73 Winter Comfort Food Recipes

The Best Beef Stew

Our stew has tons of flavor thanks to the herbs, red wine and balsamic vinegar. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Rotisserie-Style Chicken

My mother used to fix this rotisserie-style chicken when I lived at home, and we called it Church Chicken because Mom would put it in the oven Sunday morning before we left for church. When we got home, the aroma of the roasted chicken would hit us as we opened the door. —Brian Stevenson, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Portobello Risotto with Mascarpone

Portobello mushrooms add a beefy flavor to this creamy classic. Each serving is topped with soft, buttery mascarpone cheese, which makes it extra special. —Carmella Ryan, Rockville Centre, New York

Turkey Corn Chowder

This thick and rich turkey corn chowder uses up Thanksgiving leftovers. Every so often, my grandmother would even add chopped hard-boiled eggs to this chowder to give it a nice richness. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Also check out these healthy winter soups that’ll fill you right up.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Tired of the same old side dish, I whipped up this new family favorite. We can't get enough of these loaded mashed potatoes at our house. Often, I'll prepare this casserole ahead and refrigerate it. Then I bake it just before serving. —Dawn Reuter, Oxford, Wisconsin

Garlic Beef Enchiladas

Beef enchiladas are typically prepared with corn tortillas, but my husband, Jeff, and I prefer flour tortillas. I use them in this saucy casserole that has irresistible home-cooked flavor and a subtle kick. —Jennifer Standridge, Dallas, Georgia

Cheeseburger Paradise Soup

I’ve never met a person who didn’t enjoy this creamy soup, and it’s hearty enough to serve as a main course with your favorite bread or rolls. —Nadina Iadimarco, Burton, Ohio

Easy Vegetable Lasagna

Bursting with garden favorites, this easy vegetable lasagna is a vegetable lover’s dream. The pasta layers are generously stuffed with roasted zucchini, mushrooms, peppers and onion in homemade tomato sauce. —Susanne Ebersol, Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania

Blue Plate Beef Patties

A friend and I discovered this recipe together and both consider it a staple menu item. I fix the moist ground beef patties often for family and friends. We love them with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles and the gravy, which gets great flavor from fresh mushrooms. —Phyllis Miller, Danville, Indiana

Savory Rice-Stuffed Apples

My family has several apple trees, so I am challenged to create new recipes each fall. This side dish is wonderful with pork roast and so effortless due to the use of the slow cooker. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Creamy White Chili

Years ago, as a time-starved college student, I got this wonderful recipe from my sister-in-law. She had made a big batch and served it to a crowd one night. It was a hit—and easy and quick. In all my years of cooking, I’ve never had another dish get so many compliments. —Laura Brewer, Lafayette, Indiana

Chicken Marsala en Croute

I love puff pastry and chicken Marsala, so I decided to combine the two. The result is a very special meal perfect for Sunday dinner or any special occasion. Be sure to keep the puff pastry chilled so it is easier to work with. —Lorraine Russo, Mahwah, New Jersey

Slow Cooker Mushroom Potatoes

This versatile side dish jazzes up sliced potatoes with mushrooms, onions, canned soup and cheese. Its comforting flavor makes it a nice accompaniment to most meats. —Linda Bernard, Golden Meadow, Louisiana

Penne All’Arrabiata

Pasta all’arrabiata, a classic Italian recipe, is my comfort food be it summer or winter. My kids and I love sprinkling “pangrattato” (fried bread crumbs) on top of the arrabiata sauce. —Smitha Haridasan, Ganapathy, AE

Irish Onion Soup

The inspiration behind this recipe came from my father, who owned a restaurant and created the original dish. This version stars contemporary ingredients but still serves the same popular robust flavor. —Theresa Miller, Sault St. Marie, Michigan

Garlic Knotted Rolls

Using frozen yeast dough is an easy way to make homemade rolls. These cute knots add a special touch to any menu.

