13 cozy dishes that’ll make staying in this weekend worth it

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Weekends are meant for relaxing, and there’s nothing better than cozying up with some great home-cooked meals. These recipes make staying in and making the most of your downtime something you’ll crave. From hearty chili to comfort-filled pasta, you’ll save time, money and get to enjoy them in the comfort of your own home. Skip the lines and the hassle—you’ve got everything you need for a perfect weekend right in your kitchen.

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

Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Pumpkin stuffed shells in a white dish with a spoon.
Pumpkin Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Pumpkin, sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg make these stuffed shells feel like fall in a dish. It’s a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for a weekend dinner when you want to stay in and enjoy something seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Stuffed Shells

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Sausage Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bell peppers stuffed with sausage, spinach, rice, and ricotta make for a meal that’s hearty without being heavy. This is a great one-pan weekend dinner when you’re in the mood for something simple, flavorful, and just a little bit cheesy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes

Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beef stew meets stuffed potatoes, and it’s as good as it sounds. The red wine adds richness to the stew, making this dish perfect for a cold weekend night when you just want to hunker down.
Get the Recipe: Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes

Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot bolognese recipe on a plate with a fork.
Instant Pot Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bolognese in an Instant Pot means you get all the hearty flavors of this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over pasta with a healthy dose of parmesan and you’ve got yourself a great meal in a fraction of the time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco Tuesday meets lasagna in this cheesy mash-up that’s perfect for a lazy weekend dinner. Layers of taco goodness come together easily, making this a fun meal everyone will dig into without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Taco Lasagna

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This mushroom risotto is creamy without any dairy. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of deep flavors. Perfect for a weekend night when you want to cook something a little special but still low-key enough for a night at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Italian tomato soup with pasta in a mug with a spoon.
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This soup’s got everything: ground beef, sausage, mushrooms, and escarole. It’s packed with flavor and great for when you want a simple but comforting weekend meal. Perfect for when you’re craving something hearty without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Brisket Chili

Brisket chili in a bowl topede with green onions and avocado.
Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Brisket chili is your go-to for a laid-back weekend meal. Toss your leftover beef brisket into a hearty mix of beans, peppers, and corn. The thick tomato base packs a punch, making it perfect for staying in and keeping things cozy.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Chili

Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Twice baked spaghetti squash with breadcrumb topping.
Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This twice-baked spaghetti squash is loaded with spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, and cheese. It’s an easy, veggie-packed meal that’s great for a weekend when you want something lighter but still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Lamb Bolognese

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

Lamb bolognese is a punchier take on the classic meat sauce. Simmered with red wine and herbs, it’s perfect for when you want something extra cozy but still packed with flavor. Serve over tagliatelle and you’ve got a perfect weekend meal.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.
Stuffed Chicken Marsala. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Chicken marsala, but make it stuffed with mozzarella, tomato butter, and fresh basil. This dish is a great weekend dinner that’s just a bit more special, but still easy to make when you’re staying in.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala

Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Butternut squash noodles with spinach, ricotta and garlic in a cast iron skillet.
Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These squash noodles are tossed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts. Quick to make and packed with flavor, this one-pan dish is great for a vegetarian weekend meal that won’t leave you missing anything.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

A bowl of chili with apples, beans and sour cream.
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A creamy, cheesy chili with chicken and apple? Yeah, it works. The white beans and cheddar bring it all together. It’s a little unexpected but absolutely great for fall weekends when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

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