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These comfort food recipes are warm, delicious, and satisfying, so they always hit the spot when you're craving a home-cooked meal! Many of these classic recipes will be familiar to you, and the nostalgia makes them even more enjoyable! I guarantee you'll savor every bite!
Best Comfort Food Recipes
Comfort food recipes are warm and welcoming, with a satisfying flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it's a bowl of rich macaroni and cheese, a hearty pot of chicken soup, or a batch of crispy fried chicken, these are the meals you'll look forward to making again and again!
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- Best Comfort Food Recipes
- 1. Funeral Potatoes
- 2. Fried Chicken
- 3. Ground Beef Stroganoff
- 4. Spaghetti Bolognese
- 5. Lasagna
- 6. Yankee Pot Roast
- 7. Chicken Pot Pies
- 8. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- 9. Chicken and Dumplings
- 10. Swedish Meatballs
- 11. Crockpot Salisbury Steak
- 12. Sweet and Sour Chicken
- 13. Chicken Parmesan
- 14. Grits
- 15. Oatmeal Meatloaf
- 16. Sloppy Joe
- 17. Beef Stew
- 18. Chicken Noodle Soup
- 19. Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- 20. Bacon Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
- 21. Pan Seared Ribeye
- 22. Homemade Chili
- 25. Shepherds Pie
- 26. Cowboy Casserole
- 27. Guinness Lamb Stew
- 💭 Tips For Making The Best Comfort Food
- 📖 Recipe Card
- Best Comfort Food Recipes: Guinness Lamb Stew (+More Tasty Comfort Foods!)
- IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric
- Instructions
- Notes
- 💬 Reviews
1. Funeral Potatoes
Funeral potatoes got their name because they were a warm and comforting side dish that could serve a crowd at after-funeral gatherings. However, this cheesy hashbrown casserole isn't just for somber occasions.
It's perfect for family dinners, celebrations, and more!
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
These cheesy funeral potatoes are the perfect side dish for large gatherings where you need to feed a crowd! With 16 servings of cheesy, creamy, potato-filled goodness, this hash brown casserole never disappoints! You can even make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it so all you have to do is pop it in the oven!
Check out this recipe
2. Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is the epitome of comfort food! It's juicy and flavorful with a crispy golden breading that makes it perfect for dunking in country gravy, honey mustard sauce, or your favorite condiments.
Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken recipe is the perfect dinner! This recipe is classic buttermilk fried chicken that uses the whole chicken. Perfect so you can choose your favorite piece of meat!
Check out this recipe
3. Ground Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is super rich and creamy yet hearty and satisfying. This easy version using ground beef is perfect for family dinners because it's ready in just 20 minutes.
Ground Beef Stroganoff (Easy Hamburger Dinner!)
My ground beef stroganoff is a quick and tasty recipe done in less than 30 minutes! This easy-to-make stroganoff recipe is filled with flavorful, tender browned ground beef, tangy sour cream, earthy mushrooms, and served over delicious buttered egg noodles.
Check out this recipe
4. Spaghetti Bolognese
Who can resist a big bowl of spaghetti with meat sauce? Add some crispy baked garlic bread and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and you have pure Italian comfort food.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a true Italian classic full of al dente spaghetti, meaty red sauce, fresh veggies, and a blend of Italian herbs! Throw in a little wine for flavor, and you have an easy weeknight dinner you'll want to make again and again!
Check out this recipe
5. Lasagna
Lasagna is as classic a comfort food as they come, and it's safe to say that most people have early memories of enjoying homemade lasagna for dinner. It also freezes wonderfully, so you can make it in advance and have a ready-to-bake dinner prepared for when you're short on time.
Lasagna
A homemade lasagna full of tender noodles and a hearty meat sauce covered in melted cheese is one of the best comfort foods you can make. All the time you spend making it will be more than worth it when you see your family lining up for seconds.
Check out this recipe
6. Yankee Pot Roast
The combination of red wine and beef broth simmers into a richly flavorful gravy that is only made better by the fall-apart-tender beef. There's also a variety of perfectly cooked root vegetables that make this a delicious one-pot dinner.
