Erren's Kitchen

Food you'll crave - From scratch

Home / Best Recipes / 26 Recipes for the Best Home-Cooked Comfort Food

26 Recipes for the Best Home-Cooked Comfort Food

Author:
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

When the craving for comfort food hits, there’s nothing like a warm, hearty meal to satisfy your soul. This collection of 26 comforting recipes is packed with rich flavors and cozy dishes that are perfect for any occasion. From creamy pastas and savory soups to classic casseroles and slow-cooked favorites, these recipes will bring a sense of warmth and home to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or simply indulging in a little self-care, these dishes are sure to become your go-to for delicious, satisfying meals.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

A close up image of a serving of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe being lifted from a dish,
Image Credit: Becky Hardin/Easy Chicken Recipes

Simple and delicious ingredients come together in just 30 minutes, creating a creamy, cheesy masterpiece packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Southern Oxtail Recipe

Image Credit: Cooks With Soul

Indulge in the nostalgia of Southern oxtail, a beloved soul food classic evoking memories of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. Picture this: tender oxtails, so succulent they fall off the bone, covered in a savory gravy with bell pepper and onion, all atop a bed of fluffy white rice.

Get The Recipe: Southern Oxtail Recipe

Mississippi Pot Roast

A close-up of a savory dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef served over creamy mashed potatoes. The beef is garnished with fresh parsley and is accompanied by a rich, flavorful gravy that seeps into the mashed potatoes - perfect for those who love slow cooker recipes.
Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Get a taste of the real deal Mississippi Pot Roast, straight from a Mississippi native! With just 6 ingredients, this dish is bursting with flavor – a must-try!

Get The Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Potato Leek Soup

A white bowl filled with creamy potato leek soup, topped with shredded cheese and chopped chives. A spoon lies next to the bowl on a striped cloth napkin. In the background, there's a white dish and another bowl, partially visible.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Who says you need cream for a creamy soup? This recipe utilizes leeks, potatoes, and butter to create a surprisingly silky texture without any dairy. It’s a simple and wholesome option packed with flavor.

Get The Recipe: Potato Leek Soup

Pork Chop Casserole

A white casserole dish filled with three browned pork chops resting on a creamy mixture of rice, mushrooms, and herbs. This Southern recipe is garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This pork chop casserole features juicy, bone-in pork chops – seared and placed on a bed of rice mixed with creamy mushroom soup and veggies!

Get The Recipe: Pork Chop Casserole

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

a serving spoon digging into a dish of Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

Southwest Chicken Chili Recipe

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979
Image Credit: Cooks With Soul

Get ready to snuggle up this chili season with a scrumptious bowl of Southwest chicken chili! Ideal for the cozy vibe of fall and football season, this simple recipe is a beloved family go-to that’s not only easy to whip up but also bursting with flavor!

Get The Recipe: Southwest Chicken Chili Recipe

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks

A plated dish featuring flavorful slow-cooked lamb shanks garnished with fresh parsley. The lamb is served with tender cooked carrots in a rich sauce, all presented on a white plate. A fork rests on the side of the plate, and a glass of water is visible in the background.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a delicious foundation for your personal touch! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or vegetables to create a customized lamb shank dish that reflects your taste preferences. It’s a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to make your own.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks

Veggie Baked Ziti

A plate of vegan baked ziti sits next to steamed broccoli.
Image Credit: Namely Marly

You’ll love the timeless taste of vegan baked ziti. Packed with pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a velvety vegan cheese topping, each bite promises pure satisfaction. Baked to perfection for an irresistible experience!

Get the recipe: Vegan Baked Ziti

The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

A close up image of pair of cooking tongs serving a portion of Fettuccine Alfredo into a bowl.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget everything else – this Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is pure indulgence! A luxurious cream sauce coats perfectly cooked fettuccine, creating a symphony of creamy richness that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the ultimate comfort food fix!

Get The Recipe: The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

Split Pea and Ham Soup

A bowl of hearty pea and ham soup featuring chunks of ham, diced carrots, and garnished with fresh parsley. The soup has a creamy consistency and a comforting appearance. Beside the bowl, slices of toasted bread are arranged on a ceramic plate—perfect for comfort food recipes.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This awesome Split Pea and Ham Soup recipe is super easy to whip up using a ham bone or ham hocks. You can cook it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop too!

