14 Easy Comfort Food Recipes For Cold Days

Positive mother and little daughter tasting soup together

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Positive mother and little daughter tasting soup together
JackF/istockphoto

Quick and Cozy Cooking

The dead of winter calls for meals that are hearty and comforting. In an ideal world, you would have all day to simmer a stew or braise some beef, but we all know that in reality, it’s a mad dash to put something edible on the table after a long day.


These recipes for all your favorite comfort foods use minimal ingredients and take even less time. They’ll keep you warm without breaking an arm, leg, or the bank on those cold winter nights.

Macaroni and Cheese
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Simple Macaroni and Cheese

Gooey, buttery, melted cheese and noodles — is anything better when craving something comforting? You could cook up some boxed mac and cheese, or make your own in nearly the same length of time. This recipe takes just 15 minutes and requires only a couple of ingredients.


Recipe: All recipes

Tuna casserole
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Best Tuna Casserole

Go back to your childhood with a simple yet satisfying tuna noodle casserole. This version is elevated with a crispy, crunchy, potato chip topping. No need to worry about it being complicated — this whole thing will take you only 20 minutes to throw together.


Recipe: All recipes

Homemade Organic Vegetarian Chili
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Easy Chili

Cold days just call out for a steaming bowl of chili, and this recipe features that classic ski lodge flavor. The simple ingredients – including ground beef, kidney beans, and a dose of chili pepper – make it easy to cook up in half an hour.


Recipe: Salt and Lavender

cheese cream soup with potato and bacon on a rustic background. banner, catering menu recipe
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Beer Cheese Soup

Throw together this rich and creamy soup for cozy family gatherings. Beer and cheddar cheese are the stars of this easy recipe, which cooks up in about 15 minutes on the stove. Serve in warm and crusty bread bowls for the full flavor experience.


Recipe: Taste of Home

Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup
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Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Dark winter nights are much better when you can sip this hearty, comforting soup. You can whip up this loaded baked potato soup in under half an hour, making it great for the workweek.


Recipe: I Wash You Dry

Creamy Leftover Roast Turkey Pot Pie Soup
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Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie is the classic comfort food, but it’s not quick to make. When you’re short on time, this creamy soup has all the taste without all the work. It cooks up in less than half an hour. Just fry up flour-coated chicken, then toss in the rest of the ingredients and boil. Serve with ready-made rolls.


Recipe: The Spruce Eats

Homemade Slow Cooker Pot Roast
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Instant Pot Pot Roast

Is a fast pot roast possible? The answer is a resounding yes. This version is on the table in a little over half an hour. The secret is cutting up the meat into smaller pieces before cooking in a pressure cooker.


Recipe: Two Sleevers

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Panini
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Pepperoni Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese is the ultimate easy comfort food. This version takes it up a notch with layered pepperoni inside and a crispy golden garlic bread exterior. It’s still easy, though — you’ll have it on the table in about 15 minutes.


Recipe: Food Network

Irish Beef Stew
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Quick Beef Stew

You’re cold, tired, and starving, but making a stew seems like an awful lot of effort. Think again, because you can cook up this beef stew in 20 minutes. Sirloin, carrots, and potatoes make it just as hearty as recipes that take more time.


Recipe: Simple Sweet Savory

Cheesy, Beef and Veal Lasagna
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20-Minute Lasagna

Lasagna is always a satisfying choice for a comfort meal. This filling recipe can be on the table in about 40 minutes. If you brown the meat in advance it will be ready to go even faster.


Recipe: All recipes

Meatballs
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Fast and Friendly Meatballs

Meatballs are a comfort food for all ages. This recipe is ready in mere minutes, making it great for the weekday rush. Meatballs are also super versatile — throw them together with spaghetti or put them in a sub sandwich bun.


Recipe: All recipes

Fresh baked tomato glazed meatloaf served with mashed potato
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Quick and Easy Meatloaf

Can anyone make meatloaf like Mom? You can with this version, which bakes up in about 20 minutes. It’s so good, mom may actually wonder why she spent so much time on it before when it can be ready this fast.


Recipe: The Foodie Affair

Image of glass baking dish containing cooked ingredients for a layered bread and butter pudding, slices of buttered white bread layers sprinkled with dried fruit and diced red and green apples
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Microwave Bread Pudding

Sometimes, you really need a warm, comforting dessert on a bone-chilling day. This bread pudding recipe needs only five ingredients and is ready in five minutes. It’s simple and satisfyingly sweet; feel free to add chocolate chips, cinnamon, or maple syrup to your liking.


Recipe: King Arthur

Apple crumble
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Easy Apple Cobbler

This apple cobbler tastes decadent, yet requires just a handful of ingredients and is ready in under an hour. The secret is using either frozen fruit or your favorite pie filling. Either way, you’ve got a warm, crumbly dessert that’s super simple to toss together.


Recipe: Mix and Match Mama


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