27 comfort food favorites worth every bite

Photo of author

| Published:

Comfort food is not just about quelling hunger—it’s about feeding the soul, evoking memories, and creating new ones. These 27 dishes are timeless favorites that embody the essence of home, nostalgia, and love.

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Italian Mushroom Stew

Top view of a big pot of mushroom stew with cheese and basil on a cutting board next to the pot.
Italian Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into a stew where mushrooms and pork unite with a tangy tomato zing. It’s like Italy in a bowl, offering a cozy embrace after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Fancy a meaty treat? These pork chops are a game changer. Slow cooked to perfection, they’re the kind of comfort dish you’ll crave on a lazy day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Easy Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon.
Easy Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Warm, hearty, and effortlessly delicious. It’s the kind of soup that fills you up and warms your spirit. Plus, ham, potatoes, and corn? A trio made in comfort food heaven.
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole

Zucchini and summer squash alternated in a dish topped with breadcrumbs.
Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A fresh take on casseroles! It’s packed with zucchini and squash, but the cheese and breadcrumbs steal the show. Dive in and enjoy a comfort dish that feels both familiar and new.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole

Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Why wait for a table? Experience the creamy goodness of Olive Garden’s best, right in your home. It’s pasta night redefined.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Chile Relleno Casserole

Casserole dish with chile relleno casserole topped with sliced jalapenos.
Chile Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Turn up the heat with this one! All the boldness of chile relleno, transformed into a comforting casserole. The flavors just pop, making it an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chile Relleno Casserole

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get that diner-feel without leaving your house. A meatloaf that screams comfort, with a side of nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

It’s where spicy meets cheesy. A comforting mash-up that hits all the right spots, and thanks to the slow cooker, it’s a breeze to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow cooker Italian beef on a crusty roll with provolone cheese and peppers.
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sandwiches just reached a new level. Flavor-packed and juicy as can be, they’re a weekly must-have. And the best part? Let the crock pot do the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Picture this: tender chicken bathed in a creamy sauce, all waiting for you come dinner time. The slow cooker ensures it’s comfort food with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken

Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos on a tray topped with peppers and onions.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

An all-in-one dish that’s big on flavor and versatility. Serve it up however you fancy, but one thing’s for sure – it’s comfort food with a spicy twist.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air fryer fried chicken legs and thighs in a pile on a wooden cutting board.
Air Fryer Fried Chicken. Photo credit: .

Who needs a deep fryer? Get your crunch on with this golden beauty. It’s comfort food with a crispy edge, no messy oil in sight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Think melt-in-your-mouth ribs without the grill. Tender, flavorful, and pure comfort. It’s a dish that pairs well with, well, anything.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnatti chili on top of spaghetti and covered with cheese, beans and onions.
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

It’s not just chili, it’s an experience. A flavor journey that offers something unique and comforting in every spoonful. And with the slow cooker, it’s almost too easy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Guinness Beef Stew

Top view of a bowl of Guinness beef stew with a black checked napkin and a spoon.
Guinness Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Warm up with a stew that combines tender beef with the rich depth of Guinness. It’s comfort food with a hearty edge, perfect for those chillier nights.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beef Stew

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Closeup of Slow Cooker beef with egg noodles.
Crock Pot Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Dive into the dreamy blend of beef and noodles, all drenched in a creamy sauce. Total comfort in a pot, perfect for those “need a hug” kind of days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Bowl of copycat Olive Garden chicken gnocchi soup in a bowl with breadsticks in the background.
Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Forget reservations! Bring the Olive Garden magic right to your kitchen with this bang-on gnocchi soup. It’s warmth, comfort, and deliciousness in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot.
Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Take a break from instant packets and embrace this crock pot wonder. Authentic ramen flavors without the wait or hassle—yep, it’s noodle nirvana.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown and hamburger casserole in white pan.
Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Slide into the world of creamy, cheesy bliss. This hashbrown and hamburger casserole is comfort on a plate and easy on the wallet. Perfect for weeknight wins.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

Cacio e Pepe

Image shows a plate with cacio e pepe in a neat pile topped with shaved parmesan cheese.
Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Unleash your inner Italian! Cacio e pepe is all about simplicity yet hits those comfort notes perfectly. Quick, cheesy, and downright delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cacio e Pepe

Stuffed Pepper

Stuffed peppers with tomato sauce inside a white dish.
Stuffed Pepper. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Dive into these stuffed peppers brimming with a comforting blend of rice, beef, and sauce. Low-carb magic, whether you’re team Shirataki or team Cauliflower rice.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper

Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Pork tenderloin on a cutting board next to a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Let’s make dinner epic with this melt-in-your-mouth pork loin. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a surefire way to level up your comfort food game.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Meaty thighs meet the dreamiest onion gravy in this must-try dish. And that gravy? It’s liquid gold! Perfect over mashed potatoes. Or anything, really.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Roasted chicken apple sausage, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and shallots on a sheet tray.
Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Experience fall on a plate! With chicken apple sausage, sweet potatoes, and caramelized Brussels sprouts, this one-pan wonder captures the cozy essence of harvest season.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Sheet Pan Dinner

Bomb Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate cut into slices with fresh parsley garnish.
Bomb Meatloaf. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Step aside, average meatloaf—this bad boy is a game-changer. Juicy, tender, and crowned with a glaze so good it should be illegal. A slice of this, and you’ll know why it’s the bomb.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Old-Fashioned Shepherd’s Pie

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

Dig into a time-tested classic. Layers of veggies, meat, and fluffy mashed potatoes—it’s the cozy embrace of traditional comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Shepherd’s Pie

Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy tomato basil soup garnished with grated parmesan and fresh basil in a white bowl with a gold spoon.
Creamy Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Who needs canned soup when you’ve got this? Bursting with roasted garlic and fresh basil flavors, this creamy tomato soup is the warm cuddle your taste buds have been yearning for.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Soup

Leave a Comment

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