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    Home » Uncategorized

    20 Southern Comfort Food Recipes for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 30, 2025, updated July 29, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Southern comfort food is all about hearty, satisfying meals that bring warmth and joy to the table. For busy weeknights, these 20 recipes offer a mix of classic flavors and quick preparation, making it easy to enjoy a taste of the South without spending hours in the kitchen. From creamy casseroles to crispy fried favorites, these dishes are perfect for gathering around with family and friends.

    Crockpot Chicken and Noodles

    Crockpot Chicken and Noodles.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over.

    This meal is all about comfort and simplicity. With just a quick 5 minutes of prep, it’s ideal for busy days when you want something filling without spending hours cooking. It’s a hearty dish that everyone will love.

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    Southern Fried Pork Chops And Gravy

    Southern Fried Pork Chops And Gravy.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    Southern Fried Pork Chops with Buttermilk Gravy is a simple and satisfying meal that brings a taste of comfort to your dinner table. The pork chops are golden and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside, making them a real treat. Pair them with classic sides like green beans for a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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    Southern Tomato Pie

    Southern Tomato Pie.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Southern Tomato Pie combines fresh tomatoes, creamy cheese, and a flaky crust into a comforting dish. It's a great way to savor the summer tomatoes from your garden. This pie is perfect for a cozy dinner and brings a taste of the South to your table.

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    Southern Fried Catfish

    Southern Fried Catfish.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Southern Fried Catfish is a fantastic choice when you're in the mood for seafood. The fish is tender and covered in a crispy, seasoned cornmeal coating that adds great flavor. It's a simple dish that brings a taste of the South to your dinner table.

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    BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

    BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a simple and tasty option for dinner. They’re filled with shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty BBQ sauce, making them a hit with everyone. This dish is great for a quick meal any night of the week.

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    Chicken Enchilada Casserole

    Enchilada bake.
    Photo credit: Confessions of a Fit Foodie.

    This dish combines the delicious flavors of enchiladas into an easy Crockpot meal. There's no need to roll tortillas or bake anything, making it a simple one-pot option. Just layer tortillas, tender chicken, and lots of cheese for a cozy dinner that the whole family will love.

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    Baked BBQ Kielbasa

    Baked BBQ Kielbasa.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Baked BBQ Kielbasa is a simple and tasty dish that works well for any meal. It can be served as a fun appetizer at gatherings or as the main dish for a family dinner. The mix of savory kielbasa, zesty BBQ sauce, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar makes it a hit with everyone.

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    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are a simple and tasty dish that really elevate baked beans. Packed with beef, bacon, onions, bell peppers, and three types of beans, this meal is hearty and satisfying. The tangy BBQ sauce adds a nice kick, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.

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    Dump-and-Bake Mac & Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Baked Mac and Cheese is simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner. In just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes in the oven, you can enjoy a delicious one-pan meal without the need for boiling pasta or making a sauce. With a blend of Cheddar and Gruyere cheese, this dish is rich and full of flavor, making it a great choice for any weeknight.

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    Sweet Potato Biscuits

    Sweet Potato Biscuits.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Sweet Potato Biscuits are a great addition to any meal, especially during the holiday season. By mixing in sweet potatoes, these biscuits become extra flavorful and soft. They pair wonderfully with holiday ham or turkey, making them a delightful side for festive dinners.

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    Smothered Chicken

    Smothered Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate.

    Seasoned chicken is cooked until it’s beautifully golden brown. After that, it’s covered in a rich and creamy gravy that makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. This dish is all about comfort and satisfaction, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Curried Chicken Noodle Soup

    Slow Cooker Curried Chicken Noodle Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Curried Chicken Noodle Soup gives a fresh twist to the classic dish. The curry powder and turmeric add a warm, rich flavor that feels cozy and filling. This soup is perfect for chilly days when you’re craving something hearty.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork is a great way to enjoy tender, smoky pulled pork without needing a smoker. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. This dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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    Smoked Spare Ribs

    Smoked Spare Ribs.
    Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones.

    Smoked Spare Ribs are a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner. They come out tender and juicy, packed with smoky flavor and a delicious barbecue glaze. This dish is perfect for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Sweet Cornbread

    Sweet Cornbread.
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    This Sweet Cornbread is a fantastic side dish that shines during the fall and winter. It's soft, moist, and fluffy, making it a perfect match for a warm bowl of chili or soup. With just a few simple ingredients like cornmeal, sugar, buttermilk, honey, and butter, it comes together easily and is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

    Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chef Savvy.

    Chicken breasts are cooked slowly in a flavorful barbecue sauce until they're tender and juicy. They’re great served warm on a brioche bun. This simple meal is perfect for busy weeknights, summer barbecues, or any gathering with friends and family.

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    Southwest Chicken Casserole

    Southwest chicken casserole.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Southwest Chicken Casserole is a filling dish that combines juicy chicken, zesty spices, and gooey cheese all in one pan. With easy prep and a comforting blend of salsa Verde, black beans, and southwest seasoning, this is a great option for busy weeknights that everyone will enjoy.

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    One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice

    One Pot Creamy Chicken and Rice.
    Photo Credit: The Dish Next Door.

    This version of broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken breasts is sure to please the whole family and is quick to prepare. It only requires one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines comfort and convenience.

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    Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders

    Shredded BBQ Chicken Sliders.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    BBQ chicken sliders with homemade sauce are a fantastic summer meal. These sliders are simple to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Using rotisserie chicken makes it easy to whip them up without much effort.

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    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: My Rad Kitchen.

    Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that's easy to whip up on a weeknight. With a rich blend of sharp white cheddar and Gruyere cheese, this creamy pasta is sure to please everyone at the table. It's finished off with a layer of crispy, buttery breadcrumbs that add a nice crunch to each bite.

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      31 Effortless Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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