13 Minimal Effort Winter Dinners for Maximum Comfort
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Just because winter calls for large numbers of comfort food meals, doesn’t mean any of us want to spend hours in the kitchen preparing food. That’s what holidays are for. But for everyday weeknights when you’re tired from work and just want to grab something fast and easy but still healthy, this collection of thirteen minimal-effort winter dinners is the perfect solution to what’s for dinner tonight.
1. Taco Spaghetti
Can’t decide between tacos or spaghetti for dinner? With this taco spaghetti recipe, you don’t have to choose, you can have the flavor of both with this easy dinner. This one-pot dinner is easy to make and filled with tons of delicious flavors that nobody will say no to.
2. Nacho Fries
Nacho fries are a fantastic minimal-effort dinner. You’ll enjoy crispy fries topped with all of your favorite nacho toppings for a maximum comfort meal. This is a great meal to veg out with for a movie night alone or with friends. It’s also perfect on a Friday night when you don’t want to bother with much cooking after a long week at work.
3. Pesto Pita Pizza
Pesto pita pizza is a delicious easy-to-make dinner you can have on the table in minutes. Serve it with a salad on the side and dinner is done. This recipe is perfect for busy nights or nights when you don’t feel much like cooking. It’s really customizable as well, so you can serve it to multiple people and everyone will get the pizza they want.
4. Sheet Pan Nachos
Sheet pan nachos are a fun and easy winter dinner you can have on the table in about 30 minutes. Top your tortilla chips with your favorite nacho ingredients and toss them in the oven until the cheese is melty and delicious. This is a dinner you’ll get no complaints about.
5. Baked Turkey Burgers
Baked turkey burgers are an easy meal that you can make any night of the week, and no one is going to complain about having burgers for dinner again. You can have them prepped in minutes followed by just 40 minutes in the oven, and dinner is ready to serve. Serve on buns with your favorite burger toppings.
6. Easy Tuna Wrap
This easy tuna wrap is perfect for when you want a meal that is delicious but only takes minutes to make. It’s hearty, filling, and couldn’t be any simpler. If you have leftovers, they are perfect for lunch the next day as long as you store the tuna salad separately from the wraps.
7. Chicken Pasta Salad
Chicken pasta salad is a delicious dinner when you want something homemade, but don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken to make it. Pasta, chicken, veggies, and a delicious dressing make this a meal you’ll want to have again and again.
8. Quick And Healthy Spaghetti
Quick and healthy spaghetti is a delicious comfort food dinner that always hits the spot. You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes and know that everyone is going to clean their plates. Serve it with a salad and some garlic bread for a fantastic and comforting, cold weather dinner.
9. Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna pasta salad is a fast and fabulous meal that you’ll make often. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and pasta for a delicious dinner you won’t be able to stop eating. It’s the perfect main dish for dinner when you need something fast.
10. Pizzadillas
Do yourself a favor and make these pizzadillas for dinner tonight. Quesadillas are filled with all of your favorite pizza flavors and they are ready in no time. When you want to spend minimal time in the kitchen with maximum flavor results this is the recipe you want.
11. Grownup Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled cheese sandwiches are not just for kids, especially not with this grownup grilled cheese sandwich recipe. Tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic make this a grilled cheese you’ll crave over and over again. Make two of them because you are going to want more than one for dinner.
12. Easy Quinoa Salad
If you love quinoa this easy quinoa salad recipe will make a delicious and satisfying dinner. It’s easy to make, filled with fiber and veggies, and you can easily add chicken to it if you want more protein. If you have leftovers they are perfect for lunch the next day.
13. Refried Bean Soup
Refried bean soup is easy to make, thick, rich, and satisfying. Serve it with a salad and some tortilla chips for dipping and enjoy it from a big soup bowl or a cozy mug. You can have this meal on the table in minutes, and leftovers travel well in a Thermos for lunch the next day.
More From The Gracious Pantry
Need more dinner ideas? These can help. Chicken and turkey are very versatile foods that can be used to create an unlimited number of dinners. Here are 118 ideas to get you started.
