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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    32 Comfort Food Dinners That Taste Better Than Any Restaurant

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated December 2, 2025 · Published December 12, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    There's something special about cozy dishes that make you feel right at home, no matter the season. From creamy pastas to hearty stews, these meals are perfect for warming up on chilly nights and are even better than what you'd find at a restaurant. Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these comforting recipes are sure to bring a smile to your face.

    Spanish Chicken Stew

    Spanish chicken stew with rice.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This chicken stew is easy to whip up using rotisserie chicken and is full of bright lemon and rosemary flavors. It's a cozy meal that's perfect for a comforting dinner at home.

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    Caprese Mac and Cheese

    Caprese Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This vegetarian mac and cheese is a quick and easy take on a classic family favorite, ready in just 25 minutes with only 10 ingredients. It's packed with sharp white cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh mozzarella, along with grape tomatoes and basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze.

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    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Stuffed peppers can be ready in just 45 minutes with this simple recipe. Packed with tex-mex flavors and topped with cheese, they're great on their own or paired with tortilla chips.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it perfect for a potluck or a simple weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Chicken Soup

    A bowl of chicken soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot Chicken Soup is ready in just over an hour and is full of flavor, perfect for a cozy dinner. It's creamy with a hint of spice, making it the ultimate comfort food.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Enchiladas with Green Sauce

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken enchiladas with green sauce are a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. This dish combines tender, garlic-flavored chicken in soft tortillas, all smothered in melted cheese and delicious green chile sauce.

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    Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls with Buffalo Ranch

    Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls with Buffalo Ranch
    Photo Credit: Sustainable Cooks.

    This is a tasty option for a quick bite or snack. It's perfect for when you're looking for something comforting and satisfying.

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    Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

    Chicken noodle soup.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This spicy soup is packed with Thai flavors and is just what you need for a cozy meal. It's perfect for when you're in the mood for something warm and comforting.

    Get the recipe

    Sheet Pan Gnocchi With Bacon & Mushrooms

    Gnocchi with bacon and mushrooms.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This simple meal uses just 8 ingredients and is perfect for dinner any night. With tender gnocchi, crispy bacon, hearty mushrooms, and crunchy pine nuts, it's a dish that everyone will love.

    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

    Gorgonzola Gnocchi

    Grogonzola gnocchi.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is rich and flavorful, combining creamy textures with a zesty kick. It's a satisfying meal that brings comfort and joy to any table.

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    Miso Mushroom Ramen

    a bowl of miso mushroom ramen.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A simple and tasty dashi pairs perfectly with some of the most flavorful mushrooms you'll ever enjoy. This dish is a great way to bring comfort food to your table.

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    Black Bean Tacos with Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo

    Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans, Feta Cheese & Pico de Gallo
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These Vegetarian Tacos are packed with refried black beans and crumbled feta cheese, all topped with fresh homemade pico de gallo. It's a simple and delicious meal you'll want to enjoy again and again!

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    Easy Paella

    Paella.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This paella is a simple dish that everyone will enjoy. Packed with flavorful saffron, shrimp, chicken, green peas, and bell peppers, it's great for dinner parties and tastes just as good the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Massaman Chicken Curry

    A bowl of massaman chicken curry.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Massaman Chicken Curry is a simple and delicious dish that you can whip up in just 45 minutes using one pot and some store-bought curry paste. It's creamy and slightly sweet, featuring chicken, potatoes, and peanuts, making it a comforting meal for any night.

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    Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

    Mexican Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over.

    Mexican Tater Tot Casserole is a tasty and simple meal perfect for weeknights. It combines ground beef, peppers, and tater tots, all covered with melted cheese.

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    Crockpot Creamy Mac and Cheese

    Mac and cheese.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    This mac and cheese is really creamy and simple to prepare. Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it cook on low.

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    Puff Pastry Pizza with Blue Cheese & Apples

    Puff Pastry Pizza with Blue Cheese & Apples.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Puff Pastry Pizza is a simple and tasty way to enjoy pizza at home. It's topped with mild blue cheese, sliced red apples, green asparagus, and crunchy kale chips, making it a great choice for dinner, an appetizer, or a snack.

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    Halloumi Portobello Burgers

    A portobello halloumi burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Halloumi Burgers are loaded with flavor, featuring mashed avocado, a juicy portobello mushroom, crumbled chèvre cheese, peppery arugula, and sweet caramelized onions. They're simple to prepare and always a hit with everyone.

    Get the recipe

    Chicken Stuffed with Feta Cheese

    Feta stuffed chicken.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Chicken filets topped with Feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil create a delicious meal that's hard to beat. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches come together in under 30 minutes, offering a tasty upgrade to your usual sandwich. The spicy buffalo chicken paired with a zesty blue cheese coleslaw creates a perfect combination.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Gnocchi with Frozen Veggies

    Baked gnocchi with vegetables on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Happy Veggie Kitchen.

    This is an easy one-pan gnocchi bake that requires no chopping. It's filled with frozen mixed vegetables and a creamy cheese sauce, making it a comforting meal for the whole family.

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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 incredibly easy to prepare. With just four basic ingredients and some ready-made options, you can have it ready in 5 minutes and on the table in under 40.

    Get the recipe

    Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

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

    Pan-fried gnocchi is a hidden gem that outshines the boiled version. When you add bacon and mushrooms, it really brings out the best flavors.

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    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

    Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This dish is a favorite among my friends and it's easy to see why. With buffalo cauliflower, avocado, blue cheese sauce, and cilantro, these tacos are a hit and can be ready in just 40 minutes using the oven or air fryer.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

    Pizza pasta bake.
    Photo credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This pizza pasta bake is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying. It's super easy to prepare, and with all the cheesy goodness and pizza flavors, everyone in the family will enjoy it.

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    Beef Chow Fun

    beef chow fun.
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Beef Chow Fun is a simple dish that you can whip up in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Featuring rice noodles, bean sprouts, scallions, and flank steak, it's a satisfying option that will leave you wanting more.

    Get the recipe

    Coconut Milk Pasta

    Coconut milk pasta in a skillet.
    Photo credit: My Pure Plants.

    Coconut milk transforms a basic tomato pasta sauce into something creamy and flavorful. This easy recipe is a great alternative when you don't want to use heavy cream.

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    Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

    Buffalo chicken quesadillas.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish brings together two favorites in a cheesy and spicy mix. It's a great option for a comforting meal during the week.

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    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

    Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta.
    Photo credit: From my Pantry.

    This creamy cottage cheese pasta sauce offers a tasty alternative to traditional tomato sauce, featuring a rich texture and plenty of flavor. It's a great way to elevate your pasta dishes at home.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

    Easy Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne is packed with chili flavor and plenty of veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's full of flavor and different textures, all made with just a few easy steps.

    Get the recipe

    Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza

    Buffalo cauliflower pizza.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Buffalo cauliflower is now even better, sitting on a pizza made with simple puff pastry crust. Baked until crispy and topped with cheese and a generous drizzle of blue cheese sauce, this dish is a delicious vegetarian option for dinner, a snack, or an appetizer.

    Get the recipe

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    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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