23 simple family favorites for winter evenings

Making cozy dinners at home is a great way to slow down and save time. From filling meals to easy comfort food, simple favorites always hit the spot. With 23 winter dishes the whole family can enjoy, dinner stays warm and easy.

Creamy Aubergine Curry

A skillet with eggplant curry next to a bowl of rice and curry on a wooden table. — Creamy Aubergine Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

It’s nice to have something plant-based that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Creamy Aubergine Curry brings flavor and comfort in a dish that’s easy to reheat. You’ll probably reach for naan.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Aubergine Curry

Cioppino Fisherman’s Seafood Stew

A bowl of seafood stew with shrimp, mussels, lemon wedges, toasted bread, herbs, and a glass of white wine on the side. — Cioppino Fisherman’s Seafood Stew. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Try this one when you want something warm with a little more variety. Cioppino Fisherman’s Seafood Stew still fits the weeknight vibe even though it feels a bit different. Just add bread and call it done.
Get the Recipe: Cioppino Fisherman’s Seafood Stew

Beef Yakisoba

This is one of those meals that handles itself once you start it. Beef Yakisoba brings enough to feed everyone without needing side dishes. No one will ask for something else.
Get the Recipe: Beef Yakisoba

Creamy Garlic Soup

A wooden bowl filled with creamy soup, garnished with chopped herbs and grated cheese, sits on a rustic wooden surface with a spoon inside. — Creamy Garlic Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

The best part of this one is how well it fits into a simple meal. Families come back to Creamy Garlic Soup because it pairs with just about anything. Nothing about it feels like work.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

A white bowl filled with white rice and vegetable curry, garnished with herbs, sits on a wooden surface next to naan bread and fresh cilantro. — Slow Cooker Chicken Curry. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Put this one on in the morning and come back to something ready. Slow Cooker Chicken Curry takes the pressure off dinnertime without skimping on flavor. That’s one less thing to think about.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Creamy Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy orange soup garnished with chopped herbs and pumpkin seeds, with a spoon resting inside. — Creamy Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Go with something smooth and low-effort when the evening calls for quiet. Creamy Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup gives you warmth without weighing you down. There’s usually enough left for tomorrow’s lunch.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup

Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Butternut squash noodles with spinach, ricotta and garlic in a cast iron skillet. — Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Keep this one in mind when you want something warm but light. Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles offer a simple way to end the day without relying on heavier meals. Kids usually don’t argue with it either.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Easy Baked Zucchini Rice Casserole

This is the kind of dish that works when you’re not sure what’s for dinner. Easy Baked Zucchini Rice Casserole doesn’t need much to feel like a complete meal. Everyone gets fed with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Zucchini Rice Casserole

Burmese Garlic Noodles

Noodle dishes like this don’t take much to make everyone happy. You’ll want to keep Burmese Garlic Noodles around for quick dinners that still feel complete. They’re easy to double if needed.
Get the Recipe: Burmese Garlic Noodles

Vegetarian French Onion Soup

A bowl of French onion soup topped with melted cheese and bread, with a spoon resting inside the bowl. — Vegetarian French Onion Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

When you want something deep and cozy without meat, this one fits the bill. Vegetarian French Onion Soup delivers on flavor without needing anything on the side. Even the pickiest eaters usually go for it.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian French Onion Soup

Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Cabbage beef casserole inside cast iron. — Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Go with something hearty when dinner needs to be simple and filling. Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole uses everyday ingredients and still manages to feel complete. Plates usually get cleared fast.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Beef Casserole

Potato Soup

A hand holds a bowl of creamy soup with herbs and small vegetable pieces, placed on a dark blue surface. A side dish with salt and scallions are nearby. — Potato Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This one has a way of feeling right every time it shows up. With just a few extras, Potato Soup turns into something you’ll end up making more than once. It always finds a place on the table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup

One Pot Chicken Stew

A large pot of creamy chicken stew with carrots, peas, potatoes, and fresh herbs sits on a white surface next to bread and salt and pepper shakers. — One Pot Chicken Stew. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Let this one take care of dinner without much back and forth. Families tend to agree on One Pot Chicken Stew, especially when it's cold out and no one wants to wait. The leftovers usually don’t last long.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken Stew

Cauliflower Cheese

Some nights just need something simple and cheesy. Cauliflower Cheese can hold its own or pair with whatever else is already on the table. It never sticks around long.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheese

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Creamy soup with vegetables and herbs in a white bowl, next to a spoon and a striped towel. — Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sometimes it helps to stick with familiar favorites. Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup brings that creamy comfort without the restaurant trip. The whole batch usually disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

A bowl of hearty vegetable stew on a wooden table, next to a red cloth. — The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Big flavor and filling portions help this one hold its ground. The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew brings comfort without needing a lot of extras on the side. It’s one of those meals that works for everyone.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Side view of slice of moussaka. — Greek Vegetarian Moussaka. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

A warm slice of this goes a long way. Greek Vegetarian Moussaka feels filling without relying on meat and holds up well for seconds. It’s a smart one to keep on hand.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka

Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew

It’s helpful when dinner makes itself while the day keeps moving. Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew finishes up right on time and makes enough for tomorrow. That’s a win when things feel busy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew

Thai Noodle Soup

A bowl of noodle soup with chicken pieces, garnished with basil leaves. The soup has a creamy broth, and a pair of chopsticks is lifting noodles from the bowl. Ginger and garlic are in the background. — Thai Noodle Soup. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

A big bowl of this makes winter feel more manageable. Thai Noodle Soup offers plenty of warmth without taking much time. It hits the spot on any weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Soup

Spicy Vegan Noodle Soup

When the weather drags on, spice can help wake things up. Spicy Vegan Noodle Soup brings that extra kick while keeping things easy to serve. Leftovers pack well for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Vegan Noodle Soup

Italian Beef Stew

Cold nights feel easier with something rich on the table. Italian Beef Stew brings a lot of comfort in just one pot and keeps everyone full. Cleanup doesn’t take much either.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef Stew

10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

On nights when everyone’s hungry now, this one solves it fast. 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles come through with flavor and speed without much cleanup. You’ll be glad to have it in the rotation.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Gochujang Noodles

Easy One Pot Lentil Stew

Some meals earn a spot by being both simple and dependable. That’s exactly what makes Easy One Pot Lentil Stew a solid fit for long evenings. You’ll want to make a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Easy One Pot Lentil Stew