There’s just something about a chilly evening that makes me want to cook something warm, cozy, and a little indulgent. Once the weather cools down, Jake and I tend to rotate through a handful of dinners that never fail to hit the spot. They’re simple, comforting, and perfect for nights when you want to stay in, light a candle, and eat something that feels like a hug.
Here are five of our favorite comfort foods for chilly nights:
1. Chili and Sweet Cornbread
A classic. We make chili at least a few times each fall, and it’s one of those meals that somehow tastes even better the next day. I like to make it hearty with plenty of tomatoes, ground beef, and spices, and then pair it with sweet cornbread fresh out of the oven. The sweet and savory combo is chef’s kiss. Sometimes I’ll add a little honey butter on top of the cornbread if I’m feeling extra cozy.
2. Fried Chicken and Creamy Rigatoni
This one’s definitely a comfort meal. The crispy fried chicken with creamy rigatoni is pure indulgence, and we usually save it for a weekend dinner when we’re both home to cook together. I love how the creaminess of the pasta balances the crunchy chicken, it’s the perfect mix of cozy and satisfying.
3. Lasagna (the Lazy Way)
I started making lasagna this way on a busy weeknight and never went back. Instead of layering noodles and ricotta, I use the spinach-stuffed raviolis from Aldi as the base, then add ground beef, marinara sauce, and mozzarella on top. It tastes like homemade lasagna but takes half the time. It’s become one of our go-to fall meals, simple, filling, and so comforting.
4. Spaghetti Squash with Boursin and Cherry Tomatoes
This is my lighter comfort option when I want something cozy but not too heavy. I roast a spaghetti squash until tender, then mix in Boursin cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes. The cheese melts down into this creamy, garlicky sauce that coats the squash perfectly. It’s quick, delicious, and somehow feels fancy without any extra effort.
5. Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole
The ultimate cozy casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with broccoli and shredded chicken, everything I love in one dish. It’s one of those dinners you can throw together with what you already have in the fridge, and it reheats perfectly for lunches the next day. Comfort food at its finest.
When the evenings start getting colder, these are the meals I always come back to. They’re simple, warm, and make home feel even cozier, exactly what fall dinners should be!
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