Comfort food earns its place when it gets you through the long parts of the day. These are the dinners that donโ€™t ask for perfection, only that you show up and let them do their job. Theyโ€™re filling, familiar, and steady enough to rely on when everything else feels heavy. With 17 recipes to choose from, this list is built to support the nights that need it most.

Baked lasagna in a pan topped with melted cheese and fresh basil, with a cluster of tomatoes and leafy greens beside it.
Quick Skillet Lasagna. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Chicken Pot Pie For Two

Pot pie made for two with flaky crust.
Chicken Pot Pie For Two. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Flaky crust and creamy filling make this feel complete without excess. We like it when dinner needs to feel personal and calm.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie For Two

Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff cooked with mushrooms and creamy sauce.
Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Tender beef and rich sauce bring familiar comfort quickly. It settles the table without needing sides to carry it.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stroganoff

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken paprikash simmered in creamy paprika sauce with tender chicken pieces.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Paprika-spiced sauce cooks into something warm and grounding. Itโ€™s steady food for tired nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Enchilada Soup

Chicken enchilada soup with shredded chicken and tortilla strips in creamy broth.
Chicken Enchilada Soup. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

This soup stretches chicken into something hearty and filling. It waits patiently when the night runs long.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Soup

Steak and Potato Soup

Steak and potato soup hearty with chunks of beef and potatoes.
Steak and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Rich broth and tender chunks keep this deeply satisfying. It feels like a full meal in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Potato Soup

Grilled Cheese Burger

Burger grilled with melted cheese dripping down sides.
Grilled Cheese Burger. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Two comfort foods meet in one simple sandwich. It delivers familiarity without complication.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cheese Burger

Venison Meatloaf

Venison meatloaf sliced thick with deep seasoned crust and tender interior.
Venison Meatloaf. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Lean meat bakes into slices that hold together well. Itโ€™s dependable when you want something solid.
Get the Recipe: Venison Meatloaf

Instant Pot Pot Roast

Instant Pot pot roast with tender shredded beef, potatoes, and carrots in rich gravy.
Instant Pot Pot Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pressure cooking turns tough cuts tender quickly. We rely on it when time feels tight.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pot Roast

Sloppy Joes with Fried Onions

Sloppy Joes topped with fried onions on soft buns.
Sloppy Joes with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sweet-savory filling with crisp topping adds texture and comfort. Itโ€™s messy in the way comfort food should be.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes with Fried Onions

Hatch Chili Creamy Turkey Soup

Creamy hatch chili turkey soup with shredded turkey and roasted chilies in a thick broth.
Hatch Chili Creamy Turkey Soup. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Mild heat and creamy broth balance each other gently. It carries the night when you need warmth.
Get the Recipe: Hatch Chili Creamy Turkey Soup

Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese blended with smoked pulled pork and browned edges.
Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Rich cheese and smoky pork turn this into a full dinner. It keeps plates full longer.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Zesty Ranch BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla

Quesadilla filled with bacon chicken and ranch-style barbecue sauce.
Zesty Ranch BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Bold flavor in a hand-held form keeps things simple. We like it when dinner needs to stay casual.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Ranch BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla

Blackened Chicken Mac and Cheese

Chicken mac and cheese cooked blackened style.
Blackened Chicken Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Spice cuts through the creaminess just enough. It feels indulgent without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Mac and Cheese

Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy

Crispy chicken-fried chicken covered in rich white gravy on a warm dinner plate.
Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Crisp coating and creamy gravy settle the table fast. It brings classic comfort without ceremony.
Get the Recipe: Chicken-Fried Chicken with White Gravy

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs simmered in apple cider with herbs and golden browned skin in a skillet.
Apple Cider Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Sweet cider softens savory chicken naturally. It simmers into something steady and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

Quick Skillet Lasagna

Baked lasagna in a pan topped with melted cheese and fresh basil, with a cluster of tomatoes and leafy greens beside it.
Quick Skillet Lasagna. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

All the flavor of lasagna without layering or waiting. It holds together well for repeat dinners.
Get the Recipe: Quick Skillet Lasagna

Ground Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash

Turkey chili mixed with butternut squash creating sweet and savory contrast.
Ground Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Lean turkey and squash cook into a filling bowl of comfort. It carries you through when lighter meals wonโ€™t.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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