Dinner Hugs: 27 Cozy Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

When the world outside feels harsh and the chill sets in, nothing beats the warmth of a comforting dinner that feels like a hug And while you may have a general idea of what comfort food looks like – ie something smothered in a can of cream of mushroom soup – these delicious recipes will show you comfort food can be nutritious, full of flavor, and made without any canned soups.

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

This one is a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite! Orecchiette pasta is tossed with tender broccoli and hearty chunks of sausage to make a meal that looks as good as it tastes. You might even have everything you need to make this orecchiette pasta dish in your kitchen already, it’s made with just five simple ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli.

Easy Udon Noodles

Save your time and money on a busy weeknight. These easy udon noodles taste even better than takeout! Made with snow peas, broccoli, and peppers, this pan-fried noodle dish is loaded with veggies and flavor. Naturally vegetarian, you could add some protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired.

Get the Recipe: Easy Udon Noodles.

Ground Turkey Stir Fry

This easy recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes and is loaded with protein, veggies, and a flavorful sweet and savory stir-fry sauce that’s made with pantry staples! Ground turkey and broccoli florets cook together and then get major flavor from the sauce. Serve over rice and dinner is ready.

Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Stir Fry.

Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

If you are craving takeout at home, try this slow-cooker recipe for chicken teriyaki! You’ll have a flavorful and easy dinner waiting for you – with minimal work. Chicken is coated in a jarred teriyaki sauce for a true dump-and-go recipe! Serve with rice and a veggie.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki.

Healthy Turkey Meatloaf

This healthy turkey meatloaf recipe is proof that comfort food can be both healthy and hearty! This lighter take on classic meatloaf also has some (not-so) secret veggies mixed right in, making it a delicious way to eat some extra veggies. It’s cheesy, juicy, super flavorful, and perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy to make and so versatile.

Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf.

Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla

If you like buffalo chicken this recipe is for you! This buffalo chicken quesadilla is incredibly easy to make, and it has so much flavor with layers of buffalo chicken, sautéed veggies, and plenty of cheese. Serve with plenty of fresh toppings for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla.

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

This slow cooker supper is so easy and so delicious! With only four simple ingredients and a few moments of time, you can prepare this comfort food dinner and have it ready when your family comes home. Serve this over noodles and with green beans or peas on the side for a simple, classic dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Gravy.

Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet

Taco night has never been so tasty! This dish is as easy as can be and is loaded with cheesy ground turkey, black beans, corn, and plenty of taco toppings to make a one-dish meal that can fill up a hungry family. You can have this quick meal on the table in just about 15 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet.

Crockpot Pesto Chicken

You’ll need just two ingredients for this flavorful and juicy chicken. It uses budget-friendly chicken thighs to stretch your grocery budget and keep your chicken juicy. Pile this saucy chicken on bread for sandwiches and add a bit of fresh mozzarella and fresh tomatoes for a Caprese-inspired meal.

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Pesto Chicken.

Ground Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry

These ground beef and broccoli bowls are a family favorite, using quick-cooking and satisfying ground beef. This is a comforting and hearty but healthy recipe and you can prep the ingredients ahead of time to make it an even quicker meal! 

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Bowl.

Slow Cooker Pozole

Make some Mexican stew for dinner on a weeknight. This recipe uses pork and hominy in a spicy but not too hot chili broth. This makes a great meal on a chilly fall day, and is so easy that you can set it and forget it. Pair with sliced radishes, cheese and avocados over the top, or a tasty homemade cornbread muffin.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pozole.

Feel-Good Minestrone

You’ll love this healthy soup recipe! Loaded with vegetables (8 different ones to be exact) and beans (3 different types) this minestrone soup simmers away in a rich tomato broth and is both hearty and healthy at the same time. It’s cozy, comforting, delicious, and nutritious on a cold day or chilly night.

Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup.

Dumpling Soup

Save your money and skip the takeout because you can make this delicious and easy dumpling soup at home in just 15 minutes. Frozen dumplings cook in a garlic and ginger broth and spinach wilts in the last few minutes of cooking for a light, but satisfying soup. Top with chili crisp oil and sesame oil for more flavor.

