12 Best Easy Recipes for Winter: Cozy Dishes to Enjoy Now

Winter is upon us, and there's no better time to cozy up with some comforting, homemade dishes. I always find that the best way to warm up on a chilly day is with a hearty meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special to make on the weekend, I’ve got you covered.

Here are my 12 Best Easy Recipes for Winter: Cozy Dishes to Enjoy Now. These recipes are not only simple to make but also packed with flavors that will make you feel warm and snug, no matter how cold it gets outside.

1. Chicken Pot Pie Soup

A comforting twist on classic chicken pot pie, this soup is creamy and full of tender chicken and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
5. Add the chicken, peas, corn, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup is thick and creamy.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread.

2. Beef Stew

A classic beef stew is perfect for a cold winter’s night, filled with tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss the beef in flour until coated.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
3. Add the onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

3. Spaghetti Carbonara

Simple yet delicious, this pasta dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of bacon goodness.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.
3. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
4. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and Parmesan cheese together.
5. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the garlic, tossing to combine.
6. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, adding the bacon back. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

4. Tomato Basil Soup

Perfect to enjoy with a grilled cheese sandwich, this soup is deliciously creamy and so easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the heavy cream and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes, then blend until smooth.

5. Shepherd's Pie

This comforting dish is topped with creamy mashed potatoes over a delicious meat and vegetable filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat until browned. Add the onion and carrots and cook until tender.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and beef broth and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add the peas and season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes on top.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

6. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm and cheesy, this soup is perfect for those cold evenings when you want something rich and filling.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until tender.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.
5. Add the broccoli and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Chili

A hearty bowl of chili is just what you need to beat the winter chill, with a spicy kick that’ll warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, and cumin.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Baked Mac and Cheese

Creamy and cheesy, this baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Gradually add the milk, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.
6. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and transfer to a baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top and bake for 20 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

9. Butternut Squash Risotto

This creamy risotto is flavored with roasted butternut squash, making it a perfect winter dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
3. In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil and cook the onion until tender.
4. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Gradually add the chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
6. Stir in the roasted butternut squash and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

10. Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of steaming chicken and dumplings is the epitome of comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter and cook the onion, carrots, and celery until tender.
2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for 10 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter to form a dough.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering soup.
6. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through.

11. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Juicy and tender, this slow cooker pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches or tacos on a cold day.

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
2. Add the onion, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the sauce in the slow cooker.
5. Serve on buns or in tacos.

12. Pumpkin Bread

A warm slice of pumpkin bread is the perfect winter treat, whether for breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and water until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
6. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool before slicing.

Conclusion

These 12 delicious and easy recipes to keep you warm and cozy all winter long. These dishes are sure to become favorites in your household, just as they have in mine. Enjoy!