30 Recipes to Make in January (+ Easy Dinners)

Does winter have you feeling a little down? Then it’s time to check out these recipes to make in January. 

From comfort food classics like beef stroganoff to easy chicken pot pie, they’re sure to beat the post-holiday blues.

January is notoriously dark and cold, but it doesn’t have to be. 

Why not warm up your house and your heart with something tasty and made from scratch?

If you enjoyed my list of recipes to make in December, I know you’ll adore these meals.

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s explore some recipes to make in January.

1. Guinness Beef Stew

Let’s kick things off with one of the most comforting meals around: beef stew.

Nothing warms your tired bones like a hearty bowl of stew. And it’s all the better with tender beef and punchy beer!

It all comes together in a rich gravy that’s filling and oh-so-delicious. Serve it over mashed potatoes, and you’ll swoon.

2. Creamy Chicken and Cauliflower

This creamy chicken and cauliflower skillet dinner will put a pep in your step when the post-holiday blues hit. 

It’s more than just a single skillet meal with chicken and cauliflower. The sauce of this dinner dish is out of this world. 

With smoky bacon, earthy spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, it’s insanely satisfying. 

3. Fresh Mint Hot Cocoa with Matcha Marshmallows

Whenever I see snow in the forecast, I double-check my pantry for hot cocoa ingredients.

When the January snowstorms hit, you’ll want this recipe on hand. 

This recipe combines the flavors of spearmint, peppermint, matcha, vanilla, and dutch -processed cocoa. 

Sure, it’s a little more time-consuming than opening up a packet of Swiss Miss but trust me. It’s worth the extra effort. 

4. Spicy Butternut Squash Pasta

Looking for a great meatless Monday option to whip up in dreary January despair? Enter spicy butternut squash pasta!

It’s so rich and filling that you won’t miss the meat. 

Pureed butternut squash and cream cheese create the more wonderfully satisfying pasta sauce that will have you licking your plate. 

Add some chipotle peppers in adobo and chili powder to give it a potent kick of spice. 

5. Lemon Cheesecake

This one might seem like it’s on the wrong list, but hear me out.

Yes, lemon desserts are super sunny, summer-friendly dishes you often see at BBQs.

But when you want to bring a bit of sunshine to a dark day, you can’t beat this zippy cheesecake.

Close your eyes, take a bite, and remember that summer will return one day!

6. Baked Sweet Potato

If you think you had your fill of sweet potatoes this holiday season, think again!

These wonderfully sweet and savory baked sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish to any hearty January meal. 

Tender baked sweet potatoes pair perfectly with hearty additions like sour cream, chives, and butter. 

7. Winter Minestrone Soup

January and soup go together like peas and carrots. 

With this winter minestrone soup and a loaf of crusty bread, you’ll forget all about the upcoming weather forecast. 

And this soup has it all. From tender pasta to a rich, smoky broth and so many healthy veggies, it’s a real show-stopper. 

8. One-Pan Pork Chops with Apples

This one-pan pork chop recipe with apples dish is rich and hearty and ensures that no one goes to bed hungry. 

And the best part is that it all comes together in one pan, so you don’t have the spend the rest of your evening washing dishes. 

It includes mouthwatering ingredients like red onion, sweet apples, and a mustard sauce. 

Pair it with savory pork chops, and the bold flavors jump off the plate.

9. Rotel Chili

It might not be Super Bowl time yet, but it’s never too soon to brush up on your chili skills.

Think of it as a chili pre-game. It’s sure to warm your bones, and it comes together in a snap.

Feel free to add veggies to make it more hearty. Or even serve it over a microwave baked potato for a more complete meal.

Oh, and don’t forget the cheese!

10. Classic Cheese Fondue

I always get a little sad in January because all the holiday parties are over, and the house seems empty. 

Kick those January blues by hosting a post-holiday party, and serve this delicious cheese fondue!

It’s so buttery, cheesy (and easy!), and it goes great with almost anything.

Serve it with homemade bread, fruit, and crackers, and watch everyone light up!

11. Braised Short Ribs

If this braised short rib recipe doesn’t get your heart racing, nothing will!

Using a Dutch oven and cooking low and slow, the meat of these short ribs is so tender and mouthwatering. 

Pair them with wintertime veggies, and serve them over fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s like heaven on a plate. 

12. Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken cacciatore is Italian comfort food at its finest.

With simple ingredients, it’s an affordable and easy weeknight meal that your whole family will love. 

It incorporates meaty chicken thighs with Italian classics like garlic, crushed tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and fresh spices. 

Serve this rustic dish over a bed of pasta, and don’t forget the garlic bread!

13. High Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese

Everyone loves a hot bowl of mac and cheese, but the nutritional content leaves much to be desired. 

If you crave mac and cheese but also need some nutrition, this high-protein vegan mac and cheese is a great option. 

Instead of cheese, it utilizes a tasty red lentil and nutritional yeast blend. 

It’s cheesy (sans the cheese), and hidden red lentils offer a powerful protein punch. 

14. Salmon Coconut Curry

This Thai-inspired salmon coconut curry is perfect for those cold weeknights when you want something hearty. 

It incorporates heart-healthy salmon in a sweet and spicy coconut curry sauce. 

Serve this delightful protein over a bed of jasmine rice, and have some naan on hand to sop up all that extra curry sauce. 

15. Pomegranate Tart

Looking for a good baking project for a blustery January afternoon?

This pomegranate tart tastes like heaven on a plate and will help you get through those dark winter days. 

