emma sumrell

By: Emma Sumrell

Happy 2025!!! 🎉 Honestly, thank goodness the holidays are over. I love them so much, but oh my god—did they take everything out of me this year. If you’re like me, you’ve spent the last month juggling presents, parties, and pretending that you’re not just eating sugar cookies for breakfast. But now? It’s January, the time for cozy nights in, warm blankets, and LOTS of cooking. Winter is officially upon us, and it’s time to embrace my favorite winter activities of staying home, cooking up comforting meals, and not having to leave the couch unless it’s to refill my wine glass. 😂

This winter, I have a little project on my hands: I’m writing down all of my favorite recipes in a personalized cookbook. I’m kicking things off with a few tried-and-true recipes that are staples in my household, and I thought I’d share them with you! These are some of my all-time favorite cozy meals—each one delicious, simple, and cold weather-approved.

Let me know if you try any of them and what you think! 

1. Chili: The Winter MVP

First up: Chili. Oh my god, I could eat chili every day and be 100% happy with my life. I’ve tried all kinds of variations over the years—beef, turkey, vegetarian, chili with weird random ingredients that “sounded good at the time”—but this is my fav. It’s hearty, filling, and has just the right balance of spices to make you feel warm and cozy without setting your mouth on fire.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey or beef (your call, but turkey’s my go-to for less fat)
• 1 large onion, chopped 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes (for the extra sauce vibes)
• 1 can of diced green chiles 
• 1 can of kidney beans, drained
• 1 cup of sweet potato
• 1 can sweet corn
• 2 tbsp chili powder (more if you like it spicy, less if you’re a delicate flower)
• 1 tsp cumin (it’s what makes your chili sing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (because we’re not animals)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground meat in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until soft and fragrant 
2. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, corn, sweet potatoes, green chiles chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it all come to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes until everything is tender and happy.
3. Taste it. If it needs more spice, add more chili powder. If it needs more heart, add more beans.

I like to keep my chili simmering all day but if you’re in a rush this is a really quick and easy weeknight meal! 

2. Tortellini Soup: The Comfort You Didn’t Know You Needed

Next up: Tortellini Soup. This is the kind of soup you eat on those days when it’s so cold outside, you feel like your bones might actually freeze in place. But don’t worry—this soup will warm you to your core, and it’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever wasted time on anything else.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of cheese tortellini (or spinach, or whatever flavor you’re feeling today)
• 1 lb Italian sausage 
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 bag of fresh spinach (we r healthy in the new year)
• 4 cups of beef or vegetable broth 
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (for that little pop of acidity)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 cup celery
• 1 cup carrots
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A dash of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground meat in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant 
2. In a large pot, bring the broth to a simmer. Add the celery, carrots and red pepper flakes (if using) and let it cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Add the meat to the pot.
3. Drop in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach and diced tomatoes, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to garnish with a little Parmesan.        

This is everything you need to survivor this winter. Trust me. 

3. Protein Pasta with Marinara and Meatballs: The Ultimate Protein-Packed Pasta Bowl

And finally, a classic: Protein Pasta with Marinara and Meatballs. Because why eat boring pasta when you can eat pasta that’s packed with protein? Trust me, this dish will leave you satisfied without the carb coma. (At least, that’s the goal. I won’t judge you if you go for seconds.)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey or chicken (healthier, but still juicy)
• 1 egg 
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 
• 1 cup grated Parmesan 
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (we’re keeping it classic)
• 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce (don’t act like you have time to make it from scratch—just go with it)
• 1 box of protein pasta (I like Banza)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Mix the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Form into meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and looking all golden and glorious.
3. While the meatballs are baking, cook the protein pasta according to package instructions.
4. Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan, then add the meatballs. Let it all simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors can mingle.
5. Serve the meatballs and marinara over the pasta

So there you have it! These three cozy winter recipes have been fueling my household for years, and I hope they can do the same for you. Each one is packed with protein and veggies, and they’re all about making your winter meals healthier—while still being indulgent enough to make you feel like you’re living your best life.

Enjoy!!