36 Nearly Forgotten Comfort Food Dinner Recipes

Updated on Sep. 17, 2024

If you're in need of a good comfort food dinner, look to the past! These dishes won't let you down.

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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

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Aberdeen Beef Pie

Total Time 2 hours 5 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When set in the middle of the table, this hearty beef pie is the center of attention. With chunks of tender beef and tasty vegetables under a flaky pastry crust, this pure comfort food will welcome your family home. —Peggy Goodrich, Enid, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 308 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.

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Easy Coq au Vin

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love being able to fix a fancy gourmet dish in such a short amount of time and still have it turn out so delicious. To reduce fat, use chicken tenderloin pieces or skinless chicken breasts. This recipe is really fabulous served with rice. —Judy VanCoetsem, Cortland, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 255 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

4/35

Paprika Pork

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I was little, I would often ask my mom to make my "favorite meat." She knew I was requesting this homey pork recipe. It's been in my family for more than 30 years and it's still a favorite! —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup pork mixture: 320 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
5/35

Peppered Meat Loaf

Total Time 6 hours 30 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this easy dinner one day while experimenting in the kitchen. Everyone who tries it, loves it! —Laura Burgess, Mount Vernon, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece meat loaf with 1 potato wedge: 489 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 951mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.

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Baked Mac and Cheese

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 688 calories, 37g fat (21g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.

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Fruited Pot Roast

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a wonderful variation of classic pot roast. My family really enjoys it. The fruit is a nice change from the usual vegetables that normally accompany this dish.—Linda South, Pineville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup fruit mixture: 394 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
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Fast Chicken Divan with Mayo

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Frozen broccoli and leftover chicken get a simple—but elegant—treatment in a meal-in-one dish. I top this saucy chicken divan with mayo off with a golden, cheesy crumb topping. —Bertille Cooper, California, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 629 calories, 49g fat (14g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 944mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
9/35

Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash

Total Time 5 hours 55 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up this goulash recipe. Even the macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 315 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 915mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein.
10/35

Cassoulet for Today

Total Time 1 hour 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: French cassoulet is traditionally cooked for hours. This version of the rustic dish offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 394 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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School-Night Sausage Stroganoff

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I found this recipe in an old church cookbook about 25 years ago and tweaked it to fit my family's tastes. It's a savory, creamy dish that's quick to fix on a busy school night. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups sausage mixture with 1-1/2 cups noodles: 675 calories, 39g fat (15g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 1204mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.

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Cabbage Rolls

Total Time 1 hour 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: It was an abundance of dill in my garden that led me to try this. My family liked the taste so much that, from then on, I made my old-fashioned cabbage rolls recipe with dill. This is how to make easy cabbage rolls. – Florence Krantz, Bismarck, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 2 cabbage rolls: 260 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 694mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.

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Stovetop Turkey Tetrazzini

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A very special aunt shared this fun spin on creamy tetrazzini. We think it’s even better the next day. —Tasia Cox, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 420 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 717mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
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Beef Roast Dinner

Total Time 7 hours 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Because this healthy dish is slow-cooked, you can use less expensive roasts with results as mouthwatering as the more costly cuts. Change up the veggies for variety, nutrition or to suit your tastes!—Sandra Dudley, Bemidji, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 304 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
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Best Salisbury Steak

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Finding the best Salisbury steak recipe is hard! I remember enjoying it often when I was growing up, but when I decided to add it to my recipe collection, I wasn’t able to find it in my modern cookbooks. I came up with these ingredients on my own and experimented until it tasted like the dish I remembered. —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 steak: 581 calories, 37g fat (17g saturated fat), 250mg cholesterol, 1960mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
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Chicken Stew

Total Time 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: It's been 20 years now since I adapted this from a recipe for beef stew. We like it so much that, in all that time, I have never changed any ingredients or amounts - unless it was to double them! Our home's on a river, and my husband, our three boys and I enjoy camping and boating. — Valerie Jordan, Kingmont, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 275 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
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Zippy Breaded Pork Chops

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Need a perky update for pork chops? Ranch dressing and Parmesan breading add a delightful zing. —Ann Ingalls, Gladstone, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 pork chop: 201 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
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Swiss Steak

Total Time 1 hour 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I was really glad to find this recipe since it's a great way to use round steak and it picks up fabulous flavor from one of my favorite herbs - tarragon. I am a homemaker with three children and enjoy cooking tasty dinners like this one for my family. —Lorna Dickau, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 385 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
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Spaghetti Meatball Bake

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When we gather for Sunday dinner, we crave pasta. I had a hankering for meatballs, too, so I developed a meaty spaghetti casserole. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts: 4 meatballs with 1/2 cup sauce: 390 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 1074mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.

