Start Planning Your Winter Meals with These 29 Cozy Recipes

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Start Planning Your Winter Meals with These 29 Cozy Recipes

As the weather gets colder, now’s the perfect time to start planning winter meals that are both warm and comforting. These 29 easy and quick-to-make recipes let you enjoy the season to the fullest, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal with friends and family. With most dishes requiring just one pan and ready in under an hour, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time staying cozy.

Cheesy twice baked potato casserole in a white dish with a wooden spoon.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A pot of soup with creamy parmesan cheese and parsley.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup with Italian sausage and cream cheese takes only 30 minutes to make, and you just need one pot. It’s quick to cook and clean up, and it’s great for staying warm during winter. It’s a simple and quick option that many families already love.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Make this chicken and veggie soup in less than an hour, and you only need one pot. The smell of onions and garlic makes it feel extra cozy in winter. It’s easy to make, and clean-up is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn 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 is a one-pot recipe that’s hearty, creamy, and cozy. It’s easy to make with straightforward ingredients and yields a comforting meal perfect for family dinner — all ready in 1 hour.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

This casserole features bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. It’s easy to prepare, and you can even make it ahead of time. The aroma of cheese and bacon makes this dish perfect for cozy winter evenings. With no special ingredients required, it’s a straightforward choice for any winter dinner.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Sweet potato casserole with spinach and sour cream.

This dinner uses a single sheet pan and takes little time to prepare. It’s got butternut squash, cauliflower, red onion, bacon, and spinach. The nice smell of bacon and spices makes your home feel cozy, perfect for winter. It’s also really easy to find all the ingredients you’ll need.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan with chicken, spinach and bacon in it.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken dish with a rich mustard and bacon sauce takes only 30 minutes to make. It’s a one-pan meal, which means less hassle for you. The warm, inviting aroma makes it a good choice for a cozy winter dinner. It’s a practical weeknight meal that fits easily into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Garnished Parmesan crusted potatoes in a baking dish.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are made in less than an hour and are an impressive and memorable side dish that can be whipped together with straightforward ingredients you may already have on hand. Enjoy them with a protein for a weeknight dinner, or include them in your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

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

This mushroom soup takes about 45 minutes to make and is a good pick for a cozy winter meal. It’s a one-pot dish, so it’s pretty straightforward to prepare. The aroma of mushrooms, onions, and spices will fill your home, adding to the winter atmosphere. This soup is easy enough for beginners but also rewarding for more experienced cooks.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Crock Pot Taco Soup

Two bowls of crock pot taco soup with cheese and sour cream.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With just 20 minutes of prep, this soup lets your slow cooker handle the rest. It’s a mix of ground beef, spices, and pantry staples that form a warm bowl ideal for winter. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it type of meal that’s perfect for busy days, offering a cozy dinner to come home to.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

Here’s another chicken dish that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. The comforting scent of mushroom sauce and chicken sets a cozy winter mood. This easy-to-make dish fits well into busy weeknights, making it a practical choice for a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Sausage Curry

A dish with sausage, carrots and peas in it.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan dish combines sausages, sweet potatoes, carrots, curry, and ginger. It’s quick to prepare and convenient for a cozy winter dinner. You can also tweak the flavors easily with familiar spices like garam masala and cilantro.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

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

This Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is a one-pot, comforting, creamy soup. In just a few steps, you’ll have a flavorful bowl ready in 1 hour. It’s perfect for a cozy meal that’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

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

This casserole is quick to put together, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. It features frozen broccoli and cauliflower with a cheesy sauce and bacon. It’s a simple and hearty dish that’s a good pick for any winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower mushroom risotto in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This is a one-pot meal that takes 30 minutes to make. It includes mushrooms and spices, making it a hearty dish suitable for winter. It’s easy to prepare, and the ingredients are commonly found, so there’s likely no need for special trips to the grocery store.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

A skillet full of meat and rice with a spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just half an hour, you can whip up this comforting dish that brings together ground beef, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice. It’s a one-pan wonder, perfect for those cold winter nights when you’re looking for something hearty but don’t have much time to spend cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Spinach Chicken Bake

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

If you’ve got 30 minutes, you have enough time to make this Spinach Chicken Bake. It’s an easy, no-fuss dish that combines chicken thighs, cream cheese, and fresh spinach. The result is a warm, comforting meal that’s just right for a cozy winter dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

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

This Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is hearty and full of rich, nutty flavor. The rice cooks while you simultaneously cook the other ingredients to save you time and ensure you can prep and serve the soup as quickly as possible.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet filled with chicken in a tomato sauce.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Turn an ordinary weeknight into something special with this Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. It’s ready in 30 minutes and features a creamy tomato and Parmesan sauce that adds a rich touch. Whether it’s a weeknight or weekend, it’s a comforting dish that warms you up in winter.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Keto zuppa Toscana with meat, kale and onions.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This hearty soup blends sausage and spices for a warm and comforting meal. Requiring just an hour and one pot, it’s a simple way to create a cozy winter dinner. Plus, it’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish, taking the guesswork out of meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

A pan filled with chicken in a creamy sauce with artichoke hearts.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken and artichoke dish takes just 30 minutes and one pan. It’s quick, easy to clean up, and a good choice for a cozy winter dinner. The mix of chicken and artichoke hearts keeps things interesting and warm for the season.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan with bacon and cabbage in it.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Get dinner on the table in 25 minutes with this one-pan cabbage and bacon dish. It’s fast, simple, and just what you need for a warm winter meal. Plus, the quick cook time makes it perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

In under 40 minutes, you get a warm dish of chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s all made in one pan, so clean-up is easy. It’s a practical and cozy option for winter dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

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

This 40-minute pumpkin soup is perfectly spiced with cinnamon and ginger, making it a warm choice for winter meals. The one-pot recipe is easy to make and brings a cozy aroma to your home. The simple ingredients make it a go-to for a quick and comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

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.

This casserole combines ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach for a hearty meal. As it bakes, the cheddar cheese blends well with the other ingredients. It’s a simple yet comforting option that’s a perfect choice for making and enjoying cold winter evenings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A bowl of cauliflower rice with creamy garlic chicken.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

With just 30 minutes, you can serve up this one-pan garlic chicken dish. It’s versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or when you have guests over. It’s a delicious, comforting choice to enjoy all winter long.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a pot with a wooden spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup needs only 30 minutes and a single pot. It combines cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and bacon into a meal that’s perfect for a cozy winter evening. Since the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores, it’s a convenient option for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A piece of Philly cheese steak casserole on a plate with a fork.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Capture the flavors of a classic Philly Cheese Steak, all in an easy casserole. The combination of steak, peppers, and cheese makes for a hearty meal perfect for a cozy winter night.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Fajita baked chicken in a baking dish with salsa and sour cream.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute recipe turns chicken and peppers into a warm, colorful dish. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make and comforting, making it a good fit for winter gatherings or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish with jalapeño popper chicken and a spoon.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Add some heat to your winter evenings with this chicken, bacon, and jalapeño casserole. Despite the blend of flavors, the recipe is straightforward to follow. It’s a warm, spicy option that is filling and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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