Now is the time to perfect these five fall comfort foods.

Baked mac and cheese may take longer than others on this list, but it’s not labour-intensive, and most of the time comes from the baking itself. You will need the following:

• 1 lb. macaroni pasta
• 1 stick of butter
• 4 cups of sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups of gruyere cheese
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups of whole milk
• Salt and pepper

First, preheat your oven to 350˚ and grease a deep baking dish. While your oven warms up, boil a pot of salted water, and cook your pasta to al dente. After draining the pasta, combine it with the butter and 2 cups of cheddar cheese. Next, add half the macaroni mixture into the baking ship, layer it with the gruyere cheese, and then top it with the other half of the mix. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and milk together and then pour over the pasta. Bake the macaroni for 30 minutes. Lastly, add the remaining cheddar cheese to the top and broil until golden.

Your perfect baked mac and cheese might look different from this; feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, seasonings, and veggies until you find a combination that works for you. We love to add garlic, red pepper flakes, and broccoli to ours!

One Pot Chilli

30 minutes | Serves 6-8 

Chilli is a classic – and only having one pot to wash after is the ultimate comfort. For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ lbs of ground beef
• 1 diced onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 cans of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 28 ounces of diced tomatoes
• 6 ounces of tomato paste
• 4.5 ounces of chilli peppers
• 3 cups of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chilli powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• A pinch of sugar

In a large pot, fry the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic. Then, add the rest of the ingredients and bring them to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered.

This recipe is straightforward and has room for a personal touch. You can swap out the kidney beans for your favourite type or use a different kind of pepper. For extra comfort, top your bowls with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Baked Feta Pasta

40 minutes | Serves 4

This recipe went viral during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic – and for a good reason! If you didn’t try it then, this is your sign to try it now. You will need:

• 8 ounces of your favourite pasta
• 2 pints of cherry tomatoes
• 8-ounce block of feta cheese
• ½ cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• ¼ cup of chopped basil

Start by preheating your oven to 400° and placing the tomatoes in a baking dish. Pour the olive oil over them, along with the seasoning and toss until combined. Next, place the feta block in the middle of the dish and flip it a couple of times, so it is also coated in the oil. Bake the mixture for about 35 minutes; the tomatoes will burst, and the feta will melt.

While baking, cook your pasta to al dente and drain it. Once the tomatoes and feta are baked, quickly toss in the basil and garlic. Transfer your pasta to the baking dish, give everything one last stir to combine, and enjoy!

Sweet Potato Casserole (With Marshmallows)

60 minutes | Serves 8

Sweet potato casserole is the epitome of cozy fall foods, and the marshmallow topping adds an extra layer of comfort.

• 5 peeled and sliced sweet potatoes
• ½ cup of brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 3 tablespoons of orange juice
• A pinch of ground cinnamon
• 1 package of mini marshmallows

While preheating your oven to 350°, boil your potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes, and then drain and mash them. Add the brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and cinnamon until blended. An electric mixer will speed this process up if you have one. Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish and top with marshmallows. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the casserole is heated and the marshmallows are golden.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

6 hours | Serves 6-8 

Chicken noodle soup is a sure fire way to warm you up and provide comfort after a long, cold day. Using a slow cooker makes this popular meal even easier to make. To come home to a delicious bowl of soup, you will need:

• 1 ½ lbs of boneless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 4 teaspoons of thyme
• 4 teaspoons rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• 10 cups of chicken broth
• 8 ounces of soup noodles, but any short pasta will work in a pinch

This recipe is extremely easy: Combine the chicken, vegetables, and seasoning with the broth in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 hours. When you’re ready for dinner, remove the breasts and shred them before adding them to your slow cooker with the pasta. Cook on low until the pasta is al dente, about 20 minutes.