Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
SUBSCRIBE
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Comfort Food Dinner Recipes

Comfort Food Dinner Recipes

January 01, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Photo: Con Poulos
Meant for cozy suppers on any day of the week, these crowd-pleasing entrées are likely to bring back delicious memories. Indulge in a gooey deep-dish pizza, or gather the family for a homey meat loaf meal.
Start Slideshow

1 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Our Favorite Dinner Comfort Food

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor

Nothing quite compares to the comforting abilities of a piping hot dinner pulled from the oven after a long day or the soothing effects of a steaming bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. We've gathered a few of our favorite comfort food dinner recipes that we are sure will become comfort classics in your home too—if they're not already!

This generous serving of soup is chock-full of vegetables and is hearty enough to be a complete meal.

1 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Upside-Down Shepherd's Pie

Credit: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Upside-Down Shepherd's Pie

To keep things lightning-fast, we forgo the layered-in-a-skillet approach to shepherd's pie and instead serve the veggie-flecked beef mixture on top of a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

2 of 32

3 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Italian Beef Stew

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Italian Beef Stew

Bites of meat cook low and slow with hearty vegetables, bubbling away until the flavors meld and the meat gains a buttery texture.

3 of 32

Advertisement

4 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Stroganoff

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chicken Stroganoff

If stroganoff could restore its Russian creators 200 years ago, this chicken version will restore you on any winter weeknight.

4 of 32

5 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Casserole

A bubbling hot casserole is the quintessential comfort food. They are welcome at just about every occasion. And talk about convenient: Most of the prep can be done in advance. This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is no exception. Prep ahead and bake when you're ready to eat.

5 of 32

6 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skillet Chicken and Root Vegetable Potpie

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Skillet Chicken and Root Vegetable Potpie

Classic potpies use several pans to simmer and sauté vegetables, build a sauce, and bake the pie. The skillet does it all here, and it is the perfect size for a golden, flaky piecrust lid. No chicken collection is complete without a potpie. You can substitute diced Yukon Gold potatoes and kale or chard for the turnips and turnip greens.

6 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Although the recipe calls for egg noodles, you can use any short pasta to make this retro comfort food dish.

7 of 32

8 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Forager's Pie

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Forager's Pie

The addition of mushrooms—what a forager might find—makes for a delicious twist on classic shepherd's pie.

8 of 32

9 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

A low-country classic comfort food is now a beloved meal all over the country, regardless of geographic location. This meal comes together in 30 minutes.

9 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken and Butternut Gnocchi

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chicken and Butternut Gnocchi

Gnocchi are the base for a simple toss with sweet butternut squash, rich chicken thighs, spinach, and sage. Prepared gnocchi is a fast cook’s dream. They don’t need to be boiled separately, take on a beautiful sear, and will hold up after a thorough sauté and simmer with other ingredients. A dollop of prepared pesto binds and brightens the dish. Look for prepeeled and cubed butternut squash to save even more time. Instead of spinach, you could also try tender baby kale. For a bit of heat, add 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper to the pan before you simmer the squash.

10 of 32

11 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bacon, Ranch, and Chicken Mac and Cheese

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Bacon, Ranch, and Chicken Mac and Cheese

Dress up classic macaroni and cheese with applewood-smoked bacon, chicken, and Ranch dressing-inspired seasonings for a delicious twist on this classic dish.

11 of 32

12 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Italian-Seasoned Roast Chicken Breasts

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Italian-Seasoned Roast Chicken Breasts

Lean breast meat needs to be shielded as it cooks, so leave the skin on. Serve with steamed spinach and mashed potatoes.

12 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiced Meatball, Butternut, and Tomato Stew

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Spiced Meatball, Butternut, and Tomato Stew

Add this comforting, 35-minute stew to your winter recipe rotation. These tender meatballs have a mild, warm spice. Chopped cilantro at the end adds a nice burst of freshness. You can substitute ground chicken, if desired.

13 of 32

14 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pan-Fried Chicken

Credit: Photo: Becky-Luigart Stayner
View Recipe: Pan-Fried Chicken

Pan-fried chicken is a healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken. Replacing some of the salt with spices like ginger, paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg reduces the amount of sodium and pumps up the flavor.

14 of 32

15 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beef Pot Roast with Turnip Greens

Credit: Photography: Nina Choi
View Recipe: Beef Pot Roast with Turnip Greens

Cipollini onions are small, flat Italian onions. If you can't find them, substitute pearl onions. Other large full-flavored greens like mustard greens or kale will work, as well. Slow cookers promise easy prep, but achieving delicious, picture-perfect comfort food results relies on heeding three principles: Don't skip the browning step; use a cautious hand with added liquid; and, finally, let the slow cooker do its work slowly.

15 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis

Substitute mozzarella or provolone for white cheddar, if you prefer. Serve with steamed fresh broccoli spears and mashed potatoes. Make sandwiches with leftover meat loaf; serve on an onion roll.

16 of 32

17 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beer-Braised Beef with Onion, Carrot, and Turnips

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Beer-Braised Beef with Onion, Carrot, and Turnips

Ask your butcher to cut a 1-pound roast for you, or buy a larger one (especially if it's on sale) and freeze the rest for later. Use a dark beef that's not too strong and it will balance the sweet root vegetables.

