35 Best Comfort Food Recipes and Cozy Meals (2024)

Are you in the mood for some cozycomfort food recipes? If so, look no further because I have you covered.

If you’re feeling down and need a pick-me-up, these recipes will give you precisely that.

They’re satisfying, flavorful, and will make you feel like you’re getting a loving hug. In the form of a tasty meal, of course!

These 35 comfort food recipes will fill your belly, satisfy your soul, and make your heart happy.

From crispy fries and cheesy casseroles to hot chocolate and brownies. There’s always a comfort food to suit your mood. Dig in!

1. Baked Ziti

When I’m in the mood for a comforting dinner, I immediately go for pasta. There’s simply nothing more cozy, heartwarming, or filling.

I love everything from spaghetti and ravioli to fettuccine and lasagna. And yes, that definitely includes this extra cheesy baked ziti.

Between the rich spaghetti sauce and three types of cheeses, I can’t ever get enough.

2. Beef Stew

This warm and hearty beef stew is the friend you need on a cold and lonely rainy evening. It’s comfort food at its finest.

This stew is packed with melt-in-your-mouth beef, carrots, potatoes, and celery swimming in a rich, savory broth.

It’s brimming not only with flavor but with color as well.

I won’t be surprised if you gobble up one bowl after another. Sorry, discipline, you’ve no power here!

3. Chicken Noodle Soup

When I’m sick, I always want a hot bowl of chicken noodle soup.

But I don’t want that canned crap with the skinny noodles and barely-there bites of chicken. I want the homemade stuff my gramma used to make.

Fortunately, this recipe would make her proud.

With firm and chewy egg noodles, chicken, and veggies, it’s absolute perfection.

4. Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Soups always make for a filling, comforting family meal. But, as I mentioned, “comforting” for me means Italian pasta meals.

This Crockpot lasagna soup combines the best of both worlds. It’s a rich, hearty soup full of the cheesy, beefy flavors of lasagna.

There are even actual lasagna noodles in the soup! You won’t want to pass this one up.

5. Chili

This chili tastes a lot like the one your mom used to make. One spoonful will bring back fun childhood memories.

I’m pretty sure this recipe is a little different, though.

The difference is that this one contains beer. Yep! Beer adds wonderful, malty flavors to the chili that no other ingredient could.

Don’t worry, though; the alcohol in beer evaporates during cooking, so this chili is totally kid-friendly.

6. Fettuccine Alfredo

Speaking of kids, here’s another dish that they’ll surely enjoy. Fettuccine Alfredo comprises al dente pasta and an unbelievably rich, creamy, cheesy sauce.

It’s the definition of decadence. You really can’t go wrong with pasta, cream, and cheese.

Yes, it’s loaded with carbs, fats, and things that can’t be good for you… but come on, live a little!

7. Chicken Parmesan Soup

If you’re looking for new comfort food, this might just become a new favorite.

Chicken parmesan in soup form? Now, that sounds lip-smackingly delicious. Andspoiler alert!It is!

A word of warning: this dish is insanely addictive. Don’t be surprised if you end up eating the whole batch.

8. John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne was an award-winning actor and filmmaker. His casserole deserves a trophy, too!

John Wayne casserole is a rich and hearty dish that’ll make your taste buds go wild with joy.

It’s made of ground beef, tomatoes, and chilies resting on a bed of biscuit crust. There’s also sour cream, mayo, and a thick layer of melted cheese.

How heavenly is that?!

9. Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is another American classic that will turn any frown around. It’s rich, hearty, and satisfying.

Everything you can ask for from a simple one pot meal.

Netflix, chill, and eat chicken and dumplings: that’s my definition of the perfect weekend.

There’s just something about pillowy dumplings and tender chicken in a savory broth that makes me happy!

10. Butternut Squash Soup

Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that’s perfect for the cooler months? Try this creamy butternut squash soup.

Requiring fewer than ten ingredients, it’s simple to make and budget-friendly.

Serve it with some thick, crusty bread or a deliciousfall saladfor a complete meal.

11. French Onion Soup

I used to be terrified of French onion soup — specifically, of trying to make it. It just seemed so complicated!

With the bread, soup, and cheese on top… I always knew I would mess something up. Then, I discovered Julia Child’s recipe.

And that woman knew her stuff. She also knew how to make idiot-proof recipes. Thanks, Julia!

12. Chicken Pot Pie

Want to make homemade chicken pot pie but don’t know where to start? Try this simple, six-ingredient recipe.

It uses shortcuts like frozen mixed veggies and all-purpose baking mix. They cut what could be a monumental endeavor down to about 10 minutes of prep.

