multi-cooker) to get this classic low-and-slow recipe ready and on the table in under an hour!
Lemony Herbed Ricotta and Roasted Tomato Bruschetta
If you're looking for a recipe that will remind you of warm summer days, look no further. Roasting cherry tomatoes helps concentrate their flavor even when they aren't in season.
For the Lemony Herbed Ricotta and Roasted Tomato Bruschetta recipe, click here.
Maple and Lime-Roasted Squash With Lentils, Ricotta, and Basil Oil
This comforting dish is full of warm, wintery flavors and comes together incredibly easily.
For the Maple and Lime-Roasted Squash With Lentils, Ricotta, and Basil Oil recipe, click here.
Mixed Vegetable Shakshuka
Breakfast for dinner anyone? Just add a few slices of toast and you're all set to enjoy this healthy and flavor-packed dish.
Orecchiette With Turkey and Broccoli
This dinner is delicious, and it comes together fast! Everyone in the family will enjoy this hearty and healthy pasta dish.
For the Orecchiette With Turkey and Broccoli recipe, click here.
Piri Piri Chicken
Keep a jar of this marinade handy so you can whip up a complex-tasting meal with no effort at all!
Potato Rösti With Smoked Ham and Eggs
Who doesn't love a crispy potato dish? Topped with a perfect egg these potato rösti are the perfect one-plate meal for a winter weeknight.
For the Potato Rösti With Smoked Ham and Eggs recipe, click here.
Roasted Vegetable Lasagna
An easy lasagna recipe?! It's true! This lasagna doesn't require any pre-boiling of noodles, and you can easily pre-roast the vegetables the day before for a truly fuss-free dinner.
Sausage-and-Spinach Cheese Tortellini
Let your slow-cooker do the hard work so you don't have to and don't be afraid of making too much because the leftovers are simply delicious!
For the Sausage With Spinach Cheese Tortellini recipe, click here.
Screamin’ Good Carnitas
Who doesn't love a tasty taco? These tacos are a breeze to make using a slow-cooker, and the recipe can be easily adapted for different dietary needs.
Slow-Cooker Vegan Lentil Curry
Comfort food doesn't have to be unhealthy or cheese-filled. This protein-packed lentil curry is so delicious that no one will even think of it as healthy vegan fare.
For the Slow-Cooker Vegetarian and Vegan Lentil Curry recipe, click here.
Spaghetti With Zucchini and Pecorino Romano
This simple spaghetti dish is delicious and perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Zucchini that is both crispy and soft, with sharp, salty, pecorino romano — divine!
For the Spaghetti With Zucchini and Pecorino Romano recipe, click here.
Sweet-With-Heat Beef Short Ribs
This is a great all-purpose sauce that you can serve with pasta, polenta, mashed potatoes, or even a few slices of good bread.
Tomato and Green Lentil Noodle Soup With Croutons
Green lentils, tomato broth, and chewy noodles make this soup hearty, comforting, and totally hit-the-spot delicious. Don't be daunted by the fact that the recipe calls for making your own noodles; these thick, hand-torn noodles are a perfect beginner noodle to make, so go forth without fear! You can also use store-bought noodles if you really don't feel like making your own.
For the Tomato and Green Lentil Soup With Croutons recipe, click here.
Warm Salad of Roast Tomatoes, Figs, and Feta With Tarragon
Here's a hearty warm salad that is just the thing to keep you going through the cold months of winter. Everything happens on a sheet tray, which makes for an effortless dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights.
For the Warm Salad of Roast Tomatoes, Figs, and Feta With Tarragon recipe, click here.