Life can sometimes be difficult, but there's nothing like comfort food to help you feel better. Whether you’re feeling down, stressed, or just want to indulge, these 12 comfort food recipes will make you feel like you’re being hugged from the inside. From comforting mac and cheese to savory shepherd’s pie, there’s something for everyone!
Mac and Cheese
Nothing says comfort food quite like mac and cheese. This classic dish is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Perfect for picky eaters, mac and cheese is a winner every time.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups macaroni noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, mustard, and salt until smooth. Gradually stir in milk; cook and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Add cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Pour macaroni and cheese into prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Calorie Info:
One serving of Mac and Cheese contains approximately 443 calories.
Serving Suggestions:
Mac and cheese pairs well with a variety of sides, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. For an extra special treat, top your mac and cheese with bread crumbs for a crunchy texture.
Shepherd’s Pie
This savory pie is the perfect comfort food for a chilly night. It’s sure to fill you up and keep you warm!
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add beef broth and tomato paste and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add peas and carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of beef broth from the skillet until smooth. Cook and stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add to beef mixture in the skillet and stir to combine.
- Spoon beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes over beef mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown.
Calorie Info:
One serving of Shepherd’s Pie contains approximately 489 calories.
Serving Suggestions:
Shepherd’s Pie pairs nicely with a side salad or roasted vegetables. For a special treat, top your Shepherd’s Pie with cheese and bacon for an extra boost of flavor.
Whether you’re having a bad day or just want to indulge, these 12 comforting recipes are sure to make you feel better. From mac and cheese to shepherd’s pie, there’s something for everyone! So get cooking and get comforted!
