As the cold winter nights settle in, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm and comforting bowl of your favorite soup or stew. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 delicious February recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From hearty beef stews to creamy tomato soups, and from slow-cooked chicken dishes to decadent baked mac and cheese, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish to impress your loved ones, these cozy February recipes are sure to hit the spot. And with ingredients that can be found in most grocery stores, you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and let’s dive into our list of 18 Cozy February Recipes for Cold Nights!
Hearty Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
A comforting and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines tender beef, hearty root vegetables, and aromatic spices to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef cubes until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add chopped onion, garlic, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Add carrots, potatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return browned beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A rich and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the brightness of fresh basil, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, broth, heavy cream or half-and-half, tomato paste, and dried basil.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Warm up with a comforting bowl of slow-cooked chicken and fluffy dumplings. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a busy day when you need a nourishing meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 cups biscuit or dumpling mix
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, chicken broth, onion, garlic, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the dumplings by mixing biscuit or dumpling mix with butter until a dough forms.
4. Drop the dough by spoonfuls onto the top of the chicken mixture in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the dumplings to cook through.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs
Elevate the classic comfort food with a crunchy twist! This recipe combines creamy macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until smooth.
4. Add flour, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until combined.
5. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix well.
6. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sausage and Lentil Soup
Warm up with this hearty, spicy soup that combines the savory flavors of sausage and lentils.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy sausage (such as chorizo or Italian sausage), sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, lentils, chicken broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe
This creamy risotto combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the earthiness of Arborio rice, perfect for a cozy autumn evening. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create this comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 cups Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
2. In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add warmed broth, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding more. This will take about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is creamy.
5. Stir in roasted squash, white wine (if using), butter, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Beef and Barley Soup
This classic soup is a comforting blend of tender beef, nutty barley, and vegetables, perfect for a chilly day or a quick weeknight dinner. With its rich flavor and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup pearled barley
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the barley, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the barley is tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Garlic Butter Roasted Salmon with Asparagus
Elevate your dinner game with this simple and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup garlic butter (see below for recipe)
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Garlic Butter Recipe:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Spread garlic butter evenly over each fillet, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Toss asparagus with salt and pepper; arrange on the baking sheet alongside salmon.
6. Roast in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and flaky.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Classic French Onion Soup
Experience the quintessential flavors of France with this timeless recipe for Classic French Onion Soup. This rich and savory soup is a staple of French cuisine, featuring caramelized onions, flavorful broth, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 3 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices baguette, toasted
– 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil and cook onions until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 20 minutes).
2. Add beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls. Top each bowl with toasted baguette slice and Gruyère cheese.
4. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust
Elevate your comfort food game with this classic recipe that combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a buttery flaky crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken and vegetables until tender. Add cream, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Roll out chilled puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Spoon the chicken mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with puff pastry, trimming excess.
5. Brush egg wash over crust.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili Recipe
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the earthy taste of black beans, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the sweet potato in the oven for 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large pot, cook the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper over medium-high heat until the vegetables are soft.
4. Add the black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. When the sweet potato is done, mash it with a fork in a separate bowl.
6. Add the mashed sweet potato to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce
This classic comfort dish is a hearty and flavorful representation of fall-off-the-bone tender meat, paired with a rich and velvety red wine sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 short ribs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Add garlic, red wine, beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
6. Return short ribs to the pot, cover with a lid, and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2 1/2 hours or until tender. Serve with the rich red wine sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta
A rich and creamy pasta dish that combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the freshness of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in cooked spinach leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked pasta and mushroom-spinach mixture. Toss to combine and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple Glazed Pork Chops with Apples
This sweet and savory dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Thick-cut pork chops are glazed with a mixture of pure maple syrup, mustard, and spices, then served with tender apples and a hint of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-inch thick)
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 apples, peeled and sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Brush the glaze on both sides of the pork chops.
4. Heat butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, sauté sliced apples in a separate pan with butter until tender.
7. Serve glazed pork chops with caramelized apples and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lentil and Kale Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Nourish your body with the comforting combination of sweet potatoes, lentils, and kale. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or as a healthy packed lunch.
Ingredients:
• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 2 cups fresh kale, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: crumbled feta cheese or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked lentils, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Once sweet potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise and fill with the lentil-kale mixture.
7. Top with feta cheese or chopped nuts, if desired.
8. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm up with this classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This homemade chicken noodle soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a remedy for when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken, chicken broth, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Add noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Potato and Ham Casserole
A comforting, easy-to-make casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the flavors of tender potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 pound cooked ham, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and ham until the onion is translucent.
3. In a separate pot, boil the sliced potatoes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the potato slices.
5. Spread the ham and onion mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the cheddar cheese.
6. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
7. Dot the top with butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Bread Pudding
Moist bread, dark chocolate, and sweet raspberries come together in a indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion. This bread pudding is easy to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together bread, raspberries, sugar, and melted butter.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla extract. Pour over bread mixture and stir until combined.
4. Fold in dark chocolate chips.
5. Pour into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and set.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Cozy up on cold February nights with these 18 delicious recipes. From hearty beef stew to creamy tomato soup, slow cooker chicken and dumplings, and baked mac and cheese with crispy breadcrumbs, there’s something for everyone. Warm up with spicy sausage and lentil soup, roasted butternut squash risotto, or classic French onion soup. Try comfort classics like chicken pot pie, sweet potato and black bean chili, or braised short ribs with red wine sauce. These recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings on a chilly winter evening.
