When December hits and the nights get cold, no one’s in the mood for light salads or complicated meals. It’s all about hearty, hot, homemade dinners that make you want to stay inside and grab seconds. The best part? These recipes deliver serious comfort without taking all night to make. From stick-to-your-ribs stews to casseroles that practically cook themselves, there’s something here to make every dinner feel like a win.
Winter Vegetable Curry
Winter vegetable curry combines butternut squash, cauliflower, kale, and chickpeas in a comforting dish that’s both hearty and easy to make. It’s perfect for a meatless dinner that still leaves you feeling full and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Winter Vegetable Curry
Brisket Chili
Brisket chili is everything you want on a cold December night—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Using leftover brisket makes it a great way to create a comforting meal with minimal effort, perfect for cozy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Creamy chicken apple cheddar chili is an unexpected combo that just works. With white beans, shredded chicken, and plenty of cheddar, it’s great for when you want something hearty that’s a little different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili
Chicken Sorrentino
Chicken Sorrentino brings breaded chicken together with prosciutto, eggplant, cheese, and tomato sauce for a dish that feels fancy but is super easy to make at home. It’s hearty and perfect for dinner when you want something special without too much work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino
Instant Pot Bean Soup
This bean soup is loaded with a mix of beans, lentils, and Tuscan kale, simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s hearty, easy, and the perfect choice for a cold night when you want something simple and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup
Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash
Twice baked spaghetti squash is packed with spinach, artichokes, and cheese for a comforting vegetarian option. It’s simple, hearty, and makes a great meatless dinner when you want something cozy but easy.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash
Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew
This beef and mushroom stew is a go-to for stick-to-your-ribs dinners. The Instant Pot makes it fast and easy, so you can enjoy a hearty, homemade meal without spending all night in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew
Turkey Chili Pie
Turkey chili pie combines lean turkey chili with a cornbread topping baked in one skillet. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty, one-dish meal that’s perfect for cold winter nights.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie
Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew
Moroccan lamb lentil stew is rich, spiced, and perfect for a winter dinner. Loaded with lentils and chickpeas, it’s a hearty dish that’s great for those evenings when you need a little extra comfort.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew
Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
Short rib ragu cooked in the slow cooker is the kind of comfort food December calls for. Serve it over mashed potatoes or pasta for a dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cold weather.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Short Rib Ragu
Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
This cheesy ground beef casserole is packed with black beans, tomatoes, and peppers for a comforting dinner. It’s quick, simple, and a great way to spice up your December dinners with big flavors everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
If you love buffalo wings, this soup is your next favorite dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with orzo and chicken, it’s a great 30-minute meal that’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Taco Lasagna
Taco lasagna layers all the best parts of tacos with creamy, cheesy goodness for a hearty, comforting meal. It’s a fun twist on taco night that’s great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Taco Lasagna
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Sweet potato mac and cheese sneaks in some extra veggies while keeping things rich and creamy. It’s a great dish for when you want comfort food that’s a little on the lighter side but still hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Sausage Mac and Cheese
Sausage mac and cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough for a main dish, it’s a dinner that everyone will want seconds of.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese
Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup
Hot and sour egg drop soup is bold, hearty, and exactly what you need on a cold day. No need to choose between two favorites—this soup combines them for a simple, flavorful meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Hot & Sour Egg Drop Soup
Salsa Chicken
Salsa chicken is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s perfect for December. Juicy chicken baked with salsa, corn, and cheddar cheese comes together in less than 30 minutes for a meal that’s big on flavor and low on effort.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Turkey Stew
Turkey stew is a comforting mix of shredded turkey, potatoes, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. It’s simmered to perfection with just the right amount of tang from tomato paste and balsamic vinegar for a hearty, satisfying winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stew
Instant Pot Venison Roast
This venison roast is pressure-cooked to tender perfection with potatoes, carrots, and onions. Served in a rich red wine balsamic sauce, it’s a great option for a hearty, flavorful dinner on a chilly night.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Venison Roast
Farro Risotto
Farro risotto with white beans and chicken broth takes the classic comfort of risotto and makes it heartier and more flavorful. It’s a great choice for when you want something filling but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Farro Risotto
Escarole Soup
Escarole soup combines sausage, white beans, and pasta in a garlicky broth that’s as hearty as it is flavorful. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner for staying warm and full.
Get the Recipe: Escarole Soup