Your Ultimate Winter Meal Plan

My husband, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays after the grandkids have gone home and we're too tired to prepare a big meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orange, Florida

My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this one is my favorite, and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado

We live on the eastern edge of the Sand Hills here in Nebraska, where most folks are ranchers. This popular pepper steak recipe is tasty as well as colorful.

You’ll feel like Ratatouille’s great chef, Remy, when you serve this veggie-packed dish party guests will rave about. Don’t let the ingredient list fool you: Pantry staples and an easy-cook method make this one a cinch. —Janine Freeman, Blaine, Washington

I rely on my husband for the main ingredient in this fuss-free dish. He fills our freezer after his summer fishing trip! —Alicia Szeszol, Lindenhurst, Illinois

Gorgonzola cheese and sweet potatoes add a fun and flavorful twist to classic stuffed shells. Delicious with a sprinkle of Parmesan, the pasta can be topped with leftover gravy, too. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island

Seasoned with oregano and Parmesan cheese, these plump burgers are a delicious change-of-pace entree. I like to serve them on crusty Italian bread with warmed spaghetti sauce, but you can also use hamburger buns. -Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin

We host a large group for holiday meals, and these pinwheels always go over well alongside the regular dishes. I often double this recipe and use two 13x9-in. pans. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Set in the middle of the table, this hearty beef pie will be the center of attention. With chunks of tender beef and tasty vegetables under a flaky pastry crust, this is pure comfort food to welcome your family home for the holidays. —Peggy Goodrich, Enid, Oklahoma

Take your first bite and you’ll be on a dinner-table tour of the sunny Greek Isles. Sprinkle lemon zest on top to give it a little extra flair.

Grampa was of German heritage and loved the old-world recipes given to him by his mother. I made a few changes to give this recipe an updated flavor and to use my slow cooker instead of the oven. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own version of it—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this when I'm making it and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California

My whole family loves this Szechuan chicken. My husband prefers it without peppers, but he is happy to let others have his! I use the ginger paste that comes in a tube and pre-shredded carrots to save time. —Christine Snyder, Boulder, Colorado

I get a pound of ground turkey—the light kind—and a pound of the dark kind for this recipe, but you could use beef or lamb. — Jane Leeves, Los Angeles, California

This hearty dish is welcome anytime, of course, but our family especially enjoys it at breakfast! It just seems to get the day off to an extra good start.—Esther Beachy, Hutchinson, Kansas

This skillet meal was born out of necessity on a busy weeknight. I pulled together a package of turkey sausage links, lasagna noodles and a bag of frozen peas and went to work. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida

This enticing dish is an entire dinner with meat, vegetables and beans, wonderful to come home after I've run the kids around to activities all afternoon. The apple butter with the pork is yummy and perfect for fall! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

I know lots of minestrone recipes don't contain meat, but my husband thinks a meal is only a meal if it contains some sort of meat. Consequently, this is the perfect meal. It strikes that balance of flavorful, healthful, and soul-satisfying. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma

I was not a salmon lover until I tried this recipe. Now it is one of my favorite dishes to serve friends. —Rachel Garcia, Arlington, Virginia

I like to make this cheesy tater tot casserole when time before supper is short. It serves two to three people, but if we have unexpected company I double the ingredients and use a 9-in. x 13-in. pan. The I call it my "Please Stay Casserole"! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California

Store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this spicy chili easy, but you could also cook your own. We like it with sour cream, green onions, cheese or salsa on top. —Emmajean Anderson, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Enchiladas are a favorite dish in my home, especially to our little girl, who calls them "laladas." This is a really tasty take on the classic southwestern dish. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

A jar of chipotle salsa makes it easy to spice up beef sirloin for my mouthwatering sandwiches. Keep this no-stress recipe in mind the next time you have to feed a hungry crowd.—Jessica Ring, Madison, Wisconsin

This easy Christmas dinner has become a holiday tradition in our home. All the prep is done before we attend Christmas Eve service. On returning, I just boil water and saute. It's so colorful with a tossed salad and garlic bread — and always gets raves! — Ellen Fiore, Ridgewood, New Jersey

