12 Easy Comfort Foods to Cook on Chilly November Nights

As the temperature drops, there is nothing better than cozying up with a warm, comforting meal. Comfort foods are perfect for chilly November nights when you want something hearty and satisfying. These dishes are simple to make and are sure to bring warmth to any evening. From classic soups to creamy pastas, there is something for every craving. 

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Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing warms you up like a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup on a cold November night. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and soft noodles creates a dish that is both comforting and filling. It’s a simple meal that can be made with just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you make it from scratch or use leftovers, this soup is always a hit.

For this recipe, you will need chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, egg noodles, chicken broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper. These ingredients come together to form a light yet hearty soup. You can also experiment by adding extra herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh flavor boost. The soup is easy to prepare and can be made in about 30 minutes.

Begin by sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the chicken breasts and cook until tender, then shred the chicken into pieces. Stir in the egg noodles and cook until tender, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Beef and Potato Stew

Beef and potato stew is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a chilly evening. The rich, savory flavor of the beef combines perfectly with the soft, comforting potatoes. This stew is ideal for warming up after a cold day, and it is also a great option for meal prepping. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together.

You will need beef stew meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, beef broth, salt, and pepper for this dish. You can also add herbs like thyme or bay leaves for extra depth of flavor. The potatoes provide a hearty base, while the beef broth adds richness to the stew. This meal is a great way to use up root vegetables and other pantry staples.

Start by browning the beef stew meat in a pot. Add the onions, garlic, and carrots, cooking until softened. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1-2 hours until the beef is tender. Add the potatoes in the last 30 minutes of cooking, then season to taste before serving.

Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a comforting classic that is both creamy and flavorful. The tangy sweetness of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the aromatic basil, creating a rich and satisfying soup. It is an easy dish to prepare and is ideal for serving alongside a grilled cheese sandwich on a cold night. Plus, it’s simple to make with just a few fresh ingredients.

For this recipe, you will need canned tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, onion, vegetable broth, heavy cream, and olive oil. These ingredients create a well-balanced flavor, and the cream adds richness to the soup. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, using salt, pepper, and additional herbs like oregano for a personalized touch. The soup can be made in under 30 minutes.

Begin by sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the canned tomatoes and vegetable broth, then bring to a simmer. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or leave it chunky if preferred. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a comforting dish that combines creamy chicken filling with a flaky, buttery crust. It is a hearty meal that is perfect for a cold November night and can be made with leftover chicken or fresh ingredients. The creamy filling is packed with vegetables, making it both satisfying and wholesome. You can also make it ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to eat.

To make this dish, you will need cooked chicken, carrots, peas, onions, butter, flour, chicken broth, milk, salt, and pepper. You can use store-bought pie crust or make your own for a more homemade touch. The filling is creamy and flavorful, with the chicken and vegetables adding a hearty bite. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken and create a comforting, filling meal.

Start by making the filling by cooking the onions, carrots, and peas in butter until softened. Add flour to the pan to make a roux, then slowly stir in the chicken broth and milk until the mixture thickens. Add the cooked chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir until combined. Pour the filling into a pie crust, top with another crust, and bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until golden.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is an Italian-American comfort food that is perfect for a chilly evening. The combination of pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that is both satisfying and flavorful. It is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal option for busy nights. You can also customize it by adding vegetables, meats, or different types of cheese.

For this recipe, you will need ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. The ziti pasta holds the sauce and cheese well, making each bite creamy and cheesy. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch. The dish is rich and comforting, perfect for feeding a family.

Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions and drain. In a baking dish, mix the pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a timeless comfort food that is rich, creamy, and cheesy. The smooth cheese sauce combined with tender pasta creates a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. It is easy to prepare and can be made in one pot, making it perfect for a cozy night in. You can also customize the recipe by adding breadcrumbs or bacon for extra flavor.

You will need elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese, and seasoning for this recipe. The cheese sauce is simple to make and can be customized with different types of cheese for a unique twist. You can also add herbs or hot sauce to adjust the flavor. This dish is perfect for both kids and adults alike.

