29 comfort foods your family will beg you to make again next week

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Comfort foods are the meals that your family not only loves but also begs you to make again next week. They’re the recipes that hit the spot, offer a taste of home, and bring everyone to the table eager for the first bite. When your weeknight dish gets that kind of applause, you know it’s a keeper. But, as much as we love to impress our families with their favorite foods, we don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. That’s why it’s important to have a lineup of go-to recipes that are as easy to make as they are delicious. These 29 comfort foods make everyone happy, and they’re simple enough that you’ll gladly say yes when asked to make them again.

A pot of creamy Italian sausage soup with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup

Two bowls of chicken corn soup garnished with parsley.
Chicken Corn Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is a quick one-pot meal that can be ready in under an hour. It features tender pieces of chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth that melds together beautifully. Because it uses just one pot, clean-up is a breeze. The ingredients are pantry staples, making this dish easy to whip up on short notice. The combination of chicken and vegetables makes it a balanced, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

In just 20 minutes of preparation, your slow cooker takes over, melding ground beef, spices, and pantry staples into a comforting bowl of soup. This hassle-free recipe lets you go about your day while dinner simmers. The blend of ingredients creates a warming, layered flavor that brings everyone back for seconds. It’s both a simple and practical way to end a busy day, satisfying everyone’s comfort food cravings.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This chicken dish uses a one-pan method, simplifying both cooking and clean-up. Chicken thighs are the star, offering quick cook times to keep your evening hassle-free. A savory mushroom sauce lends depth of flavor without requiring complicated steps. You’ll have it all done in 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. With easily accessible ingredients, this recipe offers both practicality and comfort for any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup combines Italian sausage, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, and heavy cream into a harmonious blend that fills your bowl with warmth. Cooking this 30-minute meal in a single pot minimizes both prep time and clean-up. It’s a convenient, hearty option that your family will ask for time and time again. The recipe utilizes common pantry items, adding to its practicality. With a focus on both simplicity and comfort, it fits right into any weeknight dinner plans.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This oven-baked dish uses easy-to-find ingredients like butternut squash, cauliflower, and bacon. With minimal preparation needed, it’s simple to get this meal into the oven. The homemade dressing and wilted spinach add layers of flavor without much extra effort. The short bake time of this recipe ensures it fits easily into most schedules. Clean-up is simple since everything is baked together in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with a spatula.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute, one-pan recipe is a convenient choice for a quick and hearty meal. The dish features a creamy Dijon sauce, fresh spinach, and crumbled bacon, all prepared together for ease of cooking and cleaning. The quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights, yet it’s elegant enough for special occasions. The ingredients are simple but flavorful, making the dish accessible and satisfying. The one-pan approach simplifies both cooking and clean-up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sausage Curry

Sausage curry in a skillet garnished with herbs.
Sausage Curry. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan curry recipe uses sausages and a variety of vegetables for a hearty meal. The combination of curry spices adds a warming element, perfect for comfort food. With a cooking time of under 30 minutes, it’s suitable for a quick weeknight dinner. The straightforward approach requires minimal preparation and kitchen equipment, making it practical for busy schedules. Clean-up is simplified, thanks to the one-pan cooking method.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Curry

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is a one-pot wonder that takes 30 minutes from start to finish. The main ingredients are cauliflower, chicken broth, butter, heavy cream, cheese, and bacon, making it an accessible dish for any kitchen. The short cooking time and straightforward method make it an excellent choice for busy nights. All the ingredients blend together in a single pot, simplifying cooking and clean-up. With a rich variety of seasonings, this soup offers layers of comforting flavors without added complexity.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute casserole combines frozen broccoli, cauliflower, cheese sauce, and bacon in a single baking dish. It’s simple to assemble, and the oven does the majority of the work. Because the ingredients are easily accessible, you can make this comforting dish without a special trip to the grocery store. The one-dish nature of this recipe also ensures an easy clean-up. It’s a practical and hearty solution for dinner when time is of the essence.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, this one-pot risotto delivers a heartwarming meal featuring cauliflower and mushrooms. The dish offers a twist on traditional comfort food, without requiring extensive cooking skills. A variety of seasonings combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Being a one-pot meal, it also eases both preparation and cleaning. It’s well-suited for both regular family dinners and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cabbage and Sausage

