13 oven-baked dinners for chilly nights

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Oven-baked dinners for chilly nights are a great choice. The oven does most of the work, and the resulting hot meal makes you feel cozy and comforted. Baking is a straightforward way to make simple ingredients turn into something special. Using the oven saves you time, letting you accomplish other things while dinner cooks. These 13 meals are good for any day of the week and keep you warm when it’s cold outside.

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish takes 30 minutes to make and is filled with broccoli, cauliflower, cheese sauce, and bacon. It’s easy to put together and gives you a mix of crunchy veggies and smoky bacon, all held together by cheese. Baking it in the oven is a good way to warm up on a cold night. It’s a one-dish meal that covers both veggies and protein, making it a smart pick for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, you can have a filling meal of chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. The cheese adds a creamy texture that goes well with the chicken and greens. It’s a warm, oven-baked dish that’s perfect for cold nights. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, which is great for when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This is a quick 30-minute meal that you can cook on a single sheet pan, making clean-up easy. You get a filling and balanced dinner with sausage and veggies, all seasoned and cooked together. Baking it in the oven is an easy way to get a warm meal, which is especially nice when it’s chilly outside.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole dish with cheese, bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This casserole combines simple ingredients: bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. It’s easy to make and can even be prepared ahead of time. The combination of creamy potatoes and crispy bacon provides a mix of textures that many enjoy. It’s a warm, oven-baked dish that’s a natural fit for cold evenings. It’s also a versatile meal that you can adjust according to your own preferences.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish combines butternut squash, cauliflower, bacon, and red onion. The bacon adds a smoky flavor that balances out the sweetness of the squash. This is an excellent choice for oven-baking on colder nights, offering warmth and a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

In under an hour, you can enjoy a meal full of steak, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all topped with provolone cheese. This casserole is a one-dish meal that makes sure you get your protein and veggies. Baking it in the oven is a practical choice for chilly nights and it’s a dish you’re sure to want to have again.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish turns seasoned chicken, sweet peppers, and cream cheese into an oven-baked meal. The addition of mozzarella cheese adds to the texture, and a blend of spices gives it character. With straightforward preparation and a 30-minute cooking time, it’s an easy meal for weeknights. Being oven-baked makes it warm and comforting for cold evenings.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This dish is for those who enjoy a bit of heat. It combines shredded chicken, bacon, and jalapeños, all under a layer of cheese. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. Baking it in the oven makes it an easy, warm dinner, particularly good for cold nights. Plus, it’s an uncomplicated way to get a flavorful meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute dish combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. It offers a balanced, hearty meal where the cheese helps to bring all the flavors together. If you’re pressed for time but still want a home-cooked dinner that will warm you up on a cold night, this one’s a good choice.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Lemon Pepper Wings

A serving dish of lemon pepper wings with a wedge of lemon.
Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

These wings are marinated in lemon and pepper, then baked in the oven. They come out crispy on the outside but remain juicy on the inside. Baking ensures even cooking, making this dish a repeatable dinner option that also provides warmth on a chilly night.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Sour Cream and Onion Cauliflower Bake

Sour cream and onion cauliflower bake in a baking dish with a spoon.
Sour Cream And Onion Cauliflower Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute dish turns cauliflower, sour cream, and onions into a flavorful dish. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The sour cream adds a creamy touch and the onions give a nice kick. Being baked in the oven makes it a warm choice for cold nights.
Get the Recipe: Sour Cream and Onion Cauliflower Bake

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here, you’ll make your own nuggets from canned chicken and crushed pork rinds. The outside becomes crunchy while the inside stays moist. They’re a straightforward addition to your weeknight menu with a quick bake time, especially good for warming up on colder evenings.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These kebabs are a high-protein option that you can easily assemble. Season the meat, thread it onto skewers, and bake. The oven provides consistent cooking, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s practical, warm, and perfect for chilly evenings.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

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