From rich and creamy dishes to casseroles, soups and stews – we are giving you all the cozy comfort food recipes in this roundup! Get ready to warm up your belly with some new comforting recipes.

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Collage image with text in middle. Zuppa toscana on top, sausage hashbrown casserole bottom left and meatloaf bottom right this recipe

Why we Love Comforting Food

Food is our love language, so creating cozy and satisfying recipes for families to share is a joyful process for us. Some of our favorite things about comfort food are:

  • It brings the family together
  • A favorite comfort food dish can transport you to another time and place
  • It’s a celebration of food and the joy of cooking
  • These recipes just “feel good” to make

Looking for more? Check out all of our healthy comfort food recipes!

Healthy Comfort Food Recipes

When we first changed our diets to remove a lot of processed foods, we started to miss some of our comfort food favorites.

So we decided that we could make a lot of the things we wanted with a healthier twist. Our goal was to make some indulgent tasting recipes with real food ingredients. Dishes that you can feel good about eating and feeding your family.

The Best Comfort Foods

So here are some of our absolute favorites! From a soupy pot roast to a low-carb take on mashed potatoes that’s better than the original, these are some staples you must try.

1
A close-up of a pot filled with easy Salisbury steak, braised meat, onions, mushrooms, and sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, with a spoon lifting a piece of meat.

Easy Homemade (30-Minute!) Salisbury Steak

4.82 from 48 ratings
Filled with old fashioned flavor, this easy homemade salisbury steak is such a rich and savory comfort food recipe ready in about 30-minutes! With a creamy mushroom and onion gravy, you can serve it up with some mashed potatoes or rice and you're all set.
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2
Overhead image of loaded mashed cauliflower in a bowl with bacon bits and chives

Loaded Mashed Cauliflower (Keto, Low Carb)

4.85 from 13 ratings
This Keto + low carb loaded mashed cauliflower goes with all the proteins and with all the other veggies. Perfect for picky eaters and get togethers!
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3
Shredded instant pot pot roast on a platter with carrots and celery

Juicy Instant Pot Pot Roast (Paleo + Whole30)

4.38 from 99 ratings
This Paleo + Whole30 Instant Pot pot roast is a favorite of ours, especially once the weather turns chilly! It's a hearty and cozy dinner! Juicy shredded pot roast paired with potatoes, carrots, celery and onion.
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4

Paleo “Cornbread” (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free + Dairy-Free Options)

4.52 from 35 ratings
Soup and chili season just begs for cornbread, right?! This Paleo "cornbread" brings a little comfort food to your winter this year and it's easy to make!
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5
Overhead image of meatloaf in a loaf plan sliced and a couple pieces removed from the pan. The meatloaf is topped with paleo ketchup and chopped parsley.

Keto + Paleo Meatloaf (With Ground Beef & Pork)

4.53 from 40 ratings
This Keto + Paleo meatloaf recipe is a veggie-forward twist on classic meatloaf. No breadcrumbs are used, making it an easy low-carb dinner. It’s the ultimate in comfort food, our specialty!
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Casserole Recipes

We love casseroles for meal prep recipes and also for feeding a crowd. There is just something about popping a big casserole in the oven and smelling it cook that defines comfort food for me.

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A serving of dairy free chicken pot pie with a flaky crust sits on a white plate, next to a baking dish with the remaining pie and a serving utensil.

Chicken Pot Pie (Dairy Free)

4 from 4 ratings
This dairy free chicken pot pie has a creamy, dairy-free filling with all the chicken pot pie goodies, and a crust that will have you swooning!
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7
A casserole dish filled with a creamy garlic spaghetti squash casserole, baked with broccoli, cheese, bacon, and green onions, with a serving spoon resting inside.

Creamy Garlic Spaghetti Squash Casserole (Paleo, Whole30, GF + Dairy-Free)

4.39 from 543 ratings
This creamy garlic spaghetti squash casserole is so saucy and delicious! It has a creamy dairy-free sauce packed with garlicky goodness. Only 8 ingredients and it's ready in about an hour.
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8
A casserole dish filled with a quinoa and vegetable mixture, topped with sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro—this easy taco casserole is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Easy Taco Casserole (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)

4.74 from 19 ratings
This easy taco casserole is a great meal prep recipe. It's a tasty and easy way to feed a crowd, and you can add all your favorite taco toppings. The leftovers are delicious and perfect for re-heating for lunches during the busy work week, too.
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9
A person holds a white baking dish filled with cooked sausages atop a baked breakfast hashbrown casserole made with shredded vegetables and herbs.

Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole (Paleo + Whole30)

4.92 from 23 ratings
A delicious creamy breakfast hashbrown casserole that's dairy-free, egg-free and filled with onions and sausage, what's not to love with this one?
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Soup Recipes

When the weather starts to turn cooler, nothing sounds better than a warm and cozy bowl of soup. With options here for your Instant Pot, slow cooker or the stovetop, you’re sure to find a recipe that will work for your preferred cooking method.

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A bowl of Instant Pot white chicken chili garnished with sliced jalapeños, lime slices, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)

4.68 from 95 ratings
This white chicken chili is a super easy recipe that requires only about 10 minutes of prep time. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner because you can just throw everything in your Instant Pot (or slow cooker) and sit back and wait for a delicious soup. Top it with your favorite toppings and dig in!
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11
overhead image of healthy zuppa toscana in a pot with kale, sausage and cauliflower

Dairy Free Zuppa Toscana

4.65 from 34 ratings
There's something extra cozy about a big bowl of soup on a fall day. This delicious Zuppa Toscana is a great way to enjoy a creamy, dairy-free soup! 
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12
Crockpot chicken enchilada soup in a bowl with sliced avocado and onions on top

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)

4 from 304 ratings
Just add chicken thighs, some basic pantry and kitchen staples along with simple seasonings to your crockpot and enjoy a cozy, warming soup!
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13
A hand holds a bowl of pork ramen noodle soup topped with halved boiled eggs, green onions, herbs, ground meat, and a drizzle of sauce; two more bowls are in the background.

Pork Ramen Noodles (Paleo, Whole30 + Keto)

4.25 from 29 ratings
Doesn't a bowl full of pork ramen noodles just sound cozy? I'm a big fan of homemade soups and also a big fan of comfort food. This pork ramen makes me feel all warm and cozy. We even have some low carb, Keto options for you, too!
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14
A pot of creamy chicken pot pie soup with visible peas, carrots, mushrooms, herbs, and a wooden spoon, garnished with fresh sage leaves.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Paleo, Whole30 + Dairy-free)

4.83 from 40 ratings
This chicken pot pie soup is creamy, thick and filled with everything you'd want in a chicken pot pie. A dairy-free version, this soup uses all real food ingredients to bring you a classic comfort food dish in a bowl.
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Takeout Remakes

These “healthier” versions of classic takeout dishes are some of the most popular recipes on our website. The next time you are craving a comforting dish from your favorite restaurant, consider making a homemade version instead.

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A bowl of spiralized carrots, cooked chicken, chopped green onions, and crushed peanuts—this vibrant dish is inspired by a classic pad thai recipe, with two spoons placed on the side.

Homemade Sweet Potato Chicken Pad Thai (Paleo + Whole30)

4.62 from 189 ratings
This homemade Sweet Potato Chicken Pad Thai has Thai flavors but with sweet potato noodles, creamy cashew butter and coconut aminos instead of peanut and soy. You will love how tasty and comforting this dish is.
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16
Overhead image of a hand holding a bowl of greens, white rice and shredded beef garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Beef Barbacoa (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)

4.38 from 306 ratings
For this beef barbacoa we use chuck roast braised in fresh orange and lime juice with chipotle, cumin, and a little ground clove. It's tender, juicy and pulls apart with a fork. It cooks in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot and comes out smoky with some heat. It serves eight, enough for tacos and leftover barbacoa rice bowls the next day.
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17
A pot of gluten free orange chicken pieces garnished with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and orange slices, with a serving spoon inside.

Stovetop Orange Chicken (Gluten-Free!)

4.54 from 15 ratings
Get that sweet, sticky sauce you crave with this one pan orange chicken. Made with arrowroot starch it's gluten free but just as good!
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18
Gluten free flatbread pizza sliced into pieces with ranch drizzled on top.

Homemade Gluten Free Flatbread Pizza

5 from 1 rating
Date night in with a homemade flatbread pizza! Gluten free and dairy free, but you can definitely add cheese. The best homemade pizza night!
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Stew Recipes

Much like soups, a filling stew is something that you must make when the fall and winter arrive. Full of hearty ingredients, these stew recipes will keep your belly warm and full.

19
Overhead shot of keto beef stew in a dutch oven with mushrooms, celery and radishes

Keto Beef Stew (Stovetop or Instant Pot)

4.73 from 22 ratings
This low-carb beef stew recipe requires just 15 minutes of preparation! It's super easy to make, whether in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. It’s loaded with low carb veggies including radishes, celery and mushrooms and tender beef chuck roast. Seasoned simply with Italian seasoning for added depth of flavor.
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20
A white bowl containing shredded meat, carrots, green olives, and tomatoes in a red stew with a spoon—an inviting spanish chicken stew ready to savor.

