Sometimes, it’s really hard to get off the couch in winter, isn’t it? You’re warm and cozy, reading a great book or several episodes deep in your favorite TV show, and you just don’t feel like doing anything else—but you have to eat. At a moment like that, you can turn to this list of 20 low-effort comfort food dinners. From hands-off slow cooker recipes to classic casseroles and some stovetop dishes, these cozy meals don’t take much exertion or time to throw together so you can get back to your couch.
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll
Photographer: Kyle Carpenter / Food Styling: Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling: Prissy
“Super easy and tasty! I added 1 Tbsp chili flakes, 1 Tbsp sugar and 2 Tbsp vinegar, 2 extra gloves of garlic and used chicken stock instead of water. So good over rice, will definitely make again.” —smithc57
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
Photographer: Jake Sternquist / Food Styling: Sammy Mila / Prop Styling: Kristen Schooley
“I substituted olive oil in this recipe for the butter and it worked great (in case anyone was thinking of trying this). Recipe instructions were clear and easy!” —shawnna
Classic Goulash
Stacy Allen / Food Stylist: Julian Henserling / Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
“I really enjoyed this! It was simple to make and it’s very satisfying. I didn’t have soy sauce so I substituted it with Worcestershire sauce. Loved it!” —Raymond
Simple Beef Stroganoff
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“This is good, but wanted to pass along this hint: try adding a package of DRY HIDDEN VALLEY RANCH dressing mix to it… oh my gosh – it is SO GOOD!” —Kerri Vann Pritchard
Pastina Casserole
Photographer: Robby Lozano / Food Styling: Isabelle Easter / Prop Styling: Keoshia McGhee
“I made this on a chilly night for us and it really hit the spot. I couldn’t find a frozen version of all three of the vegetables, but I did find a small bag of frozen peas and carrots. I used this and added some hand chopped red onion in. It smells wonderful while it bakes.” —LaDonna Langwell
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“I’ve been making this for years! It’s easy and so tasty! I toyed with it some in the beginning but the family never likes it better than the original. This is our comfort food, throw it all in the crock pot, go to work, come home to a cozy meal!” —Talsit
World’s Best Honey Garlic Pork Chops
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“We loved this recipe! We ended up doubling the recipe and I added a couple tablespoons of dark brown sugar and it was amazing. Tonight we are using it on boneless skinless chicken breasts!! Yum yum.” —GiftedMiso8397
Mississippi Pot Roast
Photographer: Stacy Allen / Food Styling: Julian Henserling / Prop Styling: Christina Daley
“Super easy to put together and made tacos with the leftovers.” —Grandma j
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Pork
Marisa R.
“Mine was done in six hours. Will make a double batch for family get together next time! Tastes like a professional chef made it!” —Michelle Stark
Air Fryer Prosciutto and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This is excellent! I had 3oz of prosciutto so I split evenly to make two sandwiches. The crispy, buttery outside with the creamy melty mozzarella and salty prosciutto on the inside? To die for!!” —DREGINEK
Easy Tuna Casserole
Melissa Goff
“Awesome! Very flavorful, delish! I added peas and carrots, and some garlic powder, and used panko crumbs rather than crispy onions.” —SpiffyHen2803
Air Fryer Salmon for One
Chef Mo
“Simple, flavorful and delicious! Made as written, but my salmon pieces were a bit thinner, so I adjusted the time accordingly. The whole family loved this!” —Christina
Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I love that it’s fast and easy. The only thing I changed was to replace one of the broths with cream of chicken soup.” —Leslie Schmitt
Easy Baked Chicken Tenders
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I followed the recipe and made no changes !!! These chicken tenders were DELICIOUS !!! My hubby even went back for seconds !!! … What an EASY and YUMMY recipe !!! I will make this again !!” —Sonja
Easy Baked Ziti
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“I LOVE this recipe! It makes wonderful leftovers too. I make this on Sunday nights and have leftovers for lunch all week!” —paynes
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
“Really tasty economical dish. I used orzo instead of rice and cheddar cheese as no mozzarella in the fridge. Will definitely be cooking it again.” —Moira
Reuben Casserole
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“I made it without the bread on the bottom then sliced it onto toasted marble rye. The best Reuben sandwiches ever! Served it with dill pickles, horse radish, and brown mustard.” —Peter
Slow Cooker Dump and Go Cheesy Chicken
Paula Todora (Paula T)
“Very easy recipe and flexible when adding your own ingredients. I added some Hungarian spices, Creole spices, and onions for my own spin. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!” —amillon
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
“This is our favorite when the kids bring their friends over and their appetites are big and a staple for camping trips! There isn’t ever any left over. Delicious flavor.” —Julie Nelson
One-Dish Meatball and Ravioli Casserole
lutzflcat
“I made this for my gamut last evening and it was a hit! Entire skillet was devoured by three of us. Had sourdough garlic bread + salad on the side for a great combo.” —RusticLemon5277
Dining and Cooking