When the temperature outside gets low, it’s time for hot, homemade bowls to warm you up from the inside out. Whether it’s a hearty stew, a vibrant curry, or a meal built around nourishing whole grains, these recipes come together in a snap to power through winter days and stay cozy on chilly nights. They’re not just meals; they’re warmth, comfort, and satisfaction on a spoon.
Bowls
Banh Mi Bowls
In Vietnam, banh mi sandwiches — a combo of meat (typically pork), pickled veggies, and fresh herbs — are comfort food you can find on virtually any street corner. We captured the vibrant flavors in a hearty rice bowl that conjures up tropical, Southeast Asian vibes, even on the chilliest of nights. Brown rice serves as an alternative nutritious replacement for the traditional baguette, and your kids won’t be able to tell the “meat” here is plant-based once it’s coated with the sticky, tangy sauce. Prep the pickled veggies ahead and keep them in the fridge to roll out this weeknight-friendly dinner even quicker.
Get the recipe: Banh Mi Bowls
Spicy Pork Rice Bowl
If you like your cozy with a little heat, these fiery, Korean-inspired rice bowls are calling your name. Kimchi is a type of banchan, a traditional side dish served in Korea, made with tangy fermented cabbage and a red chili powder called gochugaru. It’s the signature ingredient in this bowl that pairs fiery, pan-seared pork with refreshing cucumbers and brown rice. Budget-friendly pork tenderloin is naturally lean and quick-cooking, so this satisfying meal is just 15 minutes from start to finish.
Get the recipe: Spicy Pork Rice Bowl
Wonton Grain Bowl
We love the versatility of frozen potstickers, like in this unexpected bowl of vegetable goodness. The dumplings simmer away on the stove while frozen riced cauliflower and veggies steam in the microwave. For some added texture, try pan-frying the potstickers instead.
Get the recipe: Wonton “Grain” Bowl
Orange Sesame Chicken Rice Bowl
Orange chicken is a takeout staple for a reason, but it tends to be lots of fried breading and not a lot of chicken. We flip the script on that with all chicken and an easy hack to upgrade the flavor of store-bought sesame-ginger dressing. Roasted cabbage and broccoli bring extra caramelized flavor and nutrients.
Get the recipe: Orange-Sesame Chicken Rice Bowl
Stews
Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew
This Indian-inspired stew is a homerun you can pull together using mostly pantry staples and freezer finds. Canned chickpeas and frozen collard greens add protein and filling fiber to a creamy broth made with richly spiced coconut milk. Try swapping out the pita chip garnish for some warmed garlic naan for even better dipping.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew
Instant Pot® Mushroom Stew
This hearty stew, starring a trio of savory mushrooms is vegetarian comfort food at its finest. Thanks to the Instant Pot ®, the cooked-all-day flavor is ready to warm you in just 35 minutes.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot ® Mushroom Stew
Brazilian Fish Stew
If you’ve ever had moqueca in a restaurant, the delicious coconut-based fish stew from Brazil, you’d never guess how easy and fast it is to make at home. A quick broth of garlic, red peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro gently cooks chunks of cod and shrimp to tender perfection. It works great paired with rice or a nice crusty bread.
Get the recipe: Brazilian Fish Stew
Classic Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes
Few dishes are more quintessential comfort food than beef stew, and this one checks all the boxes: savory meat, tender veggies, and rich, savory broth. Browning the beef helps to develop a robust flavor, so don’t rush this step.
Get the recipe: Classic Beef Stew with Carrots and Potatoes
Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew
This slow cooker staple feels like a hug in a bowl. The slow cooker does the work for this stick-to-your-ribs meal brimming with succulent beef, veggies, and nutrient-rich barley.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew
Curries
Thai Red Curry Lentil Soup
The ingredient list is small, but the flavor is huge in this satisfying, plant-powered soup. The red lentils break down as they cook thickening the coconut broth into a perfect, spoon-hugging consistency amped up with Thai red curry paste.
Get the recipe: Thai Red Curry Lentil Soup
Malaysian-Style Coconut Chicken Curry
A quick curry marinade and some spices are all it takes to transport your family to Malaysia. Spiced chicken thighs slowly braise with chunks of potato in a cinnamon and anise-perfumed broth until fall-apart tender. Don’t be scared off by the smell of the fish sauce when you open the bottle! It will provide a nice saltiness without overwhelming the curry.
Get the recipe: Malaysian-Style Coconut Chicken Curry
Instant Pot ® Cashew Curry Beef with Rice Noodles
This bowl gets big-time crave appeal from a trio of textures: tender morsels of beef with crunchy cashews and slurp-worthy rice noodles. Your Instant Pot ® is the secret weapon that gets this nutty curry on the table in just 45 minutes, rather than hours.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot ® Cashew Curry Beef with Rice Noodles
Salmon Coconut Curry with Rice
This dinner is a pescatarian’s dream, starring salmon swimming in a creamy coconut sauce over microwave-ready rice is a complete, nutritious meal ready in 15 minutes. Use your sharpest knife for cutting the salmon to get nice clean pieces or ask your fishmonger at the seafood counter to cut it up for you.
Get the recipe: Salmon Coconut Curry with Rice
