Winter cooking doesn’t need to be elaborate—or expensive—to feel satisfying. When the days are short and the evenings seem to arrive before you’re ready for them, it helps to have a roster of dishes that are easy to pull off, reliably good, and built from unassuming ingredients you might even already have on hand.

These recipes hit that sweet spot: familiar flavors, unfussy methods, and the kind of warmth that makes a dark night feel a little less bleak. Think cheesy casseroles, simple soups, retro favorites, and skillet dinners that lean on pantry staples. Some are quick; others bubble away on their own. All of them deliver that pleasant, no-frills coziness you want on a chilly night. Whether you’re craving a pot of comforting soup, a baked pasta, or a classic favorite that reminds you of childhood, these meals prove that “cheap and cheerful” can still be full of comfort.

01 of 19

Beef Barley Soup

Credit:

Jake Sternquist

Because this recipe only calls for a half-pound of beef, the barley and vegetables do the heavy lifting, stretching that small amount of meat into a full, satisfying pot. You still get tender bites of beef, a deeply flavored broth, and that nourishing, winter-night feeling.

02 of 19

Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken and Beans

Credit: Stephen Kent Johnson

Here’s a hearty, hands-off dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Pinto beans, salsa, and chipotle chiles form a rich, smoky base for chicken thighs. Serve with sour cream, jalapeño, hot sauce, and tortilla strips for a cozy supper.

03 of 19

Baked Spaghetti and Mozzarella

Credit:

Jason Donnelly

Spaghetti gets a fun twist in this easy bake, where a garlicky tomato sauce and plenty of fresh mozzarella melt together into a cozy and filling supper. After a brief boil, the pasta goes into the oven until the edges bubble and the cheese turns golden. What more could you want on a cold night?

04 of 19

Pork Fried Rice

Credit:

Jason Donnelly

In this speedy supper, savory ground pork meets crisp-tender vegetables, fluffy ribbons of egg, and a punch of garlicky ginger. The real star: day-old rice, which gets a flavorful makeover with soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar.

05 of 19

Vegan Chili With Sweet Potatoes

Credit: Bryan Gardner

One big perk to a meatless chili? It costs less to make. This version calls for toasted ancho chiles for a smoky, earthy flavor. Add vitamin-rich sweet potatoes and protein-packed canned black beans, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and savory bowl of goodness.

06 of 19

Easy Spaghetti and Meatballs

Credit:

Brie Goldman

A can of tomatoes, a few other pantry items, and ground beef come together to make a classic feast. This fast, comforting dish proves you don’t need specialty ingredients or extra steps to get a wonderful meal on the table.

07 of 19

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s a pot of chicken noodle soup that doesn’t ask for an afternoon—just a half hour and a little chopping. This version is bright, brothy, and deeply filling, with tender chicken, soft noodles, and a hit of fresh dill at the end.

08 of 19

Stuffed Peppers

Fill red peppers with a quick mix of turkey sausage, tomatoes, and couscous, then bake until tender, top with Monterey Jack, and pop back in the oven until the cheese is melty. A big plus: this make-ahead dinner feels generous without being heavy.

09 of 19

Sloppy Joes

Credit: Clive Streeter

A speedy sauté of onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic, a pound of ground beef, and a few basic condiments are all you need to make a meal that tastes like childhood. Simple, satisfying, and built entirely from staples you probably already have—what’s not to love?

10 of 19

Chicken Enchiladas With Creamy Green Sauce

Credit:

Jake Sternquist

Store-bought green salsa—bright with tomatillos and jalapeños—gets a splash of cream to become a silky sauce, and baked, shredded chicken and garlic add depth. The result is a tangy, creamy, and cozy dish.

11 of 19

Broccoli Cheese Casserole With Crackers

Credit:

Martyna Szczesna

A creamy mix of tender broccoli, mushrooms, and Gouda bakes under a crisp blanket of buttery crushed crackers in this easy, satisfying casserole that fits just as well on a weeknight table as it does on a holiday spread.

12 of 19

Quick Pork Goulash

Credit: Lennart Weibull

Tender pork combines with sweet peppers, carrots, and paprika in this one-pot goulash that’s ready in under an hour. Served over buttered noodles and finished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill, it’s a comforting weeknight dinner for a cold night.

13 of 19

Easy Meatloaf

Credit:

Jake Sternquist

You’ll love this classic meatloaf, which skips the fuss while keeping every bit of the nostalgia. This version is freeform—no loaf pan, no scrubbing—just a well-seasoned mix of beef and pork shaped on a sheet pan and brushed with that glossy ketchup topping as it bakes.

14 of 19

Lighter Sesame Chicken

Here’s a healthier spin on sesame chicken, with sautéed—not deep-fried—pieces of chicken tossed in a simple honey-soy sauce and finished with scallions. Alongside steamed broccoli and brown rice, it’s a terrific (and wallet-friendly) take on a takeout fave.

15 of 19

Potato, Broccoli, and Cheddar Soup

Humble ingredients become something extra special in this silky potato-cheddar soup. A mix of simmered and roasted broccoli gives this both a smooth base and a crisp, toasty finish. Topped with cheesy garlic bread and bright lemon zest, it turns a weeknight soup into something that feels layered and genuinely satisfying.

16 of 19

Swedish Meatballs

Cozy, saucy, and unapologetically retro, these Swedish meatballs go from party platter to weeknight dinner without missing a beat. Pass the noodles (and the jam).

17 of 19

Sheet-Pan Chicken Fajitas

Credit:

Jake Sternquist

This quick, flavorful fajita dinner uses a simple sheet pan to turn out juicy chicken breasts and caramelized bell peppers and onions. Serve with warm tortillas, lime, and your favorite toppings for a familiar weeknight meal (with minimal cleanup!).

18 of 19

Fettuccine Alfredo

Credit:

Carson Downing

Three ingredients, one glorious bowl of pasta. Martha’s fettuccine Alfredo is all about silky simplicity—butter, Parmesan, and hot noodles come together in the most satisfying way.

19 of 19

Classic Calzone

This calzone is uncomplicated, fun to make (and eat), and exactly what you want on a cold, gray winter night. Our version starts with store-bought pizza dough, though you can certainly make your own and save some dollars. Then all you need is a swipe of marinara, a few slices of salami, and enough mozzarella to make it feel like a small victory in the middle of the week.