Creamy, Crispy, Saucy Comfort Wins

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This is not the time for restraint. These comfort food classics pile it on with creamy sauces, cheesy layers, and crispy, golden finishes. We’re talking Chicken Fried Steak with Red Eye Gravy, Easy Beef and Noodles, and BBQ Baby Back Ribs that’ll have you licking your fingers and regretting nothing. From Ravioli Lasagna Bake to Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo, even the meatless options know how to bring the cozy. Whether it’s a bubbling Cream of Mushroom Soup Chicken skillet or Hot Honey Bangin’ Cornflake Chicken, this list is here to soothe your soul and fill your plate.

Carne Guisada

homemade carne guisada.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This Carne Guisada recipe features tender beef chunks simmered in a flavorful Mexican-style gravy. It’s an easy-to-make Latin beef stew that’s perfect for a comforting and hearty meal. Serve this flavorful dish with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Carne Guisada

Chicken Fried Steak

A plate of country chicken fried steak on a bed of mashed potatoes covered in white gravy
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Chicken Fried Steak recipe delivers a tender steak coated in a super flavorful, crunchy batter. The dish is then topped with a creamy country white gravy with a spicy kick for an unforgettable meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo

Presenting a delicious Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This one-pot chickpeas and orzo dish is the perfect quick and easy vegetarian meal. Simmered in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and spinach, it’s packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a delicious twist on the viral “Marry Me” chicken recipes!
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas and Orzo

Cream of Mushroom Soup Chicken (Skillet Recipe)

a skillet with cream of mushroom chicken and a serving spoon
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Cream of Mushroom Soup Chicken is a quick and easy skillet recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The creamy gravy is made with condensed mushroom soup, making it a simple and delicious weeknight meal!
Get the Recipe: Cream of Mushroom Soup Chicken (Skillet Recipe)

How to Make Lasagna

Slice of Sausage Lasagna on plate foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

This lasagna recipe is a crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make with no-boil noodles and a homemade meat sauce featuring both Italian sausage and ground beef, plus a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Lasagna

Red Eye Gravy

A ham steak with red eye gravy on a white dinner plate.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

This Red Eye Gravy recipe is a Southern classic that’s quick and easy to make! It combines the rich flavors of country ham drippings, black coffee, and butter for a smooth gravy that is perfect for biscuits or grits. This simple stovetop gravy is ready in minutes and adds a delicious, bold touch to any breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Red Eye Gravy

One Pan Tortellini with Sausage

a bowl of italian sausage tortellini
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This One Pan Tortellini with Sausage recipe is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Italian sausage, spinach, and cheese tortellini come together in a delicious tomato sauce for a comforting and satisfying dish. Top with parmesan cheese for the perfect finish!
Get the Recipe: One Pan Tortellini with Sausage

Easy Beef and Noodles

a bowl of beef and noodles
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Easy Beef and Noodles recipe delivers comfort food in just 30 minutes. Tender ground beef simmers in a rich gravy, served over a bed of egg noodles for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef and Noodles

Easy Chicken and Gravy

chicken and gravy in a skillet
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This easy chicken and gravy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Using pantry staples, the pan-fried chicken is tender and the gravy is packed with flavor. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting family meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken and Gravy

Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Sun dried tomato pasta with spinach and basil.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This sun dried tomato pasta is a comforting and quick meal ready in just 30 minutes! Penne pasta is combined with a creamy sun dried tomato sauce and spinach, then topped with parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This easy pasta dish will be a hit with everyone!
Get the Recipe: Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Ranch Pork Chops

four pork chops with a ranch sauce in a cast iron skillet
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

These ranch pork chops are so simple, yet so good! The pork chops get perfectly golden and juicy, and the ranch gravy is rich and flavorful. This recipe uses pantry ingredients so you can have a delicious meal any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pork Chops

Penne Pasta with Easy Marinara

Penne with Marinara | foodiecrush.com
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Looking for a simple and delicious pasta dish? This Penne Pasta with Easy Marinara recipe uses canned tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil to create a flavorful homemade marinara sauce. It’s a quick, healthy, and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pasta with Easy Marinara

Pork Loin Roast

Pork Loin Roast served on a white platter with fresh herbs. Pork is shown sliced at the forefront.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Pork Loin Roast recipe is a guaranteed family favorite! The pork loin is pan-seared, coated in fresh herbs and garlic, then oven-baked until tender and juicy. Don’t forget to make the delicious gravy using the pan drippings!
Get the Recipe: Pork Loin Roast

Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Chowder in large serving pot with small bowls of chowder surrounding it
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder is the ultimate comfort food! It’s a quick 30-minute meal that’s loaded with chicken, potatoes, Rotel tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy broth. Perfect for a chilly night or a game day gathering!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cheesy Chicken Chowder Recipe

Ravioli Lasagna Bake

a plate of cheesy ravioli lasagna
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Ravioli Lasagna Bake is a simple and delicious twist on two classic Italian dishes. It’s made with layers of cheese ravioli, savory meat sauce, and plenty of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This easy casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be easily customized to your liking.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Lasagna Bake

15 Minute One Pan Creamy Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Gnocchi

close-up of sun-dried tomato and basil gnocchi in a bowl with a fork
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This creamy sun-dried tomato and basil gnocchi recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s ready in just 15 minutes and features a decadent cream sauce that you’ll want to devour. This vegetarian dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: 15 Minute One Pan Creamy Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Gnocchi

Hot Honey Bangin’ Crunchy Cornflake Baked Chicken

A plate with crispy fried chicken, sweet potato fries, fresh cilantro garnish, and a cup of dipping sauce.
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Crunchy cornflake baked chicken by Ambitious Kitchen is tossed with delicious spices and drizzled with hot honey. A wonderful dinner you’ll crave!
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Bangin’ Crunchy Cornflake Baked Chicken

BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Two racks of bbq ribs with one cut into rib servings with a serving of barbecue sauce on the side
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Spiced with a smoky-sweet dry rub and finished with BBQ sauce, these are the Ultimate BBQ Baby Back Ribs!  You can slowly bake or grill these over hot coals!
Get the Recipe: BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Creamy Lemon and Fresh Tomato Salmon Pasta

close-up of white bowl with creamy lemon and fresh tomato salmon pasta
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This creamy tomato salmon pasta is a quick and easy meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes! The bright and flavorful sauce is made with lemon, parmesan, and garlic, giving it a restaurant-quality taste. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon and Fresh Tomato Salmon Pasta

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Peas (vegan & gluten free!)

Butternut Squash Pasta with peas in a bowl with a spoon
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Peas is the ultimate vegetarian comfort food. It’s easy to make and can be both vegan and gluten-free! The perfect cozy meal for fall and winter.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Peas (vegan & gluten free!)

Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

baked chicken leg quarters.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

My oven baked chicken leg quarters are truly crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle. Ready in under 40 minutes and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Leg Quarters

Au Gratin Potatoes

a wooden spoon scooping au gratin potatoes out of a 9x13 baking pan.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These homemade au gratin potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy sauce and make for the perfect side dish for this year’s holiday table!
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potatoes

Cherry Tomato Pasta

plated Cherry Tomato Pasta
Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe is a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil combine with tender pasta for a burst of fresh flavors. Ready in minutes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Pasta

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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