Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Holidays
  • Cooking 101
  • Healthy Living
  • Shop
  • News
  • Good.Food.Fast
  • CL Diet

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Register/Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Logout
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 Next
    • 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 Next
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

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

    Recipes

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

    Holidays

    See all Holidays
    • New Year, New You
    • Super Bowl
    • Valentines
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

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

    Healthy Living

    See all Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • Shop
  • News
  • Good.Food.Fast
  • CL Diet

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Register/Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Email Preferences
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow us

CookingLight diet CookingLight diet
  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Comfort Food Lunch Recipes

Comfort Food Lunch Recipes

January 01, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Photo: Line T. Klein
Tote these scrumptious soups, salads, and sandwiches to work, or fix them for a stay-at-home gathering.
Start Slideshow

1 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Our Favorite Comfort Food Lunch Recipes

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Lentil-Barley Soup

From a traditional French onion soup to old-fashioned sloppy joes, these nostalgic eats are real mood lifters.

We'll start our comforting lunch recipes with Lentil-Barley Soup. Delicious and packed with fiber, this soup will warm you up in no time.

1 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Carne Asada Steak Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Carne Asada Steak Sandwiches

We opt for Chipotle chile powder, whichĀ has a smoky, earthy profile and isn't as hot as ground red pepper. OurĀ Shaved Carrot, Cucumber, and Sweet Onion SaladĀ pairs perfectly with this meal.

2 of 28

3 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Barley and Beef Soup

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Barley and Beef Soup

You can make this soup the night before to allow time for its flavors to develop; scoop hot servings into a thermos to take for lunch, or reheat individual portions in the microwave as needed.

3 of 28

Advertisement

4 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mozzarella, Ham, and Basil Panini

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Mozzarella, Ham, and Basil Panini

A few special ingredients—like freshly baked ciabatta bread or imported Dijon mustard—make a quick, simple sandwich seem like a restaurant treat for a midday meal.

4 of 28

5 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone 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.

5 of 28

6 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Turkey Reuben Panini

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Turkey Reuben Panini

Panini are the Italians' answer to our beloved grilled cheese sandwich. We've adopted the technique and created an authentic deli-style flavor in a lower-fat package.

6 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Quick Chicken Minestrone

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Quick Chicken Minestrone

Fresh, brightly colored vegetables add some welcome vibrancy to this comforting soup. Have fun with the noodle shape, or use any small pasta you have on hand. If you'd like, sprinkle each serving with freshly ground black pepper for a finishing touch.Ā Let the toasted bread and cheese sauce cool slightly. Kids can then spread the cheese sauce over the bread with a butter knife.Ā Serve with French Bread with Cauliflower Cheese Sauce.

7 of 28

8 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Picnic-Perfect Lobster Rolls

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Picnic-Perfect Lobster Rolls

Why wait until summer to serve this classic sandwich that hails from the Northeast? The crisp, berry-floral essence of American rosƩ wines pairs beautifully with the creamy, lemony lobster filling in these rolls.

8 of 28

9 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

French Onion Soup

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: French Onion Soup

For perfectly caramelized onions, the key is low and slow cooking. You'll be glad you spent the extra time on this warm and savory soup.

9 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Parmesan Burgers

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Burgers

Ciabatta's crispy-chewy exterior and dense interior pair perfectly with the hearty filling of this sandwich.

10 of 28

11 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tuna and White Bean Salad

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Tuna and White Bean Salad

A fresh vinaigrette replaces the heavy mayo dressing in traditional tuna salad. You'll love the fresh produce that stars in this lunchtime makeover.

11 of 28

12 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Turkey and Bean Chili

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Turkey and Bean Chili

To save time, chop off the top of a washed bunch of cilantro rather than picking the individual leaves. The thin stems toward the top are very tender.

12 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roasted Vegetable and Ricotta Pizza

Credit: Photo: Romula Yanes
View Recipe: Roasted Vegetable and Ricotta Pizza

With an extensive list of vegetables rounding out the ingredient list and creamy dollops of ricotta sprinkled atop, this pizza will be irresistible from the first bite.

13 of 28

14 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken and White Bean Soup

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Chicken and White Bean Soup

Cannellini beans, native to Tuscany, work beautifully in this rustic soup because they hold their shape after simmering in the flavorful broth. Serve with a crusty Italian bread, such as ciabatta, and a salad of bitter greens. Balance the rich soup with a crisp white wine.

14 of 28

15 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beef and Mushroom Sloppy Joes

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Beef and Mushroom Sloppy Joes

This comfort food classic receives a decidedly grown-up makeover with the addition of cremini mushrooms. The morels offer deeper, richer flavor, but you can also use regular button mushrooms.

15 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken-Orzo Soup

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chicken-Orzo Soup

Nothing says comfort more than a bowl of chicken soup. With this superfast recipe, you don't have to wait the hours it takes to make a homemade chicken stock.

16 of 28

17 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

White Pizza with Tomato and Basil

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: White Pizza with Tomato and Basil

Crushed red pepper is optional in this recipe but, if you can take the heat, it will give the flavors in this pizza a kick. Heating a cookie sheet in the oven before you put the pizza on it gives you a crisper crust.

