23 Classic Comforts That Beat Any Meal Kit
Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

This dish brings together pillowy, fluffy dumplings and tender chunks of chicken, all simmered in a rich, savory sauce that’s full of home-cooked flavor. Made in the Instant Pot, it’s a quicker take on the old-fashioned classic without losing any of the heartwarming goodness. Each bite is cozy, satisfying, and feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s the kind of meal that instantly brings back memories of family dinners and Grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Pizza is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the bold, spicy flavor of buffalo chicken with melty cheese and a drizzle of creamy dressing, all layered on a golden, perfectly baked no-rise crust. It’s the kind of pizza that brings the heat and the comfort in every bite. We especially love making this on game day—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and disappears fast! Whether you're hosting friends or just treating yourself, this pizza delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe
Crab and Corn Chowder

This rich and creamy soup is loaded with the natural sweetness of fresh corn and tender chunks of crab meat, making each spoonful a comforting delight. The flavors come together beautifully to create a warm, satisfying bowl that feels like a cozy hug. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something indulgent yet homemade. Once you take a taste, you’ll find yourself going back for more—it’s just that irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Crab and Corn Chowder
Chicken Spaghetti

This ultra creamy spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with tender chicken and plenty of gooey, melty cheese in every bite. It’s rich, satisfying, and the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the dinner table. Every time I make it, there are never any leftovers—someone’s always going back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve to guests. If you’re craving something warm and cheesy, this one definitely hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Spaghetti
Instant Pot Beef Stew

This beef stew recipe is the ultimate cozy meal, packed with tender chunks of beef and hearty vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that warms you from the inside out, perfect for when you’re craving something homemade and satisfying. Despite its deep, slow-cooked flavor, it comes together surprisingly quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Whether you're feeding the whole family or just need a bowl of something comforting, this stew delivers every time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup

This Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal you crave after a long, hectic day. With its rich, creamy broth and all the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly winter night. It’s hearty enough to fill you up, yet comforting enough to make you feel right at home with every spoonful. Best of all, it’s made in the slow cooker, so you can let it simmer away while you relax. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a go-to favorite for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Garlic Pizza Bread

When two beloved comfort foods—garlic bread and pizza—come together, you get something truly irresistible. This garlic bread pizza with pepperoni is everything you love about a cozy night in: crispy, buttery bread topped with melty cheese and zesty slices of pepperoni. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed Friday evening. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and way more satisfying than takeout. Once you try it, you'll want to make it a regular part of your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Pizza Bread
Lobster Poutine

Take your comfort food cravings to the next level with this indulgent Lobster Poutine recipe! This elevated spin on the classic French Canadian dish brings together golden, crispy fries, gooey cheese curds, and a rich, savory lobster gravy that’s packed with flavor. The real showstopper, though, is the generous topping of tender, buttery lobster meat that adds a luxurious flair to every bite. It’s a decadent and satisfying tribute to the beloved Quebecois favorite that’s been warming hearts since the 1950s. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Poutine
Egg Drop Soup

Egg Drop Soup is surprisingly easy to make at home and comes together with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have—like chicken broth, eggs, soy sauce, and scallions. It’s warm, soothing, and full of that silky texture you love from your favorite Chinese takeout spot. Best of all, it’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something light and comforting. Whether you’re serving it as a quick lunch, a cozy appetizer, or a feel-good meal when you’re under the weather, this homemade version hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Egg Drop Soup
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie

This Skillet Chicken Pot Pie is everything you crave in a comforting, home-cooked meal. Picture a buttery, golden crust hugging a rich, creamy filling packed with tender chunks of chicken and colorful veggies in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, bringing cozy vibes to even the busiest weeknight. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, no-fuss presentation that makes everyone feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
Easy Baked Sushi

Get ready to fall in love with the cozy, flavorful twist of easy baked sushi—a fun and delicious spin on a classic favorite. This dish layers perfectly seasoned sushi rice with a creamy crab mixture and bold toppings, then bakes it all into a warm, satisfying casserole-style meal. It captures all the fresh, savory flavors of traditional sushi but with a comforting baked feel that’s perfect for colder nights or when you're craving something hearty. Best of all, it’s simple to put together and great for sharing, whether you're hosting friends or just want an easy weeknight dinner with a little flair.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Sushi
Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken

This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken brings all the bold, crave-worthy flavors of your favorite take-out dish straight to your kitchen—only faster and easier. The chicken turns out perfectly tender, coated in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce that hits all the right notes. Thanks to the pressure cooker, it comes together quickly without sacrificing taste or texture, making it a total win for busy weeknights. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just want something delicious without the fuss, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sausage Tortellini Soup

