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🍳 15 Curated Recipes

15 Comfort Food Dinners To Make On a Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Slow-braised pot roasts, bubbly chicken pot pies, and decadent baked mac and cheese.

By Theodora Kaloudis•Senior Food Editor•Updated September 2026•⏱ 8 min read
15 Comfort Food Dinners To Make On a Lazy Sunday AfternoonPhoto: Simply Recipes Test Kitchen / Photo Archives
📚
Collection Size
15 Curated Dishes
⏱
Average Cook Time
20-30 Minutes
🍳
Skill Level
Beginner-Friendly
⭐
Tested & Perfected
Test Kitchen Approved

Sundays are meant for slow cooking. When the weather turns brisk, fill your house with the irresistible aromas of red wine braised short ribs, bubbly golden chicken pot pie, and velvety four-cheese baked macaroni. These are the recipes that make you want to curl up on the sofa with a warm bowl in hand.

🌟 Test Kitchen Golden Rules for This Collection

Layer Flavors Sequentially

Season with kosher salt, fresh aromatics, and acids at each stage of cooking.

Preheat Cookware Properly

Cast iron and skillets must be hot before adding cooking oil to develop golden browning.

Rest Before Slicing

Allow baked goods and roasted proteins to rest so juices redistribute evenly.

The Recipes (5 of 5)

Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs with Creamy PolentaRecipe 01

Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs with Creamy Polenta

★★★★★5 (490 reviews)

Bone-in beef short ribs seared until deeply browned, braised in dry red wine and herb aromatics for 3 hours until meltingly tender.

⏱Prep: 25 mins
🔥Cook: 3 hrs
🍽6 servings
📊680 kcal
Ingredients Checklist:
  • 4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
  • 1 bottle dry red wine (Cabernet or Merlot)
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 3 sprigs rosemary, 4 sprigs thyme
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Season short ribs heavily with salt; sear in Dutch oven on all sides until dark brown (12 mins); remove.
  2. Sauté chopped vegetables and tomato paste in drippings.
  3. Pour in red wine, scraping pan bottom; add beef stock and herbs. Return ribs.
  4. Cover tightly and braise at 325°F for 3 hours until fork-tender. Serve over polenta.
💡 Test Kitchen Tip:
Skim rendered fat from the surface of the braising liquid before serving for a clean, glossy sauce.
Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry CrustRecipe 02

Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Puff Pastry Crust

★★★★★4.9 (380 reviews)

Poached shredded chicken and sweet garden vegetables simmered in a velvety thyme cream gravy, blanketed in shatteringly flaky golden puff pastry.

⏱Prep: 20 mins
🔥Cook: 30 mins
🍽6 servings
📊490 kcal
Ingredients Checklist:
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh thyme, 1 egg for wash
Step-by-Step Instructions:
  1. Sauté vegetables in butter until tender. Stir in flour, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and cream.
  2. Simmer 5 mins until gravy thickens; fold in chicken, peas, and thyme.
  3. Top skillet with rolled puff pastry, brush with beaten egg, and cut vents.
  4. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 mins until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
💡 Test Kitchen Tip:
Using pre-made all-butter puff pastry saves hours while yielding a lighter crust than traditional pie dough.
Ultra-Creamy Four-Cheese Baked Mac & CheeseRecipe 03

Ultra-Creamy Four-Cheese Baked Mac & Cheese

★★★★★5 (620 reviews)

Cavatappi pasta coated in a rich Mornay sauce of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, fontina, and parmesan, topped with buttered panko breadcrumbs.

⏱Prep: 20 mins
🔥Cook: 25 mins
🍽8 servings
📊580 kcal
Slow-Braised Pork Carnitas with Crispy EdgesRecipe 04

Slow-Braised Pork Carnitas with Crispy Edges

★★★★★4.9 (310 reviews)

Pork shoulder simmered with orange juice, lime, Mexican oregano, and garlic until shreddable, then broiled until edges are crispy.

⏱Prep: 15 mins
🔥Cook: 3 hrs
🍽8 servings
📊420 kcal
Wild Mushroom & Truffle RisottoRecipe 05

Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto

★★★★★4.9 (270 reviews)

Slowly stirred Arborio rice with earthy sautéed cremini and porcini mushrooms, rich vegetable broth, parmesan, and white truffle oil.

⏱Prep: 15 mins
🔥Cook: 25 mins
🍽4 servings
📊410 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these 15 Comfort Food Dinners To Make On a Lazy Sunday Afternoon dishes ahead of time?

Yes, all recipes in this collection include make-ahead prep tips and store well in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Are substitutions recommended?

Each recipe is thoroughly tested to allow simple swaps for dietary needs such as gluten-free pasta, plant-based proteins, or dairy-free cheeses.

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