Comfort Food Recipes – Warm, Hearty Meals Made Easy

HEARTY SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW

Rich, comforting, and full of flavor — this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew comes together with minimal effort. Tender beef, vegetables, and savory seasoning create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound beef stew cubes
  • 2 (15 oz) cans of potatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 (15 oz) can carrots, drained
  • 1 beef bouillon cube
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon margarine (or butter, if preferred)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef:
    In a skillet, melt the margarine over medium heat. Add the beef stew cubes and cook until browned on all sides.
  2. Prepare the base:
    In a slow cooker, combine the water, beef bouillon cube, minced onion, and minced garlic. Stir until the bouillon is dissolved.
  3. Add ingredients:
    Add the brown beef cubes to the slow cooker. Stir in the chopped potatoes and carrots.
  4. Cook the stew:
    Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors are well blended.
  5. Serve:
    Stir gently before serving. Enjoy your warm, hearty Homestyle Beef Stew straight from the slow cooker.

Tip:
For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of tomato paste before cooking. Serve with warm bread or biscuits for a complete meal.

EASY HOMESTYLE CHILI

This quick and hearty chili delivers classic flavor with minimal effort. Using simple pantry staples and pre-mixed chili seasoning, it’s a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (27 oz) can Brooks chili mix
  • 1 packet of chili seasoning
  • 1 (10.5 oz) tomato soup
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • ⅛ cup chopped onions (frozen or fresh)

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef:
    In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. As it cooks, add the chili seasoning packet and stir until the meat is fully coated and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Prepare the chili base:
    In a large saucepan or pot, combine the Brooks chili mix, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, and chopped onions. Stir well to blend.
  3. Add the beef:
    Add the cooked, seasoned beef to the saucepan and stir to combine all ingredients.
  4. Simmer:
    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.
  5. Serve:
    Ladle into bowls and enjoy your Easy Homestyle Chili with crackers, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tip:
For a heartier version, add drained kidney beans or black beans. This chili also freezes well for quick future meals.

EASY BEEF GOULASH

Hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully simple — this Easy Beef Goulash combines seasoned ground beef, noodles, and a rich tomato-based sauce for a comforting meal that’s ready in no time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked noodles (such as elbow macaroni or egg noodles)
  • ⅛ cup diced onions (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups tomato juice
  • 2 brown gravy mix packets
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (Season-All)

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef:
    In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with garlic salt and seasoned salt while cooking. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Cook the noodles:
    Prepare the noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Combine ingredients:
    In a large saucepan or pot, add the cooked beef, noodles, diced onions, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice, and brown gravy packets. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  4. Simmer:
    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors blend.
  5. Serve:
    Spoon into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy your Easy Beef Goulash with bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tip:
For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving.

BUYA (BEEF, NOODLE, AND CORN SKILLET)

Simple, hearty, and full of flavor — this Buya recipe is a delicious one-pan meal that brings together seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, sweet corn, and a savory tomato-gravy sauce. It’s an easy, family-friendly dish that’s ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups of cooked noodles (such as egg noodles or macaroni)
  • 1 (12–16 oz) bag frozen corn
  • 1 (0.87 oz) packet brown gravy mix
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • ⅛ cup chopped onions (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (Season-All)

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef:
    In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Season with garlic salt and seasoned salt while cooking. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
  2. Cook the noodles:
    Prepare the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Combine ingredients:
    In a large saucepan or pot, add the cooked beef, noodles, frozen corn, brown gravy mix, tomato sauce, chopped onions, and water. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
  4. Simmer:
    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
  5. Serve:
    Spoon into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Buya!

Tip:
For added richness, sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving, or stir in a tablespoon of butter while simmering for extra creaminess.

MAC-N-BROC CHICKEN & CHEESE

Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor — this Mac-n-Broc Chicken & Cheese is a delicious twist on classic macaroni and cheese. Tender noodles, melty Colby Jack cheese, savory chicken, and broccoli come together for an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups elbow noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can broccoli cheese soup
  • 2 cups of chopped frozen broccoli
  • 4 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • ¼ cup margarine (or butter)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 cups of pre-cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic

Instructions

  1. Cook the broccoli:
    Place the chopped frozen broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water. Microwave until tender, about 3–5 minutes, then drain.
  2. Cook the noodles:
    Prepare the elbow noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Combine ingredients:
    In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cooked noodles, broccoli cheese soup, cooked broccoli, shredded Colby Jack cheese, margarine, milk, pre-cooked chicken, minced onion, and garlic. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Heat through:
    Continue stirring over medium heat until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 5–7 minutes.
  5. Serve:
    Spoon into bowls and enjoy your warm, cheesy Mac-n-Broc Chicken & Cheese!

Tip:
For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes on top. To make it a baked version, transfer to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden.

CLASSIC SPAGHETTI WITH GARLIC AND PARMESAN

Simple, satisfying, and timeless — this Classic Spaghetti with Garlic and Parmesan is a quick and flavorful dish that brings comfort to the table in minutes. Pair it with warm garlic rolls for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

  • ¼ package (or more, depending on family size) spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1 (24 oz) jar traditional spaghetti sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the sauce:
    In a saucepan over medium heat, pour in the spaghetti sauce. Stir in the garlic salt and Parmesan cheese. Heat until warmed through, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Combine and serve:
    Pour the warm sauce over the cooked noodles and toss gently to coat.
  4. Garnish:
    Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired and serve with garlic rolls (see Garlic Rolls Recipe).

Tip:
For extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce before heating.

EASY GARLIC ROLLS

Golden, buttery, and bursting with flavor — these Easy Garlic Rolls are the perfect companion to pasta dishes like spaghetti or lasagna. Made with crescent rolls and a few simple ingredients, they’re ready in minutes and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 package of crescent rolls
  • 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Set the oven to the temperature listed on the crescent roll package (typically 350–375°F / 175–190°C).
  2. Prepare the rolls:
    Unroll the crescent dough and separate into individual triangles. Brush each piece lightly with melted margarine or butter.
  3. Season:
    Sprinkle each triangle with garlic salt and Parmesan cheese. Roll up from the wide end to the tip, forming crescent shapes, and place them on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake:
    Bake according to the package directions, or until golden brown (usually 10–12 minutes).
  5. Serve:
    Remove from the oven and brush lightly with any remaining butter if desired. Serve warm alongside spaghetti or other pasta dishes.

Tip:
For an extra burst of flavor, add a sprinkle of dried parsley or Italian seasoning before baking.

HAM-N-CHEESY TATOS

Warm, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy — this Ham-n-Cheesy Tatos recipe brings together crispy hash browns, savory diced ham, and melted cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 (28–32 oz) bag Southwestern-style frozen hash browns
  • 1 package of diced ham (found in the lunch meat section near the bacon)
  • 8 cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the hash browns:
    In a large skillet, cook the hash browns according to the package directions until golden and slightly crispy.
  2. Add the ham and cheese:
    Transfer the cooked hash browns to a large saucepan or keep them in the skillet if large enough. Add the diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. Melt and mix:
    Stir over medium-low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the ingredients are well combined.
  4. Serve:
    Spoon onto plates and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Ham-n-Cheesy Tatos!

Tip:
For extra flavor, sprinkle with black pepper or a dash of seasoned salt before serving. You can also top with chopped green onions or serve sour cream for a heartier meal.

CLASSIC STUFFED PEPPERS

A timeless comfort dish made simple — these Classic Stuffed Peppers are filled with a hearty blend of seasoned ground beef and Spanish rice, then baked to perfection. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, they make an impressive yet effortless main course.

Ingredients

  • Bell peppers — as many as desired (plan for one per guest)
  • 1 box Spanish rice mix (per 4 peppers)
  • 1 pound ground beef (per box of rice)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the rice and beef:
    Prepare the Spanish rice according to package directions.
    In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  3. Prepare the peppers:
    Slice each bell pepper in half lengthwise (from top to bottom) to create two boat-shaped halves. Remove seeds and membranes.
  4. Assemble the filling:
    In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and beef. Stir until evenly mixed.
  5. Stuff the peppers:
    Spoon the rice and beef mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously.
  6. Wrap and bake:
    Individually wrap each stuffed pepper in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
    Bake for 1 hour, or until the peppers are tender and heated through.
  7. Serve:
    Let cool for about 5 minutes before unwrapping. Serve warm and enjoy your Classic Stuffed Peppers!

Tip:
For extra flavor, top the filling with shredded cheese before wrapping, or drizzle with tomato sauce before serving. These also reheat beautifully for meal prep or next-day lunches.

CLASSIC THREE-LAYER LASAGNA

Rich, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor — this Classic Three-Layer Lasagna is a simple yet delicious take on a timeless favorite. With layers of noodles, savory sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any family dinner.

Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1 (24–26 oz) jar mushroom spaghetti sauce
  • 2 (8-cup) packages shredded mozzarella cheese
  • (Optional: add 1 pound of cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken for a heartier version)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare the noodles:
    Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Assemble the lasagna:
    • Bottom layer: Lay 3 noodles across the bottom of the pan. Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce over the noodles, then sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese.
    • Middle layer: Repeat with another 3 noodles, more sauce, and another layer of cheese.
    • Top layer: Add the remaining 3 noodles, spread the last of the sauce evenly, and top with all remaining mozzarella cheese.
  4. Bake:
    Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are golden brown.
  5. Cool and serve:
    Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your Classic Three-Layer Lasagna!

Tip:
For extra flavor, sprinkle Parmesan or Italian seasoning on the top layer before baking. Serve with garlic rolls or cheese bread for the ultimate pasta night.

OPEN-FACED TURKEY MELT (Old Army Favorite)

(Also affectionately known as “Sh—t on a Shingle”)

A hearty, comforting dish with a touch of military nostalgia — this Open-Faced Turkey Melt combines warm turkey in gravy, melted cheese, and golden grilled bread. It’s a quick, satisfying classic that has been loved by servicemen and home cooks alike for generations.

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 1 boxed package of sliced turkey in gravy (premade)
  • 1 slice yellow American cheese
  • Mustard, for topping
  • Margarine or butter, for spreading

Instructions

  1. Heat the turkey:
    Prepare the turkey and gravy according to the package directions (typically by microwaving). Keep warm.
  2. Prepare the bread:
    Spread margarine or butter on one side of each slice of bread.
  3. Assemble the sandwich:
    • Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Layer the cheese and slices of warm turkey on top.
    • Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up, forming a sandwich.
  4. Grill the sandwich:
    Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and grill the other side until the cheese is melted and both sides are crisp and toasted.
  5. Finish and serve:
    Remove from the skillet, spread a thin layer of mustard on top, and spoon warm gravy over the sandwich. Serve immediately for a true comfort meal — Open-Faced Turkey Melt, an old Army favorite.

Tip:

For a more traditional, hearty version, serve the sandwich open-faced with mashed potatoes on the side and drizzle extra gravy over everything.

📜 A Bit of History

This dish earned its colorful nickname, “Sh—t on a Shingle,” during World War II, when it was a staple meal served in U.S. Army mess halls. Traditionally made with chipped beef and white gravy on toast, it became a symbol of simple, filling food that could feed many with minimal ingredients. Over time, variations like this turkey-and-gravy version have brought the classic into home kitchens — proving that even humble beginnings can inspire lasting comfort.