Get the Recipe: Dumpling Soup.

Ground Beef Ramen Noodles

This homemade dinner rivals takeout from your local restaurant. Made with bell peppers, carrots, and ground beef, this easy dish delivers great flavors in a budget-friendly package that manages to pack in flavor, veggies, and protein!

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Ramen Noodles.

Cheesy Baja Chicken and Bell Pepper Skillet

This tasty chicken breast recipe has plenty of cheesy Baja flavor. The fresh veggies, juicy chicken, and flavorful seasonings come together with pepper jack cheese for a hearty meal and a touch of spice. Serve over rice or a green salad to round out the meal.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baja Chicken and Bell Pepper Skillet

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

If you could benefit from some cozy comfort food, this chicken noodle soup is the recipe to make. It is a classic chicken noodle soup but with a rich drizzle of heavy cream for ultra-delicious flavor and texture. Each bite has a creamy flavor and chunks of chicken and veggies with plenty of noodles. Serve with a simple green salad.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Make some sweet and sour meatballs in the crockpot for a colorful and flavorful dinner idea. This recipe uses pineapple chunks and peppers to add color and rich flavors to each bite. You can make subs with these meatballs, serve them over rice, or offer them as a party food that can feed a crowd the easy way.

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Sour Meatballs.

Crockpot Beef Stew With Dumplings

If you need a comforting, delicious, and hearty meal, look no further, because this crock pot beef stew with dumplings is it. It’s everything you want in comfort food – rich flavors, satisfying and not fussy, made with simple ingredients, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. 

Get the Recipe: Crockpot Beef Tip Stew with Dumplings.

Easy Udon Noodles

Save your time and money on a busy weeknight. These easy udon noodles taste even better than takeout! Made with snow peas, broccoli, and peppers, this pan-fried noodle dish is loaded with veggies and flavor. Naturally vegetarian, you could add some protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired.

Get the Recipe: Easy Udon Noodles.

Cheeseburger Macaroni

Skip the boxed option and make the best homemade cheeseburger macaroni with simple ingredients. This recipe is so easy and makes a comfort food dish that sticks to the ribs. The whole family is going to want seconds of this cheesy pasta!

Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Macaroni.

White Bean Chili

 This nutritious chili is loaded with flavor (lime, cilantro, spices!), a great source of protein and fiber (beans, corn!), and it’s made with simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry (broth, onion, garlic). Serve the vegetarian white chili with a ton of toppings and you’ve got a delicious, nutritious, and cozy meal. Naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Get the Recipe: Vegetarian White Bean Chili.

Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Make a shepherd’s pie with ground turkey for a healthier take on a classic comfort food. This recipe is so flavorful that your family will return for seconds. You will appreciate this meal as it has everything you need to fill the family up, in one layered dish of meat, veggies and mashed potatoes.

Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie.

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

If you need a quick weeknight easy beef dinner you’ll love this ground beef skillet recipe. It’s ready in a flash and packed with flavor, protein, and veggies – all made in a single pan. You’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again.

Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet.

Cheesy Boursin Pasta

This is the best cheesy pasta and it’s made with just a few ingredients. Creamy Boursin cheese is the base of this simple sauce and has the smoothest creamy texture. Simply cook the pasta, and whip up the sauce with some sliced garlic, Boursin, and pasta water. Serve with a simple green salad and breadsticks for an utterly delicious meal.

Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Pasta.

Easy Baked Salsa Chicken

Salsa chicken is the easy weeknight meal you didn’t know you needed. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese in this simple recipe that’s ready in less than 30 minutes and will become a fast family favorite. Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, or tortillas for scooping.

Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Salsa Chicken.

Slow Cooker Turkey Squash Chili

This slow cooker butternut squash chili recipe is exactly what you need to make the next time you find yourself craving something nutritious, delicious, and super filling. It has a delicious sweet and savory flavor and is easily customizable when served with a variety of toppings.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Squash Chili.

Is there anything more satisfying than ground beef enchiladas? Not much! A savory ground beef filling is wrapped in tortillas, smothered with enchilada sauce, and baked into bubbly, cheesy perfection. Add your favorite fresh toppings.

Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Enchiladas.