19 Comfort Food Recipes For A Feel Good Family meal

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Nothing beats the warmth and satisfaction of comfort food. This collection of 19 recipes includes hearty classics like shepherd’s pie, creamy baked mac and cheese, and traditional meatloaf, along with flavorful twists like Charleston shrimp and grits and cheesy Italian sausage lasagna. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy bowl of soup, a savory pot pie, or a loaded plate of poutine, these dishes bring the perfect blend of flavor and nostalgia. Let’s explore these comforting recipes that are sure to brighten any day.

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

A close-up of a freshly baked pot pie in a skillet. A portion has been cut and lifted, revealing gooey melted cheese, flaky golden-brown crust, and creamy mushroom filling that rivals even the best chicken cutlet recipes in comfort and flavor. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

After a long and draining day, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a pot pie. It’s a warm hug in a dish, filling your belly and spirit with pure comfort.

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

Smothered Pork Chops

A plate of mashed potatoes and pork chops smothered in mushroom gravy, served with a side of steamed broccoli, reminiscent of classic smothered pork chops. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Weeknight dinners don’t get much better than this! These juicy pork chops practically cook themselves, bathed in a luxuriously rich caramelized onion and mushroom gravy. A quick sprinkle of melted cheese adds the finishing touch to this simple yet satisfying comfort food classic.

Get The Recipe: Smothered Pork Chops

Shepherd’s Pie

Leftover turkey shepherd’s pie makes for a simple weeknight dinner using leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, onion, herbs, veggies, and Guinness for flavor. It’s a tasty and hearty meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Dive into timeless cheesy bliss! This creamy baked mac and cheese is surprisingly simple to make yet guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Golden Mushroom Soup

Cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort! This delightful soup features a warm blend of garlic, paprika, and parsley, finished with the comforting addition of sour cream.

Get The Recipe: Golden Mushroom Soup

Charleston Shrimp And Grits With Crab Gravy

Image Credit: Jennifer Deremer/Not Entirely Average

This dish isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration! Experience a symphony of flavors that’s not only spectacular to taste, but also faithful to the rich culinary history of Charleston.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp And Grits

One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

A close-up of an easy beef and mushroom stroganoff with wide egg noodles, garnished with chopped parsley. The creamy sauce coats the ingredients, making it perfect for simple yet satisfying dinners, and a wooden spoon is partially visible. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This super easy one-skillet ground beef stroganoff is creamy, tasty, and just right for those busy weeknights. Whip it up in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients!

Get The Recipe: One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

Chicken Fried Steak

Sink your fork into a slice of Southern hospitality! This Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak recipe delivers that iconic comfort food experience in just 45 minutes. Whip up crispy, golden-fried steak smothered in creamy country gravy for a dinner that warms your soul and satisfies your cravings.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms

A close up image of a bowl filled with Beef with Mushrooms and noodles. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a delicious foundation for your personal touch! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to the slow cooker for a customized meal that’s perfect for your taste preferences. It’s a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to make your own.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef with Mushrooms

Hamburger and Rice

This savory hamburger and rice recipe comes together quickly, packing tons of flavor without dirtying many dishes. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a touch of magic (okay, maybe some delicious seasonings) make this a satisfying meal for any busy night.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Loaded Poutine

Canadian poutine on a plate. — Photo credit: xoxoBella

Dig into Canada’s fave dish, the yummy poutine, great for satisfying any comfort food cravings. Loaded with cheese curds, bacon, and gravy, this tasty treat is a must for fry fans.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Poutine

Smothered Chicken

A close-up of a plate with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, and white rice, garnished with chopped herbs. A spoon is drizzling a golden-brown sauce over the chicken, creating a savory and appetizing presentation. This easy chicken dinner idea is sure to impress every time on your marble-like surface. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This smothered chicken recipe is super easy to make, whether you use the stove or a slow cooker. It’s all about those tender chicken thighs swimming in a tasty gravy that’s just right for comfort food lovers!

Get The Recipe: Smothered Chicken

One Pot Chicken And Rice Soup

Chicken rice soup in a white bowl. — Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This hearty one-pot wonder, brimming with tender rotisserie chicken and a vibrant medley of vegetables, is enveloped in a rich and creamy rice soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food to warm your senses on a chilly evening.

Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

A sliced meatloaf on a serving dish. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Calling all comfort food cravings! This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s moist, tender, and bursting with flavor – a recipe destined to become a treasured family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Meatloaf

Chicken Dumpling Soup

A creamy Southern recipe featuring artichoke hearts, carrots, celery, and strips of chicken. The ingredients are garnished with fresh herbs and immersed in a thick sauce. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Chicken Dumpling Soup is a comforting dish featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken in a rich broth, fluffy dumplings, and hearty veggies. It’s delicious and easy to make, offering a warm and inviting meal that will nourish your heart and soul.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Dumpling Soup

Turkey & Ham Pot Pie

A serving spoon over the turkey and Ham pie with a scoop of the pie in the spoon — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Turkey and Ham Pie combines tender turkey, savory ham, sweet leeks, and fresh herbs encased in a flaky puff pastry. Perfect for transforming leftovers into a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.

Get The Recipe: Turkey and Ham Pie

Homemade Tomato Soup

A close up image of Tomato Soup topped with Cheesy Croutons on top. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a cozy hug in a bowl? This Homemade Tomato Soup is bursting with fresh vegetables, perfect for a light and satisfying family meal. Plus, it delivers delicious leftovers for that “feel-good” feeling that stretches into tomorrow.

Get The Recipe: Homemade Tomato Soup

Cheesy Italian Sausage Lasagna

A slice of cheesy lasagna is being lifted from a baking dish, showcasing layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese stretching impressively. A fresh basil leaf garnishes the appetizing slice, making it a star in the world of recipes. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This irresistible homemade lasagna is packed with layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey, golden mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for cozy family dinners or prepping delicious meals ahead of time!

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Italian Sausage Lasagna

Italian Meatloaf

Close-up of a sliced meatloaf made with ground beef, topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce, garnished with herbs in a white dish. Perfect for hearty recipes! — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Italian Meatloaf is like a cozy dinner party wrapped in a loaf! It mixes the heartwarming vibes of meatballs with a beefy embrace, Parmesan’s charm, and a splash of marinara sauce, before inviting melty mozzarella to crash the party. It’s so savory and cheesy, you might just find yourself in a food coma worthy of a snooze!

Get The Recipe: Italian Meatloaf