Easy sausage tortellini soup is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with tender cheese-filled tortellini and flavorful sausage, it comes together quickly but tastes like it simmered all day. The rich, savory broth wraps around every bite, making it perfect for chilly nights or when you just need something comforting. It's simple enough for a weeknight dinner but hearty and satisfying enough to serve to guests.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Tortellini Soup
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. Packed with smoky sausage, tender red beans, and a rich blend of Cajun spices and veggies, it’s full of deep, comforting flavor that builds as it slowly simmers. You can easily make it your own by adding chicken or ham for extra heartiness, or keep it vegetarian for a lighter take. It’s a go-to favorite for Mardi Gras festivities, but honestly, it’s just as perfect on any chilly evening when you’re craving something filling and flavorful. Best of all, your slow cooker takes care of the hard part—leaving you with a satisfying, no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
Fried Pork Dumplings With Cheese & Sour Cream

These Fried Pork Dumplings (Kepti Koldūnai) are the kind of comfort food that instantly warms your soul. Imagine crispy, golden dumplings stuffed with savory pork, then drenched in a rich layer of sour cream and melty cheese. Baked until everything is bubbling and perfectly browned, each bite is creamy, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying. This traditional Lithuanian dish is perfect for those moments when you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and a little bit over-the-top—in the best way possible. It’s a true celebration of flavor and comfort, all in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pork Dumplings With Cheese & Sour Cream
Smoked Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This comforting soup brings together the bright, citrusy zing of fresh lemon and the rich, smoky flavor of tender chicken for a truly cozy bowl. The addition of orzo pasta gives it a hearty, satisfying texture that makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug. It's the perfect choice for when you’re craving something soothing yet full of bold flavor. Whether you're feeling under the weather or just in need of a little comfort, this soup is sure to lift your spirits.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Pressure Cooker Bacon Mac and Cheese

This quick and comforting mac and cheese recipe is made right in the pressure cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The creamy, cheesy pasta is taken to the next level with the savory, smoky flavor of crispy bacon stirred right in. It’s a hearty dish that feels like a hug in a bowl—rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself, this meal delivers serious comfort with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Bacon Mac and Cheese
Oven Fried and Baked Eggplant Parmesan

This baked and oven-fried Eggplant Parmesan is everything you crave in a comforting Italian dish—rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. Instead of deep frying, tender slices of eggplant are coated in a delicious blend of seasoned panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then baked until perfectly golden and crispy. Layered with a vibrant basil marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and even more savory Parmesan, each bite is satisfying and indulgent without the extra oil. It’s a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Once you try it, this easy-to-make classic might just earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried and Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Chicken Quesadillas

Picture soft, buttery tortillas hugging a filling that’s cheesy, creamy, and bursting with savory chicken—plus just a hint of spice to perk it all up. With only about five minutes of prep and ten minutes of cooking, these quesadillas come together in no time, making them ideal for dinner, game night, or a satisfying snack. They’re wonderfully versatile too—you can dress them up with your favorite toppings or use leftovers to create your own twist. Every bite is quick comfort food at its best—simple, cheesy, and endlessly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas
Beef Tenderloin Tips in Mushroom Gravy

Beef Tenderloin Tips in Mushroom Gravy is the kind of hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Tender pieces of beef are seared until beautifully browned, then simmered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy made with sautéed onions, garlic, and beef stock for deep flavor. It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you still want something satisfying and homemade. The creamy, flavorful gravy clings perfectly to every bite of beef and practically begs to be served over a bed of mashed potatoes. It’s a simple yet indulgent dinner that brings big comfort with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tenderloin Tips in Mushroom Gravy
Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu

This slow cooker lamb ragu is the kind of cozy, soul-satisfying dish that makes you feel like you're dining in a rustic Italian kitchen. The lamb is slowly braised for hours until it’s fall-apart tender, infusing the sauce with deep, rich flavor that only gets better with time. The combination of aromatic herbs, tomatoes, and melt-in-your-mouth meat creates a sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. It’s the perfect meal to come home to after a long day—hearty, comforting, and effortlessly impressive. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lamb Ragu
Chicken Fried Steak

Chicken Fried Steak is the kind of down-home Texas comfort food that hits the spot every time, and this version truly takes things up a notch. It begins with a flavorful buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the steak to perfection, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. From there, it's coated in a well-seasoned breading that fries up golden brown and irresistibly crispy. The final touch? A generous pour of spicy, creamy country white gravy that ties it all together in the most satisfying way. With rave reviews to back it up, this recipe just might ruin you for all other chicken fried steaks.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak
Swiss Steak

Easy Swiss steak is the kind of hearty, old-fashioned meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Made with tender cube steak that’s lightly seared and then slowly simmered in a rich, savory gravy full of onions, carrots, and comforting seasonings, this dish is all about deep, home-cooked flavor. As it cooks low and slow, the steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up all the goodness from the sauce. It’s absolutely perfect served over a bed of mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery noodles to catch every drop of that delicious gravy. Whether you're feeding the family or just craving something cozy, this recipe always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Swiss Steak
