Comfort food recipes

 Here are some comforting recipes perfect for cozy nights:

1. Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.

3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.

4. Stir in cheddar cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine with cooked pasta and serve.

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2. Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, diced

1 cup frozen peas and carrots

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup flour

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 package pie crusts (or make your own)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.

3. Slowly add chicken broth and milk, stirring until the mixture thickens.

4. Stir in the cooked chicken, peas, carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Roll out the pie crust and line a pie dish. Pour the filling into the crust.

6. Top with another pie crust, seal the edges, and cut a few slits in the top to vent.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.

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3. Beef Stew

Ingredients:

1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes

3 potatoes, peeled and diced

2 carrots, sliced

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups beef broth

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp flour

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium-high heat.

2. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.

3. Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir to coat. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Bring to a simmer, then add potatoes and carrots.

5. Cover and cook for 1-1.5 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are soft.

6. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

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4. Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

4 tbsp butter

1/2 cup milk

Salt and pepper, to taste

Garlic (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes, until tender.

2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

3. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and mash until smooth.

4. For extra flavor, you can add roasted garlic or stir in cream for a richer texture.

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5. Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 cup ketchup

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp mustard

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground meat with onion and bell pepper until softened.

2. Add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens.

4. Serve the sloppy joe mixture on hamburger buns.

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6. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Ingredients for Grilled Cheese:

4 slices of bread

4 slices of cheddar cheese

Butter for spreading

Ingredients for Tomato Soup:

1 can tomato soup (or homemade if preferred)

1/2 cup milk or cream

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Butter the bread slices and place cheese in between. Grill in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.

2. For the soup, heat the tomato soup in a pot, stirring in milk or cream for extra creaminess.

3. Season with salt and pepper and top with fresh basil if desired.

4. Serve the grilled cheese with the warm tomato soup.

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7. Macaroni and Beef Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 can tomato sauce

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.

3. Stir in tomato sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. In a baking dish, layer the cooked macaroni and beef mixture. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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8. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup uncooked rice

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup frozen peas

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, mix together cooked chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, peas, salt, and pepper.

3. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Cover with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the casserole is heated through.

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9. Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

1 lb ziti pasta

2 cups marinara sauce

1 lb ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain.

3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.

4. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

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10. Chicken Fried Rice

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked rice (preferably leftover)

1 cup cooked chicken, diced

1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots

2 eggs, beaten

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil

2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Scramble the eggs in the pan, then set them aside.

3. Add the chicken and vegetables to the skillet, cooking until heated through.

4. Add the rice, soy sauce, and cooked eggs. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes.

5. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.

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These comfort food recipes are warm, satisfying, and perfect for bringing some coziness to your dinner table!