It pairs a tart pomegranate curd with a hint of heavenly hibiscus and lemon for a bright, sunshine finish. 

The delicately floral and citrusy notes taste like summer.

16. Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a wintertime staple that needs no introduction. 

Whether you’re nursing your annual January cold or need a hearty, warm soup to soothe your weary soul, this recipe is the ticket!

It’s a simple recipe, but it’s pure magic when done right. 

With tender pieces of shredded white meat chicken, chewy noodles, and winter veggies, it’s soup perfection. 

17. Black Bean and Butternut Squash Quesadillas

Quesadillas are my go-to weeknight meal because they are so quick and easy. And who doesn’t love quesadillas?

These black bean and butternut squash quesadillas are 100 percent vegetarian.

But they’re so incredibly filling that you won’t miss the meat. 

They incorporate butternut squash puree, tender black beans, and so much cheese! 

Top with sour cream and sliced jalapenos for an optional kick of spice. 

18. Creamy Spinach Pasta

Here’s another simple, savory, and addictive meatless Monday dish.

What I love most about this recipe is that it only utilizes a few pantry staples for a tasty meal your family will love. 

The heavy cream sauce gives serious fettuccine alfredo vibes that pair well with earthy spinach and chewy noodles. 

It’s quick, easy, and so very satisfying. 

19. Panda Express Orange Chicken

Craving Chinese takeout, but don’t want to brave the cold? Try this Panda Express orange chicken recipe instead!

Dare I say that it’s even better than the real deal?

It pairs tender chicken in a bright, citrusy, and spicy sauce that doesn’t shy away from the bold flavor. 

Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice and warm up those chopsticks. 

20. Instant Pot Pork Stew

Where are all my Instant Pot fans? 

If your hands are full of your big winter project, or you want to kick back with a good book, let your Instant Pot cook dinner tonight. 

With meaty chunks of pork and perfectly tender winter veggies in a rich gravy, it’s one serious stew perfect for a cold evening. 

21. Thai Sweet Potato and Parsnip Soup

Can’t decide between a hot bowl of soup or curry? Why not both?

This sweet and savory potato and parsnip soup is part soup, part curry, and 100 percent delicious. 

It combines sweet potatoes with savory parsnips blended with rich Thai-inspired spices like ginger, curry paste, coconut oil, and jalapenos. 

22. Chicken Curry Laksa

If you have never had laksa, you are in for a treat!

It’s a classic Southeast Asian dish that pairs chewy noodles with tasty toppings. And this chicken curry laksa delivers. 

It infuses tender pieces of white meat chicken, snap peas, and mushrooms in a tangy, bright broth. 

It will warm you up on a cold January day with mint, citrus, and bold curry seasoning flavors. 

23. Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff always reminds me of home.

And what I love most about this classic comfort food is it’s affordable and oh-so-easy. 

It pairs thinly sliced flank steak with chewy egg noodles in a creamy, herbal sauce that’s to die for. 

When you are in the mood for classic comfort food, humble beef stroganoff checks all the boxes. 

24. Apple Pie Bars

Simple apple pie bars are a great way to create a tasty treat with minimal effort. 

They’re so buttery, sweet, and delicious that eating just one is tricky. 

And the best part of this recipe is that they make an entire tray.

You can nibble on them all week when the cold weather gets to you. 

25. White Chicken Chili

Chili is a great comfort food. But when you want something lighter, try this white chicken chili.

The broth is light, bright, and super satisfying. It combines sour cream with chicken stock and piles in the veggies, shredded chicken, and seasoning. 

Serve it with crusty bread and a crispy side salad for a quick, tasty winter meal. 

26. American Goulash

American goulash is a simple yet insanely satisfying dinner on a hectic weeknight. 

It pairs tender macaroni with ground beef, tomatoes, and bright spices. 

To take this classic American comfort food over the top, serve it with warm cornbread slathered in honey butter. Yum!

27. Creamy Kale and Spinach Dip

If you miss the array of tasty dips from all the holiday parties in December, no law says you can’t make a dip for yourself in January!

This creamy kale and spinach dip are perfect for those post-holiday months.

It’s a little healthier thanks to plenty of rich, leafy greens. 

The recipe has kale and spinach in a creamy vegan cashew base with plenty of spice.

It delivers all of the holiday feels without the holiday calories. 

Calories might not count in December, but they certainly do in January!

28. Chicken Pot Pie

Who doesn’t love diving into the rich, buttery crust of a chicken pot pie?

It’s the ultimate wintertime treat, and this recipe is easier than you think.

The secret? Bisquick! It’ll save you a ton of time in the kitchen but delivers in spades.

Add a tasty chicken and veggie filling, pop it in the oven, the dig in!

29. Chocolate Lava Cakes

I know what you are thinking. You think chocolate lava cakes are for expert-level bakers, but you are wrong!

These delicate chocolate lava cakes are simple and come together in 30 minutes. 

With cakey outsides and that insanely rich chocolate lava that oozes onto the plate, it’s the perfect treat for a cold night. 

30. Winter Citrus Salad

This winter citrus salad is an excellent dinnertime option if your jeans fit snugly after the holidays. 

It’s waistline-friendly but so insanely deciduous that it doesn’t taste like health food. 

The flavors of this salad are unique.

With grapefruit, naval and blood oranges, tangerines, kumquats, Medjool dates, walnuts, and mint, it’s like a flavor explosion. 

This winter citrus salad tastes nothing like health food, but it’s chock full of so much nutrition.