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

We often eat easy-to-make soups when there’s not a lot of time to cook. I replaced the wild rice in the original recipe with a boxed rice mix. This creamy concoction is now a favorite.

Chicken Biscuit Potpie

This hearty chicken potpie recipe with biscuits takes just 10 minutes to assemble before you can pop it in the oven. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

Rosemary Beef Roast over Cheesy Polenta

I love beef roast in the slow cooker, and it’s fun to pair it with something a little different than potatoes! This is true comfort food. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup

It doesn’t take long to put bowls of this comforting cheesy potato soup recipe on the table. Convenience items, such as canned soup and processed cheese, simplify the preparation. —Tammy Condit, League City, Texas

Favorite Christmas Breakfast Casserole

After church on Christmas morning, our family enjoys this easy, make-head casserole. I’d also recommend this Christmas morning breakfast casserole for a special brunch any time of the year. —Maryellen Hays, Wolcottville, Indiana

Cranberry Nutella Sandwich Cookies

I created these cookies for my family after I realized that we had been without Nutella for far too long! The tart dried cranberries are a natural pairing to the hazelnut flavor. We can’t get enough of these sweet treats!
—Nancy Mock, Colchester, VT

Sage Dressing

This moist, hearty sage stuffing is nicely seasoned with sausage and fresh mushrooms. Sometimes I use it to stuff my Thanksgiving turkey and other times I bake it separately. —Betty Kay Sitzman, Wray, Colorado

Classic Cheesecloth Turkey

This cheesecloth turkey uses a classic method, wine-soaked cheesecloth, to give you the juiciest turkey and most flavorful gravy you’ve ever tasted! Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

For those without a cheesecloth, Martha Stewart’s cheesecloth substitute for turkey hack is just as effective.

Corny Green Bean Casserole

Crushed crackers and french-fried onions create a fast and flavorful topping for this home-style green bean casserole with cheese. It’s the perfect cheesy dish to take to potluck dinners. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa

Peanut Butter Cinnamon Snap Cookies

These peanut butter cinnamon cookies are perfect for bake sales, potlucks or holiday gift baskets. Use fun cookie cutters for any occasion you are celebrating. The cookie glaze dries shiny, so they look professional. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Autumn Lamb Skillet

I have found that even those who do not prefer lamb will enjoy this recipe. It is especially delicious on a chilly night! —Arlene Aughey, Saddle Brook, New Jersey

Best Spaghetti and Meatballs

One evening we had unexpected company. Since I had some of these meatballs left over in the freezer, I warmed them up as appetizers. Everyone raved! This classic recipe makes a big batch and is perfect for entertaining. —Mary Lou Koskella, Prescott, Arizona

Favorite Baked Potato Soup

My husband and I enjoyed a delicious baked potato soup at a restaurant while on vacation and I came home determined to duplicate the flavor. It took me five years to get the taste right! —Joann Goetz, Genoa, Ohio

Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie

Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, swap out the chocolate chips for an equal quantity of M&M's or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-1/2 cups fresh raspberries. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

The first time I served this Chicken Hash Brown Casserole was to a family with five children. The kids and the adults loved it! This is one recipe I often make for parties—it goes a long way, and all ages enjoy it. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington

Pressure-Cooker French Onion Soup

I love French onion soup on a cold night, but I don’t love the time it takes. This is my quick version for when we’re short on time. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Southern Mac and Cheese

No down-home meal is complete without Southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina

Pecan Brownies

It's hard to eat just one of these nutty pecan brownies—good thing a batch can bake up in a matter of minutes. —Karen Batchelor, Bellevue, Nebraska

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

We live way out in the county, and the nearest grocery store is 25 miles away. So I’ve become quite skilled at turning leftovers into second-time-around successes like this turkey shepherd’s pie. —Linda Howe, Jackman, Maine

Pot Roast with Gravy

My family loves this tangy, slow-cooked beef roast with gravy. We always hope for leftovers that I turn into a tasty sandwich spread.—Deborah Dailey
Vancouver, Washington

Rice Meatballs

“I first made these meatballs when our children were small, and they just loved them,” notes Mary Kelso of Hannibal, Missouri. “I occasionally use cream of mushroom soup instead of tomato soup, and that variation is delicious, too.”

