We all have those days when everything seems to go wrong, and all we want is a comforting meal to make it a little better. Whether it’s a classic meatloaf or a quick pasta dish, these dinner recipes are here to save the day. Forget about the fancy stuff; these are the meals that hug you from the inside out. They’re easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and just what you need when you’re feeling down.
![Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ground-beef-pasta-skillet-landscape-1-1024x576.jpg)
Bomb Meatloaf
![Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/bomb-meatloaf-landscape-1.jpg)
This may be the best meatloaf you’ll ever taste. It’s easy to put together, tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that coats each slice. Comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Instant Pot Bolognese
![Instant Pot bolognese recipe on a plate with a fork.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Instant-pot-bolognese-landscape-1.jpg)
Making bolognese in the Instant Pot is a quicker and easier way to enjoy the classic Italian meat sauce. Rich and hearty, it’s perfect over pasta with a dose of parmesan cheese.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
![Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/turkey-skillet-mac-and-cheese-landscape-1.jpg)
This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is a grownup version of hamburger helper. Filled with spinach, peppers, and real cheddar, it’s on the table in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles
![Butternut squash noodles with spinach, ricotta and garlic in a cast iron skillet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/butternut-squash-noodles-1.jpg)
These butternut squash noodles are tossed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh ricotta and parmesan for a comforting vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
![Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/buffalo-chicken-soup-landscape-1.jpg)
Love buffalo wings? This cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken soup with orzo is ready in just 30 minutes and provides a comforting twist on your favorite flavors.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
![Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/mushroom-risotto-landscape-1.jpg)
This mushroom risotto with peas is creamy and rich without any dairy. It’s packed with umami flavors, making it a comforting dish to end a rough day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
![Ground beef pasta skillet garnished with parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ground-beef-pasta-skillet-landscape-1.jpg)
This ground beef pasta can be made in under 30 minutes with any pasta you have. It tastes like it’s been simmering all day, providing a quick yet hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Healthier Sloppy Joes
![Sloppy Joe sandwiches on an English muffin.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sloppy-joe-landscape-1.jpg)
Made with lean ground beef, low-sugar ketchup, BBQ sauce, and low-fat cheese, these sloppy joes are a healthier version of the classic.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes
Stuffed Chicken Marsala
![Stuffed chicken marsala in a cast iron skillet.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/stuffed-chicken-marsala-landscape-1.jpg)
This stuffed chicken marsala includes mozzarella, tomato butter, and fresh basil inside the chicken. A comforting take on a classic Italian dish.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken Marsala
Turkey Chili Pie
![Turkey chili pie in a skillet and serving bowls.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/turkey-chili-pie-1.jpg)
This chili pie combines lean turkey chili with a cornbread topping, all baked together in one skillet. A hearty meal perfect for rough days.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie
Chicken Sorrentino
![Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/chicken-sorrentino-MSN-1.jpg)
Breaded chicken topped with prosciutto, eggplant, and cheese, baked in tomato sauce. This classic Italian dish has everything you love in one comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino
Goat Cheese Grits
![Creamy goat cheese grits in a white bowl with a wooden spoon topped with tomatoes and fresh basil.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/goat-cheese-grits-MSN-1.jpg)
These goat cheese grits are topped with burst tomatoes, chicken, and basil, providing a comforting meal full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Grits
Sausage Mac and Cheese
![A bowl of macaroni and cheese with sausage and parsley.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sausage-mac-and-cheese-MSN-1.jpg)
This creamy sausage mac and cheese is always a hit with its cheesy sauce and velvety texture. It’s a comforting meal that both adults and kids will love.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese
Salsa Chicken
![A white dish with chicken in a tomato sauce.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/salsa-chicken-MSN-1.jpg)
Salsa chicken is an easy weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are baked with salsa, sweet corn, and cheddar cheese, ready in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Salsa Chicken
Taco Lasagna
![](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taco-lasagna-13.jpg)
Taco lasagna is a creamy, cheesy Mexican-Italian mash-up. Perfect for taco Tuesday, it’s simpler than it seems and a comforting meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Taco Lasagna
Sausage Stuffed Peppers
![](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/sausage-stuffed-peppers-MSN-1.jpg)
These peppers are stuffed with a mixture of sweet Italian sausage, spinach, rice, ricotta cheese, herbs, and spices. A comforting, complete meal topped with parmesan.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
![A bowl of pasta with vegetables and cheese garnished with basil on a table next to a pepper mill and a linen napkin.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sun-dried-tomato-pasta-MSN-1.jpg)
This meatless sun-dried tomato pasta combines rigatoni, a creamy tomato sauce, parmesan, and spinach. Make it in less than 30 minutes for a comforting midweek dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta