15 Hot and Hearty Winter Meals Perfect for Cold Weather

As the temperature dips, you just might find yourself craving hot and hearty meals that will warm you up. While many classic homestyle dishes like soups, casseroles and pasta can be comforting, they don’t typically fit into a weight loss plan.

Fortunately, we’ve got a list of 15 meals from the Nutrisystem menu that are perfect for cold weather! They will give you that toasty feeling without setting your weight loss plans off track. Any of these dishes would be a great choice on a chilly day!

1. White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Looking for classic cold weather meals? The creamy goodness of mac and cheese is hard to beat. This particular mac and cheese dish features a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce with tender noodles, easily satisfying your comfort food fix. But unlike traditional mac and cheese, our version happens to also be a good source of protein and fiber.

2. Roasted Turkey Medallions

Whether it’s close to Thanksgiving or not, we’d be remiss in not including a turkey dish on our list of hot and hearty cold weather meals. These roasted turkey medallions are made even more satisfying by being paired with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. At a mere 260 calories—and packed with 22 grams of protein—it’s comfort food you can feel good about.

3. Ravioli Formaggio

If it’s Italian comfort food you’re craving, then this Ravioli Formaggio will fulfill your pasta fix while keeping your weight loss plans intact. It features perfectly portioned, tender ravioli stuffed with a creamy combo of Romano and ricotta cheeses in a hearty and flavor-packed tomato sauce. It’s the decadent dish you’ve been craving but comes with zero guilt thanks to being a mere 270 calories.

4. Chicken Parmesan

What’s more classic Italian than a delicious chicken parmesan meal? Featuring breaded chicken breast topped with seasoned tomato sauce and low-fat mozzarella, this dish is served atop a bed of spaghetti. It’s comfort food at its best! But at only 270 calories, it’s also a diet-friendly dish that will still satisfy your cravings for a savory Italian meal.

5. Harvest Grain Bowl

Grain bowls are all the rage right now—and for good reason. They’re packed with the hearty goodness of whole grains. This particular bowl combines chickpeas, lentils, brown rice and quinoa with some farm-picked favorite veggies. It’s warm, filling and healthy with 10 grams of dietary fiber and 10 grams of protein.

6. Chicken Enchilada

If you’re craving Mexican food but also committed to a weight loss plan, then this dish will prove you can have the best of both worlds. It has everything you love about warm and comforting chicken enchiladas—tender white meat chicken, peppers, onions, tomatoes, sour cream and even melted cheddar cheese. It’s even served with a side of Spanish-style brown rice cooked in tomato sauce. It’s packed with 14 grams of protein and only 250 calories, making it a smart and satisfying.

7. Salisbury Steak with Mac and Cheese

This is one of those cold weather meals that absolutely screams comfort food. While a traditional version would be packed with fat and calories, we’ve found a way to make ours weight loss friendly without sacrificing flavor. You’ll also feel good about the 22 grams of satisfying protein that accompanies this dinner favorite.

8. Bean and Bacon Soup

Nothing warms the body on a chilly day quite like a bowl of soup. This particular soup has the goodness of real, delicious bacon paired with navy beans, carrots and a savory broth. It has a whopping 12 grams of protein and is full of flavor. Serve it with a side salad for the perfect lunch combination.

9. Café-Style Creamy Tomato Soup

Is there any soup more classic than creamy tomato? It’s comfort food at its finest, particularly on a cold and dreary day. Our Nutrisystem soup has all the flavors you love, made with slow-stewed tomatoes, parmesan cheese, chicken broth and even some heavy cream. It’ll fill you up and warm you up, too.

10. Meatloaf with Potatoes and Veggies

Meatloaf is the quintessential comfort food and this one has all of the bases covered! It’s made with real beef and pork, paired with roasted potatoes, crisp green beans, carrots, peas and corn. Plus, it’s smothered in our savory tomato sauce. While this dish will give you the homestyle goodness you love about a comforting dinner, it’s perfectly portioned to keep your healthy eating plans in check. You’ll also feel good knowing it packs in 25 grams of protein and eight grams of dietary fiber.

11. Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Indulge in a delectable dish of tender roasted chicken breast stuffed with nutritious broccoli and a luscious cheese sauce. Topped with a delightful rosemary seasoning blend, this perfectly baked creation offers a gourmet taste without the hassle. It’s a customer favorite that guarantees to warm you up even on the coldest days! Enjoy this high-protein dinner that’s both delicious and satisfying.

12. Rotini and Meatballs

If you’ve got a hankering for the hearty goodness of pasta and meatballs, then this is a dish you’ve got to try. Both tender rotini pasta and savory meatballs are paired with crushed tomatoes, onions, Italian-style seasoning and a pinch of parmesan cheese. It’s classic comfort food made easy!

13. Spicy Kung Pao Noodles

Here’s a meal that will warm you up while adding a bit of zest to your day. While you really can’t go wrong with a bowl of Asian-style noodles, this dish takes the flavor up a notch with a zesty medley of spicy soy sauce, garlic, shallots, chili peppers, green onion and a sprinkle of peanuts. It’s just the right amount of spice for a chilly winter day!

14. Bourbon-Style Chicken

When the temperature starts dropping, nothing warms the body up like some good old home cooking. This skillet-ready meal provides you with a hearty helping of seasoned chicken, roasted potatoes and crisp vegetables. Covered in our sweet and tangy bourbon-style sauce, it’s a hot and hearty dinner that will make you feel cozy on those cold winter days.

15. Merlot Beef with Root Vegetables

If you’re looking for a dish that’s filling while also being weight loss friendly, this sizzling skillet dinner is an excellent choice. The protein-packed meal combines thick-cut beef, rustic root vegetables, potatoes and rosemary, all coated in a delicious, rich red wine reduction. It’s a warm and hearty meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Get started with Nutrisystem today!