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32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

December 11, 2017 By Becky 26 Comments

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

This collection of paleo comfort food recipes will keep you warm and nourished all winter long!

Looking for more delicious paleo recipes? Check out my roundups of Whole30 Instant Pot recipes and Whole30 sheet pan dinners.

Raise your hand if you could use some comfort food right about now! Between the cold weather and the seemingly incessant parade of Christmas treats, I’ve been craving healthy, hearty, hot dinners. In case you have been, too, I put together this collection of my very best and favorite paleo comfort food recipes.

Between all the cookies and the shopping and whatever else you’re up to, I hope you can find time to share some of these dishes with your family (or just make them for yourself!). Many of these recipes are great to make ahead and/or Whole30 compliant, so I’ve noted details like that below. Which one will you try first?

Here’s to a healthy and happy holiday season filled with plenty of satisfying meals!

Beef & Pork Paleo Comfort Food Recipes:

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter
Pressure Cooker (or Slow Cooker) Ropa Vieja: This satisfying Cuban dish is full of flavor (but not spicy) and easy to make in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Ropa vieja reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop (but tostones and guacamole are best made right before serving).

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Stuffed Squash with Sausage (Whole30): This is one of my favorite meals of all time and the only way I can get my husband to eat winter squash. These are great made ahead and reheated in the oven or even the microwave!

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Deep-Dish Paleo Tamale Pie: This paleo tamale pie is basically a veggie-packed chili with an irresistible almond flour “cornbread” baked on top. It reheats well in the oven. You can also make the chili layer ahead of time, and then whip up the super-quick “cornbread” layer and bake right before serving.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Paleo Pork Scaloppine with Caper Butter Sauce (Whole30): This restaurant classic is even more delicious when made at home. It’s best served right after it’s made but is quite quick. For Whole30, make sure to use ghee instead of butter and stock instead of wine, and serve over zucchini noodles or with mashed potatoes.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Slow-Cooked Bolognese Sauce with Sweet Potato Spaghetti (Whole30): There’s nothing more enticing than the smell of this sauce simmering away, and sweet potato noodles are a surprisingly satisfying substitute for spaghetti.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Slow-Cooker Short Ribs (Whole30): A few simple spices, a shallot, and some lime juice heighten the wonderful flavor of beef short ribs. These succulent shreds of meat go well with just about anything and reheat beautifully in a hot skillet with a little oil or ghee (or in the microwave).

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Shepherd’s Pie with Rutabaga (Whole30): I make this all the time because it’s my husband’s favorite meal (and I love it, too). It reheats well in the oven or microwave. If you don’t have rutabagas, you can use potatoes instead. If you’d like to add more veggies, you can throw in finely chopped carrots and celery with the onions and stir some frozen green peas into the meat layer right before baking.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Slow-Cooker Balsamic Short Ribs with Parsnip Puree (Whole30): The combo of super-savory short ribs and nutty parsnips is a winning one. This meal is best right away but can also be reheated in the microwave.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Bacon & Sweet Potato Chili (Whole30): Out of all the recipes I’ve made for my blog, this is probably the one I cook most frequently. The recipe makes a big batch, freezes well, reheats wonderfully in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave, and just may be the most comforting food on earth. I love leftovers of this with a crispy egg on top for breakfast!

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Paleo Swedish Meatballs (Whole30): This version is so much better than Ikea’s! The tender meatballs and creamy, slightly sweet sauce are hard to turn down. You can reheat this in the microwave or on the stovetop.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Five-Ingredient Instant Pot Carnitas (Whole30): These carnitas make the best burrito bowls, salads, tacos, lettuce wraps, etc. They reheat and crisp up so well with a little oil in a hot skillet and are extra amazing with an egg on top.