17 of 32

18 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beef Tagine with Butternut Squash

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Beef Tagine with Butternut Squash

Looking for a satisfying dinner that will leave you feeling warmed from the inside out? Look no further. For a pop of freshness, sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

 

 

18 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Chile Chili

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Green Chile Chili

This hearty meal is also easy on your budget. You can make it for less than $10. Serve with warm corn bread or muffins. Leftovers are also good reheated the next day.

19 of 32

20 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Eggplant Parmesan

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan

Traditional eggplant Parmesan packs the calories. We remade the recipe using whole-wheat panko; the regular type became soggy in a test. It barely browns but creates a perfectly crisp coating.

20 of 32

21 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pork Posole

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Pork Posole

Fragrant spices infuse this stew with extra warmth. Originating in Mexico's Pacific Coast region, this soup is a Christmas tradition, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying a bowlful year-round.

21 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ancho Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Cream

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Ancho Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Cream

Avocado cream provides a cooling counterpoint to the spicy ancho chicken in this recipe. We love what the cilantro slaw does to the texture of the dish.

22 of 32

23 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli

Our recipe has a fraction of the sodium and fat found in the typical takeout version. We guarantee, this healthier version is just as crave-worthy.

23 of 32

24 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon Chicken Piccata

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Lemon Chicken Piccata

Briny capers and bright lemon really make this bird sing. Serve this tangy chicken with mashed potatoes or roasted seasonal root vegetables to make an even more comforting plate.

24 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pasta Puttanesca

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Pasta Puttanesca

Anchovy paste in a tube is convenient if you don't have fillets. Try 2 teaspoons in place of fillets in this dish. Serve with a salad of green leaf lettuce, red onion, and fresh parsley, dressed with 1 tablespoon olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

25 of 32

26 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pepperoni Deep-Dish Pizza

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Pepperoni Deep-Dish Pizza

This Chicago-style classic features pepperoni, America's favorite pizza topping. Quick tip: Refrigerate leftover

26 of 32

27 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stilton Burgers

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Stilton Burgers

Golden, sweet sautéed onions and pungent crumbled Stilton cheese top lean sirloin burgers on toasted French rolls for a simple, easy-to-make burger with big flavor.

27 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Garlicky Leg of Lamb with Yogurt Sauce

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Garlicky Leg of Lamb with Yogurt Sauce

Place the leg of lamb on a rack in a heavy roasting pan so air circulates and it browns and cooks evenly. The tangy yogurt sauce is the perfect finishing touch to the delicious lamb.

28 of 32

29 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken-Matzo Ball Soup

Credit: Photo: Con Poulos
View Recipe: Chicken-Matzo Ball Soup

For a shortcut version of this recipe, use store-bought, unsalted chicken stock instead of making your own. (Adapted from a recipe from

29 of 32

30 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gnocchi with Browned Butter

Credit: Photo: Con Poulos
View Recipe: Gnocchi with Browned Butter

This healthy adaptation of gnocchi is served in a rich browned butter sauce and topped with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and toasted walnuts.

30 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dak Bokkeum with Spinach (Korean Stewed Chicken with Spinach)

Credit: Photo: Con Poulos
View Recipe: Dak Bokkeum with Spinach (Korean Stewed Chicken with Spinach)

Gochujang is an indispensable Korean sauce based on fermented soybeans and chiles. You'll find it in Asian markets, or seek out Annie Chun's brand, which is more widely available.

31 of 32

32 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lebanese Peppers

Credit: Photo: Con Poulos
View Recipe: Lebanese Peppers

The Lebanese often use ground lamb, but our version calls for ground beef, and the grains are precooked to ensure there are no crunchy bits in the flavorful meat mixture.

32 of 32

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 32 Our Favorite Dinner Comfort Food
    2 of 32 Upside-Down Shepherd's Pie
    3 of 32 Italian Beef Stew
    4 of 32 Chicken Stroganoff
    5 of 32 Chicken Enchilada Casserole
    6 of 32 Skillet Chicken and Root Vegetable Potpie
    7 of 32 Tuna Noodle Casserole
    8 of 32 Forager's Pie
    9 of 32 Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
    10 of 32 Chicken and Butternut Gnocchi
    11 of 32 Bacon, Ranch, and Chicken Mac and Cheese
    12 of 32 Italian-Seasoned Roast Chicken Breasts
    13 of 32 Spiced Meatball, Butternut, and Tomato Stew
    14 of 32 Pan-Fried Chicken
    15 of 32 Beef Pot Roast with Turnip Greens
    16 of 32 Cheesy Meat Loaf Minis
    17 of 32 Beer-Braised Beef with Onion, Carrot, and Turnips
    18 of 32 Beef Tagine with Butternut Squash
    19 of 32 Green Chile Chili
    20 of 32 Eggplant Parmesan
    21 of 32 Pork Posole
    22 of 32 Ancho Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Cream
    23 of 32 Stir-Fried Beef with Broccoli
    24 of 32 Lemon Chicken Piccata
    25 of 32 Pasta Puttanesca
    26 of 32 Pepperoni Deep-Dish Pizza
    27 of 32 Stilton Burgers
    28 of 32 Garlicky Leg of Lamb with Yogurt Sauce
    29 of 32 Chicken-Matzo Ball Soup
    30 of 32 Gnocchi with Browned Butter
    31 of 32 Dak Bokkeum with Spinach (Korean Stewed Chicken with Spinach)
    32 of 32 Lebanese Peppers

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Cooking Light

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    MeredithCooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Cooking Light may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Cooking Light. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.cookinglight.com

    View image

    Comfort Food Dinner Recipes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.