Winter Warmers

Winter has hit and while we dream of picturesque snow scenes, the reality for much of New Zealand is a little different. So we’ve been searching for the ultimate winter recipes to help you keep the cold at bay, that warm you up from the inside out and are healthy too!

This collection below are our favourite ways to keep cosy indoors and feature everything from slow cooked delights to hearty stir fries, pasta bakes and luscious roasts for a rainy Sunday.

A plate of rich stew with chunks of meat and carrots on a bed of wild rice blend, garnished with rosemary and an orange slice.

Mulled wine lamb stew

The spices in this stew evoke wintery Christmas and that makes them perfect for a chilly rainy day when you want something fragrant. The recipe calls for lamb shoulder, we’ve also used lamb shoulder chops for an equally delicious result.

Grilled steak served with a mushroom, red pepper, and couscous salad on a plate.

Beef steaks with couscous salad

Loaded baked potatoes with pulled pork, cheese, salsa, and jalapeños on a white plate.

Jacket Potatoes with Pulled Beef

We love making a batch of pulled beef or pulled lamb, keeping some aside for easy throw together meals like this one. The humble baked potato becomes the ideal way to use up leftovers when paired with a little cheese and salsa.

Four golden-brown savory pastries, including two tarts, a roll, and a turnover, on a wooden board.

Spiced beef pie

From our dear friend, Peter Gordon, this spiced beef pie turns chuck steak into a true hero. Using those pantry staples such as celery, carrot and spuds, it’s a hearty dish that will please even the fussiest of eaters!

A sliced medium-rare roast beef with a zest-covered crust, surrounded by roasted potatoes and onions on a white platter.

Bolar roast with baby onions and potatoes

High in protein and iron, this classic roast is an affordable cut that will satisfy any crowd. We love the mustard crust with the roast potatoes, but it is also delicious with kumara or pumpkin swapped out instead.

A bowl of hearty meat and vegetable barley soup, garnished with parsley and red sauce, served with buttered toast.

Lamb shank broth

This is a hearty stew that is perfect bubbling away on the stove top. It makes the most of the seasonal produce and the vegetables can easily be switched for whatever you have on hand. We love it with a little sriracha on top for a wee kick, or a sprinkle of parmesan is great too.

A large bowl of beef and vegetable curry topped with bean sprouts, served with brown rice.

Easy red curry with beef

Kiwi’s adore Thai food and this is the easiest meal to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Grab a packet of stir fry beef to cut the prep time and make yourself a delicious dinner that’s super fast!

An overhead view of a Korean meal featuring bulgogi, kimchi, a rice bowl, and fresh lettuce on a wooden table.

Beef bulgogi with rump steak

This is a stir fry done a little different – all with ingredients that you can grab from your local supermarket and with a little forward thinking, produces deliciously tender beef. Serve with fresh lettuce, kimchi and steamed rice for a filling meal.

A seared steak, sliced medium-rare, served over mashed sweet potatoes, garnished with green onions and herb butter.

Eye Fillet with Pumpkin Miso Mash

The sweetness of the pumpkin is enhanced with the savoury of the miso paste, taking this ‘steak and mash combo’ to another level! The recipe calls for eye fillet, but honestly, we’ve served it topped with rump steak slices too and everyone’s plate has been licked clean.

Golden-crusted casserole with a scoop removed, revealing savory filling, beside roasted butternut squash.

Mince, spinach and mushroom lasagne

Lasagne is a favourite of ours for feeding a crowd, as well as for meal prepping for those busy weeknights. This one is loaded with vegetable-goodness featuring spinach and mushrooms to help round out all the nutrients you need.

Tender roasted lamb leg with chickpeas and herbs, being shredded with a fork in a pan.

Slow cooked lamb tagine

Grab a lamb leg if they’re on sale and this will bring you the most heavenly result. Serve with flatbreads and a big green salad, you’ve got a dinner that will feed a very happy crowd. Both the oven and slow cooker work a dream – use what’s best for you.

A white bowl of beef stew topped with dumplings, served with a fork on a rustic wooden surface.

Beef, capsicum and paprika casserole

This is the best and easiest way to turn gravy beef into a family favourite. We love the short ingredient list and when served on top of mashed potatoes, makes for an affordable and delicious dinner.

A black paella pan of rice, broccoli, and ground meat, topped with cherry tomatoes and herbs, with a side salad and dip.

Mexi mince and veggie one pan dinner

Mince is a staple for many Kiwi households and this is a simple, foundation dish that can be transformed into many different variations. Make the most of the seasonal vegetables and get loads of flavour in there. We love it stuffed into a tortilla with a green salad, or simply on toast.

A dark, rich curry, garnished with chili, cilantro, and toasted coconut, served in a pot and on a plate with rice, cucumber, and lime, next to flatbreads.

Cheat's easy beef rendang

A little hack for full flavour? Yes please! Grab a jar of Jenny’s tamarind chutney and some chuck steak or gravy beef to create a meltingly tender beef dish in rich and delicious coconut sauce. It’ll be on regular repeat in no time, we promise!

Cheeseburger Pizza

The ideal marriage between two fast foods but made healthier and better at home. Conveniently big on flavour and utterly delicious, this is the perfect Friday night dinner with the family. Don’t leave out the pickles – they are a key ingredient.