Chase away winter blues with 15 hot & hearty dinners

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As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like a hot, hearty dinner to warm you up from the inside out. Let’s dive into some delicious recipes that are perfect for those cold evenings when you crave something comforting and fulfilling. From creamy stroganoff to a rich lamb bolognese, we’ve gathered a variety of dishes that promise to make your winter meals both enjoyable and satisfying.

A bowl of turkey stew with carrots and potatoes.
Turkey Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Easy Creamy Stroganoff

Dairy-free venison stroganoff over pasta garnished with parsley.
Easy Creamy Stroganoff. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The easy creamy stroganoff, perfect for chilly winter days, offers a unique twist with coconut yogurt. It’s an ideal choice for a warm, hearty dinner, adaptable with either beef or venison. This version of the classic stroganoff brings comfort and richness to your table, easy to prepare and sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Stroganoff

Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles

Pesto spaghetti squash noodles in a bowl with cherry tomatoes.
Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy pesto spaghetti squash noodles provide a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for winter dinners. This dish combines the warmth of creamy pasta with the unique texture of spaghetti squash, making it a warming choice for cold evenings. It’s easy to prepare, offering a delightful blend of flavors and a satisfying meal to enjoy when the temperature drops.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Instant Pot white beans and tomatoes on sourdough toast garnished with fresh herbs and crumbled feta.
Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot tomato & white beans are a quick and heartwarming dish, ideal for winter meals. Made effortlessly in a pressure cooker, this dish is a humble yet satisfying choice, great when served over toasted sourdough bread. It’s perfect for those seeking a warm, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, embodying the essence of comfort food for cold days.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Slow cooker short rib ragu in a bowl over mashed sweet potatoes with a fork.
Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The slow cooker short rib ragu is a comforting choice for cooler weather. Whether served over mashed sweet potatoes or pasta, it offers deep, rich flavors that are perfect for warming up on a winter day. This dish, cooked slowly to perfection, provides a hearty and fulfilling meal, making it a fantastic dinner option during the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu

Skillet Cheddar Polenta with Sausage

A serving spoon in a cast iron skillet with polenta and sausage.
Skillet Cheddar Polenta with Sausage. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Skillet cheddar polenta with sausage is the epitome of comfort food. Its creamy, cheesy texture, paired with golden brown Italian sausage and topped with fresh cranberries and arugula, makes for a warm and hearty dinner. This dish is an excellent choice for a cozy winter evening, combining rich flavors and textures to create a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Cheddar Polenta with Sausage

Stuffed Cornish Hens

Roasted Cornish hens on a plate with potatoes and herbs.
Stuffed Cornish Hens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Stuffed cornish hens, filled with cranberries and apples and roasted over a bed of red potatoes, offer an elegant and warm meal. Perfect for a cold winter night, these hens provide a comforting and hearty dinner. The combination of flavors and the simplicity of preparation make this dish a great choice for those looking to enjoy a special meal during the winter months.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cornish Hens

Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Apple cider braised lamb shanks on a gray plate with fresh thyme sprigs.
Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Apple cider braised lamb shanks are a perfect winter dinner, tender with caramelized, crispy bits, sweet apple, and onion slices. This dish, which can be prepared on the stove top or in the oven, offers a warm and hearty meal, ideal for the cold days. It’s a comforting choice, bringing rich flavors and warmth to your dining table, perfect for a cozy evening in.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks

Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Maple mustard chicken breasts with brussels sprouts, squash and cranberries.
Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The sheet pan maple mustard chicken, accompanied by Brussels sprouts, squash, and cranberries, is an excellent winter dinner. This simple, one-pan meal combines the sweetness of maple with the tang of mustard, providing a hearty and warming dish. Perfect for a fuss-free yet fulfilling meal on a cold night, it’s a practical and delicious way to enjoy a winter dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Chicken

Stuffed Delicata Squash

Stuffed delicata squash boats with cranberries and pork on a baking sheet.
Stuffed Delicata Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Stuffed delicata squash, roasted to sweeten and caramelize, then filled with a mixture of ground pork, cranberries, apples, leeks, and fennel, offers a hearty and warming winter meal. This dish is perfect for those cold evenings, providing a comforting and flavorful dinner. Easy to prepare, it brings a delightful combination of seasonal ingredients to your winter dining table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Delicata Squash

Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Gnocchi with ground pork, tomatoes, mozzarella and spinach in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Skillet Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Baked skillet gnocchi, a comforting choice for winter, is a one-skillet meal with ground pork, crushed tomatoes, spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. It provides the warmth and comfort of a hearty meal, perfect for cold evenings. This dish, simple to prepare and rich in flavors, is a great way to enjoy a fulfilling dinner during the winter months.
Get the Recipe: Baked Skillet Gnocchi

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The bomb meatloaf, possibly the best you’ll ever taste, is easy to prepare and perfect for a winter dinner. Tender, juicy, and topped with a mouthwatering sweet and tangy glaze, it’s a great choice for a hearty meal on a cold day. This meatloaf promises to bring warmth and flavor to your table, making it an excellent choice for a comforting winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Lamb Bolognese

Lamb bolognese with tagliatelle noodles.
Lamb Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lamb bolognese offers a flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish, ideal for cozy winter dinners. Simmered with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, red wine, and fresh herbs, this sauce paired with tagliatelle creates a comforting and hearty meal. It’s a wonderful option for those chilly evenings, bringing a rich and warming taste to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Short Rib Chili

A bowl of chili with noodles and sour cream.
Short Rib Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The spicy porter short rib chili is the perfect comfort food for a cold day. Offering excellent leftovers and the option to freeze for later, this dish is not only delicious but also practical for winter meals. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a warm, hearty meal, combining rich flavors and spices to create the ultimate winter comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili

Turkey Stew

A bowl of turkey stew with carrots and potatoes.
Turkey Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey stew, with shredded turkey meat, red potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs, is a perfect choice for a winter meal. Simmered with tomato paste and balsamic vinegar, it offers a savory and comforting dish. This stew is ideal for those cold days, providing a cozy and hearty dinner option to warm you up.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew

Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

A bowl of soup with an egg on top.
Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Hot & sour egg drop soup, combining two classic Chinese soups, is a delicious and hearty choice for winter days. This dish offers a warming and satisfying meal, perfect for those who can’t decide between their favorite soups. It’s an ideal way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful bowl on a cold evening, making your winter dining experience more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup

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