27 Warm-Up Dinners for Anyone Barely Outlasting the Winter Weather

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27 Warm-Up Dinners for Anyone Barely Outlasting the Winter Weather

If you’re feeling the chill of the long winter months, these warm-up dinners are just what you need to shake off the cold. We’ve put together 27 great recipes that are perfect for anyone struggling to make it through to spring. These dishes are straightforward to make, so you don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to whip up something hearty.

Chicken pot pie soup with peas and carrots in a bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Grab a pot, and in just 40 minutes, you’ve got yourself a White Bean Soup that’s perfect for shaking off the cold. It’s easy to make, and it’s packed with veggies and fiber. It’s a meal you need when you’re trying to keep warm and eat well during the last leg of winter.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup

A bowl of chicken tortellini soup with vegetables and herbs.
Chicken Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’ve got 40 minutes and a single pot, you can whip up a Chicken Tortellini Soup that’s both filling and a breeze to make. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, making those cold nights a little more bearable. Plus, it’s chock-full of nutrients, so you’re doing right by your body while treating yourself to a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

An Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is your weeknight lifesaver. It’s on the table in less than an hour, and it’s as straightforward as it gets. You’ll have a hearty meal that’s also perfect for leftovers, so you can come back to a great dinner without any extra work. It’s the kind of dish that makes those last chilly nights before spring a bit more cozy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

When the winter chill is lingering, a Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole can be just the ticket. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is a no-brainer for a comforting dinner. It’s packed with broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, all baked to a golden perfection. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for a cozy meal that almost makes itself.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken with spinach and cream sauce in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 40 minutes, you can serve up Creamy Tuscan Chicken, a dish that’s sure to brighten up a cold evening. Picture juicy chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all simmered in a rich cream sauce. With simple ingredients and a single pan, this meal is a breeze to prepare and brings a touch of indulgence to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole brings the comfort of baked potatoes to your dinner in a way that’s both hearty and easy to make. It combines potatoes, bacon, and cheese into a dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a holiday feast. This casserole is a stress-free addition to any meal, ready to serve without the extra steps of traditional twice-baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a cozy and hearty meal, Hungarian Mushroom Soup is the way to go. It’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to make and ready in under an hour. Mushrooms and herbs come together to create a soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. This soup is a great option for anyone in search of a comforting meal to stave off the winter cold.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a bowl with peas and carrots.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken Pot Pie Soup turns a classic favorite into a warm, creamy soup that’s ready in just an hour. This easy-to-make dish is brimming with tender chicken and vegetables, all in a creamy base. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of a traditional pot pie in a new, spoon-friendly form. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, so you can have a cozy meal ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With just 50 minutes from start to finish, Broccoli Casserole is a straightforward and delicious option for dinner. It’s a dish that won’t keep you in the kitchen all night but still brings a comforting touch to the table. This casserole is especially good for beginner cooks or those who prefer spending less time on dinner prep.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Set it and forget it with this Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. It’s an effortless recipe that lets you toss all your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Whether you let it simmer all day on low or crank it up to high to have it ready sooner, this soup is a great fit for anyone looking for an easy, warming meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A pot of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a one-pot wonder that’s ready in just an hour. It’s a versatile dish that allows you to adjust the seasoning to your preference and adds a comforting touch to any brisk evening or weekend dinner. The soup’s warmth is a welcome reprieve from the cold, and it’s simple enough for cooks of all levels to master.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A spoonful of wild rice mushroom soup.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re looking for something to take the edge off the cold, Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is just the thing. It combines the rich taste of mushrooms with the hearty texture of wild rice. Everything cooks together in one pot, which means less hassle for you. It’s ready in a little over an hour and it’s the kind of meal that’s as nourishing as it is warming, perfect for anyone wanting a bit of comfort on a winter day.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

A pan with shrimp, tomatoes and spinach in it.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is a quick and comforting dish that’s ready in 25 minutes. Shrimp simmered in a flavorful garlic sauce with fresh tomatoes and spinach makes for a meal that’s both nourishing and quick to prepare, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hot meal without a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re almost through with winter but not quite, and you need something hearty on your table, give this Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole a whirl. It’s super easy to throw together, and in just 45 minutes, you’ve got a warm meal that’s bursting with all the flavors you love in stuffed peppers.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of creamy Italian sausage soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

