10 Classic Comfort Food Recipes for a Cozy Night In

1. Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of macaroni and cheese. This classic comfort food is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• • 8 oz elbow macaroni

• • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • 3 cups milk

• • 1/4 cup butter

• • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• • 1/2 teaspoon salt

• • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. 1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.

1. 1. Add the milk gradually, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

1. 1. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.

1. 1. Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni and stir to coat.

1. 1. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

2. Chicken Noodle Soup

This hearty chicken noodle soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Ingredients:

• • 1 tablespoon olive oil

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 carrots, sliced

• • 2 celery stalks, sliced

• • 2 garlic cloves, minced

• • 6 cups chicken broth

• • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

• • 1 teaspoon thyme

• • 2 cups egg noodles

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery.

1. 1. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

1. 1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

1. 1. Add the cooked chicken, thyme, and egg noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender.

1. 1. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

3. Beef Stew

A classic beef stew is the ultimate comfort food for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

• • 3 tablespoons olive oil

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 3 carrots, sliced

• • 3 potatoes, diced

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 4 cups beef broth

• • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• • 1 teaspoon thyme

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides.

1. 1. Add the onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender.

1. 1. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

1. 1. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours until the beef is tender.

4. Shepherd’s Pie

This classic British dish is a great way to use leftover meat and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground lamb or beef

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 carrots, chopped

• • 2 cups frozen peas

• • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• • 4 cups mashed potatoes

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. 1. In a skillet, brown the meat; drain excess fat.

1. 1. Add onion, carrots, and peas. Stir in tomato paste and season with salt and pepper.

1. 1. In a baking dish, spread the meat mixture. Top with mashed potatoes.

1. 1. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.

5. Chili

A warm bowl of chili is perfect for cuddling up on the couch while enjoying a movie.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained

• • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained

• • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes

• • 3 tablespoons chili powder

• • 1 teaspoon cumin

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, brown the meat over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

1. 1. Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

6. Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a simple and delicious dish that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• • 1 lb ziti pasta

• • 2 cups marinara sauce

• • 2 cups ricotta cheese

• • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• • 1 egg

• • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

1. 1. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and half the mozzarella and Parmesan.

1. 1. In a baking dish, layer half the marinara sauce, half the pasta, and the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.

1. 1. Top with remaining marinara sauce and cheeses. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

7. Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

This classic pairing is the epitome of comfort food.

Ingredients for Tomato Soup:

• • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 2 cups vegetable broth

• • 1 teaspoon basil

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions for Tomato Soup:

1. 1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.

1. 1. Add crushed tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil.

1. 1. Reduce heat, stir in basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Ingredients for Grilled Cheese:

• • 8 slices bread

• • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or any cheese of choice)

• • Butter for spreading

Instructions for Grilled Cheese:

1. 1. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place cheese between two slices, butter side out.

1. 1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill each side until golden brown and cheese is melted.

8. Pot Roast

A slow-cooked pot roast filled with veggies is the perfect dish for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• • 3-4 lb beef roast

• • 4 cups beef broth

• • 4 carrots, chopped

• • 4 potatoes, cubed

• • 1 onion, chopped

• • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 teaspoon thyme

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 1. In a large pot, sear the beef roast on all sides over high heat.

1. 1. Add the broth, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender.

9. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a nostalgic dish that always brings comfort.

Ingredients:

• • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

• • 2 cups buttermilk

• • 2 cups all-purpose flour

• • 2 teaspoons paprika

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. 1. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight.

1. 1. In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.

1. 1. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture.

1. 1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

10. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Finish your cozy night in with warm chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven.

Ingredients:

• • 1 cup butter, softened

• • 3/4 cup brown sugar

• • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• • 2 eggs

• • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• • 1 teaspoon baking soda

• • 1/2 teaspoon salt

• • 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. 1. In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.

1. 1. Add vanilla and eggs; mix well.

1. 1. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.

1. 1. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.

1. 1. Bake for 9-11 minutes until golden. Cool on wire racks.