20 recipes grandma would probably make better, but these come close

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Comforting dishes have a special way of bringing back the warmth and care you felt in grandma’s kitchen — where the food always made you feel taken care of and welcome. These recipes are all about that great feeling of gathering around the table, where the cooking was simple but filled with love. No need for anything fancy here, just the kind of meals that made you feel like you were right where you belonged.

A bowl of chicken pot pie soup being scooped with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.
Tuna Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Macaroni Salad is great when you’re craving something easy that brings you back to Grandma’s kitchen. This budget-friendly dish combines elbow macaroni, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and a mayo dressing with sweet relish. It takes about 40 minutes to put together, perfect for prepping lunches or whipping up a quick dinner. The familiar, creamy flavors make it one of those comforting meals that just hits the spot without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish with broccoli and cheese in it.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Casserole is one of those great, comforting dishes that’ll take you right back to Grandma’s table. This dish is ready in about 50 minutes with tender broccoli and cheesy goodness. It’s perfect as a main or a side, especially on nights when you need something filling without a lot of work. Whether you’re new to cooking or a pro, this casserole is simple enough for anyone.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

German Potato Salad

Close-up of a spoon lifting a serving of German potato salad garnished with chopped parsley. The salad contains sliced potatoes, bacon bits, onions, and a light dressing.
German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

German Potato Salad is a great way to bring some old-school comfort to the table. Ready in under an hour, this dish combines boiled potatoes, crispy bacon, onions, and a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. It’s the kind of simple, familiar flavor that makes you think of family gatherings and meals at Grandma’s house. This salad is packed with nostalgia and easy to make, perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.
Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is about as comforting as it gets. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you take care of your day. Cooked until tender in the slow cooker overnight or all day, the peas break down to thicken the broth. It’s rich, thick, and full of that cozy flavor that’ll remind you of the soups Grandma used to make. Great for whenever you need something hearty without spending too much time on it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Chicken Corn Soup is a comforting dish perfect for busy days when you still want a homemade meal. You’ll have a one-pot meal filled with tender chicken, sweet corn, and simple vegetables in less than an hour. It’s great when you need something quick but still want that comforting, familiar feel, like Grandma’s kitchen. With basic ingredients and an easy process, this soup is budget-friendly and practical.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Two shake and bake pork chops on a plate.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast but still want something that feels like a classic. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have crispy, flavorful pork chops that’ll remind you of those weeknight dinners at Grandma’s when simple meals were still the best. It’s easy to throw together, no frying required, just solid, comforting food that makes dinner feel less like a chore and more like a win.
Get the Recipe: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

A casserole dish filled with pasta and peas.
Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole is that classic comfort food that reminds you of Grandma’s home-cooked meals. Made with pantry staples like tuna, noodles, and peas, it comes together in under an hour and is perfect for busy nights. It’s practical, reheats well, and keeps things simple. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort, this casserole is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup with peas and carrots.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This soup is everything you’d want in a comforting bowl — creamy, hearty, and full of simple ingredients like chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back those cozy meals grandma always seemed to make better, but this one comes pretty close. Ready in about an hour, it’s perfect for when you need something that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A hand holding a spoon serves a portion of fried rice mixed with beef, cabbage, and garnished with chopped herbs from a beige bowl.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls give you the same hearty flavors Grandma used to make without the extra work. Ground beef, onions, cabbage, and rice come together in one pot, ready in just an hour. It’s a comforting meal that takes you back to the good old days but with less cleanup. This recipe is a reminder that classic flavors don’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with tater tots, shredded chicken, and corn, topped with melted cheese and green onions.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is perfect when you’re craving that comforting meal that reminds you of Grandma’s kitchen. This dish is ready in under an hour with shredded chicken, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner and easy on the wallet, too. You can even freeze the leftovers, if there are any, so nothing goes to waste. It’s the meal that takes you back to simpler times, with flavors that hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuna Egg Salad is a great option when you need something fast but still want those familiar flavors from back in the day. This 25-minute dish mixes canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, celery, pickles, and Greek yogurt. It’s crunchy and creamy at the same time, bringing a bit of that old-school comfort into your busy day. It’s like a modern take on Grandma’s go-to salad, quick and packed with the good stuff.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the kind of comfort food that makes you feel right at home. It’s made with bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and baked potatoes, all the things that remind you of those big, cozy family dinners. Plus, you can prep it ahead, so when you’re ready, just toss it in the oven. It’s perfect for those busy evenings, giving you a meal that feels straight out of Grandma’s kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

A bowl of chocolate-covered peanut butter balls with one cut in half.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These little bites are a sweet throwback to treats Grandma used to make. Peanut butter and butter come together with just the right amount of sweetness, then get dipped in chocolate for that classic, comforting vibe. They’re quick to make and perfect for sharing (or keeping to yourself). A great choice for holiday gatherings or whenever you’re craving something nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

7-Layer Dip

A hand holds a chip topped with a layer of sour cream, tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and shredded cheese above a platter of loaded nachos.
7-Layer Dip. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

7-Layer Dip brings that comforting, familiar feel of Grandma’s get-togethers. In just 25 minutes, you can create layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese for a snack everyone will love. It’s meat-free, budget-friendly, and super easy to prepare. Perfect for casual gatherings or when you need something quick that still feels homemade. Serve with chips for a simple, crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: 7-Layer Dip

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on a plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts are an old-school snack that always delivers. The crispy bacon wrapped around crunchy water chestnuts with a sweet glaze takes you back to those family parties at Grandma’s. It takes about an hour but is simple to make and uses just a handful of ingredients. Perfect for gatherings, these are always a hit and make you feel like you’ve brought a bit of nostalgia to the table. Easy, flavorful, and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms bring that comforting, familiar feel of family gatherings with their rich flavors. Stuffed with sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan, they’re hearty without being too complicated. The marinated mushrooms add an extra layer of flavor, making them perfect for parties or a cozy night in. They’re just like something Grandma would’ve served — delicious and practical.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked Ravioli

A close-up of a cheesy baked ravioli garnished with herbs, with a fork lifting a portion to show the melted cheese.
Baked Ravioli. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Ravioli is perfect for when you want something that brings back memories of Grandma’s cooking without a ton of effort. Just layer store-bought ravioli with marinara and cheese, toss it in the oven and wait for that cheesy, bubbling goodness. This is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re back at a big family dinner, full of familiar flavors. It’s simple, comforting, and exactly what you need when you want a homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ravioli

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

Hash brown breakfast casserole with a wooden spoon in it.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole brings all those cozy, comforting breakfast vibes you’d expect from Grandma’s kitchen. It’s packed with hash browns, bacon, eggs, and cheese — basically everything you’d want for a hearty start to the day. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or brunch. This casserole gives you that classic breakfast feel without a lot of work, setting a great tone for the day ahead.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean soup with carrots and croutons.
White Bean Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

White Bean Soup is simple and hearty and brings you back to those evenings when Grandma had something simmering on the stove. It’s made with white beans, carrots, and a few basic ingredients. It’s ready in about 40 minutes, which makes it great for weeknights when you need something quick. This soup keeps things easy while still giving you that comforting feeling of a homemade meal that sticks with you.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Sausage breakfast casserole on a plate with a fork.
Sausage Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Sausage Breakfast Casserole gives you all the comfort of a big family breakfast without needing much time. Ground Italian sausage, eggs, and cheese come together in a dish ready in under an hour and perfect for busy mornings. You can even make it ahead of time for easy breakfasts during the week. This casserole is great for those big family gatherings at Grandma’s or a simple dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Breakfast Casserole

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