17 comfort food recipes that will make you ditch the takeout!

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Tired of greasy takeout and sky-high delivery fees? This is your guide to creating seriously satisfying comfort food in your own kitchen. Think cheesy, gooey, and totally craveable dishes that’ll have you saying “so long” to takeout menus for good.

A baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a portion served out.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving some serious comfort food? These Stuffed Baked Potatoes totally hit the spot. We’re talking fluffy mashed potatoes mixed with butter, cheddar, onion, and a little seasoning, then piled back into crispy potato skins. A little butter and paprika on top before baking? You know it. They’re warm, cozy, and super tasty.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These sweet potato puffs are seriously good—crispy on the outside thanks to the cereal, and sweet and creamy on the inside. It’s a fun and unexpected take on a classic. Trust me, they’re totally addictive.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

French Onion Soup

A bowl of French onion soup with a spoon next to it.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

A classic comfort food, French onion soup starts with deeply caramelized onions simmered in a savory, rich beef broth. This warming base is then crowned with a toasted crust of bread and a generous layer of melted, bubbly cheese.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Old-Fashioned Shepherd’s Pie

St patrick's day mashed potatoes.
Old-Fashioned Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Shepherd’s Pie is basically the ultimate comfort food: a hearty mix of cooked veggies and meat, all snuggled under a blanket of mashed potatoes. It’s super satisfying and just hits the spot on a chilly evening. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked meat and veggies.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Shepherd’s Pie

Waffle Grilled Cheese

Waffle grilled cheese on a white plate with flowers.
Waffle grilled cheese. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving some comforting grilled cheese? Did you know you can make this classic comfort food in your waffle iron? It’s true! Waffle Iron Grilled Cheese is incredibly easy. Just use your waffle iron like a sandwich press for a perfectly golden and melty treat.
Get the Recipe: Waffle Grilled Cheese

Cornbread Stuffing

A dish of stuffing on a cutting board.
Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This cornbread stuffing (or dressing) is straight out of a 70s cookbook, and it’s surprisingly delicious. The bacon, onions, and celery give it that perfect crunch and savory flavor – you can’t go wrong!
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

Classic Minestrone Soup

A spoon full of minestrone soup with vegetables in it.
Classic Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Craving something warm and cozy on a cold night? This Old-Fashioned Minestrone Soup is where it’s at. It’s loaded with vegetables and tastes amazing. It’s basically a hug in a bowl, and even better, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies.
Get the Recipe: Classic Minestrone Soup

Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits

A plate of biscuits on a table with a sign.
Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits are seriously good—tender, flaky, and bursting with buttery flavor. They’re perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—basically anytime you want a little comfort food. Slather them with butter or jam, or just enjoy them warm from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

A baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a portion served out.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

When only comfort food will do, this creamy mac and cheese delivers. A rich blend of cheddar and Gruyere coats perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a golden, buttery panko-Parmesan crust. It’s the perfect dish for snuggling up on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

With just frozen hashbrowns, cheese, and a few extra ingredients, Surprise Potatoes come together quickly and are sure to be a hit. They’re great for potlucks. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Cheeseburger Chowder

A bowl of soup with cheese and green peppers.
Cheeseburger chowder. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Make this old-fashioned Cheeseburger Chowder with browned beef, sautéed veggies, milk, and cheddar—it’s so delicious! Seriously, this is the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night. You’ll love it.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Chowder

Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup

A bowl of cheese soup with crackers on a plate.
Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Microwave Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup is like a big, warm hug in a bowl. Carrots, green onions, salt, and pepper just make it even tastier. It’s totally perfect for those chilly winter days when you need something cozy. Grab a hunk of bread for dunking and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

A baked casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro in a white rectangular dish.
Chicken Tortilla Casserole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Chicken Tortilla casserole is basically layers of chicken, green chilies, and tortillas, all baked up with tons of melty cheddar cheese until it’s nice and bubbly. It’s super easy to throw together. This is a great dish for a casual get-together.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Tater Tot Casserole

A spatula lifts a portion of a baked casserole featuring tater tots, ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese from a glass dish.
Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Crispy tots, savory beef, creamy soup, and gooey cheddar combine for a truly satisfying dish. It’s warm, hearty, and sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Alfredo steak pasta recipe is a perfect choice for a fast and delicious dinner. The rich, creamy sauce complements the savory steak beautifully. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Beef Birria

Overhead shot of a bowl of shredded beef birria with cilantro and chopped onions.
Beef Birria. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Beef Birria is classic comfort food: slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Guajillo peppers, cinnamon, ginger, and tomatoes create a complex yet comforting taste that satisfies with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Beef Birria

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback on a baking tray.
Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Want a delicious, low-carb chicken dinner that’s also easy to make? This Hasselback chicken recipe, featuring juicy chicken breast stuffed with tomatoes and mozzarella, is the perfect solution.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Caprese Chicken Hasselback

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