30 cozy dinner recipes that are easy to prepare even on the busiest of nights. The best part about these recipes is that they are healthy, well-balanced meals that still offer that comfort we crave during the fall and winter – and they’re a better option than takeout!
I am all about cooking meals at home as long as they are somewhat simple to make! I’ve compiled this list specifically for those busy moms who feel the same. These recipes offer cozy, comforting flavors that your whole family will love.
There are numerous soup recipes and even decadent plant-based meals where you won’t miss the meat. Save this post to decrease the mental load of meal planning – all the best comfort recipes for fall and winter right here in one spot.
Shortcut Tips
I am all about taking shortcuts when needed. Many of these comfort recipes are ideal to use frozen vegetables to cut down cooking time. For the recipes that require cooked chicken, think about using a rotisserie chicken or batch cooking chicken 1-2 days before.
Many of these recipes make large servings that are ideal for meal prep and make easy grab-and-go work lunches. Feel free to double the recipe and freeze in individual containers as well for future lunches! That way, you can easily reheat in the microwave.
Easy & Comforting Dinner Ideas
I will start with the classics like pastas, pies, and casseroles. Then, the recipes are categorized by soups and plant-based meals!
Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie (Mary’s Whole Life)
A macro-friendly version of the classic shepherd’s pie – made with ground turkey instead of lamb. Each serving contains 44 grams of protein and it’s packed with veggies and mashed potatoes as well! It’s just 15 minutes of prep and then you pour everything in a casserole dish. A great recipe for the whole family and for meal prep!
Ground Beef Keema Curry (Whole New Mom)
This ground beef curry comes together quickly with just 10 minutes of prep. It’s full of healthy ingredients and kid-friendly, too! There is even a slow cooker and Instant Pot option. Serve it as is or on top of rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice.
One Pan Chicken Gnocchi and Italian Sausage (May Eighty Five)
A one pan comforting gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, Italian sausage, and fresh Mozzarella. This is a simple, time-saving recipe that’s done in just 20 minutes!
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
A healthier twist on the classic comfort food! Higher protein pasta noodles are paired with a creamy pureed cottage cheese and hidden veggie sauce. I love to puree butternut squash cubes (you can just buy them frozen) and add them into the sauce because of the bland flavor.
It’s a tasty way to sneak in some extra protein and veggies, especially if you have mac and cheese loving kids. There is 28 grams of protein per serving!
Also Try: Healthy, High Protein Hamburger Helper (Basic with Bails): This healthier hamburger helper is the perfect balance of convenience and nutrition (and yes, I use that phrase a lot). It’s comfort food made healthier – with Annie’s mac and cheese, lean ground beef, veggies, and cottage cheese to increase the protein and create a creamy sauce.
Creamy Cajun Salmon Pasta (The Healthful Things)
A super easy yet flavorful Cajun pasta with roasted salmon – done in just 20 minutes. The creamy Cajun sauce is made with soft goat cheese and Cajun spice. The salmon is cooked separately in the oven – just add some veggies on a roasting pan at the same time and you will have an easy, comforting yet well-balanced pasta dish.
RD Tip: Salmon is one of the best food sources of DHA, EPA and vitamin D! These nutrients are anti-inflammatory with evidence that they can improve mental health and may even reduce cognitive decline.
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta (Get Inspired Everyday)
A combination of two of the most comforting dishes: pot pie and pasta! Tender, juicy chicken and fresh vegetables in a super creamy sauce and served over pasta. Save some time on busier nights by using a rotisserie chicken! The chicken pot pie filling can be made ahead up to 3 days, too.
Also Try: Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Kalyn’s Kitchen)
A low carb, gluten-free chicken pot pie soup made in the Instant Pot. Prep time: 15 minutes.
Easy Oven Roasted Sausage and Potatoes (The Forked Spoon)
A classic meat and potatoes is always a hit. Onion, sweet Italian sausage, bell peppers, and baby potatoes are cooked all in one pan for an effortless meal with just 10 minutes of prep! This recipe is very ideal for high protein meal prep, too.
Crustless Chicken Pot Pie (The Dizzy Cook)
It’s the classic flavors you love from a chicken pot pie but with an easy crispy panko topping. You still get that crispy, crunchy topping but with just 10 minutes of prep and total time about 35 minutes!
For a vegetarian option, try this Vegan Pot Pie with Filo Crust (Happy Kitchen).
One Pan Cabbage and Sausage (Wholesome Made Easy)
This one pan cabbage and sausage dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With relatively simple prep in just 10 minutes and only 6 simple ingredients! This is a budget-friendly option, too.
Taco Baked Potato (Real Life Nutritionist)
Enjoy all the delicious, comforting flavors of a taco but in the form of a baked potato. It’s a well-balanced, filling meal that can be prepped in just 10 minutes! Easily customize with your favorite taco toppings.
