Home » 25 Best Cold Weather Dinners
|

25 Best Cold Weather Dinners

The temperatures are dropping and if you find yourself in need of 25 Cold Weather Dinners– I got you! You’ll find easy dinner ideas that are great for busy weeknight meals and meal prep. Things like sheet pan meals such as Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken or Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon, stews such as Moroccan Beef Stew and nourishing soups and chilis like Ground Chicken Chicken Chili.

Two bowls of chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, and cilantro. The chili contains ground meat, beans, corn, and peppers. Fresh avocado, shredded cheese, and cilantro garnish the table.

Consider this list as a meal plan for the month ahead. Everything is high in protein with some gluten free options plus these meals are family friendly.

Sheet Pan Dinners for Cold Weather

These meals are the kind of dinners that come together quickly, require minimal clean up and most take under 30 minutes to make. There is also a lot of variety in proteins- chicken sausage, salmon, chicken thighs and chicken breast. Serve these recipes as is or on top of side dishes like Garlic Turmeric Rice, Spanish Rice With Tomato Sauce, Brown Rice and Quinoa Pilaf, or Whole30 Mashed Potatoes and Rosemary Sweet Potato Mash.

Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon
Your regular weeknight salmon just got a major glow up. This Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon is smoky, sweet and absolutely delicious- plus it’s a complete meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Tender sweet potatoes, zucchini and red bell peppers roast together on one pan, creating a nutritious and colorful meal. The salmon is seasoned with my special blend of All Purpose Seasoning and coated with a tangy Honey Mustard glaze.
Check out this recipe
A close-up of a glazed, cooked chicken breast served on a white plate with roasted vegetables, including sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, and zucchini.
Simple Sheet-Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies
There’s nothing better than a hassle-free meal done in under 30 minutes. My Simple Sheet-Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies is wonderful for the whole family. A mix of fresh, seasonal vegetables and savory chicken sausage is oven-roasted for an easy and nourishing meal.
Check out this recipe
Za’atar Chicken Thighs (Easy 30 Min Sheet Pan)
Clean eating has never tasted better with my Za’atar Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner. Juicy chicken thighs are roasted with red onions, creamy yukons and sweet red bell peppers and seasoned with my Homemade Za’atar Spice Blend. Just like my Italian Chicken Thighs, these Za’atar Chicken thighs come together in less than 30 minutes. Sheet pan chicken dinners are perfect for weeknights, or any time you need a well balanced but fast meal.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of quinoa topped with seasoned chicken pieces, roasted red peppers, and potatoes. The dish is garnished with herbs and served with a fork on the side.
Sheet-Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
My Sheet-Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli is perfect for any night of the week. Done in 30 minutes, everything roasts together on one pan, making it easy with minimal clean up. Filled with heart-healthy omega-3s, these salmon fillets make one flavorful meal that the whole family will love.
Check out this recipe
Sheet-Pan Honey Salmon with Sweet Potato and Broccoli
Sheet Pan Chicken Breast With Veggies
This Sheet Pan Chicken Breast With Veggies is your answer to a cozy one-pan winter dinner- all done in under 30 minutes. Pieces of juicy chicken breasts roasts alongside caramelized butternut squash, brussel sprouts, and red bell peppers. It’s seasoned with my homemade All Purpose Seasoning and a drizzle of greek yogurt honey mustard glaze. This easy weeknight meal is healthy comfort food at its best.
Check out this recipe
A close-up of a roasted sheet pan chicken breast meal with seasoned red bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and a drizzle of creamy white sauce.

Stews for Cold Weather

If you want nourishing, cozy and filling- you’re in the right spot! While I love all the recipes- the Moroccan Beef Stew and Chicken Curry With Coconut Milk are a must try!

