25 Quick Winter Meals That’ll Warm Your Soul in Minutes

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Winter nights call for warm, comforting meals that don’t take hours to make. When it’s cold outside, you want something quick and easy to satisfy your hunger and warm you up. These fast winter dinner ideas will help you get a tasty meal on the table in 30 minutes or less.

From hearty soups and stews to cheesy casseroles, there are lots of options for speedy winter cooking. Many use pantry staples and frozen veggies so you can whip them up without a special grocery trip. With these recipes, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time cozying up by the fire on chilly evenings.

Beef Stew

You’ll need:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Brown the beef in a large pot.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in tomato paste and wine, simmer for 2 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour in broth, add carrots, potatoes, and thyme.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.

   
   
6. 
   

   Season with salt and pepper before serving.

   
   

Chicken Noodle Soup

You’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Heat oil in a large pot. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 5 minutes.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Add chicken, noodles, and thyme.

   
   
4. 
   

   Simmer for 10 minutes until noodles are tender.

   
   
5. 
   

   Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

   
   

Chili

You’ll love this quick and hearty chili recipe for cold winter nights. It’s perfect for batch cooking and freezes well.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Brown the beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin.

   
   
4. 
   

   Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   
   
5. 
   

   Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   
   
6. 
   

   Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.

   
   

Mac And Cheese

You’ll need:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes.

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.

Add the cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni. Serve hot and enjoy your quick, comforting meal!

Sausage And Peppers

You’ll need:

• 6 Italian sausages
• 3 bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 1 large onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 can tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Cut sausages into bite-sized pieces. Slice peppers and onion.

   
   
2. 
   

   Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sausages and cook until browned.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add peppers and onion. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour in tomato sauce. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

   
   
5. 
   

   Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   
   
6. 
   

   Serve hot and enjoy your quick winter meal!

   
   

Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Heat butter and oil in a pot. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.

   
   
2. 
   

   Pour in tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Blend the soup until smooth.

   
   
4. 
   

   Stir in cream and heat gently. Season with salt and pepper.

   
   
5. 
   

   Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if you like.

   
   

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add onion and garlic, cook for 2 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Toss in bell pepper, broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, and carrot.

   
   
4. 
   

   Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.

   
   
5. 
   

   Mix soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour sauce over vegetables and stir to coat.

   
   
7. 
   

   Cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.

   
   
8. 
   

   Serve hot over rice or noodles.

   
   

Baked Potatoes

You need:

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them well.

   
   
3. 
   

   Poke holes all over the potatoes with a fork.

   
   
4. 
   

   Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

   
   
5. 
   

   Place potatoes directly on the oven rack.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 45-60 minutes until skin is crispy and inside is soft.

   
   
7. 
   

   Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.

   
   
8. 
   

   Cut open and add your favorite toppings.

   
   

Gnocchi With Spinach

You’ll need:

• 1 package shelf-stable gnocchi
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add gnocchi to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

   
   
4. 
   

   Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

   
   
6. 
   

   Serve hot and enjoy your creamy gnocchi with spinach!

   
   

Chicken And Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked instant rice
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 can water
• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix rice, soup, and water in a bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Spread mixture in a buttered 9×13 baking dish.

   
   
4. 
   

   Place chicken on top of rice mixture.

   
   
5. 
   

   Sprinkle onion soup mix over chicken.

   
   
6. 
   

   Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes.

   
   
7. 
   

   Check if rice is tender before serving.

   
   

Tacos

You need:

• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Tortillas
• Toppings (lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, etc.)

Cook the beef in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.

Add taco seasoning and a bit of water. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes.

Warm the tortillas in the microwave or oven.

Fill each tortilla with beef and your favorite toppings.

Enjoy your quick and tasty tacos!

Beef Stroganoff

You’ll need:

• 1 lb beef strips
• 1 onion, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper
• Egg noodles

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Brown beef in a hot pan. Set aside.

   
   
2. 
   

   Sauté onions and mushrooms until soft.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sprinkle flour over veggies. Stir for 1 minute.

   
   
4. 
   

   Add broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thick.

   
   
5. 
   

   Stir in sour cream and beef. Heat through.

   
   
6. 
   

   Season with salt and pepper.

   
   
7. 
   

   Serve over cooked egg noodles.

   
   

Sloppy Joes

You’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4-6 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add onion and bell pepper. Cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

   
   
4. 
   

   Mix in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard.

   
   
5. 
   

   Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   
   
6. 
   

   Season with salt and pepper.

   
   
7. 
   

   Serve on toasted buns.

   
   

One-Pot Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Brown the beef in a large pot. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add pasta, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.

   
   
3. 
   

   Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   
   
4. 
   

   Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.

   
   
5. 
   

   Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your easy one-pot meal!

   
   

Vegetable Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, potatoes)
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.

   
   
2. 
   

   Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add vegetables and chickpeas. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour in coconut milk and add curry powder. Simmer for 15 minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Season with salt. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

   
   

Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Brown the beef in a large skillet. Add onions and carrots, cook until soft.

   
   
2. 
   

   Stir in peas, broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

   
   
5. 
   

   Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cozy winter meal!

   
   

Stuffed Peppers

You’ll need:

• 6 bell peppers
• 1 lb ground sausage
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.

   
   
2. 
   

   Brown sausage in a pan. Add rice, tomatoes, and seasoning.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stuff peppers with mixture and top with cheese.

   
   
4. 
   

   Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until peppers are tender.

   
   
5. 
   

   Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!

   
   

Ramen Noodle Soup

You’ll need:

• 1 package instant ramen noodles
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Optional toppings: soft-boiled egg, spinach, corn, mushrooms

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Boil broth in a pot. Add garlic and ginger, simmer for 1 minute.

   
   
2. 
   

   Stir in soy sauce and chili paste.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add ramen noodles, cook for 3 minutes until tender.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour into a bowl. Top with green onions and your favorite extras.

   
   
5. 
   

   Enjoy your quick and cozy ramen!

   
   

Tuna Casserole

You’ll need:

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat oven to 425°F.

   
   
2. 
   

   Cook noodles, drain, and set aside.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft.

   
   
4. 
   

   Mix noodles, tuna, soup, peas, cheese, milk, and sautéed veggies in a bowl.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour into a greased 9×13 dish.

   
   
6. 
   

   Top with panko mixed with melted butter.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

   
   

Enjoy your warm, comforting tuna casserole!

Quesadillas

You’ll need:
• Tortillas
• Cheese (shredded)
• Protein (ground beef, chicken, or beans)
• Veggies (bell peppers, onions)
• Taco seasoning
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Heat a skillet over medium heat.

   
   
2. 
   

   Warm a tortilla for 30 seconds on each side.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sprinkle cheese on half the tortilla.

   
   
4. 
   

   Add your protein and veggies on top of the cheese.

   
   
5. 
   

   Fold the tortilla in half.

   
   
6. 
   

   Cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

   
   
7. 
   

   Cut into triangles and enjoy!

   
   

Chicken Pot Pie

You’ll need:

• 1 pie crust
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the chicken, soup, vegetables, and milk in a bowl. Add salt and pepper.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour the mixture into a pie dish.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cover with the pie crust, sealing the edges. Cut a few slits on top.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

   
   

Enjoy your warm, comforting chicken pot pie!

Lentil Soup

You’ll need:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in cumin and smoked paprika.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour in lentils, broth, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender.

   
   
4. 
   

   Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting lentil soup!

   
   

Frittata

You’ll need:

• 6 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Whisk eggs and milk in a bowl. Add salt and pepper.

   
   
2. 
   

   Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add your veggies and cook until soft.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour the egg mixture over the veggies. Sprinkle cheese on top.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cook on the stove for 3-5 minutes until edges set.

   
   
5. 
   

   Transfer skillet to a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffed and golden.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.

   
   

Tip: Use any veggies you have on hand. Leftover roasted veggies work great too!

Pesto Pasta

You’ll need:

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 cup pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pasta water
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

   
   
2. 
   

   Save 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.

   
   
3. 
   

   Return pasta to pot. Add pesto, cheese, and pasta water.

   
   
4. 
   

   Toss everything together until pasta is coated.

   
   
5. 
   

   Taste and add salt if needed.

   
   
6. 
   

   Serve hot with extra cheese on top if you like.

   
   

Egg Drop Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Set aside.

   
   
2. 
   

   Bring broth to a boil in a pot over medium-high heat.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in cornstarch mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 minute.

   
   
4. 
   

   Slowly pour beaten eggs into the soup while stirring gently.

   
   
5. 
   

   Add salt and white pepper. Stir to combine.

   
   
6. 
   

   Ladle soup into bowls and top with chopped green onions.

   
   
7. 
   

   Serve hot and enjoy your quick, comforting winter meal!