Winter’s here, and no one’s craving lettuce wraps right now. When it’s freezing outside, you need meals that fill you up and fortify your will to endure another cold day. Beef is the obvious choice for cozy, no-nonsense dinners that actually satisfy. From slow-cooked stews to hearty classics, these recipes are built for the season making it a little more bearable.
Instant Pot Brisket
Enjoy a cozy evening with this Instant Pot brisket recipe. It offers a comforting, tender, and juicy BBQ beef brisket, perfect for a heartwarming dinner. The versatility in using the leftovers for other dishes makes it a comforting staple for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Brisket
Slow Cooker Tri Tip
Slow cooker tri-tip roast is the epitome of a comforting, cozy meal. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish fills the home with a welcoming aroma, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner. Its ease and heartiness make it ideal for those chilly evenings when you crave warmth and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tri Tip
Sloppy Joes
These Sloppy Joes offer a comforting twist on the classic American dish. Made with lean ground beef and lower sugar content, they provide a guilt-free yet satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy night in, they bring a familiar and heartwarming flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes
Loaded Brisket Potatoes
Loaded BBQ brisket baked potatoes are a delightfully cozy and comforting meal. Perfect for using up leftover brisket, these stuffed potatoes are beyond delicious and ideal for a satisfying and hearty meal. They embody the essence of comfort food for those relaxing nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Brisket Potatoes
Short Rib Chili
Spicy porter short rib chili is a comforting bowl of warmth, perfect for cold days. It’s a cozy dish that not only satisfies hunger but also warms the soul. Plus, it’s great for leftovers and can be frozen for future cozy nights.
Get the Recipe: Short Rib Chili
Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls
These shredded Mexican beef bowls from the slow cooker are perfect for a comforting meal prep. The combination of beef, rice, beans, plantains, and peppers makes for a heartwarming and satisfying meal. Ideal for those nights when you need a cozy, no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef Bowls
Instant Pot Bolognese
Instant Pot bolognese is a cozy and comforting spin on the classic Italian meat sauce. This quicker version still delivers the rich, hearty depth of flavor, ideal for a comforting dinner over your favorite pasta. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need a warm, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese
Bomb Meatloaf
This meatloaf recipe might just be the best you’ll ever taste. It’s easy to put together and creates a tender, juicy meal topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s the kind of comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any cozy family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew
This beef and mushroom stew made in the Instant Pot is the epitome of a comforting, cozy meal. It’s a hearty dish that sticks to your ribs, perfect for those nights when you crave something warm and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
Instant Pot cabbage soup is a comforting and cozy dish, packed with wholesome ingredients in a flavorful tomato base. It’s ideal for those looking for a comforting, heartwarming meal on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup
Italian tomato pasta soup is filled with ground beef, sausage, mushrooms, and escarole, making it a cozy and comforting bowl of warmth. This soup is perfect for those nights when you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.