Moroccan Beef Stew
This easy dutch oven Moroccan Beef Stew is a must for your dinner table. Tender cuts of beef along with nourishing vegetables are simmered in a homemade blend of Ras el Hanout Spice Mix and broth.
Check out this recipe
A close-up of a bowl filled with yellow rice, topped with beef stew containing chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and garnished with fresh parsley.
Easy Dutch Oven Whole30 Beef Stew
I have a hearty and cozy meal that fits your Whole30 goals! This Easy Dutch Oven Whole30 Beef Stew is satisfying without the grains, gluten or added sugars. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients– tender chunks of beef, carrots, celery and sweet potatoes. I created a Mediterranean inspired spice blend that features sumac and cinnamon and it brings a unique twist to traditional beef stew.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of hearty Whole30 beef stew brimming with chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes in a rich broth. A spoon lifts a piece of succulent beef and potato from the bowl. The stew is beautifully presented on a wooden surface with a red pot in the background.
Moroccan Seafood Stew with Argentinian Red Shrimp
With over 25 grams of protein per serving, this Moroccan Seafood Stew with Argentinian Red Shrimp is an impressive dish yet easy to make. This easy one pot dinner uses Aleppo pepper and sumac along with other delicious spices. The star ingredient for this recipe is the Argentinian Red Shrimp from Trader Joe’s. Perfect for a cozy night in, meal prep or when you want something better-for- you but still comforting.
Check out this recipe
moroccan seafood stew
Quick Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk
This easy Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk has been a favorite in my kitchen for over 10 years. This 30 minute meal uses tender chicken breast and colorful vegetables that simmer in coconut milk and a homemade curry spice blend. It’s perfect for meal prep or as a quick weeknight dinner when you want something warm and nourishing.
Check out this recipe
Bowl of white rice topped with colorful stir-fry made of chicken, red peppers, zucchini, onions, and broccoli. Fresh basil leaves are visible on a plate nearby.

Chilis

Chili is always the best cold weather comfort food. I mean- you can’t not have a chili sometime during the cold weather season! While the Bison Chili and Ground Chicken Chili use beans, this Low Carb Cauliflower Chili hits the spot every time and is popular amongst traditional chili eaters.

Bison Chili (High Protein and High Fiber)
With 30 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber per serving, this satisfying Bison Chili is a must for your dinner table. Made with lean ground bison, 3 kinds of beans, sweet corn and a homemade Enchilada Spice Blend, this meal is perfect for meal prep, cozy nights or when you want nourishing comfort food meals.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of bison chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, and chopped herbs, with a spoon inside. In the background are extra shredded cheese, chopped herbs, and half an avocado.
Ground Chicken Chili (Easy and High Protein)
This Ground Chicken Chili is a high protein meal that still feels like comfort food. Just like my Bison Chili and Low Carb Cauliflower Chili, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor, over 30 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber per serving. This chicken chili recipe is both nourishing and satisfying, making it perfect for an easy weeknight meal or meal prep.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices, with another bowl, half an avocado, and a striped napkin nearby. The chili contains beans, ground meat, and vegetables.
Low Carb Cauliflower Chili
I have an easy Low Carb Cauliflower Chili that is perfect when you are craving chili but don’t want the beans. It’s made with 4 types of fragrant bell peppers, tender cauliflower florets and juicy yet low fat ground beef. This Cauliflower Chili is packed with flavor and is perfect for meal prep. It’s also Whole30 and Paleo friendly!
Check out this recipe
Four Pepper and Cauliflower Chili with No Beans

Soups for Cold Weather

Each one of these soup recipes have received rave reviews. While there are chicken and beef options, the vegetarian ones like Vegetarian Lasagna Soup, Gluten Free Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Carrot Lentil Soup are just tasty and filling!