Slow-Cooker Short Ribs

These slow-cooker short ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Hearty Ragu Bolognese

My robust ragu combines ground beef, sausage and chicken. Serve it over any type of pasta, or baked or fried polenta. It’s even good on its own with a slice of hot buttered garlic bread. —Caroline Brody, Forest Hills, New York

The Best Chicken & Dumplings

 Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch harken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona

Flavorful Mashed Potatoes

Earthy herbs bring a full chorus of flavor to creamy red potatoes, making this side dish anything but ordinary. Save it for special occasions or serve as a dressy accompaniment to a weeknight meal. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York

Holiday Ham

When I was a young girl, ham make appearances at all of our holiday dinners. The old-fashioned flavor reminds folks of Grandma’s kitchen.
—Betty Butler, Union Bridge, Maryland

Chicken and Rice Dinner

My family lines up seconds of this hearty main dish from my mother-in-law, Mary Lou Baumert—a great cook! In this easy tasty recipe, the chicken bakes to a beautiful golden brown.—Denise Baumert, Dalhart, Texas

Bistro Mac & Cheese

I like to serve this mac & cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It’s a satisfying meal that feels upscale, but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona

Best Shepherd’s Pie

This is the best shepherd’s pie recipe I’ve ever had, and it comes from a friend who was a whiz at pinching pennies without sacrificing hearty flavor. —Valerie Merrill, Topeka, Kansas

Cranberry Apple Sheet Pie

My husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. It’s so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan

Easy Stovetop Lasagna

My family and I have made this Easy Stovetop Lasagna recipe many times over the past few months. It’s the perfect solution when you feel like lasagna but don’t have time to bake it in the oven! Serve with salad or garlic bread. —Wendy Masters, East Garafraxa, Ontario

Grilled Turkey Drumsticks

Try something different this Thanksgiving and learn how to grill turkey drumsticks! These smoky, tender turkey drumsticks are easy to make, free up space in the oven and cook in a fraction of the time needed for a whole turkey. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Tater Tot Casseroles

Ground beef, sausage and cheese make this tater tot casserole with green beans a crowd-pleaser. Cayenne pepper and hot Italian sausage give it a pleasant kick. —Ryan Jones, Chillicothe, Illinois

Chicken Crouton Casserole

This Chicken Crouton Casserole recipe has practically made my mom famous. When she takes it to get-togethers, it’s loved by all who taste it. Whenever she serves it to family, the dish is empty by the end of the meal. —Beth Gramling, Warren, Pennsylvania

Peanut-Cashew Marshmallow Pie

This pie appeals to kids and adults! The chocolate crust and caramel topping make it all the more special. I like the nice contrast of the creamy mallow filling with the crunchy peanuts. An added bonus is that this pie can be made ahead of time. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

Herbed Pecan Stuffing

I updated a basic stuffing recipe by using wholesome multigrain bread in place of customary white bread. It adds a hearty, crunchy taste. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Onion Meat Loaf

My husband and I really enjoy this delicious meat loaf made with onion soup mix. You only need five ingredients to assemble this easy entree before popping it in the slow cooker. —Rhonda Cowden, Quincy, Illinois

“Everything” Mashed Potato Casserole

The everything-mashed potato casserole seemed to evolve over a year and it’s a great dish to take to a covered dish event. If I need to keep it warm for a longer time, I sometimes place the mixture into a crockpot and then add the sour cream, bacon, cheese and chives. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

Turkey Leg Pot Roast

Well-seasoned turkey legs and tender veggies make this meal ideal for a crisp fall day. Moist and satisfying, the recipe from Rick and Vegas Pearson of Cadillac, Michigan couldn’t be more comforting!