Paleo Comfort Food Recipes with Chicken:

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Simple Roast Chicken with Carrot Top-Kale Pesto (Whole30): Ina and Jeffery are onto something with their Friday night roast chicken dinners–there’s really nothing like it! Pesto brings a welcome hit of freshness to this wintry meal. The skin-on chicken is best right away, but leftover chicken meat can be shredded and repurposed. The pesto can be made a day or two ahead.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Pan-Roasted Chicken with Figs & Olives (Whole30): This flavorful dish uses chicken thighs so the crispy skin to tender meat ratio is maximized. This is served right after you make it, or you risk missing out of the crispiness.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Cider-Glazed Chicken with Roasted Cauliflower Rice (Whole30): The nutty roasted cauliflower rice (with brussels sprouts!) is a wonderful foil for the sweet cider sauce. This is best served right away but doesn’t take too long to make.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Instant Pot Chicken Stock (Whole30): Bone broth is made quick thanks to the Instant Pot! This is wonderfully comforting on its own and adds delicious nourishment to any dish that calls for chicken stock. It’s great made ahead and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave (or added to whatever other recipe you’re making–there are several soup suggestions in the next section!).

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Braised Chicken with Leeks and Scallions (Whole30): The sauce you’ll end up with is unbelievable and you’ll swear there’s wine in it (but there’s not). Shiitake mushrooms and plenty of alliums give this dish amazing flavor.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

One-Pot Turmeric Chicken & Rice: What’s more comforting than chicken and rice? Chicken and rice with turmeric! This is best served right away but can also be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Comforting Paleo Seafood Recipes:

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Crispy Honey Butter Salmon: I make this for lunch and dinner all the time because it’s so easy but tastes phenomenal. To up the comfort food factor, serve with mashed potatoes. This is not one to make ahead, but it’s super quick!

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo (Instant Pot or not) (Whole30): This one’s for those of us that are comforted by a little spice! Best served right when you make it. Try it with cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or sweet potatoes for Whole30.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Seared Salmon with Red Curry Vegetables (Whole30): Simply seared salmon on top of a coconut milk curry made with winter vegetables=comfort food for the discerning palate. The red curry vegetables can be made ahead and reheated on the stovetop but the salmon is best right after you cook it.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Curry Butter Shrimp: Can you tell I think curry equals comfort? This is best eaten right away but takes about two minutes (read: ten) and three ingredients to make.

Paleo Comfort Food Soups & Sides:

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Paleo Flatbread: This is one of my most popular recipes because it tastes just like real naan! It’s fabulous alone or with any number of curries or saucy dishes (see above!). This flatbread is at its very best hot off the pan but can be reheated in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Butternut Squash & Potato Soup: This soup is velvety and flavorful, even without the garnishes. It freezes and reheats well. I like to heat up a serving  in a small saucepan and poach an egg in the soup once it’s simmering–it makes the perfect quick and simple lunch.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (Whole30): Mashed potatoes are quicker and easier in the IP, with no draining required! Best right away, but reheatable in the microwave or oven.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Roasted Beets & Sweet Potatoes (Whole30): This recipe is simple but so delicious. Roasted vegetables are best right away, but I like to reheat any leftovers in the oven on a sheet pan at 400ยฐF, forming a well and cracking an egg or two in the middle once the vegetables are hot. Baked eggs and veggies is one of my favorites for breakfast or lunch!

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Patatas Bravas (Whole30): This classic Spanish tapa will win you all kinds of friends. Even if you skip one of both sauces, you’ll still have the best and crispiest roasted potatoes ever! These can’t be made ahead and do take a while, but they’re SO worth it.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Smoky Sweet Potato Latkes (Whole30): With sweet and smoky undertones, these crispy cakes are even better than their white potato counterparts. Best served right away.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup with Cauliflower (Whole30): This soup is easy and full of flavor, but also more nutritious thanks to some sneaky cauliflower. It’s a great one to make ahead and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave!

Paleo Comfort Food Breakfast Recipes:

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Eggs in Purgatory with Sausage and Kale (Whole30): Shakshuka’s Italian cousin, eggs in purgatory offers comfort in the form of spice (and runny yolks, if you like!). Best served right away.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Weekday Morning Paleo Dutch Baby: I make this an average of once a week because it’s so easy and so good! Best served right away, but if you somehow have leftovers, don’t throw them away–they’re good reheated briefly in the microwave for a little snack.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Quiche Lorraine with Leeks: This grain-free quiche is so creamy and delicious. You can make the dough ahead of time, and the quiche itself reheats well in the oven or microwave.