Chicken with Spinach and Mushrooms (Craving Something Healthy)
A comforting, one skillet chicken with a total cooking time of just 30 minutes. This recipe features boneless, skinless chicken, baby Bella mushrooms, spinach, garlic, and leeks in a creamy yet healthy Greek yogurt sauce. Delicious with 38 grams of protein per serving!
Chicken Noodle Casserole (An Edible Mosaic)
A delicious chicken noodle bake that is sure to be a kid-favorite! Use canned, rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for convenience. Buttered breadcrumbs are added on top for more flavor and a crunchy texture.
Also give this Chicken Stuffing Casserole (The Feathered Nester) a try! This recipe utilizes a box of store-bought stuffing for ease and convenience. It’s ideal for those busier nights where you need something quick to throw together that the whole family will love.
Soup
There is just something about a bowl of soup that feels like a warm, cozy blanket. If you need a pick me up after a hectic day, here are some of my favorite recipes when you just need the comfort and ease from a warm bowl of soup.
Zuppa Toscana Soup (Living Chirpy)
A creamy, filling soup with a blend of kale, sausage, bacon, and hearty potatoes. 10 minutes of prep and ready in 30 minutes.
Chicken Minestrone Soup (Valerie’s Kitchen)
It’s the classic minestrone soup with lots of fresh vegetables and the addition of chicken so it’s more filling and satisfying! This recipe even uses rotisserie chicken for ease and convenience. Total prep time is just 10 minutes and it’s ready in 30!
Also Try: Crockpot Minestrone Soup (Homemade Hooplah)
The more traditional vegetarian version with beans and veggies. Plus, it’s made in a crockpot!
Slow Cooker 15 Bean Soup (Flavorful Eats)
This is another easy slow cooker bean soup with a flavorful broth using a variety of different beans. Just 5 minutes of prep for this super easy and healthy crockpot dinner.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Small Town Woman)
A creamy soup packed with veggies, chicken and pillowy soft gnocchi. This is a great recipe to use a rotisserie chicken and it comes together in less than 30 minutes. A high protein, well-balanced soup that will pick you right up after a long day.
Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew (Copy Kat)
Chunks of beef are cooked until tender and combined with fresh vegetables. This beef stews cooks up quickly with the use of the Instant Pot. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort dish.
Hamburger Soup (Homemade Hooplah)
This one-pot hamburger soup featuring ground beef, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, yellow onion, celery, green beans, and seasonings. It has everything I love in a dinner: it’s well-balanced, simple, yet offers those delicious and comforting flavors.
Butternut Squash Chili (Chew Out Loud)
This butternut squash chili is the perfect dish to warm you up on a fall or winter night. The squash brings a subtle sweetness that works well with the spicy, savory chili flavors. Plus, it’s extremely healthy and well-balanced. Made in one pot with just 20 minutes of prep!
Chicken Chili (100 Days of Real Food)
This chicken chili is a quick dinner option featuring fiber-packed beans, tender chicken, and a creamy broth. It feels light but it’s hearty and filling especially when toppings are added – like avocado and cheese. Easily customize with your favorite add-ins! Prep time: 10 minutes.
Plant-Based Comfort Recipes
These recipes are a great place to start when trying to eat more plant-based meals. They’re affordable, nutrient-dense, and so packed with flavor you’re less likely to miss the meat. Definitely give these a try for meatless Mondays!
Butter Bean Curry (Six Hungry Feet)
A hearty butter bean curry that comes together quickly! The decadent and creamy curry sauce is made with soaked cashews. This would be a good recipe to pre-cook some rice a day or two before to serve it with or pair with some Naan bread.
The Best Vegetarian Chili (Chew Out Loud)
This is a very popular vegetarian chili from Chew Out Loud with those chili flavors we love and the addition of crumbled veggie burgers. Each serving provides about 24 grams of protein! With 10 servings, you’ll have plenty of leftovers for high protein lunches for the week!
Lentil Sloppy Joes (Toshi’s Table)
A high protein, plant-based take on the classic sloppy joe! The lentils create a meaty texture much like the traditional recipe and take on all the flavors of the homemade sloppy joe sauce. If the texture of lentils turns you off, the lightly pickled cabbage and bread and butter pickle chips add the perfect crunch to every bite.
Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup (Plant Based on a Budget)
More lentils! They’re such a nutritious plant-based protein source – high in fiber, too! This delicious soup is packed with fresh vegetables to help you fill in any nutritional gaps during those winter months.
Mushroom Bourguignon (Home Cooking Collective)
A hearty plant-based meal inspired by beef bourguignon but featuring rich, meaty mushrooms in a flavorful wine gravy. The mushrooms are pan-seared until deeply browned, then simmered in a broth of aromatics and red wine. A must-try if you love mushrooms!
Feta and Tomato Lentil Pasta
A vegetarian twist on the viral TikTok pasta. Feta, tomatoes and garlic are roasted to perfection to create a creamy sauce to combine with high protein noodles and lentils. Another high protein and fiber recipe with all the comfort of a delicious bowl of pasta!
