Comfort Food Alert: The 45 Best Winter Recipes

Looking for the ultimate winter comfort food? These cozy recipes are exactly what you need! From bourbon-kissed short ribs mac and cheese (yes, we went there!) to the most tender osso buco you’ve ever tasted, each recipe has been tested until perfect. We’ve gathered our most beloved winter recipes that’ll have everyone running to the kitchen, begging for seconds.

Thor’s Hammer Over-the-Top Chili

A bowl of chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions, surrounded by autumn leaves. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

PosThis trending beef shank chili method creates a show-stopping presentation that tastes even better than it looks. The smoke infuses every spoonful while the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Get the Recipe → Thor’s Hammer Over-the-Top Chili

Stout-Braised Short Ribs with Irish Cheese Sauce

A plate of gnocchi topped with roasted beef and vegetables, garnished with herbs. A fork is placed on the plate, and a small plate of cheese is nearby. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This recipe combines pillowy gnocchi with beer-braised short ribs that’ll make your Irish pub favorites jealous. The velvety cheese sauce has everyone asking for our recipe – we tested 8 different stouts to find the perfect match.
Get the Recipe → Stout-Braised Short Ribs with Irish Cheese Sauce

Just like Grandma’s Braised Pork Shanks

A plate of osso buco with braised meat, carrots, and sauce on mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped herbs, next to a fork. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

These pork shanks are even better than what Grandma used to make (sorry, Gram!). The meat literally falls off the bone using our set-it-and-forget-it method that’s pure magic.
Get the Recipe → Just Like Grandma’s Braised Pork Shanks

Bourbon Short Rib Mac and Cheese

A pot of macaroni and cheese with mushrooms. A cloth napkin is beside it, and a black plate with a small serving can be seen at the edge. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Did you know bourbon’s sweet notes create the most incredible pan sauce ever? This grown-up mac and cheese topped with melt-in-your-mouth short ribs has become our most requested dinner party recipe.
Get the Recipe → Bourbon Short Rib Mac and Cheese

Classic Red Wine Osso Buco

Two plates of pasta with meat sauce, garnished with asparagus and herbs, sit on a wooden table next to a blue pot. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The slow braising creates a sauce so rich and silky, it rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. We’ve found that giving the meat time to break down completely is the key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Get the Recipe → Classic Red Wine Osso Buco

Smoke-Kissed Chicken Pot Pie

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979 — Image Credit: OrWhateverYouDo.

The smoker adds an incredible depth to classic chicken pot pie that you never knew you needed. Each forkful delivers that perfect balance of flaky crust, creamy filling, and subtle smokiness.
Get the Recipe → Smoke-Kissed Chicken Pot Pie

Wine-Braised Beef Cheek Ragu

A plate of pappardelle pasta with meat sauce, garnished with grated cheese and herbs. A glass of red wine and a pan are in the background. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

We perfected this traditional Italian dish creating the most indulgent ragu you’ve ever tasted. The secret lies in the slow braise, creating a sauce so rich and silky, you’ll want to lick the plate clean.
Get the Recipe → Wine-Braised Beef Cheek Ragu

Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Shanks

A plate with roasted lamb shanks, surrounded by roasted cauliflower and rice, garnished with herbs. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Harissa-spiced and slowly braised until they fall off the bone, these lamb shanks steal the show every time. We learned this authentic technique during our travels through Morocco’s local kitchens.
Get the Recipe → Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Shanks

Set-and-Forget Beef Shanks

A bowl of pasta topped with rich meat sauce and garnished with grated cheese and herbs, placed on a brown surface with a light gray cloth. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This budget cut becomes melt-in-your-mouth magic with the slow cooker method. The rich red wine sauce develops steakhouse flavors while you go about your day, making this humble cut taste like a special occasion splurge.
Get the Recipe → Set-and-Forget Beef Shanks

Red Wine Braised Beef Thor’s Hammer

A close-up of a bowl of beef stew with carrots and a rich, dark sauce, garnished with herbs. A spoon is partially submerged in the dish. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This impressive cut (called Thor’s hammer!) makes dinner feel like a special occasion. Our foolproof method ensures fork-tender results that beat any steakhouse version.
Get the Recipe → Red Wine Braised Beef Thor’s Hammer

Make-Ahead Pork Meatballs

A plate of spaghetti with meatballs, garnished with grated cheese and parsley, on a wooden table covered with crumpled paper. A fork and spoon are placed beside the plate. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

These flavor-packed pork meatballs are your ticket to stress-free weeknight dinners. Perfect for meal prep, they freeze beautifully and reheat like they’re fresh from the oven.
Get the Recipe → Make-Ahead Pork Meatballs

Beer-Braised Brats and Cabbage Sheet Pan Dinner

A tray of sausages in buns topped with grilled peppers and onions. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Your game day needs this make-ahead miracle that’s better than stadium food. The sheet pan secret ensures perfectly caramelized cabbage while keeping those brats juicy.
Get the Recipe → Beer-Braised Brats and Cabbage Sheet Pan Dinner

Sous Vide Pork Osso Buco

Close-up of a dish featuring cooked meat with a bone, garnished with chopped herbs in a rich sauce. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The secret to restaurant-quality osso buco isn’t what you think – it’s this precise cooking method. Our temperature-controlled technique delivers the most succulent pork you’ve ever tasted.
Get the Recipe → Sous Vide Pork Osso Buco

One-Bowl Chicken Parm Meatballs

A skillet filled with meatballs in tomato sauce, garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese, placed on a round wooden board with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs nearby. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get all the flavors of chicken parmesan without the pounding and breading hassle. These saucy, cheesy meatballs bring the Italian restaurant vibes home while keeping cleanup minimal.
Get the Recipe → One-Bowl Chicken Parm Meatballs

Ultimate Dutch Oven Chili

A pot of rich, dark chili containing beans and meat, with a metallic ladle. Lime wedges and dried chilies are visible in the background. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This isn’t just any chili – it’s the recipe that won our neighborhood cookoff three years running. The Dutch oven method creates deep, rich flavors that only get better the next day.
Get the Recipe → Ultimate Dutch Oven Chili

Wild Game Venison Meatloaf

Close-up of sliced meatloaf topped with glaze, garnished with herbs, on parchment paper. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Looking for a leaner, more flavorful twist on comfort food? This venison version delivers rich flavor with less fat, while our blend of seasonings brings out the best in wild game.
Get the Recipe → Wild Game Venison Meatloaf

No-Dairy White Chicken Chili

A pot of stew with meat, corn, and jalapeños surrounded by cilantro, pine cones, and lime slices, placed on a wooden surface. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Skip the heavy cream but keep all the richness in this cozy Dutch oven favorite. Perfect for chilly camping nights or when you want that stick-to-your-ribs comfort without the dairy.
Get the Recipe → No-Dairy White Chicken Chili

One-Pot Dutch Oven Chicken

Roasted chicken with herbs, garlic, lemon, and parsley in a bowl. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

The Dutch oven method creates the juiciest chicken with perfectly crispy skin every time. One pot means less cleanup, while the vegetables underneath soak up all those amazing drippings.
Get the Recipe → One-Pot Dutch Oven Chicken

Old-School Veal Meatballs

A cast iron skillet filled with meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with herbs and grated cheese, sits on a wooden surface. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

These tender veal meatballs are what Italian grandmas dream about. The gentle cooking method keeps them incredibly juicy while developing that rich, classic flavor.
Get the Recipe → Old-School Veal Meatballs

Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes

Regular baked potatoes step aside – these red wine beef stew stuffed spuds are what winter dreams are made of. The rich, chocolatey undertones in the stew take comfort food to a whole new level.
Get the Recipe → Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes

Sunday-Style Dutch Oven Pot Roast

A bowl of pot roast with vegetables, garnished with parsley, on a wooden table. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes pot roast so crave-worthy. The Dutch oven creates a rich gravy that’ll have everyone reaching for extra bread to soak up every drop.
Get the Recipe → Sunday-Style Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Game Day Buffalo Chicken Soup

Your favorite wing flavors in a soul-warming soup that feeds the whole crowd. The creamy, spicy broth hits all the right notes while keeping your hands clean for cheering.
Get the Recipe → Game Day Buffalo Chicken Soup

Classic Beef and Bean Chili

A bowl of chili topped with cheese, red onions, avocado, and sour cream, served with toasted bread. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Whether you’re team beans or no beans, this hearty chili recipe has your back with options for both camps. The Dutch oven creates deep, rich flavors that make this your new go-to winter comfort food.
Get the Recipe → Classic Beef and Bean Chili

Crispy Dutch Oven Carnitas

Two tacos with shredded meat, sliced jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro on a plate. Lime wedges are nearby. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

These carnitas develop irresistible crispy edges while staying juicy inside – no special equipment needed. The Dutch oven method means you can make restaurant-quality carnitas right at home.
Get the Recipe → Crispy Dutch Oven Carnitas

Steakhouse Potato Soup

A bowl of beef stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, and a creamy sauce, garnished with parsley. A spoon rests on the edge of the bowl. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Why choose between steak and potato soup when you can have both? This hearty bowl delivers steakhouse flavors on a soup budget, perfect for those nights when you need serious comfort.
Get the Recipe → Steakhouse Potato Soup

Smoky Irish Lamb Stew

A bowl of thick stew with potatoes, peas, and meat. A spoon rests inside, next to a lit candle and a napkin. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This stick-to-your-ribs lamb stew brings a smoky twist to the traditional Irish favorite. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you get all the credit for this hearty winter warmer.
Get the Recipe → Smoky Irish Lamb Stew

InstaPot Mississippi Pot Roast

A plate with shredded roast beef, mashed potatoes, and whole carrots garnished with herbs and sliced peppers. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get all the tangy, rich flavors of Mississippi pot roast in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot creates fork-tender results that taste like they’ve been cooking all day.
Get the Recipe → Instapot Mississippi Pot Roast

Old-World Italian Polpette

A pot of meatballs in tomato sauce, garnished with grated cheese and basil, on a wooden table with garlic and a burlap cloth. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

These aren’t your average meatballs – polpette pack more herbs and personality than their American cousins. The traditional recipe creates that perfect texture that stays tender even after simmering in sauce.
Get the Recipe → Old-World Italian Polpette

Lightened-Up Turkey Stroganoff

A skillet with rotini pasta, ground meat, and herbs on a wooden surface, garnished with grilled vegetables and a wooden spoon. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Craving stroganoff but want something lighter? This version keeps all the creamy comfort while sneaking in extra veggies and lean protein.
Get the Recipe → Lightened-Up Turkey Stroganoff

Cozy Chicken Enchilada Soup

A bowl of creamy chili topped with shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

All the flavors of your favorite enchiladas in a warming bowl of soup – without the rolling and stuffing. The rich broth and tender chicken make this a weeknight winner that tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe → Cozy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Set-and-Forget Slow Cooker Pot Roast

A plate of braised beef with carrots, garnished with herbs. Knife and fork rest on the plate, placed on a textured burlap tablecloth with greenery alongside. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Wake up to the most amazing aromas and fork-tender pot roast that makes any day feel special. The low-and-slow method means you get maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Get the Recipe → Set-and-Forget Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Rustic Lamb Pappardelle

A plate of pasta with meat sauce and ricotta, on a wooden table with a fork, small bowl of grated cheese, a block of cheese, and a cork. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Wide ribbons of pasta catch every bit of this rich lamb sauce, while fresh ricotta adds creamy little clouds of heaven. This is the kind of pasta that makes you cancel your dinner reservations.
Get the Recipe → Rustic Lamb Pappardelle

Freezer-Friendly Meat Sauce

A plate of spaghetti with tomato-based sauce, cherry tomatoes, and greens, topped with cheese slices. A fork rests on the side. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This budget-friendly meat sauce tastes better than your local Italian spot. Make a big batch now and thank yourself later – it freezes beautifully for last-minute dinner wins.
Get the Recipe → Freezer-Friendly Meat Sauce

