Comfort food recipes

Make this summer bean stew and use it as a base for three meals. Using dried beans is a cost-effective cooking option. See the three extra recipes below

Make this granddaddy of pasta bakes with the salty tang of yeast extract, plus mustard and evaporated milk. This is macaroni cheese with added oomph

Our hunter's chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food, featuring chicken breasts wrapped in bacon with BBQ sauce and cheese. Enjoy it with mash or roast potatoes.

Combine steak, chips, red wine gravy and wild mushrooms, then wrap it all up in a pie crust to enjoy one of the best mash-ups we’ve ever come up with

Forget the takeaway and make these double decker homemade cheeseburgers. With gherkins, crisp lettuce and a secret sauce, they take some beating

Use your air fryer to make a classic mac and cheese – the ultimate comfort food dish. Cooking it in an air fryer creates a lovely crisp topping

Cosy up on cold nights with our comforting slow cooker pork casserole. Chopped apples would make a great addition – add them in the final hour of cooking

Bring the comforting flavours and textures of apple crumble to a Christmas trifle. Prep ahead so all you need to do is assemble it on the day

Combine two classic sweets – poached pears and a fruit pie – to make this stunning dessert with a decorative top to impress your dinner guests

Discover the secret ingredients that take the humble steak and ale pie to new levels. But, be warned: one slice just won't be enough

Bake this moreish chocolate chip banana bread – it’s a great way to use up ripe bananas that are lingering in the fruit bowl

Try this vegan take on a jambalaya, full of fiery and smoky flavours and bursting with vegetables. It's healthy, low in fat and calories, yet big on flavour

Savour every mouthful of this rich, comforting pie with red wine gravy and potato topping

Inspired by the apres-ski classic tartiflette, this creamy cheese and potato pie combines a cheesy fondue centre with sliced potatoes and crisp puff pastry.

Toast rice in brown butter, cook in coconut cream and lace with rum and raisin syrup to make this rice pudding. It's a world away from school-dinner versions

Using fruit purée instead of butter means you can enjoy a comforting steamed sponge pud with less fat - serve with skinny custard

A creamy and comforting quick pasta recipe, ideal for when you're short on time

A Bombay potato-topped coconut curry bake that's healthy and low-fat. Snuggle up with some nutritious comfort food

Take ‘sausages and beans’ from its modest midweek meal status and elevate it to an elegant one-pot casserole that’s special enough for entertaining

Individual shortcrust pastry pies with chicken in a cheese, leek and chive sauce. Comfort food at its best.

Combine the flavours of pear and hazelnut to make this stunning dessert. Make sure to serve the clafoutis warm – and don't forget the cream or crème fraîche

Serve this warming bowl of spicy, nourishing chicken noodle soup whenever you fancy some comfort food. You can make the base a day or two before serving

Make a lighter version of this favourite by cooking it in the air fryer. Serve with spaghetti and tomato sauce for an easy family dish for four