74 Healthy Comfort Food Recipes

Dutch Oven Pizza

We created this Dutch oven pizza to get more use out of our favorite piece of cookware. We couldn't believe how well it turned out! If you're not a mushroom fan, feel free to substitute different toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes

Satisfy your sweet tooth with decadent vegan chocolate cupcakes.

Makeover Cheddar Biscuits

Here's our crack at the never-ending biscuits from Red Lobster. Made from scratch with lighter ingredients, they're just as cheesy and buttery as the original. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Air-Fryer Pork Schnitzel

Crispy, juicy and cooked to golden perfection, this air-fryer pork schnitzel is a healthier take on the classic German dish. Pair it with creamy dill sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that's ready in just 30 minutes.

Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie

The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer potpie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark

Makeover Creamed Corn

This healthy creamed corn has all the rich feel and flavor of the original, but only about half the calories and about a third of the saturated fat. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Makeover Tater-Topped Casserole

I love Tater Tot casserole, but wanted a lighter version of the recipe. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen slashed the fat in this classic dish, while keeping all the Tots my family loves. Who know you could have healthy Tater Tots?! —Scott Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

Makeover Creamy Artichoke Dip

Folks are sure to gather around this ooey-gooey, lightened-up dip whenever it's placed on any buffet table. With cheese, jalapenos and a hint of lemon, it's a treasured favorite. —Mary Spencer, Greendale, Wisconsin

Short Rib Ragu

This rich, hearty short rib ragu is made in the slow cooker. The tomato-wine sauce is decadent, and the short ribs are so tender you can cut them with a fork.

Makeover Shrimp Rice Casserole

I am fond of this lighter version of my shrimp casserole. It has only half the calories and sodium and less fat than my original recipe. —Marie Roberts, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Comforting Tuna Patties

My grandmother and mother made these tuna patties on Fridays during Lent. I'm not the biggest fan of tuna, but it's perfect in this dish. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Get a one-pan dinner on the table with this ground turkey sweet potato skillet, featuring smoky turkey, tender sweet potatoes and vibrant kale in a savory tomato broth, topped with creamy avocado.

Beef Stew

Treat yourself to an oh-so-satisfying Sunday dinner with our best beef stew recipe. The secret to this stew's success is the balsamic vinegar, which adds complexity and brightens up the beefy, wine-rich broth.

Light Linguine Carbonara

When we have to rush off at night, I make this speedy pasta with veggies and bacon. Serve with breadsticks or garlic toast, and dinner's done. —Mary Jo Miller, Mansfield, Ohio

Creamy Chicken and Thyme

Thyme gives this simple chicken dish its unique flavor. I lightened up the original recipe by using reduced-fat sour cream, but you'd never guess based on its rich, creamy flavor. —Harriet Johnson, Champlin, Minnesota

Peachy Summer Cheesecake

This is a cool, always refreshing dessert that is fancy enough to take to a gathering. You can make this ahead of time and freeze it. Make sure you cover it well in an airtight container and add the peaches only after the cheesecake thaws. —Joan Engelhardt, Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Taco Twist Soup

The fun, family-friendly twist in this taco soup is the spiral pasta. I lightened this soup by substituting black beans for ground beef. —Colleen Zertler, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Garlicky Chicken Dinner

Flavorful bone-in chicken is enhanced by herbs, lemon and hearty vegetables in this savory meal-in-one entree. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin

Makeover Cream Cheese Streusel Bars

With an oh-so-chocolaty crust, a crispy, crunchy topping and soft cream cheese filling, these delectable bars are over-the-top indulgent. —Janet Coops, Duarte, California

Authentic Pasta Carbonara

I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California

Pressure-Cooker Buffalo Wing Potatoes

I was getting tired of mashed potatoes and baked spuds, so I decided to create something new. This potluck-ready recipe is an easy and delicious twist on the usual potato dish. —Summer Feaker, Ankeny, Iowa

Caramel Apple Strudel

My father, who was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, would tell us stories about how his mother covered all the kitchen counters with dough whenever she made apple strudel. This recipe is a modern, delicious way to carry on part of my family's heritage. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland

Grilled Buttermilk Chicken

I created this recipe years ago after one of our farmers market customers, a chef, shared the idea of marinating chicken in buttermilk. The chicken is easy to prepare and always turns out moist and delicious! I bruise the thyme sprigs by twisting them before adding them to the buttermilk mixture; this tends to release the oils in the leaves and flavor the chicken better. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Carrie’s Cincinnati Chili

Every time we have a gathering or company, folks request this. My husband convinced me to enter it in a local chili contest, and I won third place! It's quick and easy. If I don't have fresh garlic, I use minced garlic from a jar. —Carrie Birdsall, Dallas, Georgia

Loaded Chicken Carbonara Cups

Spaghetti cupcakes with a chicken carbonara twist make for a tasty, fun family dinner. Whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat ingredients make these quick and easy little pasta cakes nutritional winners, too. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Makeover Traditional Cheesecake

Though softer than a full-fat cheesecake, this lightened-up dessert has all of the original's delectable flavor. It's sure to make any special event more festive. —Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Oven-Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy, crunchy and perfectly tender, this oven fried chicken legs recipe is an easy, mess-free way to make delicious fried chicken every time.

Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes

We love using this simple vegan vanilla cupcake recipe as a base to layer on extra flavor. Stir in grated orange zest and chopped pecans, vegan chocolate chips and cinnamon, or your own favorite mix-ins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Pressure-Cooker Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls

My family can't wait for dinner when I serve my tasty cabbage rolls. The dish comes together in a pinch and always satisfies. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama

Makeover Slow-Cooked Mac ‘n’ Cheese

This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. —Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin

No-Guilt Brownies

Yes, you can watch your diet and enjoy treats, too! These healthy brownies are the perfect cure for a serious chocolate craving. —Rita Ross, Delta, Ohio

Makeover Streusel-Topped Sweet Potatoes

People really do "eat with their eyes," and no one ever misses the fat and calories in this dish when they see how yummy and attractive the makeover version is. —Tamra Duncan, Lincoln, Arkansas

Broccoli Tuna Casserole

When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my family away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio

Wonderful Carrot Cake

This healthy carrot cake recipe is moist, tender and delicious. Kids will love it because it's sweet, and you'll love it because it's packed with good-for-you carrots. —Brenda Rankhorn, New Market, Alabama

Enchilada Chicken

We enjoy southwestern flavors and this six-ingredient recipe never gets boring. The chicken sizzles in the skillet before getting baked and comes out tender and juicy every time. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana

Makeover Peach Upside-Down Cake

This peachy delight has charmed folks for years. Our lightened version is even better with less fat and calories than other similar recipes.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Weeknight Pasta Squiggles

This zesty pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights. It contains just a few ingredients, is easy to prep, and tastes so comforting when the weather turns cool. A salad on the side makes this healthy pasta recipe a meal. —Stacey Brown, Spring, Texas

Sweet Potato Praline Casserole

For a change from marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, my mom served us this one. It became an instant favorite. —Caitlin Hooker, Austin, TX

Onion Rings

Get restaurant-quality crispy onion rings at home with our simplified recipe. Crunchy, sweet and golden brown, these homemade onion rings have a satisfying, savory taste.

Makeover Swiss Chicken Supreme

Stephanie Bell asked our test kitchen to lighten her family-favorite recipe. Even though this makeover recipe is slimmed down, it is still supreme. It has 560 fewer calories, 81 percent less fat and nearly 75 percent less sodium. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mashed Red Potatoes

In this recipe for creamy garlic mashed red potatoes, you can leave the vegetable peeler in the drawer. Keeping the skins on the potatoes gives these mashed potatoes a gorgeous rustic look.

Apple Pie Oatmeal Dessert

Warm and comforting oatmeal desserts bring back memories of times spent with my family around the kitchen table. I serve this dish with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a topper. —Carol Greer, Earlville, Illinois

Makeover Beef Stroganoff

I trimmed the calories, fat and sodium in a classic stroganoff, and my comfy, cozy version still tastes like a Russian masterpiece. —Candace Clark, Connell, Washington

Makeover Hash Brown Casserole

I wanted a hash brown casserole I could feel good about eating. This light version keeps the cozy flavor while nixing a lot of the fat. —Kelly Kirby, Westville, Nova Scotia

Italian Beef and Shells

A veggie and pasta combo makes a hearty entree that comes together easily. Wine lends an extra touch of flavor to the sauce and makes this main dish a winner. —Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio

Lemon Tiramisu

Indulge in a twist on the classic Italian dessert, the perfect blend of zesty citrus and creamy decadence with our homemade lemon tiramisu. This dessert features vibrant lemon flavors layered with velvety mascarpone and ladyfinger biscuits soaked in a sweet lemon juice bath.

Makeover Beef & Potato Soup

Slow-cooker easy, this soup is a Christmas Eve tradition after church services at our house. —Sheila Holderman, Berthold, North Dakota

Pepperoni Pizza Baked Potatoes

These tasty taters were a spur-of-the-moment recipe I created from leftovers! It's a true mash-up meal that combines two dinnertime favorites into one super-fun meal. —Dawn E. Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Grilled Pork Chops

Soaked in brine and rubbed with a fragrant spice blend, these grilled pork chops burst with flavor.

Eggplant Zucchini Bolognese

I roast the veggies while the pasta cooks, making this a quick dish. This meal-in-one dish blends rustic comfort with fresh flavors. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Glazed Chocolate Angel Food Cake

A drizzling of rich chocolate glaze lends an elegant touch and will keep guests wanting more. With only 3g of fat per slice, this is one treat you'll want to see year after year! —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York

Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese just may be king of the comfort foods. This sensational version is bubbling with creamy goodness—but is lighter on calories. —April Taylor, Holcomb, Kansas

Air-Fryer Apple Fritters

A lighter take on the classic treat, these air fryer apple fritters feature tender bites of apple encased in a fluffy, cinnamon-spiced dough.

Parmesan Potato Wedges

Here's a simple way to serve potatoes that has big flavor: cut into wedges, coat generously in garlic, paprika and Parmesan cheese, and bake until tender inside and crisp outside.

Quick Cheesy Broccoli

Topped with crumbs, this cheesy broccoli is a decadent side dish for any occasion. Plus, it can be on the table in just 10 minutes! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Makeover Hash and Eggs

Who knew there was such a thing as healthy corned beef hash?! Loaded with red potatoes and deli corned beef, our lightened-up version of corned beef hash delivers fresh flavors and a dose of fiber. It's so spot on, you'll swear you're in a diner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mac ‘n’ Cheese Dinner

Don’t settle for ordinary mac and cheese. This version is my kids’ favorite, so I always make a huge pot. It’s an easy recipe to cut down or double (or triple!). It can also be made into a low-fat recipe if you use nonfat milk, reduced-fat cheeses and lean ham. —Raymond James, Port Orchard, Washington

Chocolate Pudding

Bring your favorite childhood lunchbox treat to life with this rich and decadent homemade chocolate pudding recipe.

Pork Chops with Parmesan Sauce

Tender skillet chops make a speedy weeknight meal. These ones are finished with a creamy and flavorful Parmesan sauce. Here’s a new family favorite! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Spinach ‘n’ Broccoli Enchiladas

I like to top this wonderful meatless meal with lettuce and serve it with extra picante sauce. It's quick, easy, filled with fresh flavor and definitely satisfying! —Lesley Tragesser, Charleston, Missouri

Slow-Cooker Lava Cake

I love chocolate. Perhaps that's why this decadent slow-cooker cake has long been a family favorite. The cake can also be served cold. —Elizabeth Farrell, Hamilton, Montana

Polenta Chili Casserole

This delicious vegetarian bake combines spicy chili, mixed veggies and homemade polenta. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blondies

I converted these blondies to be gluten free so that my family could enjoy a comforting dessert. We were craving brownies one night, and these cakelike treats hit the spot. They are a fantastic spin on gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. —Becky Klope, Loudonville, New York

One-Pot Chili Mac

This hearty entree is low in fat, but full of flavor. I love that you can cook the dried pasta right in the chili. One less pot to wash! This also reheats in the microwave perfectly. —Dawn Forsberg, Saint Joseph, Missouri

Celeriac & Garlic Mashed Potatoes

My family can't get enough of this comforting fall favorite, especially at Thanksgiving. I love the addition of the celeriac. Its mild celery flavor pairs well with the garlic and potato. —Lynelle Martinson, Plover, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Potato Chips

These crispy air-fryer potato chips require just four ingredients, and one of them is optional. Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy homemade chips anytime!

Cabbage Roll Casserole

Stuffed cabbage rolls are delicious but time-consuming! This cabbage roll casserole is much easier to make. Cabbage is layered with seasoned ground beef, rice and tomato sauce to create a scoopable version of the classic comfort food.

BLT Twice-Baked Potatoes

Two favorites go together in this hearty dish: BLTs and twice-baked potatoes. I like to serve these potatoes with grilled steaks or barbecued chicken. —Mary Shenk, DeKalb, Illinois

Makeover Lemon Pound Cake

For this lovely golden cake, I use fat-free yogurt to trim the calories. It's a comforting dessert for days when it's warm enough to dine outside. —Lauren Gilmore, Pennington, New Jersey

Enchilada Stuffed Shells

I served this entree to my husband, my sister and my brother-in-law, who is a hard-to-please eater. He said he liked it and even took leftovers for lunch the next day—I was thrilled! —Rebecca Stout, Conroe, Texas

Makeover Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Both of my boys loved this makeover version of a family favorite, and even my husband, who is a bit picky, wants a piece in his lunch tomorrow! —Mary Lou Moeller, Wooster, Ohio

Makeover Spinach and Artichoke Casserole

Spinach never tasted better than it does in this creamy, colorful dish that I've lightened up a bit with reduced-fat ingredients! —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Makeover Reuben Melt

This twist on a classic Reuben keeps the corned beef and uses a sauce made with Swiss (and plenty of thousand-island flavor). Fresh slaw on top replaces the sauerkraut. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin