33 Family Friendly Dinners That Work When It Is Freezing Outside

With 33 family-friendly dinners to choose from, there’s always something to look forward to on a chilly night. Busy schedules and packed evenings can make it tough to keep dinner interesting, especially when it’s cold outside. Both kids and adults appreciate meals that come together quickly and still hit the spot.

A bowl filled with golden, crispy hush puppies, some with visible onions, sits next to a small dish of dipping sauce. — Hush Puppies. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Grilled Cheese Burritos

Three foil-wrapped burrito halves filled with ground meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato are stacked on a pink plate. — Grilled Cheese Burritos. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Some evenings, comfort comes wrapped in a warm, cheesy package like these Grilled Cheese Burritos. Crunchy outside and melty inside, this dinner lights up cold nights with familiar flavors. That first bite hints at a twist you did not know you needed. Surprise yourself by discovering how easy cozy can be.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese Burritos

Italian Wedding Soup

Bowl of soup with meatballs, spinach, pasta, and vegetables in broth, topped with grated cheese and herbs. — Italian Wedding Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Each spoonful of this Italian Wedding Soup brings a cozy broth filled with hearty bites. A warm bowl hits the spot when freezing winds sweep through. Enjoying this as the aroma drifts through the house always feels special. Brothy and packed with flavor, this soup easily becomes a winter favorite.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Pork Fried Rice

Close-up of fried rice with chunks of meat, peas, diced carrots, and bean sprouts mixed together. — Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Warm kitchens always feel inviting, especially when this Pork Fried Rice is sizzling away. Pops of veggies and tender pork combine in one steaming dish that everyone seems to enjoy. Extra portions never go to waste, just in case anyone wants more. Nothing beats the mix of texture and taste that feels right on a freezing night.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Mediterranean Lamb Shank with Polenta

A plate of braised lamb shanks in a tomato-based sauce served over creamy polenta, garnished with fresh herbs. — Mediterranean Lamb Shank with Polenta. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

As soon as you set this Mediterranean Lamb Shank with Polenta on the table, everyone’s interest piques. Rich and comforting, it looks fancy but feels homey. Slow-cooked flavors bring a touch of warmth that brightens even the coldest days. People tend to come back for seconds, wanting just a little more.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Lamb Shank with Polenta

White Chicken Enchiladas

Two tortilla-wrapped enchiladas filled with shredded chicken, topped with creamy white sauce, chopped cilantro, and a jalapeño slice, served on a white plate. — White Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Chilly nights call for dishes like these White Chicken Enchiladas. Creamy filling and soft tortillas make them a comforting favorite with just the right amount of warmth. Serving these when the weather turns bitter brings people together. Each bite offers that feeling of gathering around the table, laughing, and sharing stories.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Enchiladas

Rasta Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta with creamy sauce, sliced bell peppers, and fresh parsley, topped with grated cheese. — Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bold colors and a creamy sauce make this Rasta Pasta stand out when skies turn gray. Even if you have never tried it before, the blend of flavors pulls you in for more. Adding this to a dinner line-up is perfect when things need brightening. It’s different, but that’s what keeps it exciting.
Get the Recipe: Rasta Pasta

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A golden-brown baked dish with melted cheese and chopped herbs, being served with a spoon from an oval white casserole dish. — Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

When the weather has you wanting something hearty, try this Sloppy Joe Casserole. It layers nostalgic flavors under a golden top for a dish that’s both filling and fun. Leftovers are always welcome, making future meals easier. This is the kind of meal that gets requested again and again for its cozy charm.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and shredded cheese, topped with Caesar dressing on a bed of lettuce. — Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Folks are often surprised by how filling this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad can be. Crisp greens and tender chicken blend with pasta for a cool spin on a classic. Even in the cold, it feels hearty enough for dinner. Keeping leftovers for lunch the next day is always a smart idea, if any are left.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Irish Stew

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and herbs in a rich broth, with a spoon inside the bowl. — Irish Stew. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Few dishes rival the warming comfort of this Irish Stew during those extra-cold evenings. Thick broth, chunky vegetables, and a savory profile come together in every bowl. Reaching for just a bit more is always tempting when it’s so good. Meals like this stick with you long after the last sip.
Get the Recipe: Irish Stew

Skillet Miso Butter Chicken Thighs with Burnt Honey

Close-up of grilled, well-seasoned, and charred chicken pieces with visible herbs on a plate. — Skillet Miso Butter Chicken Thighs with Burnt Honey. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A blend of salty and sweet makes this Skillet Miso Butter Chicken Thighs with Burnt Honey hard to resist. Caramelized edges and rich flavors bring life to dinner tables. The recipe is easier than it sounds, so there’s more time to relax. Surprising friends with this unexpected twist keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Miso Butter Chicken Thighs with Burnt Honey

Spaghetti Marinara

Simple comfort is just an easy bowl away with this Spaghetti Marinara. The warm sauce and tender pasta hit the spot when outside temperatures dip. Serving this classic always brings smiles to the table. Each bite feels timeless, perfect for weeknights when you crave familiarity.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

A close-up of a pulled pork sandwich on a soft bun, filled with shredded, saucy pork. — Instant Pot Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Shredded, savory, and delicious, this Instant Pot Pulled Pork comes together before you know it. There’s something about hands-off cooking that feels right when it’s freezing outside. Loading the pot and letting it work its magic makes dinner easy. The result makes great sandwiches or stands alone with ease.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Rice Pilaf

Fluffy, flavorful grains make this Rice Pilaf a great partner for chilly nights. Every spoonful offers little pops of texture and aroma that’s hard to turn down. Serving it solo or as a side both work well. Either way, it keeps everyone warm and content, no matter what else is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Rice Pilaf

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A cooked chicken thigh glazed with a dark sauce, garnished with sliced green onions, served in a light-colored bowl. — Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When savory and sweet combine, dishes like these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs stick in memories. Rich glaze and tender meat make this dinner rotation-worthy. One bite shows how much everyone loves it. Recipes like this are perfect for evenings when something special is needed.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Vegetable Pasta

A plate of penne pasta with roasted vegetables, sprinkled with grated cheese and chopped herbs, with a black fork on the side. — Vegetable Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A rainbow of veggies fills this Vegetable Pasta with both color and texture. Even when extra warmth is needed, it feels cheerful and nourishing. Choosing this for nights when something both light and rich is wanted works well. This dish always seems to have just the right balance for dinner meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pasta

Hoppin John

A bowl of white rice topped with black-eyed peas, diced sweet potatoes, onions, herbs, and chopped parsley. — Hoppin John. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Steaming bowls of this Hoppin’ John can make anyone forget about the cold outside. Flavorful rice and beans come together in a meal that’s both traditional and loved. Making it feels both simple and hearty, perfect for weeknights. Surprises like this often become household staples fast.
Get the Recipe: Hoppin John

Marry Me Tortellini

A bowl of creamy tortellini pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a basil garnish. — Marry Me Tortellini. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this Marry Me Tortellini will keep bellies full. Sometimes dinner should feel a little bit special. Even picky eaters find themselves reaching for seconds. Winter evenings pass more quickly when the table is filled with something comforting like this.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini

Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

A close-up of tagliatelle pasta coated in a creamy orange sauce, topped with chopped nuts and fresh green herbs. — Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Kids notice nothing, yet parents know this Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce packs in extra goodness. Smooth, vibrant sauce coats each noodle perfectly, making family dinner fuss-free. Choosing options that help everyone eat more veggies without complaints pays off. Flavors are so good that the whole meal disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

Chicken Dumpling Soup

Close-up of creamy chicken and dumplings garnished with chopped parsley and black pepper. — Chicken Dumpling Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Hearty soup with pillowy dumplings instantly warms the soul, especially with this Chicken Dumpling Soup. Steam rises from the bowl, inviting everyone closer for a taste. Cold weather makes soup taste twice as good every time. There’s something about each spoonful that brings back memories of home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup

Egg Roll in a Bowl

A bowl of stir-fried ground meat, shredded cabbage, and carrots, topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. — Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Skip the deep fryer yet keep all the best flavors with this Egg Roll in a Bowl. Crunchy bites and savory tastes hit the spot when frost covers the windows. Making this when cravings hit for something different but familiar works well. It’s a meal that comes together quickly yet feels hearty.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll in a Bowl

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up. — Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of gooey cheese and spinach make this Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna tough to beat on icy nights. As it bakes, the house fills with a scent that usually pulls everyone to the kitchen. Creamy filling feels both fancy and homey all at once. One tray rarely lasts long, so leftovers are uncommon.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Ham and Split Pea Soup

A bowl of split pea soup with chunks of ham, diced carrots, and herbs, with a spoon resting inside. — Ham and Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Big pots of this Ham and Split Pea Soup work wonders when it’s cold out. Thick, creamy, and deeply flavored, every ladleful promises comfort and warmth. Making it ahead and reheating later is always convenient. Nothing brings warmth to a dinner evening quite like a bowl of this classic.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Split Pea Soup

Sheet Pan Quesadillas

A close-up of stacked quesadilla wedges filled with black beans, ground meat, melted cheese, and diced vegetables, topped with sour cream, guacamole, and chopped herbs. — Sheet Pan Quesadillas. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Instead of flipping individual quesadillas, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas make dinner easier. Melted cheese and fillings get crispy every time, without extra work. Hands-off methods work well when time’s running short. The results look impressive once it’s sliced and served.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Cabbage Rolls

Brimming with savory filling, these Cabbage Rolls make a hearty dinner when the outside isn’t inviting. Rich sauces cover each bite, making them impossible to pass up. Knowing a little extra care went into making them always feels rewarding. It’s a classic dish best enjoyed when warmth is needed.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Rolls

Japanese Chicken Curry

A bowl of chicken stew with chunks of potato and carrot, garnished with chopped cilantro, on a wooden surface. — Japanese Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mild spices and silky sauce turn this Japanese Chicken Curry into comfort food everyone can crave. Bright vegetables alongside tender chicken create a tasty, filling dinner for cold nights. Serving it feels like bringing a piece of warmth to the table. Every bowl shows how hearty dinners can be fun.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Chicken Curry

Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet

Chunks of cooked beef and roasted potatoes served in an open aluminum foil packet, garnished with herbs. — Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

All-in-one dinners like this Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet keep things simple when maximum warmth is desired with minimal fuss. Melted flavors infuse every bite, making cleanup easy. Opening these packets brings aroma and excitement. Meals like this make cold nights feel cozier.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes Foil Packet

Chicken Croquettes

Close-up of several breaded chicken nuggets on a plate, with one nugget bitten in half to show the cooked chicken filling inside. — Chicken Croquettes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

On nights when something crispy and warm is needed, reach for these Chicken Croquettes. Crunchy outside with soft filling inside, these treats disappear fast. Offering them dipping sauce for something extra can be a hit. The combo of textures always encourages grabbing just one more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Croquettes

Sheet Pan Fajitas

Three soft tacos filled with seasoned chicken, diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, crumbled cheese, and fresh cilantro on a white plate. — Sheet Pan Fajitas. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A rainbow of sizzling veggies and juicy meat fill the house with aroma when these Sheet Pan Fajitas are made. Colorful and simple, they are a go-to for chilly nights when quick meals work best. Grab tortillas and let everyone build their own. Dinner feels interactive and fun, keeping everyone entertained.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Fajitas

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Sometimes, a chill in the air calls for classic comfort, like this Chicken Salad Sandwich. Creamy, crunchy filling piled high just seems to hit the spot when warmth is needed. Choosing this for familiar and flavorful meals makes evenings easier. Simple recipes like this turn any cold meal around fast.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Sandwich

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Sliced roast beef served on a plate with cooked carrots, potatoes, and herbs, placed on a checkered cloth. — Corned Beef and Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Plates of this Corned Beef and Cabbage work especially well as the temperature drops outside. Tender meat paired with perfectly cooked cabbage brings people back to the table. Preparing this when a heartier dinner is desirable helps everyone stay warm. It’s filling and hard to resist on the coldest nights.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef and Cabbage

Lemon Pepper Wings

Close-up of seasoned baked chicken wings garnished with chopped fresh parsley on a white plate. — Lemon Pepper Wings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tangy flavor and crisp edges make these Lemon Pepper Wings a crowd-pleaser, especially when served hot. They are great for warming up hands and hearts during dinner. Extra napkins are necessary because stopping at just one is rare. These will disappear quickly when bold flavors are what everyone wants.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Pepper Wings

Mexican Spaghetti

A plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce, ground meat, chopped green onions, and parsley, served with a black fork. — Mexican Spaghetti. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A spicy update to a classic arrives with this Mexican Spaghetti. Bright flavors and a kick of heat make it a perfect pick for frozen evenings. Plain pasta just won’t do when extra warmth is needed. Putting a twist on tradition always feels rewarding for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Spaghetti

Hush Puppies

Baskets of these Hush Puppies straight from the fryer are a great side or snack when cold air stings outside. Crisp on the outside with fluffy centers, these bites vanish quickly. Extra portions help since people tend to pop more than one. Hush Puppies brings the fun and makes dinner feel just a bit more festive.
Get the Recipe: Hush Puppies