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Chicken Casserole

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The original old family recipe for this chicken casserole called for the sauce to be made from scratch. Through the years, I developed this version that takes less time to prepare and still tastes great. It's an attractive main dish. —Ruth Van Dyke, Traverse City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 416 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.

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Meat and Potato Patties

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: During World War II, when meat was rationed and had to be purchased with tokens, this recipe went a long way in feeding a family. To this day, I still reach for it whenever I want something different from regular hamburgers. By the way, children really like these (just as I did when I was a child!).— Gladys Klein, Burlington Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 patty: 237 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
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Corned Beef and Cabbage

Total Time 2 hours 55 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: It may be the most famous dish to eat on St. Patrick's Day, but this Irish-American corned beef recipe is a favorite at our table all year long. This is how to make corned beef and cabbage. —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 510 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 1497mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.
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Chicken-Fried Steak

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: As a child, I learned from my grandmother how to make these chicken-fried steaks. I taught my daughters, and when my granddaughters are older, I’ll show them, too. —Donna Cater, Fort Ann, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 steak with 1/3 cup gravy: 563 calories, 28g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.

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Tuna Noodle Casserole

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When you need supper fast, this tuna casserole with peas, peppers and onions makes a super one-dish meal. Cooked chicken breast works well in place of the tuna. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 340 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.

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Slow-Simmered Burgundy Beef Stew

Total Time 2 hours 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me about 25 years ago. Ever since then, it's been a go-to whenever I need good food without a lot of fussing. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 419 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.

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Tasty Meat Pie

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 2 pies (6 serving each)
From the Recipe Creator: I work full time as a nurse, so I depend on quick and easy meals like this one. My sister suggested I use canned soups instead of prepared gravy. Now my husband and teenage son ask for seconds and even thirds. —Cheryl Cattane, Lapeer, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 305 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.

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Lamb Stew

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a delicious, nourishing and economical dish. The flavor improves if you make the stew the day before you serve it. —Margery Richmond, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 360 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.

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Buttermilk-Mushroom Pork Chops

Total Time 3 hours 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I went through several variations before creating the pork chops my family considers perfect! I wanted something rich, delicious and tasty that was still relatively healthy. This is a delicious Sunday dinner idea because you can pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you are at church! I suggest serving it with salad or grilled asparagus. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texa
Nutrition Facts: 1 chop with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without noodles): 376 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 836mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.

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Hamburger Stew

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 191 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.

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Festive Slow-Cooked Beef Tips

Total Time 6 hours 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We once owned an organic greenhouse and produce business. Weekends were hectic, so I made no-fuss meals like yummy beef tips to fortify us at day’s end. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup (calculated without noodles): 290 calories, 15 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 74 mg cholesterol, 69 mg sodium, 7 g carbohydrate (2 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 24 g protein.
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Midwest Meatball Casserole

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I've relied on this recipe many times as a soothing finish to a hectic day...and since I usually have all the ingredients on hand, there's no last-minute rush to the store, either. —Judy Larson, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 310 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 884mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
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Roast Beef with Chive Roasted Potatoes

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: It’s hard to believe that last night’s beef roast could get any better, but it shines in this heartwarming dish. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 379 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
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Turkey a la King

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a smart way to use up leftover turkey. You might want to make a double batch! —Mary Gaylord, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 297 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.

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Spaghetti Pie Casserole

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family adores this spaghetti casserole. It's old-timey comfort food. This is how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese. —Patricia Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 396 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.

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Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's so good that I often make it for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 382 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.