15 One-Dish Comfort Recipes You Will Want on Repeat

Comfort food doesn’t have to be fussy to be memorable. In fact, the dishes that often bring the most comfort are the ones made simply in a single pot, pan, or baking dish. These meals are hearty, flavorful, and easy to share, making them perfect for cozy solo dinners or feeding a crowd. From bubbling pasta bakes layered with cheese to tender stews that simmer until rich and satisfying, these recipes deliver all the flavor you crave without creating a mountain of dirty dishes.

1. Classic Chicken Pot Pie

There’s a reason chicken pot pie never goes out of style. You get flaky crust on top, creamy filling inside, and a balance of vegetables, chicken, and sauce that feels both hearty and wholesome. You can make it with leftover roasted chicken or pick up a rotisserie bird to save time. Carrots, peas, and onions hold their shape and sweetness in the filling. The crust can be homemade or store-bought, depending on your mood. What matters is that first golden, bubbling spoonful that warms you through.

2. Baked Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese baked in the oven is the kind of dish that makes people gather around the table quickly. The pasta is coated in a rich cheese sauce, then finished under heat until the top layer turns crisp and golden. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives both sharpness and stretch, while a buttery breadcrumb topping adds crunch. You can keep it simple or stir in extras like bacon, spinach, or even lobster. Either way, baked mac and cheese proves comfort food can be indulgent and satisfying.

3. Beef Chili

A pot of chili does more than feed a crowd. It delivers bold flavor in every spoonful, thanks to slow-simmered beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. You can make it mild or fiery depending on your preferences. Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika add depth, while toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions let everyone customize their bowl. It freezes well too, so you can portion it out and reheat later. This dish has all the qualities of a comfort classic: hearty, flexible, and endlessly repeatable.

4. Vegetable Lasagna

Lasagna doesn’t need meat to taste rich. A good vegetable lasagna layers roasted zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and tomato sauce between sheets of pasta, with ricotta and mozzarella tying everything together. Baking brings the layers into a melty, structured dish that slices neatly but feels soft on the fork. It’s also a great way to use seasonal vegetables without sacrificing comfort. Each square gives you that classic lasagna experience with a lighter, garden-fresh twist, making it a dish that pleases both vegetarians and meat eaters.

5. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Tomato soup feels like pure comfort, especially when it’s creamy and homemade. A blend of ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a splash of cream creates a base that’s smooth and full of flavor. Instead of serving grilled cheese on the side, you can cube the sandwich, toast it, and drop the bites right into the bowl. The bread soaks up the soup without losing all its crunch. It’s familiar, playful, and deeply satisfying. This pairing proves you don’t need much to create a dish that hits the spot.

6. One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This recipe takes a favorite restaurant dish and makes it weeknight-friendly. You cook the pasta, chicken, garlic, and cream together in one pot, letting the starch from the noodles thicken the sauce naturally. Parmesan stirred in at the end makes it silky, while fresh parsley or cracked pepper balances the richness. Because it all happens in one pot, cleanup is minimal. The result is a creamy, filling pasta that feels like something you ordered out, but it’s fast enough to make on a busy night at home.

7. Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a layered comfort food that always delivers. Ground meat, onions, and vegetables simmer in a savory gravy, then get topped with a thick blanket of mashed potatoes. A quick trip under the broiler gives the top a golden crust. Traditionally made with lamb, many home cooks swap in beef or turkey without losing any of the appeal. This dish works well for leftovers and reheats beautifully. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like care and effort, even if it comes together simply.

8. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are colorful, filling, and surprisingly easy to make. Hollowed bell peppers become vessels for a mix of rice, vegetables, and ground meat or beans. A layer of tomato sauce and melted cheese ties everything together. Baking softens the peppers just enough to hold their shape while making the filling tender and flavorful. They look impressive coming out of the oven, but the process is straightforward. It’s a dish that works equally well for meal prep or a comforting family dinner.

9. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Few recipes are as reliable as chicken and rice casserole. It’s creamy, hearty, and cooks in a single dish without fuss. The rice absorbs chicken stock while baking, so each bite is tender and flavorful. Adding mushrooms or broccoli boosts both nutrition and taste. A topping of cheese or crunchy fried onions adds the finishing touch. Because it can be assembled ahead and baked later, this casserole is a lifesaver on busy days. It delivers that cozy, stick-to-your-ribs comfort that makes you want a second helping.

10. Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff brings together tender beef, mushrooms, onions, and a sour cream sauce over noodles. The richness of the sauce is balanced by the tang of the cream, and the mushrooms add depth and earthiness. Egg noodles soak it all up, giving you a dish that feels indulgent without being heavy. Stroganoff works equally well on a cold night or when you want something nostalgic and classic. It’s a meal that feels rooted in tradition while still fitting perfectly into modern comfort cooking.

11. Lentil Stew

Lentil stew proves that comfort doesn’t require meat. Slow-simmered lentils, carrots, celery, and spices create a hearty base that’s both filling and healthy. You can add potatoes for more body or greens for freshness. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld into something warm and deeply satisfying. Served with crusty bread, lentil stew becomes more than just a meatless option; it’s a dish you’ll want to make again because it’s simple, nourishing, and full of the kind of flavor that feels like home.

12. Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna noodle casserole is the definition of a throwback comfort dish. Egg noodles, canned tuna, peas, and a creamy sauce come together in a single baking dish. A breadcrumb or potato chip topping adds crunch, making it both hearty and fun to eat. It’s affordable, filling, and still popular for a reason. While it may sound old-fashioned, the balance of textures and flavors makes it timeless. This is the kind of recipe that reminds you why some classics never fade from the rotation.

13. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is proof that comfort food doesn’t always look the same. This Middle Eastern dish features eggs poached in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. The runny yolks mix into the sauce, creating a creamy, savory bite best eaten with bread. Garlic, cumin, and paprika give the base its warmth, while fresh herbs add brightness. It works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Shakshuka is flavorful without being heavy, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in kitchens far beyond its origins.

14. Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a cousin to lasagna, but easier to assemble. Pasta is mixed with tomato sauce and ricotta, then topped with mozzarella and baked until bubbly. The cheese melts into the noodles, creating a dish that’s rich and satisfying without requiring precise layering. You can add sausage or vegetables for extra substance. It’s the kind of recipe that feeds a group with ease and leaves you with leftovers that taste just as good the next day. Baked ziti earns its place as a go-to comfort meal.

15. Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings deliver comfort in every bite. A pot of tender chicken, vegetables, and broth forms the base, while fluffy dumplings steam on top. Each spoonful gives you a mix of savory stew and soft, doughy dumpling that feels both hearty and homey. It’s a dish that takes a little time, but the payoff is worth it. The flavors deepen as it cooks, and the dumplings absorb just enough broth to stay light yet filling. Few recipes define comfort better than this classic.