15 Underrated American Comfort Foods That Deserve a Comeback

Comfort food is all about warmth, familiarity, and that unmistakable sense of home. But some of our most cherished American dishes have slipped through the cracks, replaced by newfangled trends and fusion flavors. It’s time to revive these underrated classics that have been quietly waiting for a comeback. This list is all about rekindling your love for hearty, no-fuss meals that remind you of simpler times.

Baked Ziti

Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of Italian sausage with 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 jar of marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. Combine the cooked ziti with the sauce mixture and 1 cup of ricotta cheese in a baking dish. Top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This cheesy, hearty dish is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Chicken and Waffles

Prepare 1 pound of fried chicken by dredging in seasoned flour, dipping in buttermilk, and frying until golden brown. For the waffles, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, mix 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups of milk, and 1/4 cup of melted butter, then combine with the dry ingredients. Cook in a waffle iron until crisp. Serve the crispy chicken atop the waffles, drizzled with maple syrup for a sweet and savory treat.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Cook 12 ounces of egg noodles until al dente, then drain. In a large bowl, mix the noodles with 2 cans of drained tuna, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of frozen peas, and 1/2 cup of milk. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. This casserole is a comforting blend of creamy, savory flavors that’s easy to prepare.

Chicken Divan

Steam 4 cups of broccoli florets until tender and place them in a baking dish. Top with 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. In a bowl, mix 1 can of cream of chicken soup with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder. Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli, then top with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Beef Stroganoff

Brown 1 pound of sliced beef sirloin in a skillet with 1 diced onion and 2 cups of sliced mushrooms. Add 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, simmering until the beef is tender. Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream and cook until heated through. Serve over egg noodles for a rich, comforting meal that’s full of savory flavors.

Stuffed Peppers

Cut the tops off 4 large bell peppers and remove the seeds. In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 diced onion, then stir in 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stuff the mixture into the peppers, place them in a baking dish, and top with shredded cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. These hearty stuffed peppers are a complete meal in one dish.

Shrimp and Grits

Cook 1 cup of grits according to package instructions, then stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. In a skillet, sauté 1 pound of shrimp with 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced bell pepper until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Stir in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Serve the shrimp mixture over the cheesy grits for a Southern classic that’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying.

Shepard’s Pie

Brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 diced onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk in a skillet. Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour, then add 1 cup of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, simmering until thickened. Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish, top with 2 cups of mashed potatoes, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown. This hearty dish is a comforting blend of savory meat and creamy potatoes.

Corn Fritters

In a bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of sugar. Stir in 1 egg, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 cup of corn kernels until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown on each side. Serve the fritters with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of sour cream for a crispy, sweet, and savory treat.

Chicken Tetrazzini

Cook 8 ounces of spaghetti until al dente, then drain. In a skillet, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 cups of sliced mushrooms in 1/4 cup of butter until soft. Stir in 1/4 cup of flour, then slowly add 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk, cooking until thickened. Add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the cooked spaghetti, mixing well. Transfer to a baking dish, top with more Parmesan, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly. This creamy, cheesy dish is a comforting, one-pan meal.

Fried Catfish

Season 4 catfish fillets with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of cornmeal with 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Dredge the fillets in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat well. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Serve with lemon wedges and tartar sauce for a Southern classic that’s crispy, flaky, and full of flavor.

Pot Roast

Season a 3-pound beef roast with salt and pepper. In a large pot, sear the roast on all sides in 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 1 cup of beef broth, 1 diced onion, 3 diced carrots, and 3 diced potatoes, then cover and simmer for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender. Serve with the vegetables and cooking juices for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for Sunday dinners.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Pound 4 chicken breasts until thin, then place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each. Roll up the chicken, securing with toothpicks if necessary. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs. Fry in a skillet with hot oil until golden brown, then finish in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. Serve with a drizzle of Dijon mustard for a classic dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Slice 4 green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices. In one bowl, mix 1 cup of flour with salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat 2 eggs. In a third bowl, place 1 cup of cornmeal. Dredge each tomato slice in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with cornmeal. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Serve with a remoulade sauce for a crispy, tangy snack that’s a Southern favorite.

Beef and Barley Soup

In a large pot, brown 1 pound of beef stew meat in 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks, cooking until soft. Stir in 1/2 cup of barley, 4 cups of beef broth, 1 bay leaf, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Simmer for 1-2 hours until the barley is tender and the beef is cooked through. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty, warming soup that’s perfect for cold days.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

16 Family-Friendly Pasta Recipes Everyone Will Adore

Tired of the same old dinner routine? Let’s shake things up with some delicious and easy pasta recipes that are sure to please the whole family. From cheesy classics to fresh and zesty dishes, pasta offers endless possibilities for tasty meals. Read More.

15 Quick and Easy Summer Appetizers

Quick and easy appetizers are a must for any summer gathering, and having a lineup of fresh, flavorful appetizers will set the perfect tone for your event. These simple yet delicious options are not only easy to prepare but also guaranteed to impress your guests. Read More.

17 Healthy Snacks You Can Make at Home with Minimal Ingredients

When hunger strikes, it’s easy to reach for whatever’s convenient, but those store-bought snacks often come with a side of extra calories and preservatives. When you’re looking for something nutritious to snack on but don’t have a pantry full of ingredients or want to spend hours in the kitchen, having a few simple recipes up your sleeve can be a lifesaver. Read More.