As the temperatures drop across central Indiana, you might be longing for the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty meal on a chilly night. Whether you've had a long, tiring day or you simply want to indulge in some culinary nostalgia, comfort foods are the perfect remedy. Let’s take a look at some of the most beloved comfort foods and some easy weeknight versions that don’t take hours of prep time. If you live at Hayden Flats, Bloomington, Indiana apartments, you can enjoy a luxury kitchen that’s perfect for preparing whatever type of meal you desire.
#1 Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
This wouldn’t be a comfort food list if it didn’t start right off with mac and cheese! Adored by kids and adults alike - macaroni and cheese. Ready in just 15 minutes total, this dish is all about indulgent creaminess and easiness. While the basic recipe is fantastic, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends, toppings, and mix-ins for a personalized twist.
#2 Weeknight Worthy Chicken Pot Pie
The creamy, savory filling beneath a flaky, golden crust is what makes chicken pot pie a timeless comfort food favorite– and with a few clever shortcuts (rotisserie or leftover chicken, frozen vegetables, and a storebought pie crust), it’s ready in under an hour!
Beef stew is a hearty, one-pot wonder that's perfect for chilly nights. With one sheet of frozen puff pastry, a package of refrigerated beef roast au jus, canned diced tomatoes, and frozen vegetables, you can have this simple but satisfying dish in just 30 minutes.
Chili is the ultimate crowd-pleaser even if it’s just for a party of one! It's a spicy and satisfying dish made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and an array of spices. Whether you prefer it mild or with a fiery kick, chili can be customized to suit your taste.
#5 30-Minute Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
This is a quick and indulgent mashed potato recipe– and it’s not made with potato flakes! It requires an active 30 minutes, but it’s worth the effort. Using starchy potatoes like Yukon gold or russet allows for maximum creaminess. The only chopping you’ll have to do is for the two tablespoons of minced shallots. While your potatoes are boiling, you’ll be watching your gravy reduction to ensure it’s all hot and ready to serve at the same time!
Lasagna, with its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese, is a favorite Italian-American comfort dish. Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to skip the boiling step, layer your meat, cheese, noodles, and sauce, and your lazy lasagna is ready in just 30 minutes.
#7 40-Minute Easy Chicken and Dumplings
A bowl of chicken and dumplings is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered with vegetables, and soft, doughy dumplings are dropped in to create a comforting, soul-soothing stew. With packaged biscuits, rotisserie or leftover chicken, and frozen vegetables, this is a comfort staple you can indulge in on any night of the week.
Meatloaf is a classic American dish that's as versatile as it is delicious, and using a muffin tin lessens the cooking time to just 20 minutes! Simply mix all of your ingredients and spoon ⅓ of a cup into each muffin tin for an easy and portable weeknight treat. Leftovers make great sandwiches, too!
Comfort food classics are an easy way to treat yourself during a busy week, and these hearty dishes not only fill your stomach but also save time for more important things, like curling up with a good book on a cold night. If you’re searching for a new place to call home this winter, schedule a personal tour at Hayden Flats. Our Bloomington, IN apartments feature thoughtful amenities like quartz countertops, upgraded plank flooring, stainless steel appliances, and large pantries that make cooking and cleaning up feel less of a chore. Call our leasing office today at (812) 993-4407.