When the day’s been a bit much, there’s nothing like sitting down to a dinner of classic comfort foods. These dishes make you feel warm inside and remind you of good times. You’ll want the satisfaction of a warm, hearty dish that fills your senses with every bite. So, when you need a soothing and uncomplicated meal, consider indulging in these 31 options of comforting classics that will surely make you happy.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
A hearty and flavorful medley of chicken, bacon, and ranch, this casserole brings together the best of comfort food. The creamy richness of the ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the savory notes of bacon and tender chicken, creating a rewarding and indulgent dish that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Elevate the humble potato to new heights with these au gratin potato stacks. Thinly sliced potatoes layered with a touch of cream and cheese result in a lovely combination of creamy interiors and crispy edges. The simplicity of this dish belies its comforting appeal, making it a classic choice for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Over the Top Chili
When it comes to chili, more is more. This “over the top” version boasts a hearty blend of meat, beans, and spices, delivering a delicious kick. Whether enjoyed on its own or over a bed of rice, it’s a no-nonsense, flavor-packed dinner that will warm you up from the inside.
Get the Recipe: Over the Top Chili
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Juicy oven-baked chicken thighs smothered in a velvety onion gravy make for a comforting and straightforward dinner. The crispy skin and succulent meat paired with the creamy onion sauce create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
A classic Italian dish, Pasta e Fagioli Soup combines pasta and beans in a savory broth, creating a wholesome and delicious meal. This hearty soup is both comforting and nourishing, making it an excellent choice for a no-fuss dinner that’s as delicious as it is simple.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Take the classic burger up a notch by wrapping it in bacon. This savory delight combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the juicy goodness of a well-seasoned burger patty. It’s a no-frills yet indulgent choice for those seeking a hearty and flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Smoked Chicken Thighs
Infused with smoky goodness, these smoked chicken thighs are a testament to the art of barbecue. The tender and flavorful meat, kissed by the essence of wood smoke, creates a mouthwatering dish that captures the essence of comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Thighs
Smoked Beef Stew
This smoked beef stew takes the traditional comfort of a hearty stew and adds a smoky twist. Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender beef and aromatic vegetables meld together, creating a soul-warming dish that’s perfect for a dinner on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Stew
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Simple yet delicious, this pasta dish features the creamy richness of ricotta and the bright acidity of tomatoes. The combination of flavors creates a comforting and uncomplicated dinner that’s both easy to prepare and worthy to savor.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Chicken Marsala Meatballs
A twist on the classic meatball, these chicken marsala meatballs combine ground chicken with the rich flavors of marsala wine. The result is a savory and sophisticated dish that brings a touch of elegance to the comforting familiarity of meatballs.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Marsala Meatballs
Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry
Individual turkey pot pies topped with flaky puff pastry offer a taste of homey comfort in every bite. The tender turkey, mixed with vegetables and enveloped in a buttery, golden crust, creates a pleasing and convenient dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pies with Puff Pastry
German Pork Loin
A hearty and flavorful German pork loin is a comforting choice for dinner. The combination of savory spices and succulent pork creates a dish that’s both rewarding and reminiscent of home-cooked goodness.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin
Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Repurpose leftover roast beef into a comforting shepherd’s pie. The tender beef, combined with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, transforms into a hearty and wholesome dinner that minimizes waste and maximizes flavor.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Chicken Paprikash
With its roots in Hungarian cuisine, chicken paprikash is a simple yet flavorful dish. The tender chicken, cooked in a rich paprika-infused sauce, offers a comforting and lovely meal that captures the essence of Eastern European comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Indulge in the rich and smoky flavors of pork belly burnt ends. These bite-sized, caramelized morsels of pork belly offer a tantalizing combination of crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, making them a perfect choice for a flavorful and hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding
Transforming leftover roast beef into a Yorkshire pudding dish is a comforting way to repurpose ingredients. The crispy, golden-brown pudding envelops the savory goodness of the roast beef, creating a dish that’s both familiar and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding
Chicken Tinga
Spicy and smoky, chicken tinga is a Mexican-inspired dish that brings bold flavors to the table. The shredded chicken, bathed in a chipotle-infused tomato sauce, creates a savory and pleasurable dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Steak & Potato Soup
A hearty steak and potato soup combines the richness of beef with the comforting simplicity of potatoes. This filling and flavorful soup make for a substantial dinner that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Potato Soup
Seafood Chowder
Indulge into the comforting depths of seafood chowder, where a medley of seafood meets a creamy, savory broth. The combination of flavors creates a rich and hearty dish that captures the essence of coastal comfort.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Chowder
Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Spice up your dinner with smoked jalapeno poppers. The smokiness of the jalapenos, combined with the creamy filling, delivers a delicious kick in every bite. It’s a simple yet indulgent choice for those craving a flavorful and slightly fiery dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Bacon, Cheddar & Green Onion Scones
Elevate your dinner with bacon, cheddar, and green onion scones. These savory delights combine the richness of bacon and cheddar with the freshness of green onions, creating a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Cheddar & Green Onion Scones
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs
For a dinner that’s both comforting and indulgent, garlic-braised beef short ribs are a standout choice. The slow braising process infuses the meat with rich flavors, resulting in tender, succulent ribs that are sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs
Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Whole Chicken
Experience the simplicity and smokiness of a whole chicken grilled to perfection. The Ninja Woodfire Grill imparts a delicious smoky flavor to the chicken, creating a dish that’s both uncomplicated and incredibly flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grill Smoky Whole Chicken
Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Embrace the hearty flavors of authentic Hungarian goulash for a comforting dinner. The tender beef, slow-cooked in a paprika-infused broth, creates a soul-warming dish that’s a true embodiment of Eastern European comfort cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Savor the heartiness of cowboy cornbread casserole for a dinner that’s both comforting and pleasing. The combination of savory ground meat, beans, and a golden cornbread topping creates a dish that’s as hearty as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
IP Corned Beef & Cabbage
Enjoy the simplicity and comfort of Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage. The pressure-cooking process infuses the ingredients with flavor, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: IP Corned Beef & Cabbage
Sauerkraut Balls
Add a touch of tanginess to your dinner with sauerkraut balls. These crispy delights, filled with the goodness of sauerkraut, create a flavorful and pleasurable addition to any comfort food lineup.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Balls
Chicken Fried Rice
Elevate a classic with chicken fried rice. This simple yet delicious dish combines tender chicken with flavorful rice and vegetables, creating a comforting and convenient dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Smoked Pulled Pork
Indulge into the smoky goodness of pulled pork for a dinner that’s both flavorful and pleasing. The slow smoking process infuses the pork with rich flavors, resulting in a dish that’s a true celebration of barbecue comfort.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork
Baked Feta Pasta
Experience the fuss-free comfort of baked feta pasta. This viral sensation combines the creaminess of feta with the bold flavors of roasted tomatoes, creating a simple yet delicious dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Corned Beef Hash
Embrace the simplicity of corned beef hash for a comforting and hearty dinner. The crispy, golden-brown exterior of the hash complements the savory goodness of the corned beef, creating a dish that’s both familiar and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash