All warm, cheesy, and full of carbs.
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Comfort food is an entirely personal thing. For some people, it's all about the cheesy goodness and hearty carbs of an ooey gooey mac and cheese. And for others, it's more about the rich and meaty dishes like braised short ribs and chili recipes. Then, there's those who prefer the decadent creaminess of sausage gravy and others, still, who crave the crispy texture of deep fried foods. Often times, they'll make you feel warm and cozy and they may even bring on a feeling of nostalgia for the whole family. But no matter what the case may be, these comfort foods recipes are sure to satisfy some mood or craving.
We've made sure to include the classics like chicken and dumplings, tuna noodle casserole, and cheesy scalloped potatoes, just to name a few. But there are also weeknight dinners with updated twists to add to your list of top pick-me-up meals. For instance, the flank steak with cheesy hash brown waffles will be an immediate favorite, along with the pierogi and meatball skillet, French bread pizzas, and creamy cauliflower soup. For Ree Drummond, chicken pot pie is the one comfort food that just can't be beat. "Whenever I eat it, I'm transported back to childhood," she says. Whether it's casserole recipes, Italian dinner ideas, or hearty family meals, these comfort foods are sure to make your day just a little bit cozier.
1
Italian Meatball Soup
This hearty tomato-beef broth will instantly warm you right up! It's filled with mini meatballs, veggies, and parmesan cheese so know it's tasty, too. Plus, you can serve it up with a crusty piece of Italian bread for dipping!
Get the Italian Meatball Soup recipe.
2
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Talk about a childhood classic! This dish is as nostalgic as it gets. It's creamy and cheesy, and topped with salty potato chips for a welcome crunch.
Get the Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
3
Chicken and Corn Chowder
This rich and creamy chowder is packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet corn. It gets its texture from thick base made by toasting a little flour in butter. The potatoes and heavy cream also add to the heartiness that makes it perfect for those chilly days.
Get the Chicken and Corn Chowder recipe.
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4
Croque Monsieur
This classic French sandwich is sort of like an elevated grilled cheese. It's layered with ham, gruyère cheese, and dijon mustard, along with a bechamel sauce—just like the kind you'd use for mac and cheese!
Get the Croque Monsieur recipe.
5
Manicotti
This comforting baked pasta is made with long tubes known as manicotti that are filled with ricotta, smothered in meat sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella cheese. All you need is a glass of red wine for the perfect night in.
Get the Manicotti recipe.
6
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
This side dish is made up of two comfort food classics: carbs and cheese! It's delicious alongside roast chicken, ham, steak, or even pork.
Get Ree's Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
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7
Pierogi and Meatball Skillet
Pierogi are like potato-filled dumplings that you can find in the freezer section of most grocery stores these days. It's an easy addition to this creamy meatball skillet that's ready in just under and hour.
Get the Pierogi and Meatball Skillet recipe.
8
Coconut Chicken Curry
Warm spices like curry powder, cardamom, and ginger bring so much flavor to this comforting chicken dish. Serve it up over a bowl of fluffy rice with chopped mango and cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Get the Coconut Chicken Curry recipe.
9
Grit Cakes
Creamy grits are comforting in their own right, but if you're the type of person who craves a crispy crunch, then you'll fall in love with these golden grit cakes! They have a cheesy center that pairs so well with braised short ribs.
Get the Grit Cakes recipe.
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10
Beef Burgundy
The beef in this stew cooks low and slow until it's meltingly tender. It's one of the reasons why this dish is so divine. The other reason? There's red wine, bacon, and mushrooms to bring even more richness! Just serve it up over mashed potatoes for a decadent meal.
Get Ree's Beef Burgundy recipe.
11
Cauliflower Soup
Ree has been making this creamy cauliflower soup for years. She says it has "all the comforts of home." Depending on your own preferences, you can puree the soup for a smooth texture or puree half if you like it creamy with some chunks.
Get Ree's Cauliflower Soup recipe.
12
Sausage Gravy
Whether it's a special occasion or just Sunday brunch, you can't go wrong with creamy sausage gravy. Serve it up over homemade biscuits or opt for something heartier like fried chicken.
Get the Sausage Gravy recipe.
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13
Turkey Meatloaf
This might be a lightened-up twist on a classic meatloaf, but that doesn't make it any less comforting. It's moist and flavorful with a ketchup-based glaze, perfect for serving alongside mashed potatoes.
Get the Turkey Meatloaf recipe.
14
Pasta with Peas
This spring pasta is creamy and cheesy thanks to cream cheese's Italian cousin: mascarpone. The little bits of pancetta will also make it hard to resist.
Get the Pasta with Peas recipe.
15
Stuffed Cabbage
This beef and pork stuffed cabbage is a classic for a reason. It's simple and comforting with a sweet and sour tomato sauce that's easy to make.
Get the Stuffed Cabbage recipe.
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16
Braised Short Ribs
Beef short ribs and creamy polenta are two staple comfort food dishes, so it's no surprise that short ribs over a bed of polenta are a super satisfying dinner.
Get Ree's Braised Short Ribs recipe.
17
Beer Battered Fish
Fish and chips, anyone? You can create this British comfort food classic by pairing these gorgeously crispy beer-battered fish bites with Ree's classic fries.
Get the Beer Battered Fish recipe.
18
Asparagus Pasta
Lemons, bacon, asparagus, and a creamy parmesan sauce complement each other beautifully in this exceedingly tasty summer pasta recipe. It's lemony, fresh, and quick!
Get the Asparagus Pasta recipe.
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19
Baked Ravioli
The only thing more satisfying than stuffed ravioli is baked stuffed ravioli. Top this flavorful pasta bake with fresh basil and plenty of parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.
Get the Baked Ravioli recipe.
20
Buttermilk Biscuits
Satisfy your comfort food cravings by pairing fluffy, buttery buttermilk biscuits with… basically everything! Serve with mashed potatoes, a favorite soup, or a hearty stew you can dip these in.
Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.