Nothing is more deeply satisfying than a home-cooked meal, especially when the weather outside is less inviting, more gloomy, and slightly colder. It’s akin to the comfort of being wrapped in a warm, fluffy blanket – except in this case; the comfort is edible and perhaps even more soothing.
Think creamy sauces, aromatic spices, decadent desserts, and hearty portions. These are the defining characteristics of comfort food classics that will warm you up from the inside out. And even better, they’re all simple enough to make at home with just a few ingredients.
Here are 6 recipes that will satisfy your cravings and warm you up.
Lasagna
Layers and layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese – is there anything more comforting than a steaming hot lasagna from the oven? Probably not.
You need:
For the Meat Sauce:
- Italian sausage (casings removed)
- Lean ground beef
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Tomato paste
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Sugar
- Dried Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Dried basil
- Ground black pepper
For the Cheese Filling:
- Ricotta cheese
- Large egg (beaten)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
For the Assembly:
- Lasagna noodles
- Fresh mozzarella (sliced)
- Grated Parmesan
Preheat oven to 375°F. In an oven over medium-high heat, cook sausage and beef until browned. Stir onion, garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, basil, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 15-20 minutes. Next, mix ricotta, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl to prepare the cheese filling.
For a more comprehensive recipe and assembling technique, follow the lasagna recipe from Preppy Kitchen and get ready to indulge in layers of cheesy goodness.
Creamy Mac and Cheese
This classic dish always hits the spot. The gooey cheese and tender macaroni are pure comfort in a bowl.
You need:
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Cook the macaroni and drain it well. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in flour until it becomes smooth. Gradually pour milk and stir. When you have a creamy mixture, add salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens.
Now comes the fun part – sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and give it a good stir until it melts into a creamy heaven. Pour this delectable sauce over the cooked macaroni and give it a generous mix. If you want extra cheese, sprinkle more shredded cheese before popping it into the oven for a crispy, irresistible crust. Get ready to indulge.
Classic Beef Stir Fry
Are you craving some hearty protein and veggies? Cook up this classic beef stir fry in no time.
You need:
- Beef strips
- Bell pepper
- Carrots
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetable oil
First, thinly slice the beef steak and set it aside. Next, chop the bell pepper, carrots, onion, and garlic cloves. Whisk soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a bowl to infuse authentic Asian flavor. Now, heat some vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook those beef strips just the way you like them. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside, but remember to keep those tasty juices in the pan.
Add the chopped veggies and stir until tender. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the veggies and simmer until it thickens. Stir in the beef and warm it up. Voila! Classic beef stir fry is ready. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles.
Mississippi Mud Pie
The name might sound a little too messy, but this dessert is a heavenly treat for all chocolate lovers.
You need:
- Oreo cookies
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate pudding mix
- Milk
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings or chips
Crush the cookies into a fine crumble, mix them with melted butter, and press it into the bottom of your pie dish. Time for the creamy layer: blend the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and velvety. Spread this divine concoction over your Oreo crust and chill it.
While your base is chilling, whisk the chocolate pudding mix and milk until it’s thick and lush. Pour this on top of your cream cheese layer. Now, who doesn’t love a fluffy finish? Crown your pie with whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate shavings or chips.
Cumin Spiced Lentil Soup
A soup that’s comforting, healthy, and easy to make.
Here’s what you need to prepare it:
- Lentils
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Garlic cloves
- Cumin
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Start by heating olive oil in your soup pot. Add onion, carrot, celery, and a pinch of salt to sweat the veggies and release their flavors. Now, add cumin and minced garlic cloves. Keep stirring for a minute or two. Rinse lentils and add them to the pot with vegetable or chicken broth.
Season with salt and pepper, and let everything simmer together. Once lentils are tender and flavors develop, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve this hearty, spiced lentil soup with crusty bread.
Thai Peanut Butter Ramen Noodles
Savory, spicy, a little tangy, and oh-so-delicious. This is one noodle recipe that will leave you craving for more.
You need:
- Ramen noodles
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sriracha hot sauce
- Garlic cloves
- Ginger
- Green onions
- Crushed peanuts
- Cilantro
Cook your ramen noodles. Meanwhile, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha in a small bowl. In another pan, sauté minced garlic cloves and grated ginger until fragrant. Add your sauce mixture to the pan and stir until heated through.
Add the cooked ramen noodles and toss them with the sauce. Top it off with sliced green onions, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro for some added crunch and flavor. Enjoy your homemade take on this classic Thai dish.
Conclusion
Comfort food is like that trusty old blanket we can’t bear to part with because it’s familiar, comforting, and makes everything feel right. So, whether it’s a chilly winter eve, a lazy Sunday afternoon, or one of those days when you need a little pick-me-up, these 6 recipes promise to wrap you in a culinary hug and make you feel good from the inside out.
Prepare the lasagna for a hearty, cheesy meal or Thai peanut butter ramen noodles for a spicy and satisfying dish. From creamy mac and cheese to classic beef stir-fry, these recipes will warm you up from the inside out. A healthy soup like cumin-spiced lentil soup is comforting yet nutritious. Lastly, remember to indulge in the Mississippi mud pie and savor every rich and chocolatey bite.