Yankee Pot Roast
This Yankee pot roast is melt in your mouth tender with plenty of savory potatoes, onions, and carrots to enjoy! The meat is roasted low and slow with a simple combination of red wine and beef broth that keeps it delectably moist and juicy. It's a warm and hearty meal that will have the whole family scrambling to the dinner table!
Check out this recipe
7. Chicken Pot Pies
Made-from-scratch chicken pot pies will have your family scrambling to the dinner table! The golden, flaky pie crust, tender chicken and vegetables, and rich chicken gravy are perfectly combined flavors and textures.
If you're looking for something to serve with your pot pies, you can find all the best chicken pot pie side dishes here!
Chicken Pot Pie
This chicken pot pie recipe makes these perfect single-serving individual double-crust pot pies or a standard 9-inch chicken pot pie! The delicious chicken pot pie filling is topped with a beautifully golden, flaky crust that is so much better than store-bought. It's true comfort food that your whole family will love!
Check out this recipe
8. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
The name says it all; this rich and cheesy chicken casserole tastes like a million bucks! That's not even the best part, and it is topped with buttery Ritz crackers that give it a perfect crunch!
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This million-dollar chicken casserole is a rich, satisfying chicken dinner that's simple enough to prepare on any busy weeknight! Shredded chicken is combined with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken, and seasonings for a delightfully creamy texture. Then, the casserole filling is topped off with a buttery Ritz cracker crust for the perfect creamy-crunchy ratio!
Check out this recipe
9. Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings is a family favorite recipe that is perfect for any time but especially comforting when you're feeling under the weather. The rich broth, tender dumplings, and juicy chicken will make you feel better quickly!
Bisquick™ Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Bisquick chicken and dumplings are perfect for when you need good old-fashioned comfort food in a flash! Tender, juicy chicken in a deliciously warm and hearty broth with fluffy biscuit dumplings- what's not to love? Plus, it only takes 10 minutes of prep work!
Check out this recipe
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10. Swedish Meatballs
Ikea was onto something when they started offering in-house Swedish meatballs. They are slathered in rich, creamy gravy that tastes incredible over buttered noodles or mashed potatoes!
Discover all the tasty things you can serve with Swedish meatballs right here!
Swedish Meatballs
These incredibly tasty Swedish Meatballs (Svenska Köttbullar with Lingonberries) pack so much flavor in that they have always been a family favorite!! 'Mom's Meatballs', as they are called in their native country, are a go-to dinner made with staple ingredients and a whole lot of love!
Check out this recipe
11. Crockpot Salisbury Steak
You know anything cooked low and slow in the crockpot will be tender, flavorful (and, more than likely, super easy to make). These juicy Salisbury steaks are cooked perfectly in a rich brown gravy with tender mushrooms, all while you go about your day!
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak With Mushroom Gravy
This slow cooker Salisbury steak recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy days, this dish combines juicy beef patties with a rich mushroom gravy, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Prep time is minimal, and the result is a mouth-watering meal that's sure to please the whole family.
Check out this recipe
12. Sweet and Sour Chicken
If Chinese takeout recipes are your idea of comfort food, you're probably aware of how addictive a big bowl of sweet and sour chicken can be. The crispy wok-fried chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet and sour sauce that is absolutely delicious with a side of Jasmine rice or fried rice.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken combines crispy, fried chunks of breaded chicken with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions! It's a classic Chinese food takeout meal at home! Plus, it's so easy to make and can be on the table ready to enjoy in just 25 minutes!
Check out this recipe
13. Chicken Parmesan
A crispy fried chicken cutlet with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella chees on a warm bed of al dente spaghetti? Sign me up! Chicken Parmesan pizza or a chicken Parmesan sandwich also classifies as comfort food, if you ask me!
Chicken Parmesan (Chicken Parmigiana)
This chicken Parmesan (or chicken Parmigiana) is a classic Italian entree featuring breaded chicken breast fried and then baked! The Parmesan breaded chicken breast combines mozzarella, marinara, and pasta for a simple and complete meal!
Check out this recipe
14. Grits
Grits are so versatile you can eat them at breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, and there are many ways to season or flavor them. You can make them rich, buttery, sweet, or savory (think shrimp and grits)!
Grits
Grits are a staple of Southern cuisine that is easy to prepare and perfect for serving as a hearty breakfast or tasty side dish to any meal! They're wonderfully creamy and have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory toppings. Whether you're a seasoned grits lover or a newcomer to this Southern classic dish, there's never been a better time to enjoy a big bowl with your family!
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15. Oatmeal Meatloaf
I have tried my fair share of meatloaf recipes, and this old-fashioned oatmeal meatloaf is a favorite that I keep returning to. The ease of the recipe, the perfect texture, and the classic ketchup glaze are everything you love and expect with a classic meatloaf.
Meatloaf (Traditional Recipe with Oatmeal)
This easy, wholesome meatloaf with oatmeal may be an old-school recipe, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still amazingly delicious! Tender ground beef is blended with seasoning and oats, then baked with a classic ketchup glaze- it’s the perfect traditional meatloaf.
Check out this recipe
16. Sloppy Joe
If you remember the cans of Sloppy Joes for dinner and weren't a fan, you have to give it another try when it's homemade. Serve this hearty meal between hamburger buns (or, better yet, pretzel buns) for an easy lunch or dinner!
I dedicated an entire page to what to serve with Sloppy Joes because they are frequently on my weekday dinner rotation!
Sloppy Joe
This super easy Sloppy Joe recipe is one that has been handed down through generations and features a hearty taste of classic 1940's diner food! The meaty mixture is combined with tomato sauce and seasoning to make a perfectly messy, tasty filling for your sandwiches!
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17. Beef Stew
When the weather is cold and I'm craving comfort food, beef stew is the first dish that comes to mind. The perfectly seasoned broth, chunks of tender beef stew meat, and veggies make it an excellent fall soup.
My personal favorite method is in the crockpot, though I've made it in the Instant Pot with great results! I even have a quick and easy version made with ground beef.
Crockpot Beef Stew
This comforting homemade crockpot beef stew is the perfect dinner for a cozy evening inside, and it takes very little prep! This hearty stew combines tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions with a delicious broth cooked low and slow in your slow cooker!
Check out this recipe
18. Chicken Noodle Soup
A bowl of chicken noodle soup has long been considered 'soul food' because it's so comforting and satisfying! This is a classic recipe made with egg noodles (not the thin spaghetti noodles you find in canned soup).
Try it with some butter herb Rhode's dinner rolls to soak up the broth, or make any of these chicken noodle soup side dishes.
Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade chicken noodle soup is such a timeless comfort food classic, that always manages to make us feel better on dreary days! Grandma's recipe was loaded with fresh vegetables, tender pieces of chicken and finished with egg noodles all in a delicious broth that soothed away any dreary day or cold!
Check out this recipe
19. Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
There was definitely a period of time when my family was obsessed with this chicken tater tot casserole. They loved the rich and creamy sauce, crispy tater tot topping, and tender chicken and veggies, while I loved how easy it is to make!
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Chicken tater tot casserole is a comfort food favorite that combines crispy tater tots, chicken, and creamy sauce in one easy-to-make dish! It's perfect for busy weeknights, as it can be prepared ahead of time and baked in the oven when ready to eat (or freeze it for later!) With how simple and delicious it is, it's sure to become a new go-to recipe!
Check out this recipe
20. Bacon Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
This homemade copycat of Hamburger Helper is lightyears better than anything you'll get from a box. It's rich and cheesy with chunks of bacon, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and tender macaroni noodles!
Bacon Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
This tasty homemade bacon cheeseburger Hamburger Helper™ dinner is a delicious combination of ground beef, bacon, cheese, and pasta! It's an incredibly easy-to-make family favorite dinner that tastes so much better than the boxed version!
Check out this recipe
21. Pan Seared Ribeye
For steak lovers, the ultimate comfort food is often a perfectly cooked steak dinner. Follow my guide on the levels of beef doneness and this super simple recipe for pan-seared ribeye steaks, and you'll be cooking steaks like a pro.
For the best side dish suggestions, check out what to serve with ribeye steak!
Perfect Pan Seared Ribeye Steak
This pan-seared ribeye steak is easy to make, juicy, tender, and loaded with tons of flavor that everyone will love! Of course, there is always the question of which method is the best for preparing steak, but this tasty steak is undeniably delicious! Your ribeye will be seared to perfection whether you choose to add some garlic cloves and fresh herbs, or not!
