17 irresistible comfort food recipes for your weeknight dinners

Photo of author

| Published:

Long day? We’ve all been there, and nothing soothes the soul after a hectic day quite like a plate of comforting, home-cooked food! Try these 17 irresistible recipes.

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Upstate Ramblings.

Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole

zucchini and summer squash alternated in a dish topped with breadcrumbs.
Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings

Banish the mid-week blues with the comforting goodness of Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole! This dish is a celebration of seasonal vegetables, combining tender zucchini, summer squash, and topped with breadcrumbs and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini and Summer Squash Casserole

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe is delicious comfort food! Ritz crackers are the secret ingredient and the juicy meatloaf is topped with a mouth-watering glaze that will have you coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Three bacon wrapped hot dogs in buns topped with cheese and onions.
Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Take the classic hot dog to a whole new level by wrapping it in savory bacon and air frying it. The bacon adds a crispy and smoky touch that complements the juicy hot dog, creating an amazing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Street corn soup with potatoes, corn and red pepper in the crock pot with a spoon on the side.
Slow Cooker Street Corn SoupPhoto credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Mexican street corn soup is a flavor explosion in a bowl! The spices, corn, and potatoes blend together beautifully to create a soup that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Bring the taste of Italy home with this scrumptious Olive Garden Chicken Pasta! Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta combine to create a comforting dish that’ll transport you straight to your favorite Italian restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Italian Mushroom Stew

Top view of a big pot of mushroom stew with cheese and basil on a cutting board next to the pot.
Italian Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This is a classic Italian American recipe from Utica, NY with lots of mushrooms, pork and Italian sausage cooked in tomato sauce. Serve it over Italian bread for a comfort food meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup – Upstate Ramblings.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a fabulous comfort food recipe! This creamy soup is the perfect easy-to-make dinner, full of flavor and a rich broth.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Piece of chicken and waffle casserole on a plate.
Chicken and Waffle Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Breakfast for dinner is the ultimate comfort food! This recipe combines fluffy waffles, tender chicken, and a savory maple and egg custard to create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Waffle Casserole

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken legs and thighs in a pile on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy air fryer fried chicken for the ultimate crunch with less grease and mess! The chicken is tender and juicy on the inside with a crispy coating. You can make fried chicken at home without worrying about the calories.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions

Grilled potatoes topped with cheese and bacon in a foil pan.
Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cook up cheesy potatoes right on the grill with your meat. These are cooked with onion and bacon for extra deliciousness and lots of gooey cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Grilled Potatoes and Onions

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These boneless pork ribs are an easy comfort food recipe that takes almost no effort but give you mouthwatering results. The ribs are cooked in BBQ sauce, honey and peach preserves for a sticky sweet dinner that is finger-licking good!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Guinness Beef Stew

top view of a bowl of Guinness beef stew with a black checked napkin and a spoon.
Guinness Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Warm up with a hearty bowl of Guinness beef stew. Rich, savory, and packed with tender beef and veggies, this comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner. The secret ingredient? A splash of Guinness for an extra depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Baked Manicotti

Baked manicotti in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Manicotti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in the cheesy goodness of baked manicotti, a scrumptious Italian classic that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. Stuffed with a creamy, flavorful filling, this dish will leave you satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Baked Manicotti

Twice Baked Potatoes

twice baked potatoes topped with cheese, bacon bits and chives.
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dig into the ultimate side dish with these delectable twice baked potatoes. Fluffy and creamy on the inside with a crispy, golden exterior, they’re the perfect accompaniment to any comfort food dinner
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Instant Pot Mac & Cheese

Instant Pot Mac & Cheese. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.
Instant Pot Mac & Cheese. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Craving some cheesy goodness? Look no further than this easy Instant Pot mac & cheese! Creamy, velvety, and ready in a snap, it’s the ultimate comfort food dinner for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac & Cheese

Fiesta Potatoes

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in a white ramekin topped with sour cream and green onions.
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Spice up your comfort food game with these irresistible Fiesta Potatoes! Loaded with zesty seasonings, gooey cheese, and a delightful crunch, they’re the perfect side dish to brighten up any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Potatoes

Chile Relleno Casserole

Dipping a tortilla chip into chile relleno casserole.
Chile Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This comforting casserole takes the essence of the classic chili relleno and transforms it into a hearty casserole. With layers of roasted peppers, gooey cheese, and a flavorful sauce, this casserole provides all the comfort and warmth you need on those dreary weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.