20 Must-Try Comfort Foods for a Chilly November Evening

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp in November, there’s nothing quite like a cozy meal to warm you up. Fall brings with it the perfect excuse to indulge in rich, comforting dishes that make staying in feel special. So grab your favorite blanket, get comfy, and let these comforting recipes help make your chilly November evenings a little cozier.

Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew is perfect for a chilly November evening. Combine 2 lbs of beef stew meat, 4 carrots (sliced), 4 potatoes (cubed), 1 onion (diced), 2 cups of beef broth, and 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce in a large pot. Add 2 tbsp of flour to thicken, and let the mixture simmer for 2 hours. Season with salt, pepper, and a bay leaf for extra flavor. The long cooking time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Chicken Pot Pie

To make chicken pot pie, start by sautéing 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks in butter until softened. Stir in 1/3 cup of flour, then add 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth and 2/3 cup of milk to create a creamy base. Add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken and simmer until thickened. Pour the mixture into a pie dish and top with pre-made pie crust. Bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. The flaky crust paired with the savory filling makes this dish a favorite.

Macaroni and Cheese

For a classic mac and cheese, cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni until al dente. In a separate pot, melt 4 tbsp of butter and whisk in 1/4 cup of flour to form a roux. Gradually add 2 cups of milk and cook until thickened. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Combine the sauce with the cooked macaroni, and transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. The result is a creamy, cheesy dish with a crunchy topping.

Chili

To make a hearty chili, brown 1 lb of ground beef in a large pot. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking until softened. Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of kidney beans, 2 tbsp of chili powder, 1 tsp of cumin, and 1/2 tsp of paprika. Let the chili simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. This spicy, warming dish is ideal for cold evenings.

Baked Ziti

Prepare baked ziti by cooking 1 lb of ziti pasta until al dente. In a saucepan, brown 1 lb of Italian sausage with 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the sauce, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella. Transfer to a baking dish, top with more mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. The combination of pasta, cheese, and sauce creates a comforting, satisfying meal.

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

For a simple tomato soup, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 garlic cloves in olive oil until softened. Add 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, 2 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 tsp of sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes, then blend until smooth. For the grilled cheese, butter two slices of bread and place cheese in between. Grill until golden and crisp. Serve the soup with the sandwich for a warm and nostalgic meal.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a filling and comforting dish. Brown 1 lb of ground lamb or beef in a skillet, then add 1 diced onion, 2 carrots (chopped), and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir in 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce and simmer until thickened. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish, top with 2 cups of mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F for 25 minutes until golden. The layers of meat, vegetables, and potatoes create a hearty meal that’s perfect for a cold evening.

Lasagna

To make lasagna, cook 12 lasagna noodles until al dente. In a skillet, brown 1 lb of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 3 cups of marinara sauce. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of ricotta cheese with 1 egg and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Layer the noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in a baking dish, topping with shredded mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden. Lasagna’s rich, layered flavors make it a favorite comfort food.

Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

To make meatloaf, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of ketchup in a bowl. Shape into a loaf and bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Meanwhile, boil 4 potatoes until soft, then mash with butter, milk, and salt. Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes for a classic, comforting dinner. The rich flavors of the meatloaf pair perfectly with the creamy potatoes.

French Onion Soup

To make French onion soup, thinly slice 4 large onions and cook them in 4 tbsp of butter over low heat until caramelized (about 30 minutes). Add 6 cups of beef broth, 1/2 cup of white wine, and 2 tsp of thyme. Simmer for 30 minutes. Ladle the soup into bowls, top with toasted baguette slices, and cover with grated Gruyère cheese. Place under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This soup is a rich, savory, and comforting classic, perfect for a chilly evening.

Chicken Alfredo

For chicken Alfredo, cook 12 oz of fettuccine according to package directions. In a skillet, cook 2 chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. In the same pan, melt 4 tbsp of butter, then add 1 cup of heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce and serve with parsley. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken makes this a satisfying comfort food.

Beef Stroganoff

To make beef stroganoff, sauté 1 lb of thinly sliced beef in butter until browned. Remove the beef and sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 cups of mushrooms in the same pan. Add 1/2 cup of beef broth, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, then return the beef to the pan and simmer until thickened. Serve over egg noodles or rice. This dish, with its creamy sauce and tender beef, is ideal for warming up on a cool evening.

Bangers and Mash

Bangers and mash is a traditional British comfort food. Cook 6 pork sausages in a pan until browned. Meanwhile, boil 4 potatoes, then mash them with butter, milk, and salt. For the gravy, sauté 1 chopped onion in the sausage drippings, add 1 tbsp of flour, and gradually stir in 1 cup of beef broth. Simmer until thickened. Serve the sausages over the mashed potatoes and pour the gravy on top. The rich gravy and savory sausages make this a perfect dish for cold weather.

Chicken Noodle Soup

For chicken noodle soup, sauté 1 diced onion, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks in butter until softened. Add 8 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Bring to a boil, then add 2 cups of egg noodles and cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley. This classic soup is both nourishing and comforting, ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Eggplant Parmesan

To make eggplant Parmesan, slice 2 large eggplants and coat them in flour, then dip in beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Fry the slices in olive oil until golden. In a baking dish, layer the fried eggplant with 2 cups of marinara sauce and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until bubbly. This dish offers a hearty vegetarian option with its layers of crispy eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese.

Shrimp and Grits

To prepare shrimp and grits, cook 1 cup of stone-ground grits according to package instructions, then stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. In a skillet, cook 1 lb of peeled shrimp with 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning. Add 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 2 tbsp of butter, simmering until the shrimp are pink. Serve the shrimp over the creamy grits for a Southern-inspired dish that’s comforting and flavorful.

Pot Roast

For pot roast, sear a 3 lb chuck roast in a Dutch oven until browned on all sides. Remove the roast and sauté 1 diced onion, 4 chopped carrots, and 3 chopped potatoes in the same pot. Add the roast back, along with 2 cups of beef broth and 1 bay leaf. Cover and bake at 300°F for 3 hours, or until the meat is tender. This slow-cooked dish is a perfect fall meal, with melt-in-your-mouth beef and flavorful vegetables.

Cornbread and Chili

To make cornbread, whisk together 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour, 2 tbsp of sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt. In a separate bowl, mix 1 egg, 1 cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour into a greased pan and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Serve with a bowl of your favorite chili. The cornbread’s slight sweetness pairs perfectly with the spicy, savory chili.

Mushroom Risotto

For mushroom risotto, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 cups of sliced mushrooms in butter. Add 1 1/2 cups of Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and serve. This creamy, savory risotto is perfect for a chilly evening, with its rich flavors and comforting texture.

Pumpkin Soup

To make pumpkin soup, sauté 1 diced onion in olive oil until softened. Add 4 cups of pumpkin puree, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1/2 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg. Simmer for 20 minutes, then blend until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. This creamy, fragrant soup is ideal for autumn, with its warming spices and rich, velvety texture.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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