These 17 low-effort cozy dinners are great for those cold, lazy nights. These recipes are about simplicity and comfort. They’re perfect for when you want a warm meal but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. We’re focusing on easy, straightforward dishes that anyone can make, bringing warmth to your table without the hassle.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
For those cold evenings when you’re looking for something warm and comforting, reach for this Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend, this soup is as easy to make as it is delicious. With just a few steps — sauté, simmer, blend, and garnish — you’ve got a customizable, creamy soup that’s both hearty and filling. You can make this soup in just an hour and in just one pot, making it a practical addition to your recipe collection.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Oven-baked dinners are a great choice for chilly nights, and this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole will warm you right up. It’s a combination of steamed broccoli and cauliflower in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with bacon and cheese. Pop it into the oven for just 30 minutes, and let the oven do the rest.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Spinach Chicken Bake
This dish is a blend of juicy chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese, all cooked in one pan. It’s super easy to make with ingredients you may already have on hand. Made in just one pan and can be ready in just 30 minutes, this chicken bake is perfect for those new to the kitchen or anyone who needs a quick, warm meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake
Crock Pot Taco Soup
Spend just 20 minutes preparing, add the ingredients to the Crock Pot, and then let the slow cooker do the rest. This soup simmers ground beef, cream cheese, and tomatoes with a rich mix of flavors for a comforting meal, perfect for those busy and chilly nights. Make it in the morning and come home to a warming bowl of this savory soup for a relaxed evening.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup
Cabbage and Sausage
If you need a delicious and warm dinner ready in under an hour, try the Cabbage and Sausage recipe. It’s very easy to make, with the two main ingredients being cabbage and sausage, which are ingredients you most likely have on hand. Made in just one pan, requiring only 25 minutes of your time from start to finish, this dish proves that simple cooking can still yield a flavorful and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This is an easy-to-make recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes. This dish features bite-sized pieces of juicy, tender chicken cooked in a delicious buttery garlic sauce, in just one skillet for convenience. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need to get something on the table fast, this chicken bites dinner is a great choice. Pair it with rice and veggies for something hearty, or serve it on top of a salad for a lighter meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Chicken Corn Soup
Ready in less than an hour and made in just one pot, this soup combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a light, creamy broth. This chicken soup is easy to make, requiring staple pantry ingredients and simple cooking steps. It’s a great recipe for any cook, whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for years. Plus, it stores well, which is perfect for staying cozy during the cold months.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
When you’re looking for a no-hassle dinner, a sheet pan dinner is just what you need. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal straight from the oven. Just spread your favorite sausage and vegetables on a sheet pan and let the oven do the heavy lifting for you. The roasting caramelizes everything and brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables and sausage. Also, you only need one sheet pan to cook everything, meaning no pile of dishes to go through after.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Bring a touch of comfort to your dinners with this Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Easy to make in just 45 minutes using a single pot, its rich flavors and creamy texture are perfect for a cozy meal at home. Enjoy this soup as a cozy, heartwarming meal that’s perfect for beginner and veteran cooks alike.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Creamy Garlic Chicken
There’s nothing more comforting than a creamy chicken dish you can make in just 30 minutes. This cozy dinner combines tender chicken breasts in a creamy white sauce made of Parmesan, garlic, and cream. Perfect for those chilly, laid-back evenings, this one-pan recipe simplifies your cooking and clean-up process, allowing you to relax and enjoy every bite. Serve it atop a bed of rice or with your favorite veggies, this dish is sure to become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken
Italian Sausage Soup
For those evenings that call for something comforting and simple, the Creamy Italian Sausage Soup is a perfect choice. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot dinner simmers sausage, cream, and tomatoes into a comforting bowl of soup. It’s the perfect blend of ease and warmth, making it the perfect choice, whether you need more time to unwind or are just in the mood for something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
You only need three main ingredients for this recipe — sans the spices and garnishes. And to draw you in even more, one of those ingredients is bacon. Whether you have this as a main dish or a side, it’s an excellent way to add more veggies to your meal with minimal effort. Make this for those busy, chilly evenings when you want something quick and comforting. This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is guaranteed to be a winner every time.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
On those chilly evenings when you need a filling dinner, try Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet recipe cooks juicy chicken thighs in a rich, creamy sauce made of heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re planning a relaxed family dinner or a cozy night in, this one is a great choice. It’s easy to make with ingredients you most like to have on hand in your kitchen. Serve it as is or alongside your favorite veggies for a comforting and hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food you have yet to try. It’s a straightforward combination of potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. You can prepare it in advance, making it perfect for busy days or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Fajita Baked Chicken
This Cheesy Fajita Baked Chicken is special enough to serve for your family gatherings but easy enough for chilly weeknight evenings too. The oven does most of the heavy lifting for you. In just 30 minutes, you’ll get to enjoy chicken breasts seasoned with fajita spices, topped with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, baked together to perfection. Plus, you only need one dish for this recipe, making both cooking and cleaning a breeze. Pair it with a salad or some veggies, and you’ve got a cozy and warm meal that’s made with little to no effort at all.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Enjoy a hearty, home-cooked dinner without the long prep time with this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. In just 30 minutes, you can have this one-pan dish ready, combining ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms, creating a savory blend of flavors. Perfect for those cold evenings when you need something quick and easy, it’s also a great choice for beginners in the kitchen or for families on a tight schedule. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and leftovers, so you can still enjoy a cozy meal ready for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes is everything you need on a cold, lazy evening. Made in just one pan for convenience, this dish combines beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach. It’s a straightforward recipe that packs in so much flavor without the hassle, perfect for a cozy evening at home.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach