Comfort Food Alert: The 35+ of the 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

Over the Top Chili from 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

Stout braised short ribs from 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

Braised pork shanks from 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

Bourbon braised short ribs from 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

Osso Buco from 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

Wine-Braised Beef Cheek Ragu

Beef cheek ragu from 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

Braised lamb shanks from 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

Braised beef shanks from 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

Red wine braised beef shank from 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

Ground pork meatballs from 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

Braised brats and cabbage from 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

Pork Osso Buco

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

Cheesy chicken parmesan meatballs from 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

Dutch oven filled with chili from 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

Venison meatloaf from 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

White chicken chili from 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

Dutch oven whole chicken from 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

Veal meatballs from 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

Sunday-Style Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Dutch oven pot roast from 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

Classic Beef and Bean Chili

Easy beef and bean chili from 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

Shredded dutch oven carnitas from 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

Steak and potato soup from 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

Slow Cooker Irish lamb stew from 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

Instapot Mississippi Pot Roast from 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

Polpette from 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

Ground turkey stroganoff from 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

Enchilada Soup from 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

Slow cooker pot roast from 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

Lamb Ragu from 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

Easy meat sauce from 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

Meatball stroganoff from 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

No-Fuss Slow Cooker Short Ribs

Slow cooker short ribs

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

Bacon Wrapped Smoked Meatloaf from 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

Beef stroganoff from 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

Sous vide short ribs from 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

Two-Hour Instant Pot Roast

Instant pot pot roast from 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

Sous Vide Lamb Shanks from 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

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/comfort-food-alert-the-35-of-the-best-winter-recipes-142801095.html