Beginner Friendly + Quick and Easy Comfort Food Recipes

When it starts getting cold outside, there’s nothing that warms your body up like a hefty comfort meal. The best part about it is that it’s always best when someone you love make it. It’s part of the reason why we call it comfort food, it brings comfort to the soul and to your belly.

On the flipside of all of this, if you’re not that big of a cook, making these recipes on your own can be a bit tough. It could get pretty frustrating if you don’t even know where to start, or what exactly to get.

So, I curated some super easy, beginner friendly base recipes of some comfort foods that are better than some store bought processed mess. Take control of your health by knowing what all ingredients go into what you eat, its key to a healthier lifestyle.

Making food from scratch doesn’t have to be that intimidating, we all start from somewhere. It all starts with a recipe!

Take these simple and easy recipes and over time, tweak them as your own! That’s how a true recipe is created.

Here’s a collection of delicious and easy comfort food recipes to warm your heart and soul, perfect for cozy days:

 

  1. Classic Mac and Cheese

Rich, creamy, and indulgent, this mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

  • 2 cups milk

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp flour

  • Salt and pepper(I love adding garlic, onion powder with a dash of paprika) to taste

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or parmesan (optional for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions and drain.

  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux and cook for 2 minutes.

  3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until thickened.

  4. Add the cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.

  5. Season with salt and pepper, then combine with the cooked pasta.

  6. (Optional) Top with panko breadcrumbs and broil for a crispy finish.

 

2. Chicken Pot Pie

A warm and flaky pie filled with creamy chicken and vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

  • 1 cup diced carrots

  • 1 cup diced celery

  • 1 cup frozen peas

  • 1/2 cup diced onion

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup milk or cream

  • 1/4 cup flour

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • Seasoned salt /pepper / garlic+ onion powder taste

  • 1 store-bought pie crust

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until softened.

  3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute before adding chicken broth and milk, stirring until thickened.

  4. Add the chicken and peas. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and cover with the pie crust.

  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

 

3. Beef Stew

Hearty and flavorful, this stew is perfect for cold days.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat

  • 4 carrots, peeled and chopped

  • 3 potatoes, peeled and diced

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 tbsp flour

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 bay leaf

  • Seasoned salt /pepper / garlic+ onion powder taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the beef on all sides. Remove and set aside.

  2. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.

  3. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir and return the beef to the pot.

  4. Add carrots, potatoes, bay leaf, seasonings. Simmer for 1.5-2 hours until the beef is tender.

  5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

 

4. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

This dish is comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, diced

  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/4 cup white wine (optional)

  • 10 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

  • Seasonings

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, and cook the chicken until golden. Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and mushrooms until softened. Add white wine (optional) and cook until reduced.

  4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, cooking until thickened. Return the chicken to the pan.

  5. Add the cooked pasta, toss to combine, and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.

 


6. Shepherd's Pie

This classic comfort food is full of savory meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 carrots, diced

  • 1 cup frozen peas

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • 4 potatoes, peeled and boiled

  • 1/4 cup milk

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • Seasoned salt /pepper / garlic+ onion powder taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a skillet, brown the ground meat with onions and garlic. Stir in carrots, tomato paste, and beef broth.

  3. Simmer until the mixture thickens and carrots are tender. Add peas and cook for another 2 minutes.

  4. Mash the boiled potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

  5. Spread the meat mixture into a baking dish, and top with mashed potatoes.

  6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden.

These recipes are perfect for when you need a little warmth and coziness in your life! I hope you enjoy!

Xoxo,

Britt

Food, Recipes, Lifestylebrittany barkercomfort food, comfort food recipes, winter food recipes, filling recipesComment