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11 Easy Dinners For Cold And Lazy Winter Nights

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As the winter chill sets in and your motivation to do, well, anything, plummets faster than the temperature, don’t worry. These 11 easy dinners are perfect for those nights when “cooking” feels like a four-letter word.

Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

From slow cooker favorites you can set and forget to 30 minute meals with just a few ingredients these are the ultimate in low effort cooking. So, put on your comfiest sweats and get ready to make some ridiculously effortless meals that’ll warm you up without wearing you out.

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Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Toss those pork chops in the crockpot with some mushroom soup and let the slow cooker do its magic. In a few hours, you’ll have creamy, dreamy pork chops waiting for you. It’s comfort food with barely any effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When breakfast for dinner sounds like a plan, this Chicken and Waffle Casserole is your best friend. It’s a quirky twist on the soul food staple with just five ingredients and zero hassle. Sweet, savory, and perfect for those evenings when you just can’t even.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Air Fryer Ham Steak with Pineapple

Slice of ham steak with pineapples on top on a plate with asparagus.
Air Fryer Ham Steak with Pineapple. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ham steak in the air fryer? Yes, please! Brush it with brown sugar, top with canned pineapple, and let the air fryer work its caramelizing wizardry for a dinner that’s as easy as it is scrumptious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Ham Steak with Pineapple

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bowl of Instant Pot beef stew with carrots and potatoes.
Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Let your Instant Pot transport you to stew heaven with tender beef swimming in a slightly sweet apple gravy. It warms you up from the inside out, and the Instant Pot means less time cooking and more time cozying up.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew

Salmon Chowder

Easy salmon chowder in bowl.
Salmon Chowder. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crack open a can of salmon, another of cannellini beans, and whip up a salmon chowder that’s as easy as it is hearty. This creamy soup is the food equivalent of staying in bed on a cold morning. And yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to eat it in your pajamas.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Chowder

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

If you thought pork tenderloin was a weekend-only dish, the air fryer is here to prove you wrong. It’ll give you a crisp outside and a tender inside in no time. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Slow Cooker Chuck Roast

A plate of pot roast with carrots and mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Chuck Roast. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

There’s nothing like coming home to a slow cooker chuck roast that’s been getting tastier by the hour. It’s the culinary equivalent of your favorite fuzzy slippers: minimal effort, maximum comfort. Just throw in the ingredients and let the slow cooker earn its keep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chuck Roast

Zucchini Sausage Casserole

Zucchini sausage casserole on a wooden table.
Zucchini Sausage Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Zucchini Sausage Casserole is like that one pan wonder you never knew you needed. It’s a stovetop marvel that’ll get you from zero to dinner in less than 30 minutes. And hey, you’re even getting your veggies in – go you!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Sausage Casserole

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco night just got lazier with this one-dish wonder that’ll have dinner ready in a flash. A few simple ingredients, one skillet, and 20 minutes are all it takes to turn your kitchen into the best taco joint in town.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes

Kielbasa with Potatoes on a plate.
Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Combine kielbasa and potatoes in the air fryer and let it rip while you kick back. This one-pot wonder cooks itself and is ready in a flash. Dinner’s done in 30, and you barely lifted a finger.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Kielbasa with Potatoes

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow cooker chicken thighs are the set-it-and-forget-it dream dish for your lazy winter nights. They’re all about flavor and simplicity, simmering slowly while you relax. It’s home cooking without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

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11 easy dinners for winter nights.
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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