Homemade Potato Gnocchi

My Italian mother remembers her mother making this potato gnocchi recipe for special occasions. She still has the bowl Grandma mixed the dough in, which will be passed down to me someday. —Tina Repak Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Pumpkin Sausage Soup

This dish is well suited to my lower-carb way of eating. It’s definitely soul food, and I love that it’s very simple to prepare. —Paula Diaz, Billings, Montana

Chicken Royale

Treat your dinner guests like kings and queens by serving them this chicken royale recipe. —Nancy Schubert, Lake Forest, Illinois

Glazed Carrots with Green Grapes

After receiving a slow cooker many years ago and not knowing what to do with the thing, I finally branched out and read up on what it was all about. This is one of the recipes I make that is really enjoyed by all at any time of the year. It is so colorful and a delightful side for any meal. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

This hearty beef and barley soup is a favorite menu item in our house throughout the year. Everyone savors the flavor. —Elizabeth Kendall, Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Chicken-Fried Steaks

My husband asks me to prepare this easy chicken fried steak recipe regularly. I like it because it’s so simple to make. —Denice Louk, Garnett, Kansas

Traditional New England Clam Chowder

I left a cruise ship with a great souvenir...the recipe for this splendid chowder! It's a traditional soup that stands the test of time. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

Roasted Tuscan Chicken Dinner

When an Italian friend shared many years ago that she often added Italian sausages to her pan of baked chicken, I had to give it a try! The sausages give the chicken an amazing flavor. Over the years, I’ve turned it into a one-dish meal by adding potatoes, onions and peppers, and it has become a family favorite that I often use for holidays, spur of the moment company and Sunday dinners. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois

Pressure-Cooker English Pub Split Pea Soup

This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of today's appliances, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for a bit and then it's "soup's on!" Finish it with more milk if you like your split pea soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Ranch Pork Roast

Our Test Kitchen created this simple Savory Pork Roast with a mild rub that’s perfect for new cooks. The leftover meat is tender and flavorful enough to be used in countless recipes.

Simmered Smoked Links

No one can resist the sweet and spicy glaze on these bite-sized sausages. They’re effortless
to prepare, and they make a perfect party nibbler. Serve them on frilled toothpicks to make them extra fancy.

Garlic Herbed Beef Tenderloin

You don’t need much seasoning to add flavor to this beef tenderloin recipe. The mild blending of rosemary, basil and garlic does the trick. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington

Challah Bread Pudding

I created this challah bread pudding recipe after my mother-in-law told me that she liked bread pudding. I was on a mission to create a version that was so good she’d ask me for the recipe. It worked! This can be served for breakfast, brunch or dessert. —Marsha Ketaner, Henderson, Nevada

Canadian Cheese Soup

My family loves Canadian bacon, but I don’t run across a lot of dishes that call for this pork product. Everyone was thrilled the first time I offered this succulent soup. —Jolene Roudebush, Troy, Michigan

Detroit-Style Pizza

Topped with pepperoni and melted, ooey-gooey cheese, this traditional Detroit-style pizza recipe is just what your pizza night needs. Don’t be surprised when it vanishes in seconds. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

For a spin on a classic casserole, try this easy version. For a fun twist, just add your family’s favorite pizza toppings! —Sharon Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota

French-Fry Bake

When a friend brought this to a gathering at church, I simply had to ask for the recipe—what a fast and fun way to serve potatoes! It's always good to find a recipe that can sneak in a few extra veggies; the kids never find the carrots hidden inside this one. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa

Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken

I was born in 1936 to a family of eight. Much of our food came from our garden and the henhouse. Mother served fried chicken every Sunday, but sometimes she surprised us with this broccoli-stuffed chicken. No arguments then as to who got what piece of chicken! —Donald Laugherty, Connellsville, Pennsylvania