17 cozy comfort foods that make bad days better

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When life gets tough, there’s nothing quite like a warm, cozy meal to soothe your soul and make everything feel a little bit better. That’s why we’ve rounded up 17 of the most comforting, delicious recipes that can help turn any bad day around.

Closeup of Slow Cooker beef with egg noodles.
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: .

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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

Make this classic diner favorite right at home with simple seasonings that really work. This hearty meatloaf recipe brings back memories of family dinners and makes enough for everyone to have seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

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

This creamy soup loaded with chicken, potato dumplings, and vegetables cooks right in your slow cooker. It’s exactly what you want on a cold day when you need something to warm you up.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Air Fryer Peri Peri Chicken

Grilled chicken pieces with sauce, garnished with parsley, served on a plate with a corn on the cob.
Air Fryer Peri Peri Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This chicken comes out crispy outside and juicy inside with a spicy kick. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen feel like your favorite neighborhood spot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peri Peri Chicken

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

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

This chicken pasta cooks all day until it’s super tender in a rich cheese sauce. It’s the kind of meal that makes your whole house smell good and brings everyone to the table ready to eat.
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 hearty stew from Utica, NY comes packed with mushrooms and gets even better served over crusty Italian bread. It’s the kind of warming meal that makes you want to curl up at home.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Make this creamy soup at home when you need something to warm you up. The mix of tender broccoli and melted cheese makes a thick, rich soup that feels like comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

BBQ Salmon Tacos

Three chicken tacos with lettuce and mango salsa are arranged on a gray surface. There is a small green lime and a bowl of mango salsa on the side.
BBQ Salmon Tacos. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These tacos mix grilled salmon with fresh mango salsa for something different. The combo makes a crowd-pleasing dinner that still feels like comfort food.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Salmon Tacos

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Closeup of Slow Cooker beef with egg noodles.
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: .

Try slow cooker beef and noodles recipe for easy and delicious comfort food. Beef is slow cooked until it is tender and combined with noodles.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese with a spoon, inside an air fryer.
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This recipe makes classic mac and cheese even better with a crispy top and Cajun spices. It’s the ultimate comfort food made easier in your air fryer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

A bowl of chicken chili topped with cheese and green onions, surrounded by tortilla chips.
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This soup loads up on chicken, beans, and bold flavors that get better as they cook. It’s the kind of warming meal that takes care of itself while you’re busy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of creamy yellow soup with chunks of sausage, potato and leafy greens.
Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This quick-cooking soup brings together sausage, potatoes, and greens in a creamy broth. It’s exactly what you want on a cold night when you need something to warm you up fast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This chicken dish cooks in a rich sauce that’s made for spooning over rice or noodles. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell good while it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Taco Rice Skillet

Cast iron skillet with easy taco rice dinner.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Eight basic ingredients come together for a quick dinner that everyone will eat. This one-pan meal brings the comfort of Mexican food home with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These pork chops cook in mushroom soup until they’re fork-tender. The creamy sauce makes this the kind of meal that feels like a hug – perfect for cold nights when you need something good.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Beef tips with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The beef gets so tender it practically melts, swimming in rich gravy. This is stick-to-your-ribs cooking that makes the whole house smell amazing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These chicken thighs turn out tender and packed with flavor. It’s simple home cooking that fills your kitchen with good smells and makes enough for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This casserole takes the fun of tacos and puts it all in one dish with seasoned beef, melted cheese, fresh veggies, and crunchy Fritos. It’s the kind of casual comfort food that makes dinner fun.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

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