End your day with a bowl of Creamy Italian Sausage Soup, a 30-minute meal that’s both simple and hearty. With sausage, cream, and tomatoes, this soup is a nod to classic flavors and is a great choice for anyone needing a quick and hearty dinner to help them thaw out after a cold day.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with spinach and sour cream on a sheet pan.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Brighten up your dinner with Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon, a dish that’s as simple as it is colorful. It brings together butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon, all roasted to bring out their best flavors. Topped with a dollop of sour cream, it’s a meal that promises to warm you up on those lingering winter nights.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan filled with a creamy sauce with chicken, bacon, and spinach.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re looking for a meal that’s both quick and comforting, Creamy Dijon Chicken is your answer. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy succulent chicken thighs in a rich Dijon mustard sauce, complete with spinach and a sprinkle of crispy bacon. It’s a one-pan meal that’s hearty and full of flavor, perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Spinach Chicken Bake

Cheesy spinach and chicken casserole.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Spinach Chicken Bake is a casserole that’s all about comfort. It combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, and mozzarella with spinach, baking into a bubbly, golden dish in just 30 minutes. It’s incredibly easy to make, and you can pair it with a salad, veggies, or rice for a complete meal that’s sure to warm everyone up.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Two bowls of soup with bacon and kale.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

For a soup that’s both hearty and creamy, give Zuppa Toscana a try. It’s a one-pan, one-hour meal that brings garlic, sausage, bacon, kale, and radishes together in a rich broth. It’s a filling soup that’s perfect for those times when you need something warm and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white dish with chicken breasts in a creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When the winter just won’t quit and you need something to warm you up, Creamy Garlic Chicken is a dish that hits the spot. This meal is a cinch to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Imagine tender chicken breasts simmering in a smooth sauce rich with garlic and Parmesan, all cooked up in one pan. 
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Thai meatballs in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs offer an escape from the ordinary with a burst of Thai-inspired flavors. Juicy turkey meatballs simmer in a homemade curry sauce, and it’s all ready in 30 minutes. This dish is a comforting and flavorful choice for a weeknight feast.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy spinach and sausage casserole with a wooden spoon.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

On those nights when only something comforting will do, turn to the Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. It’s a 30-minute bake that’s loaded with beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, all under a layer of melted cheddar. It’s as great to eat as it is easy to make and just as good as leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

A skillet of chicken with creamy mushroom sauce with a wooden spoon.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Add some warmth to your evening with Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy tender chicken smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. It’s a dish that’s easy to whip up and is sure to bring a touch of comfort to your table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Cabbage and Sausage

Cabbage and sausage in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Rediscover the classics with Cabbage and Sausage, a dish that celebrates the simple flavors of its namesake ingredients. It’s a quick 25-minute meal that fills you up without any fuss. The cabbage pairs beautifully with the smoky sausage, creating a straightforward dish that’s perfect for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A crock pot full of taco soup.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Crock Pot Taco Soup is your go-to for a fuss-free dinner. It combines the ease of slow cooking with the quick prep of browning beef on the stove. This soup is a cozy, comforting meal that’s easy to throw together and perfect for those days when you’re craving something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Sausage Curry

A bowl of rice and sausage curry on a table.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Curry is a great solution for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s ready in 45 minutes and features sausages and vegetables in a creamy curry sauce. Serve it with rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s both practical and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Chicken Corn Soup

A bowl of chicken corn soup with carrots and parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup is a go-to for an effortless and flavorful meal. Tender chicken and sweet corn come together in a savory broth, and it’s all done in less than an hour with just one pot. It’s perfect for those looking for a great meal without the hassle, and it stores well for those times you need a quick, hearty bite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Bowls of pumpkin soup with sprigs of rosemary.
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin is a great choice when you need a warm, comforting meal. It’s pretty straightforward to make: you simmer the ingredients, blend them until smooth, simmer a bit more, and then it’s ready to serve. You can have it on the table in just 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

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