Get The Recipe: Split Pea and Ham Soup

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

A close up image of a pan of Creamy Tuscan Chicken with mushrooms, spinach and sundried tomatoes.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is your weeknight hero! It delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the fuss. Tender chicken is simmered in a silky sauce, creating a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it over pasta, rice, or polenta for a complete and satisfying meal.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy with Rice

A bowl filled with white rice topped with pieces of chicken covered in creamy brown gravy. The dish appears to be a hearty, homestyle Southern recipe with tender, shredded chicken immersed in the rich, thick sauce, creating a savory and comforting presentation.
Image Credit: Cooks with Soul

You’ll love this Southern smothered chicken dish with tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich gravy, served over fluffy white rice. It’s a classic Southern soul food favorite that’s simply perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner!

Get The Recipe: Southern Smothered Chicken and Gravy with Rice

Braised Boneless Short Ribs

A hearty beef stew in a pot, featuring chunks of tender beef and braised short ribs, sliced carrots, whole mushrooms, and garnished with chopped fresh parsley. The rich, dark broth adds a comforting warmth to the beautifully presented dish.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This outstanding recipe for Braised Boneless Short Ribs produces unbelievably succulent beef that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the epitome of comforting, heartwarming cuisine!

Get The Recipe: Braised Boneless Short Ribs

Chicken Stroganoff

A close up image of Chicken Stroganoff on a white plate with a white background.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Try this simple Chicken Stroganoff recipe, featuring tender chicken bathed in a delightful sour cream sauce—ready in a mere 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Stroganoff

Creamy Celery Soup

A close up image of a white bowl of creamy celery soup, seasoned with cracked black pepper, with chunks of celery on top.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy a creamy vegan twist on classic cream of celery soup! This flavorful, easy recipe skips the cream for a light, healthy dish.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Celery Soup

Spinach Mushroom Pasta

A close up image of pasta in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and spinach.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta recipe is delicious and can be ready in less than 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Spinach Mushroom Pasta

Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with two Salisbury steaks covered in brown gravy and caramelized onion slices. A fork rests at the side of the black plate. The dish, inspired by comfort food recipes, is garnished with sauce, suggesting a hearty and comforting meal.
Image Credit: Cooks With Soul

Indulge in this classic Southern soul food dish – a nostalgic hamburger steak and gravy recipe. Picture juicy seasoned beef patties smothered in a rich onion gravy, promising a truly hearty and satisfying dining experience!

Get The Recipe: Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy

Pasta E Fagioli Soup

a close up image of Pasta Fagioli Soup in a large pot.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a classic Italian dish. This authentic and flavorful recipe provides a hearty, comforting meal sure to be loved by all.

Get The Recipe: Pasta Fagioli

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe isn’t just spaghetti – it’s an experience! Silky egg and cheese sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky counterpoint. It’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

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

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

A fork digging into a big bowl of Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe is a spectacular, cheesy, one-pot creamy, and delicious dish! Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese

Spaghetti and Meatballs

a close up of Spaghetti and Meatballs on a plate with a fork
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Skip the jar! These homemade Italian meatballs are simmered in rich spaghetti sauce for a taste of authentic Italian comfort food.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

A close-up of a pork medallion wrapped in bacon, garnished with herbs, and topped with a savory brown sauce. This comfort food recipe features the medallion resting on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with some greens visible in the background.
Image Credit: Noshing With the Nolands

This Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is a recipe that steals the spotlight for a weekend feast, yet it’s so simple you could whip it up any night! The delicious blend of pork, bacon, sage, thyme, and apple cider makes this meal perfect for company.

Get The Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Coq Au Vin

a pot of Coq Au Vin with chicken, carrots mushrooms and onions
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Coq Au Vin is a classic French dish that might sound daunting, but this recipe is straightforward and definitely worth the effort—for the bragging rights alone!

Get The Recipe: Coq Au Vin

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

Featured On

Recipes To Rely On - From My Kitchen To Yours

Recipe Index

Find the perfect food and drink ideas for any occasion.

Italian Recipes

From pasta and sauces to soup or risotto, find favorite Italian recipes everyone will love!

Life Stories

Grab a cup of coffee and visit while Erren shares stories from life outside the kitchen.