And yes, the resulting pot pie still tastes fantastic.

13. Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is made of perfectly seasoned beef, veggies, rich gravy, and the star of the dish: mashed potatoes.

Together, these components make one mouth-watering, lip-smacking comfort food. It’s rich, tender, and full of flavor. Shepherd’s pie truly is Heaven on earth!

14. Cowboy Cookies

These cowboy cookies are crisp, soft, and chewy all at once. This western treat is impossible to resist!

It’s a chocolate and an oatmeal cookie combined, and it’s the bomb! I’m usually not a fan of oatmeal cookies, but man, this one hits all the right notes.

15. Baked Mac ‘n Cheese

Classic mac and cheese is already perfect, but this recipe makes it even more extra.

I don’t know what I love more — the double dose of cheese or the crumbly breadcrumb topping.

Either way, it’s baked mac and cheese like you’ve never had it before. And you will LOVE it.

16. Fried Chicken

Can you even have a list of comfort foods without mentioning fried chicken?! I don’t think so. And if you DO, your list is definitely lacking.

This Crisco fried chicken is about as comforting as it gets. With its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, it’s a hard meal to resist.

17. Irish Mashed Potatoes

If you’re crazy for mashed potatoes, you’ll love this version. Colcannon is mashed potatoes with an Irish twist, and it’s downright delicious.

What makes it different from the classic? Well, apart from the potatoes and butter, colcannon is also stuffed with shredded cabbage and leeks.

It may sound strange, but it works. Try it to believe it!

18. Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Cheeseburgers and meatloaf are both classic comfort foods. This recipe combines them into one delectable dish.

It contains all the hearty deliciousness of meatloaf but with a twist. That twist includes three whole cups of cheddar cheese.

Between that, the meat, the onions, and the ketchup and mustard, you can see why it’s called cheeseburger meatloaf.

19. Sloppy Joe Pizza

Can’t decide betweensloppy joesand pizza? With this recipe, you can have them both. This mash-up is spectacular!

If you’re wondering what this dish is, it’s literally pizza topped with sloppy joe meat. Can’t imagine how it tastes? One word: Divine.

Oh, and it isn’t nearly as messy as it sounds.

20. Swedish Meatballs

Serve them alone or on top of an overflowing plate of pasta. Either way, Swedish meatballs are sure to hit the spot.

Popularized by IKEA, Swedish meatballs have actually been around a lot longer than the Swedish furniture store.

But if you DID stumble on them thanks to IKEA, that’s okay. At least you finally found them!

21. Chicken Enchiladas

These chicken enchiladas are ultra-rich and hearty.

Combining shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and flour tortilla creates a lovely marriage of flavors and textures.

Both the chicken and the enchilada sauce are seasoned perfectly, making it impossible to stop at one serving.

22. Baileys French Toast

French toast is already amazing as it is, but adding Bailey’s makes it a thousand times better. It’s the best way to start your weekend.

Bailey’s Irish cream is all you’ll need to amp up your favoriteFrench toast recipe.

It adds such a unique flavor, and, let’s be honest, booze makes everything more exciting.

23. Beef Burritos

Beef burritos, to me, are the holy grail of Mexican food. They’re a delectable dish fit for a king!

This recipe for them is simple, but it yields such a spectacular dish. Well-seasoned beef, rice, veggies, and sauce are all wrapped in a soft tortilla.

It’s the stuff of dreams. I could eat it all day!

24. Chocolate Cake

“I died and went straight to chocolate Heaven.” That’s what I said when I sunk my teeth into this decadent chocolate cake.

This scrumptious cake is ridiculously moist and chocolatey! Considering how delicious it is, it’s surprising how easy it is to make.

It’s the perfect blank canvas for birthday and special occasion cakes! Feel free to frost and decorate however you want.

25. Apple Pie

Cozy autumn flavors unite in this delightful apple pie. With its flaky, buttery crust and warm apple filling, it’s the perfect fall dessert.

It’s perfectly seasoned with brown sugar and cinnamon and baked to perfection. You really can’t ask for more!

Although, if you want to top it withwhipped creamor homemade vanilla ice cream, I won’t object.

26. Caramel Brownies

Super moist and fudgy brownies with a sticky, sinful caramel topping? What a masterpiece!

Brownies, even without all the extras, are already phenomenal. I’d eat them on their own and be happy.

This recipe, though, takes the humble brownie and turns it into a crazy delicious dessert. They may not be healthy, but they sure do taste good.