Cook the macaroni according to package directions and drain. In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted, then combine the pasta with the cheese sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!

Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that is easy to make and perfect for a chilly night. The rich, cheesy sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese pairs perfectly with the tender fettuccine noodles. This dish is simple yet luxurious, making it a favorite for comfort food lovers. You can also add chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

For this recipe, you will need fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and seasoning. The cream creates a smooth and rich sauce, while the Parmesan adds sharp, tangy flavor. This dish is perfect for when you want something filling and indulgent without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions and drain. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Toss the pasta in the sauce, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a healthy and flavorful comfort food that is both filling and easy to make. The peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, meat, and seasonings, then baked until tender. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to suit your tastes. It is perfect for using up leftover rice or vegetables.

For this recipe, you will need bell peppers, ground beef or turkey, rice, tomatoes, onions, and cheese. The filling is simple yet hearty, with the rice providing a base and the meat adding protein. You can also add spices like cumin or paprika for a flavor boost. This dish is a great option for a family dinner.

Preheat your oven to 375°F or 190°C. Slice the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. In a skillet, cook the ground meat with onions, then mix in the cooked rice, tomatoes, and seasonings. Stuff the peppers with the mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender beef with a flavorful sauce. The creamy mushroom sauce is made with sour cream and beef broth, making it a hearty and comforting meal. It is perfect for a chilly November evening, offering warmth and satisfaction in each bite. This dish is often served over egg noodles or rice, making it versatile and filling.

For this recipe, you will need beef stew meat, onions, mushrooms, beef broth, sour cream, egg noodles, and flour. The beef is browned and simmered in a rich sauce, then combined with the noodles to create a complete meal. This dish is a great option for special occasions or a comforting weeknight dinner. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, adding garlic, thyme, or paprika for added flavor.

Begin by browning the beef in a skillet, then set it aside. In the same pan, sauté the onions and mushrooms until soft, then sprinkle with flour to create a roux. Slowly add beef broth, stirring until the sauce thickens. Stir in sour cream, then return the beef to the pan and cook until tender. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Pulled pork sandwiches are a satisfying, smoky, and savory comfort food perfect for a chilly night. The slow-cooked pork is tender and juicy, making it easy to shred and pile onto a soft bun. You can customize the flavor by adding BBQ sauce, coleslaw, or pickles to the sandwiches. It’s a great meal for casual gatherings or just a cozy dinner at home.

For this recipe, you will need pork shoulder, onion, garlic, BBQ sauce, and buns. The pork is slow-cooked until it becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred. BBQ sauce is then mixed in for a flavorful twist. This dish can be made in a slow cooker or oven, allowing you to set it and forget it.

Start by seasoning the pork with salt, pepper, and garlic, then place it in the slow cooker or oven. Add onions and garlic, then cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded. Shred the pork and mix with BBQ sauce. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings like coleslaw or pickles.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo bake combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and pasta, all baked to perfection. This dish is both indulgent and comforting, with a cheesy top that crisps up during baking. It’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors of chicken Alfredo without having to spend a lot of time at the stove. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for later.

For this recipe, you will need cooked chicken, fettuccine pasta, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The pasta and chicken are combined with the creamy Alfredo sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This dish is filling and perfect for a cold evening when you want something rich and satisfying. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to customize it.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package directions and drain. In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes are a simple yet nutritious comfort food that is perfect for chilly nights. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced when they are roasted, creating a warm, satisfying meal. They can be served as a side dish or as a main course, topped with a variety of ingredients like butter, brown sugar, or even savory toppings like cheese or sour cream. Baked sweet potatoes are easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients.

For this recipe, you will need sweet potatoes, olive oil, and your choice of toppings, such as butter, cinnamon, or brown sugar. The sweet potatoes are roasted until tender, and their natural sweetness intensifies during cooking. You can experiment with different seasonings or keep them simple with just a sprinkle of salt. This dish is versatile and can be customized based on your preferences.

Preheat your oven to 400°F or 200°C. Scrub the sweet potatoes and rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender. Serve with your favorite toppings for a comforting and healthy meal.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.