14 Warm, Hearty, Comfort Food Classic Dinner Ideas

Tis the season for … comfort food!

My goal this week is to make a steaming hot bowl of comfort food (I’ve got my eyes on the braised short ribs 👀), wrap myself up in a blanket on the couch and vibe out to a crappy Christmas movie.

What’s everyone else got going on? We just went to some Christmas markets (drank way too many samplers) and got to see all the cool stuff local businesses are cooking up. A few of my faves were there like Haus Sausage Co., Vumami Foods (makes the best chili oil), and newish cidery that I just learned about Victoria Cider Co. We bought their Lavender cider and are stoked to try it out.

Anyways enough chit chat! Let’s get on with the dinner inspiration

1. Classic Beef Stew with Root Vegetables

Tender beef and hearty root veggies slow-cooked in a rich, savory broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Harvest Beef Stew by HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery (Link)

Warm up with our Harvest Beef Stew, a hearty blend of tender beef slow-cooked to perfection with seasonal root vegetables and aromatic herbs. Served with a side of crusty bread.
2h 30m • 6 servings

2. Slow-Cooked Pot Roast with Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

Fork-tender beef swimming in velvety gravy, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort combo.

Pot Roast by Blue Plate Cafe (Link)

Indulge in our tender Pot Roast, slow-cooked to perfection with a medley of seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs. Served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and a drizzle of savory gravy, this hearty dish promises to warm your soul.
4h • 6 servings

3. Chicken and Dumplings

Fluffy dumplings float in a creamy chicken stew, bringing back the nostalgia of grandma’s kitchen.

Chicken And Dumplings by Rex at the Royal (Link)

Sweet potato dumplings, roasted mushrooms, vidalia onions.
1h • 6 servings

4. Shepherd's Pie with Cheddar-Mashed Potato Topping

Ground meat and veggies blanketed under a cheesy, golden layer of whipped mashed potatoes.

Shepherd’s Pie by Ollie's Restaurant (Link)

A hearty dish featuring savory ground meat and vegetables topped with a creamy layer of mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection.
1h • 6 servings

5. Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Three Cheeses

Layers of zesty sausage, marinara, and gooey cheese baked to bubbly perfection.

Zany Ziti by Oregano's (Link)

Penne pasta, meat sauce and four Italian cheeses. Topped with Wisconsin cheese, baked to perfection and sprinkled with oregano. Get crazy!
1h • 6 servings

6. Creamy Chicken Ramen

Tender chicken simmered in a luscious, creamy broth to soothe your soul.

Creamy Chicken by Ramen House (Link)

Chicken broth, premium noodles, grilled chicken breasts, seasoned egg, kuro mushrooms, green onions, and roasted seaweed.
30m • 4 servings

7. Beef Stroganoff over Buttered Egg Noodles

Sautéed beef and mushrooms bathed in a tangy, creamy sauce, draped over buttery egg noodles.

Grilled Filet Medallion Stroganoff by Keegan's Grill (Link)

Baby Portobellos over Egg Noodles
30m • 4 servings

8. Homemade Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

A juicy, tender loaf crowned with a caramelized sweet-and-savory glaze that’s pure magic.

Homemade Meatloaf With Mushroom Gravy by Keegan's Grill (Link)

Served with Herb Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Green Beans with Onions.
1h 30m • 6 servings

9. Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage and Parmesan

Silky risotto infused with nutty parmesan and the delicate warmth of sage.

Butternut Squash Ravioli by Fish Bones Grill (Link)

With a sage brown butter sauce & parmesan cheese.
1h • 4 servings

10. Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Pastry Crust

Golden, buttery pastry seals in a dreamy filling of chicken and garden veggies.

Chicken Pot Pie by Capers Restaurant (Link)

Tender Breast of Chicken in a Rich Cream Stock with Green Beans, Shitake Mushrooms, Carrots, Celery and Onions. Topped with a flaky crust.
1h • 6 servings

11. Loaded Baked Potato with Bacon and Cheddar

Creamy potato goodness piled high with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and sour cream.

Loaded Baked Potato by The Drover (Link)

Overflowing with creamy butter, rich sour cream, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh chives for a hearty and satisfying treat.
1h 15m • 4 servings

12. Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Reduction

Fall-off-the-bone short ribs slow-cooked in a velvety red wine sauce.

Braised Short Rib by Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley (Link)

Tender, slow-braised short ribs that melt in your mouth, infused with rich red wine and aromatic herbs. Served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, drizzled with a savory reduction sauce.
3h • 4 servings

13. Spaghetti and Meatballs in Rich Marinara Sauce

Tender meatballs nestled in a slow-simmered marinara, poured generously over spaghetti.

Spaghetti & Meatballs by Roma Italian Restaurant (Link)

Savor our classic Spaghetti & Meatballs, featuring al dente pasta lovingly tossed in a rich, homemade marinara sauce. Each tender meatball is crafted from a blend of premium meats and aromatic herbs, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
45m • 4 servings

14. Chili Con Carne with Cornbread Muffins

A bold, smoky chili that pairs perfectly with sweet, crumbly cornbread.

Chili Con Carne by Fast Breaks Restaurant (Link)

Hearty chili made with ground beef and beans, served with cornbread.
1h • 6 servings