Soul-Satisfying Comfort Food Classics

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Whether you’re craving a nostalgic classic or a one-pot weeknight win, this collection of [BLANK] recipes serves up comfort with a side of ease. From the golden goodness of Best Creamy and Easy Squash Casserole and buttery decadence of Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes, to the crispy indulgence of Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak and soul-warming Country Captain Chicken, there’s something here for every kind of craving. Don’t miss the fork-tender Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy or the ultra-cozy Slow Cooker Beef Stew—these dishes don’t just feed you, they hug you.

Best Creamy and Easy Squash Casserole

A glass baking dish filled with baked squash casserole.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

You haven’t truly tasted Southern comfort until you’ve scooped into this Best Creamy And Easy Squash Casserole, a golden, garden-fresh bake that sneaks into your freezer like it lives there rent-free.

To learn more: Best Creamy and Easy Squash Casserole

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes is topped with melted butter and chopped chives, with a spoon inside. A checkered cloth is draped over the wooden surface.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Silky, nutty, and smugly delicious, Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes take your average mash and dunk it in browned butter bliss—holiday vibes in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Country fried steaks on a platter smothered in white gravy.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Skip the road trip and fry up your own roadside classic with Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak, where the gravy’s thick, the crust’s golden, and nobody judges you for licking your fork.

To learn more: Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak

Country Captain Chicken

A plate of white rice topped with a tomato-based chicken stew, garnished with herbs and slivered almonds. A fork rests on the side, with bowls of extra rice and stew nearby.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

With its old-school charm and fragrant spices, Country Captain Chicken delivers curried comfort with a Lowcountry twist—bonus points for those buttery slivered almonds on top.

To learn more: Country Captain Chicken

Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

Slices of meatloaf, mashed potatoes topped with white gravy and a sprig of rosemary arranged on a plate; beside the plate are a fork, knife, and a small sauce pitcher.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Double the loaves, double the applause—Homemade Meatloaf With Creamy Onion Gravy is comfort food royalty, draped in velvety sauce and begging for a side of mashed potatoes.

To learn more: Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Golden-brown fried chicken drumsticks garnished with fresh dill, arranged on a decorative green and white plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Crispy without the chaos, Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks are what happens when weeknight dinner gets its act together—minimal mess, max crunch, and zero regrets.

To learn more: Oven Fried Chicken Drumsticks

Creamy One-Pot French Onion Rigatoni

A bowl of rigatoni pasta with creamy sauce, topped with herbs, sits on a wooden table. A fork rests in the bowl. Nearby are piles of shredded cheese and whole onions.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

One pot, endless flavor—Creamy One-Pot French Onion Rigatoni marries your favorite soup with your carb-loving heart for a cheesy, caramelized union you’ll definitely renew vows with.

To learn more: Creamy One-Pot French Onion Rigatoni

Chicken with Sherry Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with Sherry Mushrooms Sauce piled high on a white plate
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget the usual! This chicken dinner takes things up a notch with pancetta’s rich savor and a smooth sherry sauce loaded with mushrooms. With tender chicken and a burst of flavor in every bite, it’s sure to earn rave reviews!

Get The Recipe: Chicken with Sherry Mushroom Sauce

One Pot Chili Mac

A close-up of a fork holding a bite of beef macaroni and cheese over a bowl filled with the same dish. The pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce with ground beef and garnished with herbs. A striped cloth is partially visible on the left side of the image.
Image Credit: Budget Bites

Skip the boxed dinner! This One-Pot Chili Mac is an upgraded take on your childhood favorite, crafted entirely from scratch for a satisfyingly hearty comfort food classic.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Chili Mac

Baked Feta Pasta

Overhead view of a pasta dish in a casserole.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

This scrumptious baked feta pasta highlights the creamy richness of feta cheese paired with the sweet burst of juicy tomatoes. With its quick and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a standout favorite in your meal rotation!
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Easy Beef Stroganoff

a close up image of Beef Stroganoff made up of Beef and mushrooms in a creamy Stroganoff sauce over noodles.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Easy Beef Stroganoff shows that comfort food can be both simple and satisfying. With its rich, creamy texture and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ideal way to indulge without any fuss.

Get The Recipe: Easy Beef Stroganoff

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

A picture of beef stew with mushrooms carrots and thyme.
Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cozy up with a bowl of slow cooker beef stew, filled with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. This recipe delivers all the classic beef stew flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Creamy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

An oval-shaped casserole dish filled with a baked dish topped with melted cheese, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, and dollops of sour cream. A spoon rests in the dish, indicating it's ready to be served. A striped yellow napkin is nearby.
Creamy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Dr. Davinah’s Eats.

This Creamy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is a low-carb delight, perfect for summer casseroles. With flavors like sour cream, cheese, green onions, and crispy bacon, it’s a delicious substitute for traditional loaded potatoes. This dish is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy comfort food without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

Chicken Sundried Tomato Pasta

a white plate with Chicken Sundried Tomato Pasta and a fork.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Savor our Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken, packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes—a perfect weeknight solution for busy evenings!

Get The Recipe: Chicken Sundried Tomato Pasta

Beef Bourguignon

A white plate with mashed potatoes and beef bourguignon.
Image Credit: Allie Roomberg/Baking A Moment

This classic beef bourguignon is ideal for a relaxing afternoon. Let it slowly simmer, infusing your home with delightful aromas, and return to a pot of pure comfort food.

Get The Recipe: Beef Bourguignon

Shrimp Alfredo

a pan of Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp and garnished with parsley
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Shrimp Alfredo recipe is your go-to hero! Tender shrimp and a rich, creamy sauce combine effortlessly, making a satisfying dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that balances quality and convenience.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

One Pot Pastalaya

A wooden spoon holds up a serving of penne pasta mixed with chunks of sausage, diced tomatoes, green bell peppers, and herbs. The background shows a pan filled with the same pasta dish, slightly out of focus.
Image Credit: Budget Bites

Experience a taste of Louisiana with Pastalaya, a quick and budget-friendly one-pot meal! This savory pasta dish offers a shortcut to jambalaya, making it ideal for a festive and flavorful feast.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Pastalaya

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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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