I fix this moist, tender ham to serve my large family. It can be readied quickly in the morning, frees up my oven, tastes outstanding and can feed a crowd. Covered with colorful pineapple slices, cherries and orange glaze, its showstopping appearance appeals to both children and adults. —Denise DiPace, Medford, New Jersey

Learning how to make pizza at home? This recipe is a hearty, zesty main dish with a crisp, golden crust. Feel free to use whatever toppings your family enjoys on this homemade pizza recipe. —Marianne Edwards, Lake Stevens, Washington

This fork-tender Swiss steak with rich gravy was an often-requested main dish around our house when I was growing up. Mom took pride in preparing scrumptious, hearty meals like this for our family and guests. —Linda McGinty, Parma, Ohio

This full-flavored recipe is the result of my mom's love of pasta and our love of cooking together. With a bit of pepper heat and smoky bacon, the entree is excellent alone or paired with grilled chicken. —Lacy Jo Matheson, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

My Greek neighbors made this chicken frequently, and I couldn’t get enough of it. If you like garlic, you’ll love this recipe. —Denise Hollebeke, Penhold, Alberta

I love risotto, but I don’t always love the time and stirring it takes to get the creamy goodness. So when I found a slow-cooker risotto recipe, I thought it was too good to be true! For this dish, I decided to adapt a jambalaya recipe. —Angela Westra, Cambridge, Massachusett

Wow friends and family with this tender beef encased in a golden horseradish crust. Roasted garlic boosts the robust flavor even more. —Laura Bagozzi, Dublin, Ohio

Lettuce wraps make light, lively appetizers. These are easy to make because the slow cooker does most of the work. Just load it up and let things get cooking. When the chicken is cooked, just shred and serve. —Robin Haas, West Roxbury, Massachusetts

In 46 years of marriage, we had never tasted salmon until a friend told me about poaching it in a low cooker. I tried it and got flaky, moist results with little fuss. I added some soy sauce for extra flavor. — Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

My husband loves to cook Mexican dishes. I’m more of an Italian-style cook, and the joke in our house is that I should leave all the Mexican cooking to him. However, this dish of mine turned out so amazing my husband fell in love! It’s all in the meat. If you can get an all-natural pork shoulder, it really makes a difference. —Chelsea Wickman, Painesville, Ohio

Want a holiday spin on sloppy joes? This combination of turkey and cranberries is a big hit with everyone who tastes it! The flavor has a touch of sweetness, a touch of salt—just right for a holiday get-together. The slow cooker makes it easy to keep warm on a buffet. —Christine Grimm, Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania

It’s hard to believe that last night’s beef roast could get any better, but it shines in this heartwarming dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

My kids love the creamy, rich sauce on these tortellinis so much but they don't even know pumpkin is inside. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best, nutty and delicious flavor. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

I've taken this satisfying soup to church gatherings and family reunions, and it always receives great compliments. Everyone loves it!—Elizabeth Goetzinger, Lewiston, Idaho

This simple, fast and flavorful dish is one the whole family loves. It's surprisingly easy to make, and you can broil the steak if you don't want to venture outside.—Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas

A restaurant-quality burger that's topped with marinara and loaded with cheese—what's not to love? Fresh basil adds even more flavor. —Brooke Petras, Alpine, California

This creamy, bubbly, indulgent classic is down-home comfort food at its finest. The topping is made with panko bread crumbs for an extra bit of crunch. —Nicole Duffy, New Haven, Connecticut

I love using frozen cooked winter squash because the hard work—peeling, chopping and cooking—is all done for me. — Jennifer Roberts, South Burlington, Vermont

My family wasn't fond of pork roast until I used it in this yummy casserole.—Betty Unrau, MacGregor, Manitoba

This tandoori chicken recipe is easy for weeknights since it uses just one pan, but it's also special enough for company. The best part is there isn't much to clean up when you're done! —Anwar Khan, Iriving, Texas

It's especially nice to use this recipe in fall, when the weather gets crisp and Nebraska's apple orchards start selling fresh apple cider. This entree's subtle sweetness is a welcome change from other savory stews. We enjoy it with biscuits and slices of apple and cheddar cheese. -Joyce Glaesemann, Lincoln, Nebraska

