18 Snow Day Dinners That Practically Make Themselves

updated Dec 20, 2022

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Credit: Joe Lingeman
Tomato Tortellini Soup

A snow day can go two ways: Either it motivates you to take on a cooking project you’ve been meaning to attempt, or it inspires you to do nothing more than watch a whole lot of Netflix (with hot cocoa in hand, of course!) or go sledding with the kids. If you’re in the latter camp, you’ll probably need an easy dinner idea — a meal that comes together without too much hassle but also satisfies the desire for something cozy and comforting. These 18 recipes are the answer.

1 / 17

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

A filling, light-bodied soup that’s warming and provides your daily dose of veggies all in one bowl.

2 / 17

Cast Iron Pressed Pizza Sandwiches

This recipe, known in some regions as mountain pies, combines the best of a panini, grilled cheese, and pizza into one crisp sandwich.

3 / 17

The Best One-Pot Mac & Cheese

Sure, a box of mac and cheese is an option on a lazy snow day, but this homemade version — that requires just one pot and no more time to make — rivals it.

4 / 17

Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

There really isn't anything more comforting than a bowl of chicken and dumplings. This version simmers away in the slow cooker all day so it's ready whenever you want to cozy up to it.

5 / 17

Sheet Pan Burgers and Fries

A snow day is the perfect excuse to cook something fun like burgers and fries. Opt for your favorite brand of frozen french fries and cook everything together on one sheet pan to make things extra easy.

6 / 17

French Bread Pesto Chicken Pizza

Cooking the chicken yourself for these cheesy French bread pizzas is quick, but it's even quicker to swap in shredded rotisserie chicken.

7 / 17

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Packed with vegetables and a warm, lightly spiced broth, lentil soup is one of the easiest meals you can make in your Instant Pot.

8 / 17

Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Skillet

The pasta cooks right in the skillet for this sandwich-inspired dinner. While rotini catches the seasoned beef and sautéed veggies best, any short pasta shape will do.

9 / 17

Honey-Garlic Shrimp Stovetop Rice Casserole

If you have a bag of shrimp and a bag of broccoli in the freezer, you have the makings of this meal. Both don't even need to be defrosted first to pull this dinner off.

10 / 17

Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

While delicious, homemade lasagna requires a fair amount of work. This easier version leans on help from the slow cooker and cheese ravioli and the results are no less satisfying.

11 / 17

Trader Joe's Potsticker Stir-Fry

Just three simple ingredients from Trader Joe's — frozen potstickers, frozen mixed vegetables, and gyoza sauce — come together to make a satisfying stir-fry in a matter of minutes.

12 / 17

Loaded Black Bean Nachos

There's no better excuse than a snow day to eat nachos for dinner. This vegetarian recipe can be customized based on whatever beans you have in the pantry or vegetables you want to use up in your fridge.

13 / 17

One-Pot Orzo with Peas and Parmesan

This one-pot orzo is flavorful, warm, and comforting. Everything you could want on a chilly, snowy day.

14 / 17

5-Ingredient No-Boil Baked Ziti

This easy recipes for baked ziti doesn't call for boiling the pasta before baking.

15 / 17

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This family-friendly dinner promises juicy pieces of chicken, fluffy rice, perfectly tender veggies, and a level of creaminess that just can't be beat. Plus, it cooks in less than 30 minutes.

16 / 17

Tomato Tortellini Soup

This creamy, tangy tomato soup is studded with tender tortellini and comes together in just 20 minutes.

17 / 17

Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls

Filled with chicken, rice, black beans, corn, and salsa, these burrito bowls come together quickly with an Instant Pot.

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