Quick, Comforting Spanish Chicken Stew

4.88 from 8 ratings
Looking for a hearty, Spanish-style chicken stew, but don't have all day? Easily make it on the stove top or in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
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21
A comforting bowl of chili topped with sliced avocado and chopped green onions sits on a marble surface with a gold spoon nearby, perfect for fans of hearty dishes like instant pot beef stew.

Easy Instant Pot Beef Stew

3.86 from 27 ratings
Add this Paleo and Whole30 Instant Pot Beef Stew is filled with flavor from ground beef, squash, carrots celery and roasted tomatoes. It's a hearty and warming stew everyone will love.
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Rich and Creamy Recipes

When we make these rich and creamy dishes, they are always a hit with family and friends. The next time you are hosting friends or cooking for your family, whip up one of these recipes and be prepared to be showered with compliments to the chef.

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Overhead shot of dairy free creamy tuscan chicken with spinach and sun dried tomatoes and spoon coming out

Dairy Free Tuscan Chicken (Like Marry Me Chicken, No Cream)

4.62 from 517 ratings
Marry me chicken without the cream. This is the dairy-free tuscan chicken we make on repeat at our house, and the one readers come back for. After years of testing dairy-free versions of chicken dinners, we still think this one is our personal best.
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23
Three creamy pork chops seared in a pan with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and leafy greens in a luscious sauce.

30-Minute Skillet Creamy Pork Chops (Dairy-Free)

4.08 from 14 ratings
Perfectly seared pork chops smothered in a creamy dairy-free sauce mixed with onions and mushrooms. These creamy pork chops are the ultimate comfort food that can be made easily for a weeknight dinner.
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24
Creamy chicken alfredo with zoodles and spoon and fork

Creamy Chicken Alfredo (Paleo, Whole30 + Dairy-free)

5 from 5 ratings
Creamy, dairy-free and healthy comfort food, this Paleo + Whole30 creamy chicken alfredo is an easy, weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
25
Overhead image of skillet chicken thighs in mustard sauce with kale and bacon

Skillet Chicken Thighs with Mustard Cream Sauce (No Dairy)

4.64 from 155 ratings
This skillet mustard chicken recipe is coated in a creamy, comforting, dairy-free mustard sauce. Made with chicken thighs and savory bacon bits.
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Collage image with text in middle including creamy mustard chicken, cauliflower mash, white chicken chili and salisbury steak.
Chicken breasts simmering in a creamy mushroom sauce, garnished with chopped parsley, served in a black skillet—this easy chicken marsala is perfect for weeknight dinners.
4.80 from 10 ratings
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20+ Warm and Cozy Comfort Food Recipes: Chicken Marsala

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
This easy chicken marsala is a healthy take on cozy comfort food. Plus, we are giving you all the cozy comfort food recipes in this roundup from rich and creamy dishes to casseroles, soups and stews.
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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup arrowroot starch
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil, divided, (can use ghee or butter if you're ok with dairy)
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced, (cremini or button)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 3/4 cup coconut milk
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp freshly chopped herbs, (parsley, thyme or oregano)

For serving:

  • 3 zucchini, spiralized
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prep shallot, garlic and mushrooms as noted. Chop herbs. You can also spiralize zucchini now or you will have time to do it later when the chicken is cooking and simmering (steps 4 & 7).
  • Place arrowroot starch on a plate or shallow bowl and add salt and pepper. Mix with a whisk. 
  • Dredge the chicken thighs in the starch mixture so they are lightly coated on all sides. Set aside on a plate.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add about 2 tbsp avocado oil. Once hot, add the thighs to the pan to cook (you may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet).
  • Cook the chicken without disturbing, for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown but not burnt. Remove and place on a plate. If you are cooking in batches, you may need to add more avocado oil in between batches.
  • Keep the skillet at medium heat and add 1 tbsp avocado oil. Add the shallot, garlic, and mushrooms. Saute until mushrooms start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir and reduce heat to low to simmer.
  • Nestle the chicken back into the sauce and let simmer for 6-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken is completely cooked through. If your sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth (a small amount at a time) to thin it out to desired consistency.
  • While the chicken is simmering, spiralize zucchini into noodles.
  • Place one tbsp avocado oil in a separate large pan over medium heat.
  • Once the pan is hot, add the zoodles and sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, tossing the zoodles frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the zoodles are warmed through but not mushy.
  • Serve the chicken marsala over zoodles and garnish with fresh herbs.

Last Step:

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Course: Main Course
Author: Erica Winn
Cuisine: Italian
Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!
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