30-Minute Meatball Stroganoff

A skillet filled with creamy pasta garnished with herbs and topped with sliced mushrooms. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

When comfort food calls but time is tight, this one-pan wonder saves the day. Juicy meatballs and portabella mushrooms make this quick version taste like it simmered all day.
Get the Recipe → 30-Minute Meatball Stroganoff

Holiday Ham and Biscuit Pot Pie

Got leftover holiday ham? This clever twist on pot pie topped with fluffy biscuits will have everyone forgetting it’s made with leftovers. The creamy filling and buttery biscuits create pure comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Ham and Biscuit Pot Pie

No-Fuss Slow Cooker Short Ribs

A plate of braised short ribs on a bed of mashed sweet potatoes with green beans, garnished with chopped parsley and served with a knife. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Let your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. These short ribs develop that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe → No-Fuss Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Double-Smoked Bacon Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf with a dark crust is displayed on parchment paper, garnished with small green herbs. A knife is partially visible in the foreground. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

This isn’t your mama’s meatloaf – bacon wraps around a perfectly seasoned interior while smoke infuses every bite. The technique creates crispy bacon on the outside while keeping the inside incredibly juicy.
Get the Recipe → Double-Smoked Bacon Meatloaf

Classic Beef Stroganoff

A plate of pasta topped with a creamy beef and mushroom sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, next to a fork. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Fat egg noodles swim in a rich mushroom sauce that’ll make you forget about all other comfort foods. The tender beef and creamy sauce combine for that can’t-stop-eating satisfaction we all crave.
Get the Recipe → Classic Beef Stroganoff

Restaurant-Style Sous Vide Short Ribs

A plate with sliced short ribs, mashed potatoes, and green beans. A fork rests on the side. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Get that perfect edge-to-edge doneness that fancy steakhouses are known for. The sous vide method ensures incredibly tender meat while you barely lift a finger.
Get the Recipe → Restaurant-Style Sous Vide Short Ribs

Hour-Quick Beef and Mushroom Stew

Get that slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time with this Instant Pot miracle. The pressure cooking method creates incredibly tender beef while mushrooms add that crucial umami that makes this stew unforgettable.
Get the Recipe → Hour-Quick Beef and Mushroom Stew

Two-Hour Instant Pot Roast

Close-up of sliced beef pot roast garnished with herbs and pomegranate seeds, served with carrots and onions. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Turn tough chuck roast into dinner-party-worthy comfort food in under two hours. The pressure cooking method creates perfectly tender meat and vegetables that taste slow-cooked.
Get the Recipe → Two-Hour Instant Pot Roast

Butter-Tender Sous Vide Lamb Shanks

A plate of roasted lamb shank with green beans and mashed potatoes garnished with herbs. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Achieve that special-occasion tenderness without watching the oven. The precise temperature control gives you perfectly cooked lamb every single time.
Get the Recipe → Butter-Tender Sous Vide Lamb Shanks

Traeger-Smoked Beef Pot Pie

Ever wonder why restaurant pot pies taste better? The secret’s in the smoke, and this recipe lets you recreate that magic at home. The rich gravy and tender beef get an amazing flavor boost from the Traeger.
Get the Recipe → Traeger-Smoked Beef Pot Pie

Spice-Warmed Moroccan Lamb and Lentil Stew

When winter hits hard, this aromatic stew hits harder with warming Moroccan spices and hearty lentils. A dollop of cool yogurt on top creates that perfect temperature contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Get the Recipe → Spice-Warmed Moroccan Lamb and Lentil Stew

Wine-Kissed Marsala Beef Pot Pie

Your regular pot pie just got a major upgrade with rich Marsala wine and earthy mushrooms. That flaky crust hiding tender beef and savory gravy underneath makes this the definition of cold-weather comfort.
Get the Recipe →Wine-Kissed Marsala Beef Pot Pie