Wine adds delectable flavor to the chops, and the meat falls from the bone. This easy dish just might initiate every family member into the cook something good for dinner club! —Kristina Wyatt, Catawba, Virginia

Prepared in a slow cooker, this tasty, no-fuss main dish has a flavorful blend of seasonings and the irresistible duo of tender chicken and moist dressing. It's nice enough for the holidays and easy enough to fix year-round. -Angie Marquart, New Washington, Ohio

This is my favorite tortellini soup recipe. It's quick to fix on a busy night and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally called for spicy sausage links, but I've found that turkey sausage, or even ground turkey breast, is just as good. —Tracy Fasnacht, Irwin, Pennsylvania

My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of poppy seeds, ham and cheese, horseradish and brown sugar makes it so delicious.—Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota

This chili mac has regularly appeared on my family menus for more than 40 years, and it's never failed to please at potlucks and bring-a-dish gatherings. Sometimes I turn it into soup by adding a can of beef broth. —Marie Posavec, Berwyn, Illinois

My grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband and me and our family. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio

Your little ones who refuse to eat veggies won’t complain one bit when you bring this cheesy casserole with a cornbread crust to the table. For picky eaters, try using less Cajun seasoning. —Kelly Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Ready in 30 minutes, this easy chicken and dumplings recipe takes advantage of convenience items and uses time-saving, drop-style dumplings. —Willie DeWaard, Coralville, Iowa

My husband, Ronald, works long hours and frequently won't arrive home until past 7 p.m. This casserole is great for those late nights—it's just as tasty after it's been warmed in the microwave. —Barb Marshall, Pickerington, Ohio

Like a pizza version of a sloppy joe, this open-faced sandwich is a surefire kid-pleaser! —Tanya Belt, Newcomerstown, Ohio

My mother and grandmother once ran a beanery for a train crew, which inspired a lot of my cooking. I adapted this recipe from one of theirs. The secret ingredient is the applesauce. When everything is cooked up, you wouldn’t guess that it’s in there, but the taste’s just a bit sweeter. —Donna Hellendrung, Mineapolis, Minnesota

This dish combines my love of spicy hot Thai food with a sweet, almost barbecuelike sauce. —Eve Gray, Marietta, Georgia

When it’s done slow-cooking, this beef shreds like a dream. We make it often, because it’s super easy to customize with fun, fresh and healthy toppings. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

Turkey, cheddar and bacon harmonize well with the apple in this family-friendly fare. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

My husband's great about trying new recipes—like this one I experimented with before getting just right! We're the parents of a girl, 6 and a boy, 4.

Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana

This is a family-friendly recipe that even the kids will like. It's easy to prepare and flavorful enough to share with dinner guests. — Sherry Kozlowski, Morgantown, West Virginia

Our recipe for the best beef stew has tons of flavor, thanks to its blend of herbs and the addition of red wine and balsamic vinegar. It’s a comfort classic stepped up a notch. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

A fresh take on comfort food, Greek chicken and rice is my go-to on busy weeknights and when unexpected company stops by. Boost the health benefits and toss in chopped spinach. —Savannah Lay, Baker City, Oregon

Chili sauce and ground turkey make a delicious marriage in these sloppy joes, and the mashed avocado adds a special touch to the sandwiches.—Nichole Jones, Pleasant Grove, Utah

I combine seven easy ingredients for this salmon patty recipe. When I was a girl growing up on the farm, my mom often fixed these when we were late in the field. These salmon cakes are also tasty with chopped green peppers added to the mixture. —Bonnie Evans, Cameron, North Carolina

These traditional pork chops have a wonderful home-cooked flavor like the ones Mom used to make. The breading makes them crispy outside and tender and juicy inside. Why not treat your family to some breaded pork chops tonight? —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan

These meatball sliders are a fun way to serve up meatballs at your party without using a slow cooker. Made on mini Hawaiian rolls, they have a hint of sweetness to balance out all the great Italian seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