32 Paleo Comfort Food Recipes for Winter

Paleo Breakfast Casserole (Whole30): This casserole is packed with everything good and perfect for fueling a long day of work, shopping, or cookie baking. It reheats well in the microwave.

 

Filed Under: dinner, gluten free, paleo Tagged With: fall, gluten free, grain free, recipe roundup, winter

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Comments

  1. Katja says

    December 18, 2017 at 10:32 pm

    Every single thing here looks so delish. I’m all about comfort food in the winter time. YUM!

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 22, 2017 at 12:51 pm

      Thanks, Katja! Me too! Comfort food partially makes up for the lack of sunlight…

      Reply
  2. STACEY CRAWFORD says

    December 18, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    I’m such a lover of the comfort foods! Great round-up!

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 18, 2017 at 12:46 pm

      Thanks, Stacey! Me too!!

      Reply
  3. cristina says

    December 18, 2017 at 1:39 am

    That’s a whole lot of comfort food… and BEAUTIFUL FOOD!!!! DROOLING here!

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 22, 2017 at 12:50 pm

      Haha, thank you, Cristina! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. ChihYu says

    December 18, 2017 at 12:34 am

    Everything looks so delicious ! I want to eat them all !

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 22, 2017 at 12:50 pm

      Thanks so much, ChihYu! Hope you give some of them a try!

      Reply
  5. Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says

    December 16, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    So many awesome recipes to try, and I love all the variety of comfort food you have going on here!

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 17, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      Thank you so much, Kari!

      Reply
  6. Melissa~Realnutritiousliving says

    December 15, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    What a gorgeous and tasty round up! So perfect for this time of year.

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 17, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      Thanks, Melissa!!

      Reply
  7. Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says

    December 15, 2017 at 4:34 pm

    So much drool worthy Paleo comfort food in your list. Honestly, during the Fall/Winer I would eat mashed potatoes every single day if I could.

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 17, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      Haha, me too, Kelly! There are few things more comforting than mashed potatoes!!

      Reply
  8. Irena Macri says

    December 14, 2017 at 10:19 pm

    I didn’t know how much I needed tamale pie in my life until right now! Such a beautiful selection you’ve chosen. This is definitely going in my bookmarks – I literally want to make it all!

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 17, 2017 at 10:15 pm

      Thank you so much, Irena! I hadn’t heard of tamale pie until about a year ago but am so glad I found out about it!

      Reply
  9. Carrie says

    December 14, 2017 at 3:35 pm

    I want every dish on this recipe. What a great round-up!!!

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 17, 2017 at 10:15 pm

      Thank you so much, Carrie!

      Reply
  10. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says

    December 12, 2017 at 9:35 pm

    Oh my goodness everything looks AMAZING!!! But that cuban dish with the tostones and the capers on top is screaming at me. I wish I had that for my dinner tonight.

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 17, 2017 at 10:15 pm

      Thanks, Emily! That ropa vieja is one of our favorites–hope you give it a try!

      Reply
  11. Renee says

    December 12, 2017 at 8:40 pm

    That tamale pie though! Yum! Thanks for all the great ideas – we definitely hunker down for the long winter and these kind of dishes help pass the cold by!

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 17, 2017 at 10:15 pm

      Thanks, Renee! I bet you and your kids would love the tamale pie!

      Reply
  12. Megan Stevens says

    December 12, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    Wow, these are so impressive. Such a beautiful collection of tempting savories!! I quickly clicked over and pinned the Paleo Pork Scaloppine with Caper Butter Sauce ! ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 17, 2017 at 10:16 pm

      Thanks, Megan! I appreciate you sharing on Pinterest!! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  13. Jean says

    December 11, 2017 at 9:55 pm

    I absolutely love winter comfort foods, and all of these look sooo tasty! Can’t wait to give them a try.

    Reply
    • Becky says

      December 17, 2017 at 10:16 pm

      Thanks, Jean! Enjoy!! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

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