Cooking for yourself can be a struggle. Add in the opinions of your picky eaters and the time constraints of your family’s busy schedule and meal planning can quickly become a nightmare. Meal planning can be even harder during the winter months when fresh fruits and veggies aren’t as readily available as they are in the summer. Weekly meal rotations can become boring and dull and it can be tough to pull yourself out of your food rut. Sure, that Ina Garten soup recipe you make every Monday is great and all, but even Ina has to change up her menu! Luckily, we have a large network of moms we can turn to when we need some major recipe inspo.
We reached out to moms and asked them for their go-to recipes to make during the cold, winter months. All of the recipes they shared with us are kid-friendly, easy to make and don’t require any fancy or super expensive ingredients. If your weekday meal rotation could use a little shaking up, take a look at the delicious dinners these 13 moms add to their menu.
Cajun Stew Beef Fricot
“Chunks of tender beef, creamy potatoes, fragrant onions, mild peppers, celery, and lots of garlic simmered in a rich brown gravy makes this Cajun Stew Beef Fricot the ultimate cold weather comfort food meal.” — Lisa Summers
Get the recipe from Creole Contessa
Orange Chicken Bowls With Cilantro Lime Rice
“This meal is hearty, tasty and easy to make when you don’t have a ton of time on your hands. Try these Orange Chicken Bowls With Cilantro Lime Rice this week! I’ve been spicing up some everyday staple items with fresh bold flavors to make cooking fun and easy when we are in a pinch for time.” — Bri Grajkowski
Get the recipe from Brigeeski
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
“Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie is A delicious vegetarian take on an Irish classic. This shepherd’s pie is simple to make and uses so many fresh vegetables that you won’t miss the meat!” — Amanda Plott
Get the recipe from The Skinny Fork
Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Spaghetti
“When brussels sprouts are thinly sliced, kissed with garlic, and nestled in a bed of lemony sausage spaghetti, they will be gobbled up by grown ups and kids alike! If your kids can’t handle heat, swap out the spicy sausage for sweet Italian sausage, or do a mixture of half-and-half. This crowd-pleasing recipe uses simple ingredients and is easy enough to make on a weekday. It’s comfort food that will win over even the pickiest eater of your family!” — Julie Yoon
Get the recipe from Chef Julie Yoon
One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
“All recipes can be double-batched for weeknight leftovers, or to freeze for future dinner-saves on hectic weeknights!” — Sonya Kerr
Get the recipe from House of Kerrs
Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Stew
“Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Stew is a slightly spicy set it and forget it dinner that will warm your soul. It’s super easy to make with only 6 fresh and wholesome ingredients, the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night.” — Anne Lawton
Get the recipe from Simple and Savory
Spaghetti & Meatballs (Cheater’s Version)
“Ready in 15 minutes! Nuff said!” — Heather Chase
Get the recipe from The Culinary Chase
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
“This easy and hearty recipe for cheesy cauliflower casserole is not only perfect for warming up your kiddos on a cold winter’s night, but it will have everyone asking for a second serving of vegetables! Full of tender cauliflower and baked in a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce, it gives off a macaroni and cheese vibe but with vegetable goodness. And while it is the perfect side for chicken, fish or steak, in my house it as has also been eaten all by its gorgeous self, because I’m here to tell you that this is one of the times that the vegetable is going to take center stage.” — Kate Morgan Jackson
Get the recipe from Framed Cooks
BBQ Sliders
“For a winter day, indulge in this quick and easy Momma Chef recipe for Smoked BBQ Brisket Sliders, which means they all have fewer than six ingredients with less than six minutes prep time. I promise that these recipes will satisfy your winter craving for warm deliciousness and with just a few minutes in your busy day, you will have enough time to make and enjoy these quick comfort foods. After all – you’re going to need fortification for the return arrival of that after school bus. And, you can continue being the amazing parent you are.” — Karen Nochimowski
Get the recipe from Momma Chef
Vegetarian Chili
“As a perpetually cold person, I will eat chili year-round but especially in winter, which in Nashville is also known as Everyone Freaks Out About Icy Rain Season.” — Amelia Edelman, Sr. parenting editor for SheKnows
Get the recipe from Cookie and Kate.
Masala Curried Chicken
“This one-pot time saving curried chicken dish is the perfect warm meal on a cold night, and mild enough to make the whole family happy! The best part? It’s done in the crockpot, so you can pre-prep, press a button and have dinner ready!” — Jessica Cobb
Get the recipe from Domestic Bliss Squared
Chicken and Mushroom Skillet Pot Pie
“Chicken and Mushroom Skillet Pot Pie with Cheddar Chive Biscuits is the perfect winter comfort food! It’s a fun recipe to make, a great way to get lots of veggies in a meal and my whole family always devours it.” — Pam Nelson
Get the recipe from For the Love of Cooking
5-Bean Chili
“It’s so super simple to prepare, it’s versatile, it makes a lot so it has the potential of a cook once eat twice kind of thing. I like to make chili dogs out of the leftovers, or pack it up in my kids school lunches so they can have a warm comforting lunch on cold days at school. It’s also freezer friendly and economical.” — Christine Titus
Get the recipe from My Blissful Mess
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