21 must-try comfort food meals for rainy days

Photo of author

| Updated:

When it’s rainy and gloomy outside, there’s nothing better than making some comfort food meals to lift your spirits. These aren’t just any recipes; they’re must-try dishes that make staying in feel like a treat. You won’t need to spend all day in the kitchen, as these meals are easy to make and don’t take endless time to prep.

Each of these 21 recipes is a mix of familiar ingredients that create great flavors and fill your home with warmth. Plus, they’re easy to put together and cook quickly so that you can enjoy your meal without a fuss. So the next time the rain starts coming down, you’ll have a list of go-to recipes to make the day feel a lot better.

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Corn Soup

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

Make this Chicken Corn Soup in less than an hour using just one pot. It’s filled with chunks of chicken, corn, and other veggies. It’s easy to make and good for warming up on a rainy day. This soup is a solid choice for both busy weekdays and lazy weekends.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Soup

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

You’ll find basics like bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese in this casserole. It’s easy to make, and you can even prepare it beforehand or use leftover potatoes to skip a few steps. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal on a rainy day, and it’s simple enough for anyone to make.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy Dijon Chicken

This chicken dish is quick and only takes 30 minutes to make. You cook seasoned chicken thighs in a creamy mustard sauce and add some crumbled bacon. It’s a warm, filling meal that you can make in one pan. Great for those rainy days when you want something comforting but easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

A bowl of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot soup combines sweet potatoes and red peppers to create a creamy texture. It takes about an hour to make and is a good way to warm up on a rainy day. Whether you’re busy or taking it easy, this simple recipe is a solid option for both weeknights and weekends.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted cubed butternut squash and spinach with sour cream.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Combine butternut squash, cauliflower, red onion, and bacon on a single sheet pan for this meal. A mix of Dijon mustard and a sweetener adds some extra flavor. The dish is good for cold days and takes around an hour to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Spinach Chicken Bake

A serving spoon serving of creamy spinach chicken bake.
Spinach Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Here’s a meal you can put together in just 30 minutes. Chicken, spinach, and cheese make up this hearty dish, which is perfect for warming up when the weather is gloomy. It’s easy to make, making it a regular choice for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Chicken Bake

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup with a gold spoon.
Hungarian Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pot mushroom soup offers warmth and takes about 45 minutes to prepare. It’s an easy choice for both beginners and those who are more comfortable in the kitchen. Enjoy this on both weeknights and weekends when you’re in the mood for something comforting on a rainy day.
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Crock Pot Taco Soup

A bowl of crock pot taco soup topped with sour cream and cilantro.
Crock Pot Taco Soup. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

This soup takes a quick 20-minute setup, and then your slow cooker does the work. It has ground beef and a mix of spices, making it a warm bowl of comfort. It’s a good option for rainy days when you’d rather set it and forget it.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Taco Soup

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 30 minutes, you can have this one-pan dish ready. It combines chicken with a rich mushroom sauce, making it a warm and filling meal for colder evenings. It’s surprisingly straightforward and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

A spoonful of soup in a white pot.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute one-pot soup mixes Italian sausage and cream cheese. It’s warm and filling, making it a solid choice for colder nights. The recipe is easy to follow, making it a frequent go-to meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

This soup captures the essence of autumn and takes about 40 minutes to prepare. It uses canned pumpkin and spices like cinnamon and ginger for flavor. It’s a one-pot recipe, ideal for those rainy days when you’re looking for comfort without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In just 30 minutes, this one-pot soup combines cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and bacon for a comforting meal. The recipe is particularly straightforward, requiring common ingredients and a simple blend-and-cook method.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This 30-minute dish uses frozen veggies, cheese sauce, and bacon, resulting in a bubbling golden casserole. Because it uses frozen vegetables, it’s a convenient option for those who want to skip the chopping.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice garnished with fresh herbs with a fork.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in 30 minutes, this dish involves just one pan and combines ground beef, cheddar cheese, and cauliflower rice. The use of cauliflower rice makes it a lower-carb option without sacrificing heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

This 30-minute one-pan dish pairs chicken thighs with Italian spices and sun-dried tomatoes. The sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated flavor, which complements the richness of the chicken thighs.
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Keto Zuppa Toscana

Taking an hour to cook, this one-pot soup features sausage, radishes (in place of potatoes), and spices. It’s keto-friendly, offering a hearty yet low-carb alternative to traditional soups.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In 40 minutes, you can whip up this Creamy Tuscan Chicken dish that combines chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce. It’s a well-rounded meal offering both protein and vegetables. The rich, creamy texture and the blend of flavors make it an ideal choice to warm you up on a rainy day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

This hearty casserole combines ground beef, spices, cheddar cheese, and vegetables. It’s oven-baked until bubbly, offering a warm, comforting meal. On a rainy day, this dish’s delicious flavors and warmth can turn any gloomy weather into an excuse for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This one-pan dish, ready in just 30 minutes, is straightforward yet hearty. The garlic flavor is perfectly balanced with a creamy sauce. Its quick cooking time and comforting blend of flavors make it perfect for lifting your spirits on a rainy evening.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Fajita Baked Chicken

In 30 minutes with just one pan, you can whip up a chicken and pepper dish seasoned with fajita spices. Its burst of flavor offers a welcome contrast to a rainy day’s gloom.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

This chili, requiring a little over an hour, merges sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, along with bacon and turkey for a protein-rich meal. The complexity of flavors and the heartiness make it ideal for hunkering down on rainy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Leave a Comment

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