A plate of cabbage and sausages with a fork.
Cabbage and sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This dish takes under 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a convenient choice for quick dinners. Combining cabbage and sausage in one pan simplifies the cooking process and clean-up. The straightforward ingredients make it accessible and perfect for a last-minute meal. While the dish is simple, the combination of cabbage and sausage yields a perfectly hearty and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan dish is an easy route to a hearty dinner. Ground beef, cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms combine to create a balanced meal without the fuss. The quick cooking time makes this a practical choice for busy weeknights. With minimal preparation and one pan, the recipe simplifies both cooking and cleaning. The ingredients are easy to find, making this dish convenient and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan dish features chicken thighs, spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, all cooked together for convenience. With a cooking time of 30 minutes, it’s a practical choice for weeknight dinners. Minimal ingredients are required, and the steps are straightforward, making this dish easily accessible. The combination of chicken and greens provides a hearty and comforting meal. The one-pan method not only simplifies cooking but also makes clean-up a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken served on a plate.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute recipe features chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. It’s a practical option for both weeknights and weekends. The straightforward cooking steps and quick cooking time make it an easy choice for anyone. Prepared in one pan, the dish minimizes both cooking time and clean-up. It strikes a perfect balance between ease and comfort, making it a recipe your family will ask for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute, one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It combines roasted sausage and vegetables, making it a balanced meal. The single-sheet pan cooking method means you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal. This dish is convenient and comforting, with simple ingredients and a short cooking time. It’s a straightforward option that doesn’t skimp on hearty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Warm up your evenings with this Keto Zuppa Toscana, a low-carb twist on Olive Garden’s famous soup. The recipe utilizes radishes as a substitute for potatoes. Sausage, cream, and spices unite to create a deliciously hearty soup. With a total cooking time of just an hour, this dish is a great choice for quick weeknight dinners. It’s an indulgent meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Bowls of pumpkin soup with sprigs of rosemary.
Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin is the epitome of convenient comfort food. The recipe calls for canned pumpkin, which speeds up the preparation time significantly. With a simple four-step cooking process, this soup can be ready in just 40 minutes. It’s an ideal choice for a last-minute dinner or when you’re in need of a quick comfort meal. The result is a heartwarming, savory soup that fills your home with the aroma of autumn spices.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a mouthwatering dinner of Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts in just 30 minutes. This one-pan dish simplifies both cooking and cleaning, making it a practical choice for busy weekdays. The combination of artichokes, lemon juice, and a creamy sauce elevates the humble chicken thigh. The recipe uses straightforward ingredients that are easy to find. It’s a comforting, savory dish perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Skinless Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon offers a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare. This one-pan recipe requires just 25 minutes from start to finish. The combination of cabbage, bacon, and onions creates a rich, savory flavor profile. It’s an ideal dish for those seeking a quick, fulfilling meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The easy-to-follow cooking process and accessible ingredients make this dish a go-to comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.


In just 40 minutes, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken delivers comfort food that’s easy to make. Everything cooks in one pan, so clean-up is straightforward. The recipe combines spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce for a hearty meal. It’s simple enough for weeknight cooking but also fits special occasions. With its mix of practicality and comforting flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

A casserole dish with meat and spinach in it.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dive into this Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach, a comforting and nutritious meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare. It brings together ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheddar cheese in a harmonious blend. This casserole is both filling and practical, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. The straightforward recipe ensures you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a one-dish meal that offers satisfying flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Garlic Chicken comes together in a single pan, making clean-up a breeze. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a go-to option for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence. With cauliflower rice and an optional side salad, you can effortlessly turn it into a full meal that satisfies. Its comforting flavors are versatile, fitting just as well for a casual dinner as they do for special occasions. Practical, quick, and requiring minimal dishes, this recipe checks all the boxes for a fuss-free comfort food meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Transform a classic sandwich into a delightful dinner with this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. The recipe is ready in under an hour and combines sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cheese. Cooking is easy and requires basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for a busy evening. This dish is a creative twist on a traditional favorite, offering a filling, balanced meal. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fajita Baked Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. With spiced chicken breasts topped with cream cheese, mini sweet peppers, and mozzarella, each bite offers a burst of flavor. The recipe calls for a single pan, simplifying both cooking and clean-up. It’s a versatile dish suitable for a family dinner or a casual get-together. The fusion of spices and creamy elements makes it irresistibly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Bowl of instant pot butter chicken atop cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Butter Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this Indian-inspired Instant Pot Butter Chicken in under 40 minutes and your taste buds will thank you. Thanks to the Instant Pot, this dish is a breeze to make and the result is irresistibly creamy, spiced chicken swimming in a luscious sauce. It’s the perfect go-to for busy weekdays, yet so decadent it’ll impress any guest. If you’re a comfort food lover on the hunt for both convenience and flavor, this dish is a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Heat up your mealtime with Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole, a spicy and indulgent comfort food. The recipe uses shredded chicken thighs, bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños for a balanced combination of flavors. It’s an easy-to-follow dish, and the creamy base perfectly offsets the jalapeños’ heat. This casserole offers a rich, satisfying culinary experience with just the right amount of spice. It’s a perfect dish for those seeking both comfort and a kick of heat.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Sweet and spicy bacon and turkey chili garnished with avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro.
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili for a multi-dimensional comfort food experience. The dish is a one-pot wonder, making cooking and clean-up extremely manageable. It’s a practical choice for a weeknight dinner with a cooking time of just over an hour. The chili combines bacon and turkey, offering a protein-packed, hearty meal. The unique blend of sweet, savory, and spicy elements makes this dish a standout.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Low-carb zucchini pizza casserole in a baking dish.
Zucchini Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Enjoy a healthy twist on a classic with this Zucchini Pizza Casserole. In just over an hour, you can prep and serve this dish. It’s gluten-free, doesn’t require any flour, and uses ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s a practical choice for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet. This casserole combines convenience and healthfulness without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant pot chicken adobo in a bowl atop cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo offers a Filipino-inspired, comforting, and flavorful dinner. The Instant Pot makes cooking efficient, and the dish is ready in under 40 minutes. With a balanced blend of sweet and savory, this recipe introduces a new world of flavors to your dinner table. It’s a hassle-free yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any evening. This meal’s practicality and exotic taste make it a quick and satisfying comfort food option.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

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