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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Comforting Dishes That Are Like a Hug on a Plate

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on May 28, 2025, updated May 28, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Comfort food has a special way of making us feel warm and cozy, like a hug on a plate. From creamy mac and cheese to hearty chicken soup, these 23 dishes bring back memories and provide a sense of comfort during tough times. Whether it's a family recipe or a classic favorite, each bite can remind us of home and happiness.

    Beef Taco Skillet

    BEEF TACO SKILLET.
    Photo credit: Laura Fuentes.

    This cheesy taco skillet with ground beef is a quick dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's simple to make and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.

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    Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese

    Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese.
    Photo credit: The Littlest Crumb.

    This goat cheese mac and cheese puts a fun spin on the classic dish. Creamy macaroni is coated in a flavorful goat cheese sauce, topped with herbs, and baked with a crispy breadcrumb and parmesan layer.

    Get the recipe

    Salmon Stew

    A bowl of salmon stew.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This easy Salmon Stew is perfect for a quick and cozy meal. With just a touch of spice, it comes together in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients for a satisfying dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Thai Chicken Soup

    Thai Chicken Soup.
    Photo Credit: Vibrantly G-Free.

    This comforting Thai Chicken Soup combines coconut milk, fresh veggies, chicken, and rice noodles for a warm and satisfying meal. It's a cozy dish perfect for sharing with family and friends.

    Get the Recipe

    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is full of flavor and has a nice crispy texture. It's a comforting meal that will warm you up.

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    Mushroom Truffle Risotto

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Mushroom Truffle Risotto is a tasty dish that you can make in under 40 minutes. With mushrooms, white truffle oil, and white wine, it's great for dinner gatherings and surprisingly easy to put together.

    Get the recipe

    3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes

    SLOPPY JOES.
    Photo credit: The Short Order Cook.

    A classic sloppy joe is a great choice for a cozy meal that everyone will enjoy. It's the kind of dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table.

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    Cream of Mushroom Soup

    Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a tasty gluten-free Cream of Mushroom Soup for dinner. This easy recipe uses lots of cream instead of flour, making it a cozy and satisfying meal.

    Get the recipe

    Chili Mac 'n Cheese

    Chili Mac 'n Cheese.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This dish brings together creamy macaroni and cheese and hearty beef chili for a warm and satisfying dinner. It's an easy meal that everyone will love, perfect for busy nights.

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    Thai Salmon Curry

    A bowl of thai salmon curry with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Thai Salmon Curry features tender salmon cooked in a rich coconut milk sauce that’s full of flavor. This dish is quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole puts a fun spin on taco night by mixing ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese into one simple dish. It's great for a potluck or a quick dinner during the week.

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

    A spoonful of bacon mushroom gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Pan-fried gnocchi pairs perfectly with crispy bacon and savory mushrooms. This dish is a cozy meal that brings warmth and satisfaction.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. With tender shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    No-Boil Ravioli Casserole

    This cheesy ravioli casserole is one of the simplest dishes you can make. With just four simple ingredients and store-bought shortcuts, you can prep this dish in 5 minutes, and eat in under 40!
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish is super easy to prepare with just four ingredients and some ready-made items. You can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    4-Ingredient Chili

    Chili.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This meal is budget-friendly and satisfying, using just four simple ingredients. It's perfect for when you want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Steak Pasta Casserole

    Steak pasta casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This dish features a creamy steak and mushroom pasta paired with a cheesy casserole. It's a cozy and elegant dinner that you can whip up in just 45 minutes, all in one pan to keep cleanup easy.

    Get the recipe

    Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

    Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup.
    Photo Credit: Salted Mint.

    Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and hearty wild rice in a rich broth. It's a cozy dish that's perfect for chilly days and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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    Cowboy Casserole

    Cowboy casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    A Cowboy Casserole is a great choice for a quick and comforting meal. It's filled with creamy cheese and topped with crispy tater tots, making it a hit with the whole family.

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    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese is a simple dinner that you can whip up in just 20 minutes. With fresh ingredients, it offers a fun take on a classic dish that everyone in the family will love.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Shepherd’s Pie

    Easy Shepherd’s Pie
    Photo Credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Shepherd’s Pie, also known as Cottage Pie, is a cozy dish featuring ground beef and simple ingredients. It's affordable, easy to prepare, and can be dressed up with lamb or a gravy base if you want to make it a bit fancier.

    Get the recipe

    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features a tasty mix of creamy tomato sauce and crispy bacon that brings warmth and comfort. It's perfect for a cozy meal that satisfies your cravings.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Soup

    CHEESEBURGER SOUP.
    Photo credit: Wholesome Yum.

    Cheeseburger soup is a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with cheese and hearty ingredients, it’s surprisingly healthy and can be on your table in just 20 minutes!

    Get the recipe

    Pork Chops with Red Wine & Mushrooms

    Cast iron skillet pork chops.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These Cast Iron Pork Chops are juicy and ready in just 25 minutes. They're cooked with garlic, mushrooms, and thyme, then simmered in red wine for a delicious meal.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Ground beef tacos.
      24 Quick and Easy Ground Beef Dinners for Busy Nights
    • Ground beef dip.
      19 Cheesy Dump and Go Dishes That Will Save You Time
    • Slow cooked ribs.
      23 Delicious Crockpot Dinners for When You’d Rather Not Cook
    • Cheesy taco skillet.
      32 Stupid Simple Ground Beef Recipes We Can’t Stop Making

    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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