Check out this recipe
22. Homemade Chili
With melted cheddar cheese, some crispy crackers, and a dollop of sour cream, I am a happy camper with a big bowl of chili! This is my go-to recipe for chili when I make it, and the leftovers are perfect for chili dogs or chili dog casserole the next night.
Homemade Chili
This homemade chili is so incredibly delicious and loaded with flavor that you will want to get rid of every other chili recipe you have! It is packed with beef, beans, vegetables, and a made-from-scratch seasoning blend that makes this dish truly special. Trust me, everyone who tastes this will be begging you for the recipe!
Check out this recipe
23. Velveeta Mac & Cheese
For many, myself included, I know that a big pot of Velveeta mac and cheese is reminiscent of childhood (fun fact: it was invented in 1919)! Velveeta melts quickly and beautifully, making for a cheesy, ultra-rich mac & cheese that never disappoints.
Velveeta Mac and Cheese (Easy Stove Top Recipe)
My easy stove-top Velveeta mac and cheese is a rich and creamy comfort food delight that's irresistibly cheesy! It's a one-pot stovetop side dish that takes practically no effort to make! This family favorite dish is ready to enjoy in less than 20 minutes!
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24. Fish & Chips
Living on the West Coast, fish & chips were a must for every local restaurant and pub. There's something so satisfying about dunking crispy golden fried fish in tartar sauce (and the French fries taste good in tartar, too)!
You can look at my post on what to serve with fish and chips for even more ways to elevate your meal!
Fish & Chips
These fish and chips have are wonderfully crispy coating made from a perfectly seasoned batter using seltzer water! The carbonation creates that signature puffed-up crunchy texture fish that fish and chips enthusiasts know and love. Follow it up with some easy homemade french fries and a side of tarter sauce for a classic fish dinner!
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25. Shepherds Pie
Shepherds pie is a comfort food that is enjoyed all over the world! What's not to love about rich gravy, tender vegetables, and flavorful lamb meat baked under a fluffy mashed potato topping?
Technically, a shepherd's pie is made with lamb meat, but you can still whip up a perfectly tasty and comforting cottage pie with ground beef!
Gordon Ramsay Shepherd’s Pie
This Gordon Ramsay Shepherd’s Pie is a fantastic, classic recipe he has shared through multiple videos, including his popular 'F Word' series! Savory layers of ground lamb meat and a 'secret ingredient' mashed potato topping combine to make this internationally loved comfort food!
Check out this recipe
26. Cowboy Casserole
Tater tots are comfort food on their own, so turn them into a cheesy ground beef casserole, and you know you're in for something delicious! Best of all, you can assemble and bake it, then freeze it for later for an easy meal any day of the week.
Cowboy Casserole
This cowboy casserole is an easy-to-make dinner that is perfect for a weeknight meal or storing in the freezer for later! With a beefy, cheese-packed filling that is topped off with crispy tater tots, this dinner is definitely kid-approved! After one bite, it will quickly become a family favorite!
Check out this recipe
27. Guinness Lamb Stew
This Guinness lamb stew features buttery, rich lamb meat and a deeply flavorful broth made with stout beer for even more depth of flavor. I like to pair it with some homemade Irish soda bread or rustic bread to soak up every last drop!
Guinness Lamb Stew
This Guinness lamb stew is a hearty and satisfying Irish stew loaded with delicious vegetables and tender seared lamb meat. The roasted, malty, hoppy taste of a Guinness Irish stout beer gives it an incredible depth of flavor. A few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, and a little salt & pepper are all the seasoning it needs.
Check out this recipe
💭 Tips For Making The Best Comfort Food
Making the best comfort food involves combining flavors, textures, and cooking techniques. Here are some tips to help you create the most delicious comfort food:
- Use familiar ingredients: Nostalgia is a huge comfort food element for many people. Ingredients or recipes you fondly remember will taste more comforting and delicious than most!
- Balance flavors: Comfort food typically leans towards rich and savory flavors. Balance these with other tastes like sweet, salty, and umami. You can learn more about balancing flavors here.
- Familiarize yourself with basic cooking techniques: Many comfort food recipes rely on classic cooking methods like braising, roasting, frying, or simmering. These techniques will help you achieve your dishes' best textures and flavors.
- Aim for a balanced texture: Texture is crucial in comfort food. Consider the contrast between the crispy fried chicken's exterior and the tender, juicy meat inside. Recipes with complementary textures are always more satisfying.
- Share: Comfort food is meant to be enjoyed with family and friends! Sharing the meal with loved ones is how you make new nostalgic recipes!
Any day where I can indulge in one of these comfort food recipes is a great day in my book! Tell me about your favorite comfort foods in the comment section below!
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Best Comfort Food Recipes: Guinness Lamb Stew (+More Tasty Comfort Foods!)
These comfort food recipes are warm, delicious, and satisfying, so they always hit the spot when you're craving a home cooked meal! Many of these classic recipes will be familiar to you, and the nostalgia makes them even more enjoyable! I guarantee you'll savor every bite!
Author | Angela
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 484kcal
Prep 20 minutes minutes
Cooking 1 hour hour
Total Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
- 2 strips bacon (optional, thick-cut bacon, chopped)
- 2 lb lamb shoulder (well-trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces)
- 1 teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoon bacon grease (or extra virgin olive oil if omitting the bacon)
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 3 large carrots (cut into 1-inch chunks on a diagonal)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 1 ½ tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 11.2 oz Guinness
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoon sugar
Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela
Instructions
Sear Bacon & Lamb Stew Meat
Add the chopped 2 strips bacon to a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook until nicely crisped. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Pat 2 lb lamb shoulder dry with paper towels, and season it to taste with 1 teaspoon each, salt & pepper.
Sear the lamb meat in the remaining 3 tablespoon bacon grease, working in batches (I did 3 separate batches). Use tongs to turn the pieces of lamb meat until a brown crust has developed on all sides (about 5-8 minutes per batch). After each batch, transfer the browned lamb meat to a bowl and set aside.
Add Veggies & Broth
Add 1 large yellow onion, 3 large carrots, and 2 stalks celery to the pot and saute until tender (about 5 minutes). Use your wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pot as the vegetables cook.
Stir in 1 ½ tablespoon garlic and let cook for 30 seconds before mixing in 3 tablespoon tomato paste. Let cook for 1-2 minutes longer.
Add the bacon, lamb meat, and any juices that have accumulated back into the pot. Sprinkle ¼ cup all-purpose flour over the meat and stir until dissolved.
Pour in 11.2 oz Guinness (1 bottle) and 3 cups beef broth. Add the 1 bay leaf, 1 sprig fresh rosemary, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, and 2 teaspoon sugar, and stir to combine.
Simmer Until Tender
Bring the stew to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 1 hour.
Remove the bay leaf as well as the sprigs of thyme and rosemary. Taste-test your stew and adjust the seasonings as needed. Turn off the heat and serve right away over mashed potatoes or colcannon.
Notes
- You will have to work in batches when searing the pieces of lamb meat in order to get an even crust on all sides. Try not to overcrowd the pot for the best results.
- If you aren't using bacon, simply leave it out and sear the lamb meat in olive oil. I recommend using about 1 tablespoon of oil for each batch of lamb meat.
- If your stew is too thick, you can add small amounts of water or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- If you are using a Dutch oven and prefer to finish your stew in the oven, you can. Bring the broth to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Braise undisturbed for 2 hours.
- To store: Let the stew cool off, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Put your leftover stew into a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag with some excess space to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 4 months and transfer to the fridge to thaw overnight before reheating.
- To reheat: Gently reheat your stew on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. It may thicken after being frozen or refrigerated, so add a splash of broth or water as needed.
Nutrition
Calories: 484kcal (24%) | Carbohydrates: 26g (9%) | Protein: 39g (78%) | Fat: 23g (35%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 109mg (36%) | Sodium: 991mg (43%) | Potassium: 904mg (26%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 10g (11%) | Vitamin A: 9349IU (187%) | Vitamin C: 13mg (16%) | Calcium: 76mg (8%) | Iron: 4mg (22%)
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best comfort food, Comfort Food, comfort food recipes, Guinness Lamb Irish Stew, Guinness Lamb Stew, guinness lamb stew ingredients, how to make guinness stew, lamb stew
Course Main Dish, Soup Recipes, Stews
Cuisine Irish
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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