27. Mexican Hot Chocolate

This isn’t your regular hot cocoa, folks. Mexican chocolate is mega-thick and decadent.

Say goodbye to your favorite powdered chocolate milk drink. Once you’ve tried this hot chocolate, you’ll never have it any other way.

It’s so thick, which means it’s also super chocolatey. But don’t worry, it’s not overly sweet.

It’s perfectly seasoned with spices, giving you just the right balance of flavors.

28. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Everyone has to have a recipe for spaghetti and meatballs. If you don’t, here you go. You’re welcome! 🙂

It’s such a simple recipe, but the result is always fantastic.

The homemade sauce is wonderfully sweet and tangy, and the meatballs are super tender and full of flavor!

Together with the pasta, they create an ideal weeknight dinner.

29. Pot Roast

This melt-in-your-mouth pot roast is sure to knock your socks off.

This Southern classic perfectly combines chuck roast, au jus, ranch dressing, and pepperoncini peppers.

It’s ideal for special holidays but also easy enough to make on a random weeknight.

30. White Chicken Chili

Want something satisfying and stick-to-your-ribs hearty for the winter months? You can’t go wrong with white chicken chili.

It has a phenomenal flavor and is relatively easy to pull together. Plus, the whole family will love it.

With beans, corn, and lean chicken, it’s really good for them, too.

31. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is one of those nostalgic, comforting meals that instantly transports me to my childhood.

Especially when it’s homemade instead of out of a Hamburger Helper box. This recipe is one of the best – saucy, meaty, and with tender, hearty mushrooms.

You won’t get any complaints when you break out this recipe.

32. Eggplant Parmesan

Do you love Olive Garden’s eggplant parmesan? How about eggplant parm from BJ’s or Carrabba’s?

This homemade version is better than all of them put together. It uses homemade tomato sauce and two types of cheese.

It tastes even better if your eggplants come from your very own garden. And yes, I know this from experience.

33. Gourmet Grilled Cheese and Quick Tomato Soup

I’ll never — NEVER — say no to a good grilled cheese sandwich.

Three things make up the perfect grilled cheese: a crispy, buttery crust, at least TWO types of cheese, and the perfect amount of meltiness.

If you serve it with a steaming bowl of tomato soup, that’s even better.

This recipe has all those things. And it’s THE BOMB.

34. Smoky Vegan Corn Chowder with Potatoes

Being vegan often means eating healthier than the average person. But it certainly doesn’t mean you can never enjoy delicious comfort food.

Take this rich, flavorful corn chowder, for example. It’s flavorful, soothing, and downright indulgent. It’s also 100% vegan-approved.

It takes a bit of time, but it’s well worth every minute.

35. Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna noodle casserole is a good option for people who don’t like seafood.

Yep. You read that correctly.

Fish and seafood are remarkably good for our bodies. But many people don’t like them.

This tuna noodle casserole gives them all the benefits of fish without the flavor. It’s delicious and not overly fishy. Even the kids will love it.

35 Best Comfort Food Recipes

Course: SidesCuisine: American

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

29

minutes

Calories

424

kcal

It doesn’t get much more comforting than loaded scalloped potatoes. And this is one of the best recipes for them you’ll ever try.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups milk

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives

• 1/8 teaspoon dried dill

• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

• 2 1/2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbles (from 8-10 slices), divided

• chopped fresh chives optional, for topping

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Then, add the potatoes. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 8 minutes or until the potatoes are slightly tender.
• Drain the potatoes. Set aside to cool.
• Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and wait until it melts. Then, add the garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the flour. Stir until well combined.
• Gently whisk the chicken broth into the butter mixture. Cook for 1 minute, then add the milk.
• Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, dried chives, dill, and optional cayenne pepper. Whisk until smooth. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
• Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
• Spread 1/4 cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish.
• Arrange 1/3 of the potatoes over the sauce. Top with 1/3 of the remaining sauce.
• Sprinkle 1/3 of the remaining cheese and 1/3 of the bacon crumbles over the top.
• Repeat steps 9 and 10 twice more until all the potatoes, sauce, cheese, and bacon are gone. Reserve a handful of cheese to sprinkle on top.
• Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, uncover the dish and cook for another 5 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender.
• Garnish with optional fresh chives.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Drain the boiled potatoes well and pat them dry before adding them to the baking dish. If they retain water, the final product will end up runny.
• During the last 5 minutes of baking, you may turn the broiler to high to brown the cheese, if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 424kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 81mg
• Sodium: 1115mg
• Potassium: 571mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Calcium: 345mg
• Iron: 2mg