Warming Up with Mother Earth: 5 Cozy Winter Recipes Perfect for a Winter’s Night In

Winter may be synonymous with the holidays. But if there's one thing about this season that's not always welcome, it's the cold. Luckily, one way to keep cozy and warm during the colder months is to make our favorite comforting dishes. From stews to soups to casseroles (and many bakes), many meals can turn a cold winter day into a cozy experience. If you could use some comfort as the temperatures drop, these five cozy winter recipes are perfect for warming up with Mother Earth. Talk about comfort food to the rescue!

1. Chicken Potato Chowder

Creamy • Hearty • Comforting
Serves: 6–8 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 30 min

This cozy chowder combines tender chunks of cooked chicken, creamy freeze-dried potatoes, and sharp Cheddar in a rich, herb-infused broth. Topped with crisp croutons, it’s a soul-warming meal perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 Tbsp dried onions

• 3 cups freeze-dried potatoes

• ½ tsp dried garlic (granulated)

• 3 cups chicken stock

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1½ cups croutons

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Rehydrate potatoes
   Place freeze-dried potatoes in a bowl with 5 cups warm water. Soak for 15 minutes, then drain and gently squeeze out excess liquid. Set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics
   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add dried onions and garlic; sauté for 9–10 minutes until fragrant and soft.

3. Make the base
   Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken stock and milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

4. Add chicken & potatoes
   Stir in the rehydrated potatoes and cooked chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and flavors meld.

5. Finish & serve
   Remove from heat and stir in parsley and Cheddar cheese. Ladle into bowls, top with croutons, and serve warm.

Tips

• Use rotisserie or leftover roast chicken for convenience.

• Add a dash of hot sauce for subtle heat.

• For extra richness, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.

2. Greek-Style Beef Orzo

Savory • Traditional • Comforting
Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 1 hr 10 min

Inspired by the Greek classic Giouvetsi, this hearty baked dish brings together tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and orzo for a melt-in-your-mouth meal. A perfect winter warmer, it’s even better topped with crumbled Feta or paired with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• ⅔ cup olive oil, divided

• ¼ cup dried onions

• 1 tsp dried garlic (granulated)

• ⅓ cup dried carrots

• 2 Tbsp dried leeks

• 1½ lbs beef stew meat or chuck, cubed

• 1 cup dried orzo pasta

• 2 Tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 1 cup beef stock

• 5 cups water, divided

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté vegetables
   In a large pot, heat ⅓ cup olive oil over medium heat. Add dried onions, garlic, dried carrots, and dried leeks. Sauté for 9–10 minutes until soft. Add a bit more olive oil if needed. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

2. Brown beef
   Add remaining olive oil and beef cubes to the pot. Sauté for 10 minutes until browned. Stir in sautéed veggies and tomato paste; cook for 2 more minutes.

3. Simmer
   Pour in tomato sauce and 3 cups of water. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until beef is tender.

4. Preheat oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F.

5. Assemble & bake
   Transfer beef mixture to a baking dish. Add orzo, beef stock, and the remaining 2 cups of water. Stir to combine. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until orzo is tender and creamy.

6. Serve
   Serve hot, topped with crumbled Feta if desired, and a slice of bread on the side.

Tips

• Use short pasta like rice-shaped orzo or kritharaki for authenticity.

• Add a cinnamon stick or bay leaf during simmering for a traditional depth of flavor.

• Let rest 5 minutes after baking to absorb extra liquid.

3. Jalapeño Mac & Cheese

Creamy • Spicy • Comfort Food
Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min

A bold twist on a classic comfort dish, this mac & cheese brings the heat with zesty dried jalapeño peppers and a velvety Cheddar cheese sauce. It’s perfect for cozy nights—or spice lovers any time of year.

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp dried jalapeño peppers

• 3 Tbsp butter

• 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, grated

• 1 package elbow macaroni

• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta
   Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté jalapeños
   In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add dried jalapeño peppers and sauté for 5 minutes to release flavor.

3. Make roux
   Whisk in flour and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden and forms a smooth roux.

4. Add dairy & melt cheese
   Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Add Cheddar cheese and cook for 10 minutes over low heat, stirring until sauce thickens and cheese is fully melted.

5. Combine & serve
   Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta and mix well to coat. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Tips

• For less heat, use only 1½ Tbsp of dried jalapeño peppers.

• Stir in cooked bacon or green onions for added texture.

• Top with breadcrumbs and broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispy finish.

4. Tomato Risotto

Creamy • Bright • Veggie-Rich
Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min

A warm, colorful twist on classic risotto featuring creamy Arborio rice, rich tomato sauce, and a medley of dried carrots, organic dried red bell peppers, and herbs. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort after a brisk day, with or without a sprinkle of cheese.

Ingredients

• 1⅔ cups Arborio rice

• 4 Tbsp olive oil

• ¼ cup dried onions

• ¼ cup dried carrots

• ⅓ cup organic dried red bell peppers

• ½ tsp dried garlic (granulated)

• ½ Tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 Tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• 4 cups water

• ¾ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 Tbsp butter

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté vegetables
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add dried onions, dried carrots, organic dried red bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 6–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2. Build the base
   Stir in sugar and tomato paste. Add tomato sauce, water, and Arborio rice. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook risotto
   Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and the mixture is creamy.

4. Finish & serve
   Remove from heat and stir in butter. Add chopped parsley and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Tips

• Stir frequently for extra creaminess.

• Add 2–3 Tbsp grated Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesy version.

• Pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of dry white wine.

5. French Onion Meatball Subs

Savory • Hearty • Weeknight-Friendly
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 25 min

This cozy, flavor-packed fusion of French onion soup and classic meatball subs is filled with caramelized dried onions, tender beef meatballs, and melted Parmesan. Perfectly hearty for any weeknight dinner and elegant enough for guests.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter

• 1 cup dried onions

• 1 tsp dried garlic (granulated)

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp granulated sugar

• ⅔ cup beef broth

• 1½ lbs ground beef

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 4 hoagie rolls

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare onion mixture
   In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add dried onions and garlic; sauté for 9–10 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for 1 more minute. Add beef broth and simmer until mixture reduces to a thick, slightly liquid onion sauce.

3. Make meatballs
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef and the prepared onion mixture. Mix gently, then form into bite-sized meatballs. Arrange on prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake meatballs
   Bake for 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove from oven and let rest briefly.

5. Assemble subs
   Cut hoagie rolls in half. Fill each roll with meatballs and top with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy.

Tips

• Toast the hoagie rolls before stuffing for added texture.

• Add a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese for a melty, French onion soup vibe.

• Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Warm up with Mother Earth Products this winter thanks to our five cozy winter recipes. Which ones will you try? Let us know in the comments below!

References: 

• https://www.averiecooks.com/loaded-cheesy-chicken-potato-chowder/#mv-creation-1069-jtr
• https://akispetretzikis.com/en/recipe/2481/gioyvetsi-moschari
• https://www.modernhoney.com/creamy-jalapeno-macaroni-and-cheese/
• https://theplantbasedschool.com/tomato-risotto/
• https://thecuriousplate.com/french-onion-meatball-subs/

← Previous Post Next Post →