29 Comfort Food Recipes For When You Can’t Afford Eating Out

Photo of author

| Updated:

Eating out can be a treat, but it can also be a drain on your wallet. And let’s be real, who can afford to eat out all the time? Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice your love for comfort food just to save some cash – with these 29 delicious comfort food recipes, you can recreate your favorite dishes right in your own kitchen!

Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

Chicken with lemon and orange slices.
Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This cheesy Baja chicken and bell pepper skillet, is packed with south of the border flavors. With juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a blend of Mexican seasonings, all topped with melted Pepper Jack cheese, this chicken cheesesteak dish is sure to become a new family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baja Chicken & Bell Pepper Skillet

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A hearty meal is a must-have to keep you satisfied and warm all year round. This deliciously creamy chicken pot pie soup with a heart-shaped biscuit topping is one of the best comfort food recipes you shouldn’t miss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

One pot taco mac and cheese in a dutch oven.
One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you’re in the mood for a hearty and flavorful meal, look no further than this recipe for taco macaroni and cheese. Combining the best of both worlds with Mexican and Italian flavors, this one-pot dish is perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings in the cooler months.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta

A bowl with polenta in it with meatballs on top.
Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Meatballs and polenta with garlic roasted tomatoes is a simple to make, hearty meal. Easy comforting weeknight meals like this are perfect for the colder months when you crave something tasty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Meatball Polenta

Beef and Potato Bake

Overhead view of bowls of a beef and potato dish.
Beef and Potato Bake. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This beef and potato bake is an easy, one pot meal that is both filling and delicious, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner. With a layered potato topping, it’s a convenient dish that won’t create a lot of dirty dishes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Potato Bake

One Pot Chicken and Rice

Close up view of a baked chicken and rice dish.
One Pot Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, consider this baked chicken and rice casserole with Brussels sprouts and bacon, a hearty and filling one pot meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Perfect for cooler months, this tasty recipe is a great way to use simple ingredients like chicken and rice in a flavorful way.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Chicken and Rice

Cheeseburger Hot Pockets

Cheeseburger hot pockets with fries in a basket.
Cheeseburger Hot Pockets . Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cheeseburger hot pockets make fabulous comfort food! These cheeseburger hand pies with French fry topping aren’t hard to make and they boast so much flavor plus a charming homemade look.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Hot Pockets

Pot Roast with Red Wine

A bowl of pot roast with red wine.
Pot Roast with Red Wine. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker pot roast with red wine is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect to prepare in the morning and let cook all day. The mouth-watering aroma that fills your home when you get back is just an added bonus!
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Red Wine

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta
Italian Penne Rosa Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, try making this one-pot Penne Rosa Pasta with a creamy tomato sauce. This comforting and filling Italian dish is both tasty and satisfying, and perfect for those who love a little spice in their meal.
Grab the Recipe: Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Mushroom Ragu

Mushroom Ragu
Mushroom Ragu. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Elevate your pasta game with this delicious and flavorful mushroom ragu vegan pasta sauce, made with garlic, wine, herbs, and a variety of fresh vegetables. This homemade spaghetti sauce is perfect for vegans or anyone who loves a hearty and healthy meal, and is sure to become your new favorite meatless ragu recipe.
Grab the Recipe: Mushroom Ragu

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Transform traditional Italian comfort food with this recipe for homemade sweet potato gnocchi with roasted garlic sauce. The perfect vegetarian main course or flavorful side dish, this dish is easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience.
Grab the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Bacon, Onion and BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizzas. Photo credit: xoxoBella.
BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Looking for a hassle-free dinner recipe that requires minimal prep? Try this delicious BBQ chicken flatbread that bakes in the oven for a crispy crust and melty toppings! With a pre-made flatbread base and simple BBQ chicken toppings, this recipe is both easy and satisfying, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Fried Chicken Sandwich recipe is a deliciously satisfying upgrade from the fast food version, with a perfectly seasoned, golden brown coating and mouthwatering toppings. It’s a finger-licking deliciousness will elevate your sandwich game to the next level!
Get the Recipe: Fried Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole
Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This fiesta chicken pasta casserole bake, which features a delicious blend of chicken, corn, black beans, and Mexican-inspired seasonings. Whether you’re using rotisserie or leftover chicken, this southwest-style casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This baked feta pasta dish is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy feta cheese and sweet, juicy tomatoes. It’s quick and easy to make, and sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Leftover turkey shepherd’s pie is an easy weeknight dinner using leftovers, such as turkey and mashed potatoes, as well as onion, herbs, vegetables, and Guinness for flavor. It’s a delicious and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie

Eggplant Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce

Eggplant Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce
Eggplant Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Try this authentic Italian recipe for eggplant parmigiana, which is a comfort food favorite. Baked with a flavorful tomato and vodka sauce, this delicious vegetarian dinner idea is a hearty and satisfying meal bursting with tasty flavors.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce

Italian Beef

Italian Beef
Italian Beef. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

You won’t be able to resist making slow cooker Italian beef again and again once you try it. This hearty and filling dish is perfect on toasted rolls or hoagie buns and the slow cooked beef is incredibly tender and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef

Chicken Braised in Red Wine

Chicken dish with roasted vegetables.
Chicken Braised in Red Wine. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This dish features braised chicken in red wine with vegetables and fresh herbs. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, this slow-braised chicken is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Braised in Red Wine

Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables

A pork loin with vegetables on a plate.
Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Instant Pot pork loin roast with vegetables is a perfect date night dinner idea that’s quick and easy to prepare, thanks to pressure cooking. This meat, potatoes and veggies all-in-one dish is made with juicy pork loin and aromatic herbs for a perfect result.
Get the Recipe: Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables

BBQ Smoked Meatloaf with Glaze

A smoked meatloaf cut into slices on a cutting board.
BBQ Smoked Meatloaf. Photo Credit: Bella Bucchiotti.

Try this BBQ smoked meatloaf recipe on your pellet grill or Traeger, and you won’t regret it! With a garlicky tomato meatloaf glaze, this rich and meaty recipe is one of the best smoker ground beef recipes.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Smoked Meatloaf with Glaze

Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken

A smoked pulled chicken sandwich.
Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken. Photo Credit: Bella Bucchiotti.

This honey garlic BBQ smoked pulled chicken recipe is perfect for outdoor cooking and features a garlicky pickle brine, sweet mustard, chili, garlic/onion rub, and a honey garlic sauce. Smoked to perfection, it’s a must-try dish!
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic BBQ Smoked Pulled Chicken

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup in a bowl.
Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker lasagna soup recipe is the best you’ll try. Despite the number of ingredients, it’s easy to make and tastes amazing – perfect for a hearty Italian dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Loaded Poutine

Loaded Poutine
Loaded Poutine. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Indulge in Canada’s most beloved dish, the delicious poutine, perfect for satisfying any comfort food cravings. Smothered with cheese curds, bacon, and gravy, this tasty dish is a must-try for fry lovers.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Poutine

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms
Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This slow cooker beef and noodles with mushrooms is the ultimate winter comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. With a delicious combination of beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles in a creamy mushroom soup sauce, this easy crockpot recipe is a great option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Noodles with Mushrooms

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole

Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole
Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This fiesta chicken pasta casserole bake, which features a delicious blend of chicken, corn, black beans, and Mexican-inspired seasonings. Whether you’re using rotisserie or leftover chicken, this southwest-style casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Pasta Casserole

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This baked feta pasta dish is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy feta cheese and sweet, juicy tomatoes. It’s quick and easy to make, and sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Brisket Sandwich

A homemade brisket sandwich with pickled red onions.
Smoked Brisket Sandwich. Photo Credit: Bella Bucchiotti.

Enjoy a hearty smoked brisket sandwich with homemade pickled red onions and other toppings for a special dinner. Learn how to make this amazing treat that pairs well with various side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Sandwich

Onion Soup with Fontina

Onion soup in a bowl.
Onion Soup with Fontina. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This onion soup recipe is one of the tastiest, with a rich flavor from the mix of fontina, mozzarella, beef broth, and red wine. Serve it in small bowls as an appetizer or in larger ones for a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Onion Soup with Fontina

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.