17 of 28

18 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Quick Shrimp Chowder

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Quick Shrimp Chowder

Complete the menu with crisp breadsticks and a fresh spinach and pear salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A small amount of heavy cream stirred in at the end adds the finishing touch.

18 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sausage and Egg Burrito

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Sausage and Egg Burrito

Avocado and sausage elevate this basic egg burrito to satisfying lunch fare. Serve with a salad of fresh spinach, sliced red onion, and cubed cantaloupe.

19 of 28

20 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

A new take on a familiar favorite pairs grilled cheese with a BLT for a luscious veggie-packed sandwich that feels like an indulgence. Serve with zesty dill pickle spears.

20 of 28

21 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roast Beef Sandwiches with Watercress Slaw

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Roast Beef Sandwiches with Watercress Slaw

Watercress slaw gives the perfect amount of crunch in this roast beef sandwich. A crusty baguette is a must—satisfaction from the very first bite.

21 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Open-Faced Blackened Catfish Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Open-Faced Blackened Catfish Sandwiches

Don't skip out on the creamy cilantro slaw. It pairs wonderfully with oh-so-savory blackened catfish.

22 of 28

23 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Prosciutto, Pear, and Blue Cheese Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Prosciutto, Pear, and Blue Cheese Sandwiches

A savory blend of salty and sweet flavors make the perfect pair between two slices of multigrain bread. Toast the bread in a pinch by arranging it on a baking sheet and broiling for three minutes.

23 of 28

24 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Peanut-Sauced Chicken Pitas

Credit: Photo: Levi Brown
View Recipe: Peanut-Sauced Chicken Pitas

Rich dark meat stands up to the robust peanutty sauce. To pack, combine chicken mixture, sprouts, carrot, and cilantro; put in a sealed container; and stuff into pita just when you're ready to eat. Look for satay sauce and chile paste on the Asian-food aisle of your super-market.

24 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Steak Baguettes with Pesto Mayo

Credit: Photo: Levi Brown
View Recipe: Steak Baguettes with Pesto Mayo

Grill the steak and toast the baguette over the same flame for a delicious charred effect. This sandwich holds up well, so you can pack it for lunch, fully assembled.

25 of 28

26 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Herbed Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Credit: Photo: Levi Brown
View Recipe: Herbed Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Pick up a rotisserie chicken from the market, and this Herbed Chicken Salad Sandwich is a snap. That said, if you make the chicken salad a day or so ahead, the flavors will marry nicely as the filling chills. Try on a wedge of focaccia, and toast in a grill pan for a chicken salad panini.

26 of 28

27 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

French Onion Soup

Credit: Photo: Con Poulos
View Recipe: French Onion Soup

It's worth the effort to make your own stock for this supersimple soup, but if you want to save time, you can use store-bought lower-sodium broth. You'll need to reduce the amount of salt you add to the soup by half.

27 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Oven-Fried Shrimp and Okra Louisiana Po'boys

Credit: Photo: Line T. Klein
View Recipe: Oven-Fried Shrimp and Okra Louisiana Po'boys

We buttermilk-battered shrimp and baked it in a hot oven to golden crispiness, adding fresh okra to the mix for some extra Gulf state color. Creamy caper-spiked remoulade keeps things moist, and hot dog buns make this Cajun country treat right-sized.

28 of 28

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 28 Our Favorite Comfort Food Lunch Recipes
2 of 28 Carne Asada Steak Sandwiches
3 of 28 Barley and Beef Soup
4 of 28 Mozzarella, Ham, and Basil Panini
5 of 28 Spiced Meatball, Butternut, and Tomato Stew
6 of 28 Turkey Reuben Panini
7 of 28 Quick Chicken Minestrone
8 of 28 Picnic-Perfect Lobster Rolls
9 of 28 French Onion Soup
10 of 28 Chicken Parmesan Burgers
11 of 28 Tuna and White Bean Salad
12 of 28 Turkey and Bean Chili
13 of 28 Roasted Vegetable and Ricotta Pizza
14 of 28 Chicken and White Bean Soup
15 of 28 Beef and Mushroom Sloppy Joes
16 of 28 Chicken-Orzo Soup
17 of 28 White Pizza with Tomato and Basil
18 of 28 Quick Shrimp Chowder
19 of 28 Sausage and Egg Burrito
20 of 28 Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
21 of 28 Roast Beef Sandwiches with Watercress Slaw
22 of 28 Open-Faced Blackened Catfish Sandwiches
23 of 28 Prosciutto, Pear, and Blue Cheese Sandwiches
24 of 28 Peanut-Sauced Chicken Pitas
25 of 28 Steak Baguettes with Pesto Mayo
26 of 28 Herbed Chicken Salad Sandwiches
27 of 28 French Onion Soup
28 of 28 Oven-Fried Shrimp and Okra Louisiana Po'boys

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
Cooking Light

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Cooking Light Diet this link opens in a new tab
  • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Cooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2021 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 . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.cookinglight.com

View image

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