25 Creative Comfort Food Recipes That Go Beyond Mac & Cheese

We all know mac and cheese is a champion, but what if there was a whole world of comforting food waiting to be explored? This list is filled with 25 creative comfort food recipes that'll leave you feeling satisfied and cozy.

From hearty soups and rich stews to spicy curries and creamy pastas, there's something here for everyone. We'll show you how to create these comforting classics in your own kitchen, using easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps.

Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry

Easy & healthy Coconut Chicken Curry made in an Instant Pot in just 30 minutes! This is simple Indian chicken curry recipe is made with ginger, garlic, onions alongside flavorful spices, and finished with creamy coconut milk. Pair this curry with fragrant basmati rice. Get the recipe.

Spanish Chicken and Rice

Bursting with flavor, juicy, hearty, and comforting, this Spanish Chicken and Rice makes a delicious one-pot recipe for the whole family. Perfect for a weeknight or Sunday dinner. Get the recipe.

Dutch Split Pea Soup 

Are you craving comfort food? This Dutch Split Pea Soup is exactly what you need to make when it's cold outside. Loaded with heartwarming flavors of bacon, Polish kielbasa and vegetables, this traditional Dutch soup is a great way for putting your split peas to use. Get the recipe.

Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs with Vegetables

One-Pan dinners have never been easier. Crispy baked Apricot Glazed Chicken thighs, fingerling potatoes, carrots and broccoli make a delicious and fast weeknight meal for the whole family. Get the recipe.

Eggplant Potato Stew

This thick and hearty Eggplant Potato Stew Recipe features chewy eggplants, tender potatoes, and aromatics full of flavor. Made with plenty of veggies in just under an hour, it's the ultimate stew. Get the recipe.

Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff

This Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff is the perfect one-pot meal that'll be ready in under 30 minutes to give you a deliciously satisfying meal without having to slave away in the kitchen all day! Get the recipe.

Mushroom Cheese Soup 

This mushroom cheese soup is perfect as a starter or the main meal. It's quick and has only 6 ingredients which makes this easy mushroom soup recipe the perfect go-to when you want something simple, but loaded with flavor. Get the recipe.

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Welcome to the world of mouthwatering flavors with our easy-to-make Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. This dish is not just a warm comfort food for chilly evenings, but it's also a great way to bring your family together at the dining table. Our recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy cheese, and a crispy topping that all come together for a delightful feast. Get the recipe.

Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms

Make this Gnocchi with Bacon & Mushrooms in just 25 minutes, with few ingredients and incredible taste. Made with store bought gnocchi and a touch of cream it's topped with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. Get the recipe.

Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Veggies

This Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Veggies is a quick and fuss-free dinner recipe for busy weeknights. Just dump all of the ingredients on a cooking tray and bake. This recipe can be made with regular sausages and any vegetables you have in your fridge. Get the recipe.

Cajun Oyster Mushroom Pasta

This oyster mushroom pasta is a flavor-packed delight that you won’t be able to resist. The recipe has crispy oyster mushrooms, vibrant bell peppers, sweet onions, and juicy chopped tomatoes, all tossed in a blend of aromatic Cajun seasonings and rich coconut cream. The best part is that you can enjoy it in 30 minutes! Get the recipe.

Mafe (Maafe) - Senegalese Peanut Stew

Mafe (or Maafe) is a popular African peanut stew made in a spicy, creamy peanut and tomato sauce. This is one mouthwatering and appetizing dish you would not be able to get enough of! Get the recipe.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta 

Make this flavor packed Marry Me Chicken Pasta in just 20 minutes - and don't be surprised if everyone asks for seconds (or your hand in marriage!). It's a super creamy sauce with a delicious flavor combo of crème fraîche, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, paprika & oregano. All achieved with pantry staple dried herbs & minimal prep. Get the recipe.

Ground Beef Casserole

Indulge in this hearty and delicious Ground Beef Casserole Recipe! It’s the ultimate comfort food with tender ground beef, creamy cream cheese, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Get the recipe.

Parmesan Soup with Bacon and Croutons

I won't lie when I tell you that French Parmesan Soup will knock your socks off. Intense Parmesan flavor, unforgettable taste, crispy bacon and garlicky croutons make this silky soup an ultimate comfort food for a cold weather. Your family will love it! Get the recipe.

Kung Pao Tofu (Easy Recipe)

Crispy Kung Pao Tofu is made with pan-fried tofu, bell pepper, dried chiles, and peanuts in a sweet and spicy sauce. It is a lighter and healthier vegan dinner inspired by Chinese cuisine that tastes better than takeout and is easy to prepare on a weeknight! Get the recipe.

Spicy Bean Stew

Feeling chilly and hungry? My spicy bean soup is on the table. Oh, joy! Warm up your bones with this rich, filling beans and pork sausage stew, and then go back for more! And with the freshness and nutrition of the veggies, you can enjoy this tasty and nourishing soup anytime. Get the recipe.

Homemade Pork and Beans Recipe

Craving a delicious dish that’s quick and easy to make? This Homemade Pork and Beans recipe is the one for you! With tender chunks of pork shoulder, crispy bacon, and soft navy beans, it’s a dish that's as satisfying as it looks! What’s best is that it’s ready from scratch in just 35 minutes! Get the recipe.

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli

This orecchiette with sausage and broccoli pasta has all of the components you need for a quick and easy meal, and it comes together in 30 minutes – perfect for weeknight dinners. And you might even have everything you need to make this Italian sausage pasta in your kitchen already – it’s made with just 5 simple ingredients. Get the recipe.

Easy Korean Beef and Rice

If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, then try this Korean beef and rice! It’s the perfect combination of flavors for a meal that’s going to become a new family favorite! With a few pantry staples, you can make a delicious meal from start to finish in just 15 minutes! Get the recipe.

Seared Salmon with Potatoes and Green Beans

Crispy Seared Salmon with lightly Browned Potatoes and Garlicky Green Beans make a quick and no-fuss weeknight meal you and your family will enjoy. Get the recipe.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef Hash Au Gratin

Slow cooker corned beef hash au gratin makes an unusual St. Patrick's Day treat! It's a dish made with corned beef, potatoes and pepper jack cheese. Since it's a slow cooker corned beef casserole you can add the ingredients to a crockpot then forget about it! Get the recipe.

Turmeric Salmon and Couscous

This Turmeric Salmon and Couscous skillet is super easy to make on a weeknight but seasonal and tasty enough for company.  Loaded with good-for-you ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes! Get the recipe.

Shrimp and Juicy Pan Seared Pork Chops

Pan seared pork chops make a wonderful dinner. The butter herbed shrimp are flavourful and this easy pork chops recipe will be a surf and turf favourite. Get the recipe.

Perfect Chickpea Enchiladas

These tasty vegetarian chickpea enchiladas have a simple creamy cheesy chickpea filling paired with red enchilada sauce (use your favorite brand or my legendary homemade sauce) and are incredibly satisfying! Get the recipe.