This recipe is creamy, warm, satisfying and fairly inexpensive—and needs just a few ingredients! Who could ask for more on a cold winter evening? I will admit, though, that I have been known to make it during the summer, too. —Jason Kretzer, Grants Pass, Oregon

This is an easy entree that can be put together quickly after a long day at work. I guarantee that adults will enjoy it as much as kids do. It's easily halved to serve four people rather than eight. —Stephanie Hurd, Oxford, Alabama

Adding mustard to the chicken coating adds a tang that's amazing with the savory waffles and sweet maple syrup. —John Ginn, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Don’t settle for ordinary mac & cheese! This one is my kids’ favorite meal, so I always make a huge pot. It’s an easy recipe to cut down or double (or triple!). It can also be made into a low-fat recipe if you use nonfat milk, reduced-fat cheeses and lean ham. —Raymond James, Port Orchard, Washington

My mom’s recipe for these flavorful pockets called for dough made from scratch, but I streamlined it by using crescent rolls. My children love them plain or dipped in ketchup. —Claudia Bodecker, Ash Flat, Arkansas

My husband prefers these to chicken or beef fajitas and I serve them for dinner often. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas

The bounty of peppers found at the local farmers market in the early fall, combined with some standard Greek ingredients, creates a dish that bursts with color and fresh flavor. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island

If you’re hosting meat lovers, these impressive cast-iron skillet steaks are guaranteed to please. They’re perfect for a special-occasion dinner without too much fuss. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

As appetizing to the eye as it is to the palate, this stovetop specialty features lots of vegetables, beef and crunchy cashews. The recipe comes from a local restaurant.— Joyce Huebner, Marinette, Wisconsin.

My husband’s grandmother used to make this soup with her own homemade sausage and tortellini. Since the recipe has been passed down, we don’t hand make those ingredients, but this version is almost as good as hers. It's also an excellent way to get the kids to eat spinach!—Joyce Lulewicz, Brunswick, Ohio

I wanted to cut back on red meat, but my husband thinks ground turkey can be dry. I think the taco seasoning and jalapeno juice in this recipe give the turkey added flavor and moistness…and he agrees! — Lindsay Ludden, Omaha, Nebraska

I let my slow cooker simmer up this fuss-free and flavorful Swiss steak. Perfect for busy days…the longer it cooks, the better it tastes! —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas

When my husband and I had our first child, we found this recipe so convenient. I could start it during nap time and we’d enjoy an easy, satisfying dinner that night. —Karol Hines, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a real hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful and appeals to all ages. —Cindy Ragan, North Huntington, Pennsylvania

What happens when you combine two favorites into one easy dish? Clean plates, that’s what! My family loves Chinese food, but takeout can be expensive and not always the healthiest. This colorful stovetop kung pao sloppy joe recipe will please everyone at dinnertime, including the kids. My husband prefers to skip the bun and eat it over brown rice or rolled in lettuce wrap. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Sure makes life easy having this tasty dish stashed away in the freezer! Another plus, you throw it all in the slow cooker—no skillet necessary. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia

Everyone is surprised at how this flavorful cabbage and smoked sausage recipe calls for just a few ingredients. I usually complete my family's favorite slow cooker meal with a no-bake fruit dessert. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

These flavorful tostadas are super easy and family friendly. You won't believe how tender and juicy the chicken comes out. Just load up the tostadas with your favorite fresh toppings, and you have one simple, sensational meal. —Lisa Kenny, Houston, Texas

I’ve never met a person who didn’t enjoy this creamy soup, and it’s hearty enough to serve as a main course with your favorite bread or rolls. —Nadina Iadimarco, Burton, Ohio

Even a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee

You can have this quick, easy fajita pasta on the table in no time. We love the kicked-up southwestern flavor, and I like being able to make the whole meal in my cast-iron skillet. I sometimes garnish it with crushed corn chips. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

I dress up stew meat with noodles and a slightly sweet red sauce for this satisfying main dish. It goes great with a salad and garlic bread. —Olivia Gust, Salem, Oregon

My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup that simmers in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the crackers. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida