Hot Meals for Cold Days: Soups, Stews & More

For a filling cold-day meal, we like a slow-simmered beef stew with potatoes, carrots, and onions, served with crusty bread to soak up the broth. If you prefer a lighter option, try chicken soup with vegetables and noodles, or make a bean and tomato soup for a satisfying meatless bowl.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating stews and soups.

Chili is a good choice when you want a warming dinner that can be adjusted to your taste: simmer beans, tomatoes, and spices with ground meat or extra vegetables, then add toppings such as cheese, avocado, or yogurt. For a different kind of one-pot meal, make a creamy risotto with mushrooms or roasted squash, stirring warm broth into the rice gradually until it reaches the texture you like.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating comforting one-pot meals.

On a chilly evening, our team suggests a baked pasta dish, such as lasagna or macaroni and cheese, paired with a green salad or roasted vegetables for contrast. A shepherd’s pie topped with mashed potatoes is another cozy option; use ground beef or lamb for a traditional-style filling, or lentils and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

When you need dinner quickly, pair a toasted cheese sandwich with hot tomato soup, or serve baked potatoes with beans, sautéed vegetables, and your favorite toppings. For more cold-weather inspiration, explore our Heartwarming Meals Pack for Cold Days: Cozy Desserts, Stews, & Warm Meals Checklist, and consider finishing your meal with warm baked apples or bread pudding.