Whether fall has just started or you’re facing the long post-holiday winter months, you need a survival checklist for getting through the cold months.
And at the very top of your list should be comfort food recipes.
This is your moment for classic comfort food that’ll make you feel instantly cozy, and new comfort meals that’ll have you making them on repeat all season long.
So if you’re craving some good comfort food, then grab a recipe (or two), and enjoy it on an extra cold evening.
1. Braised Beef Italian Short Ribs
If you want something that’s cooked low and slow, filled with some incredible flavors, and pairs great with cheesy polenta, then this satisfying, hearty meal is for you. It’s only 15 minutes of prep and then you let the slow cooker finish things.
GET THE RECIPE2. Marry Me Chicken
It’s creamy, tangy, cheesy, and has pasta. This is one of those comfort foods you make at least once a week because it’s just that good. Or make to impress friends because you know they’ll be asking you for the recipe.
Also, it’s a very simple meal which means you’ll be enjoying it on a cold evening in no time.
GET THE RECIPE3. Texas Chili
I love chili, but I especially love it on cold fall or winter nights. And if you feel the same way too, then this Texan version might be exactly what you need. It’s super meaty, flavorful, savory, and filling which makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
GET THE RECIPE4. Tonkatsu and Parmesan Polenta
This isn’t one of your classic comfort foods, but it’s still equally good (if not better in my opinion).
My husband had the idea of pairing Japanese pork cutlets (tonkatsu) with creamy Parmesan polenta, so I made it and didn’t regret it.
The crunchy panko crust and moist pork loin cutlet paired nicely with the buttery, cheesy, rich polenta. Highly suggest this combo!
TONKATSU RECIPE POLENTA RECIPE5. Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Rice
Ok, here’s a classic comfort food.
You honestly can’t go a fall or winter without a really good chicken and rice recipe. And if you want something that’s rich in flavor, creamy, cheesy, and just 10 minutes of prep, then this is for you.
GET THE RECIPE6. Dutch Oven Lasagna
If you have a Dutch oven, then this is your moment.
You get to make a lasagna recipe that looks like it’s straight out of a food magazine. Also, digging into some sauce-soaked noodles is always a good way to spend a cold winter evening.
And if you’re getting the cravings for comfort food and pasta, then this recipe has your name on it.
GET THE RECIPE7. Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Another classic, but turned into a casserole.
And that just means you’re getting buttery oven-browned biscuits, and generous portions of cheese, cream, and meat. The perfectly delicious way to end an evening.
GET THE RECIPE8. Sourdough Grilled Cheese
I love sourdough bread, and using it in a grilled cheese recipe sounds so ridiculously good. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food (4 minutes of prep) and has cheddar and Gruyère cheese.
Also, you could have fun with this dish and change up the cheese combination and pair it with a bowl of hot CrockPot soup. Perfect for literally any cold night.
GET THE RECIPE9. Boursin Chicken and Potatoes
Cheese, potatoes, spices, and chicken. It’s exactly what you need tonight to feel cozy as you watch your favorite movie or series.
Also, it’s baked which means you’re going to be having those amazing smells waft throughout your house as it cooks. A clear winner when it comes to comforting foods.
GET THE RECIPE10. Southern Braised Pot Roast
Pot roast was one of those nice cozy and hearty comforting foods my mom used to make growing up.
I loved scooping out the generous portions of meat, potatoes, and carrots and digging in. And if you get a bit of nostalgia from this too, then I think this is the recipe for you and your meal plan.
GET THE RECIPE11. Bacon, Potato, and Caramelized Onion Pierogi
Again, another successful recipe idea suggested by my husband.
It was a bit of a process with the dough, but it honestly made the dinner so much more satisfying than if I had just bought pierogi frozen. Also, bacon, caramelized onions, and potato is just a winning combo. It really was pure comfort food.
GET THE RECIPE12. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
It’s mac and cheese, how do you even go wrong? Nobody complains about mac and cheese (well, almost no one). It’s creamy and cheesy and super cozy! Also, you can pair it with so many mains!
GET THE RECIPE13. Bacon Mushroom Pork Chops
And speaking of mains you can pair with mac and cheese, may I suggest these smothered, creamy mushroom pork chops? Also, pork chops are always a great idea and especially when you include tasty ingredients like cream, bacon, cheese, and garlic.
GET THE RECIPE14. Chicken and Dumplings
One of my childhood favorites! Creamy soup with hot delicious dough cooked in broth. One of the best ways to cozy up on a winter night.
And if you haven’t had it yourself, then I highly recommend it. Chicken and dumplings is super satisfying, hearty, and savory. It really is comfort in a bowl.
GET THE RECIPE15. Mississippi Pot Roast
Gravy, peppers, and hearty meat. I’ve never had the Mississippi version of a pot roast, but I would be happy to try this! Also, it’s only 10 minutes of prep time and serves 8 which makes it great for a crowd.
GET THE RECIPE16. Creamy Gnocchi Bolognese
I love creamy rich gnocchi dishes! They have such good texture and they’re some of the best comfort food recipes out there! I used to make it when I lived in Europe and they will never get old.
Also, I’m a bit of a fan when it comes to Bolognese sauce which makes this dinner extra crave-worthy.
GET THE RECIPE17. Easy Drunken Noodles
If you’re in the mood for Asian tonight, then this is the recipe for you!
There’s just something about yummy noodles and fragrant ingredients that makes dinner so much more tasty and fun.
GET THE RECIPE18. Black Bean Quinoa Chili
I love hot cozy chili recipes (as stated above) and this one with quinoa and yummy spices is great since you have so many different options for toppings! It really is a versatile recipe if you wanna get creative and add even more flavor.
So grab the tortilla chips or strips, jalapeños, different cheeses, sour cream, and anything else you’re craving.
GET THE RECIPE19. Jambalaya
If you’re in the mood for something spicy and full of flavor, then this is a great comfort food recipe to try. With sausage, shrimp, and tasty spices, it’s a super hearty, spicy, and flavorful meal. Perfect for those cold and dreary days when you need a bit of a pick-me-up.
GET THE RECIPE20. One Pot White Chicken Lasagna Soup
Creamy comforting soups are the best! And a lasagna soup with wine and spices just sounds so good on a winter evening.
Also, it’s probably the kind of soup you make that creates amazing smells that waft around the home as it cooks.
GET THE RECIPE21. Cozy Beef Stew
It’s a classic and it’d feel a bit strange not to include it. Also, this recipe has wine, fresh herbs, and cozy potatoes, all of which sound amazing.
It’s probably gonna last you all week long, so I’d say this is a clear winner.
GET THE RECIPE
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.
Your posts are a pleasure to read.