Easy Comfort Food
Easy Comfort Food is a one-pan dinner ready in under an hour. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and takes just 15 minutes to prep.
You do not need fancy ingredients to make this dish taste good.
It uses what you likely have in your pantry right now.
This meal comes together in one pan so cleanup is easy.
About the Ingredients
2 cups (300g) small pasta shells
Use any small shape like elbows or rotini if you prefer.
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
Peas, carrots, and corn work well here.
2 cups chicken broth
Vegetable broth works too if you are cooking vegetarian.
1 can (14 oz) cream of mushroom soup
Cream of celery or cheddar soup also works fine.
1 pound ground beef
Ground turkey or Italian sausage are good swaps.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Use mozzarella if you want it less salty.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Boil water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside.
2. Brown the meat
Fry the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add soup and broth
Pour in the cream soup and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and heated through.
4. Mix everything together
Stir in the cooked pasta and frozen vegetables. Simmer for three minutes so flavors blend.
5. Top with cheese
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt for two minutes.
Tips & Tricks
- Drain the pasta water before mixing it in.
- Do not boil the soup alone or it will separate.
- Stir gently so the pasta does not break apart.
Pro Tips
Delicious Variations
- Add diced ham for extra savory flavor.
- Stir in some spinach right before serving.
- Top with crispy fried onions for crunch.
How to Store Easy Comfort Food
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Freezer
Freeze portions in freezer bags for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble it fully then bake later. Just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What if I do not have chicken broth?
Use vegetable broth or even water with bouillon. It still tastes good either way.
Q: How do I know it is done?
The pasta should be tender and the sauce thick. It bubbles around the edges when ready.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well for several weeks. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: Is it spicy?
No, it is mild and family friendly. Add hot sauce if you want more kick.
This dish fits busy nights perfectly. Keep it simple and enjoy a warm meal.
Easy Comfort Food
Easy Comfort Food is a one-pan dinner ready in under an hour. This recipe uses simple pantry staples and takes just 15 minutes to prep.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups (300g) small pasta shells
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
📋 Instructions
- 1Cook the pasta — Boil water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside.
- 2Brown the meat — Fry the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
- 3Add soup and broth — Pour in the cream soup and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- 4Mix everything together — Stir in the cooked pasta and frozen vegetables. Simmer for three minutes so flavors blend.
- 5Top with cheese — Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt for two minutes.