Gluten Free Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This Gluten Free Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers all the creamy goodness and flavors you’re looking for. This recipe uses 2% milk for a lighter feel, aromatics like paprika, ground mustard and garlic powder and it’s finished with a touch of apple cider vinegar. It comes together quickly– perfect for your busy weeknights.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of creamy gluten free broccoli cheddar soup topped with shredded cheddar cheese, served with slices of toasted bread on the side. A spoon rests inside the bowl, and broccoli florets are visible in the background.
Beef Enchilada Soup with Greek Yogurt
This Beef Enchilada Soup with Greek Yogurt is the perfect meal for soup season. Lean and tender ground beef, warm spices, hearty beans and corn come together for one delicious meal. I use my homemade Enchilada Spice Blend for incredible flavor and instead of heavy cream- I stir in a little greek yogurt to keep it light and creamy.
Check out this recipe
A close-up of a bowl of spicy beef soup taco topped with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. The soup contains ground beef, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. A tortilla chip rests on the bowl’s edge.
Carrot Lentil Soup
My Carrot and Lentil Soup is the perfect choice if you are looking for easy and hearty soups. It’s filled with fiber rich green lentils and the naturally sweet flavor of the carrots plus it has warm spices with anti-inflammatory benefits with the addition of spinach leaves plus turmeric and cumin. This flavorful lentil carrot recipe is great for lunch, dinner or meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Close-up of a bowl of carrot lentil soup. The spoon holds a scoop with lentils, carrots, and greens. The blurred background hints at another dish and a blue cloth.
Chicken and White Bean Soup (Hearty, High Protein)
This High Protein Chicken and White Bean Soup is a nourishing one pot meal that is packed with protein, fiber and flavor. Tender shredded chicken thighs, creamy cannellini beans, and veggies like carrots, onion, celery and kale, make this a wholesome soup everyone will love.
Check out this recipe
A pot of hearty vegetable soup with shredded chicken, carrots, beans, greens, and herbs sits on a beige surface, surrounded by spoons, raw carrots, chopped herbs, a lemon half, and a small bowl of turmeric powder.
Hearty Italian Beef Soup with White Beans
I have a soup for you that is easy, nutritious and kid friendly. My Hearty Italian Beef Soup with White Beans is perfect for those cold winter months. It’s loaded with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables and simple spices. This tasty soup is great for busy weeknights when you don’t want to stress over what’s for dinner.
Check out this recipe
Italian Beef Soup with White Beans .
Spanish Chicken Soup with Rice
This Spanish Chicken Soup with Rice is the perfect blend of nutrition and comfort. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in an aromatic broth along with chunks of vegetables. Rice is added in the end to help make this a more satisfying dish. It’s a hearty meal you can enjoy any time of year.
Check out this recipe
spanish chicken soup
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
If you’re trying to add more vegetables to your meals, this easy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup will check all the boxes for simple, delicious and filling! This soup is loaded with fresh vegetables from zucchini, broccoli and kale ( just to name a few). It’s cooked in vegetable broth, zesty spices and topped with a herbed ricotta.
Check out this recipe
meatless lasagna soup
Anti Inflammatory Chicken Soup with Quinoa
My Mediterranean-inspired Anti Inflammatory Chicken Soup with Quinoa is filling, nutritious and loaded with flavor. Anti Inflammatory seasonings such as garlic, black pepper and turmeric are cooked with tender and juicy chicken thighs along with onions, carrots and celery to create one delicious homemade broth. Quinoa is added for additional fiber and protein.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of hearty chicken and vegetable soup with carrots, celery, shredded chicken, quinoa, and fresh herbs, placed on a light pink surface next to a black and white checkered cloth and a bowl of chopped parsley.

Casseroles

Cold weather dinners are complete with a warm cozy casserole. These casseroles are high in protein, family friendly and perfect for meal prep or Sunday dinners.

High Protein Baked Ziti
My High Protein Baked Ziti ( with a Gluten Free Option) uses simple ingredients and is perfect for busy weeknights. This easy make ahead meal features lean ground turkey, high quality marinara and creamy cottage cheese for extra protein.
Check out this recipe
A close-up of a 5 ingredient baked ziti casserole with penne, ground meat, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, being served with a wooden spoon from a glass baking dish.
Ground Turkey Lasagna With Cottage Cheese
Comfort food never tasted better with my Ground Turkey Lasagna. With layers of noodles, seasoned turkey, cottage cheese and creamy mozzarella, this meal is a must for your dinner table. Similar to my Zucchini Lasagna and my High Protein Baked Ziti, this lasagna uses simple ingredients and is kid and meal prep friendly.
Check out this recipe
A close-up of a slice of cheesy Ground Turkey Lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, with melted cheese stretching and fresh parsley sprinkled on top.
Easy Ground Chicken Lasagna With Zucchini
This Ground Chicken Lasagna is a must for your dinner table. This recipe uses tender noodles, seasoned lean ground chicken, cottage cheese and creamy mozzarella. Inspired by my Ground Turkey Lasagna, Beef Pasta Casserole and High Protein Baked Ziti, this lasagna is family and meal prep friendly.
Check out this recipe
A close-up of a cheesy Ground Chicken Lasagna topped with chopped parsley. A spatula lifts out a square piece, revealing layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese.
Beef Pasta Casserole
Everyone needs an easy go-to pasta dish in their life and this Beef Pasta Casserole fits the bill. Made with lean ground beef, tender rigatoni noodles, sauteed onion and garlic, simple spices, melty mozzarella cheese and your favorite marinara- this cozy casserole will be on your table in no time.
Check out this recipe
A casserole dish filled with baked lasagna topped with melted cheese and chopped parsley—proof that not all fails of pasta end badly—sits next to a gray napkin, a small dish of fresh herbs, and a plate with four forks.

Grocery Planning Made Easy

If you’re trying to stay organized with groceries this month, I’ve been using Meals Hero (affiliate link) to save and plan recipes in one place. You can create meal plans using your favorite recipes (even your own handwritten ones, from blogs or social media) and you can order the groceries straight to your door. Click the link above to find out more and give it a try!

Looking for other recipe ideas? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter and receive delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *