Ever find yourself craving something totally filling? Yeah, those dishes might make your fitness tracker a bit nervous, but oh, do they hit the spot! We’re talking about those hearty, rich meals that you turn to when you’re looking for comfort, celebration, or just a downright delicious feast. These aren’t everyday dishes; they’re your special-occasion kind of meals, and they’re all about pleasure over calories.
Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup
If you ever needed comfort in a bowl, this Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup is where it’s at. It blends the sweetness of caramelized onions with the earthy tones of mushrooms, topped with a healthy swirl of cream. It’s a rich, filling option that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup
Dutch Oven Carnitas
Let’s talk about Dutch Oven Carnitas. It turns simple pork into something you can’t stop eating, slow-cooked to perfection until it’s juicy and fall-apart tender. Something about preparing it in a Dutch oven really locks in all those flavors—it’s definitely a treat-yo-self kind of dish that packs in the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas
Pizza Raclette
Now, Pizza Raclette is a whole other level of decadence. It combines the gooey goodness of raclette cheese melted right onto a fresh pizza, and it’s as rich as it sounds. It is an amazing pick for those days when only the cheesiest, most satisfying pizza will do—it comes fully loaded with calories!
Get the Recipe: Pizza Raclette
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Step into the heart of comfort food with Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. It’s where this humble veggie gets a luxurious upgrade simmered with bits of good mix-ins. It’s a side dish that often steals the show with its deep flavors and it might not be the leanest option but it sure brings a lot of charm to the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Think about all the savory flavors of a classic Cuban sandwich but baked into a hearty casserole. That’s what you get with the Cuban Sandwich Casserole. It’s layered with meats, and cheese, and every serving is a perfect splurge that will be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, not light but loved.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Beef Bourguignon
A stew that’s rich in history and flavor is Beef Bourguignon. It is slowly simmered with tender chunks of beef, and it’s a traditional French dish that will impress. It’s the kind of meal you serve when you want to enjoy something special. It might be heavy on calories but it’s also heavy on satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
It might sound light, but with its generous use of ingredients, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a flavorful feast that’s not as light on calories as you think. It mixes tangy, fresh flavors with the decadence of orzo shrimp. It is a salad that really doesn’t feel like a salad—it’s more of a treat.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Pickled Yellow Beans
Don’t underestimate the flavor punch of Pickled Yellow Beans. These are often enjoyed as a crunchy side or snack, adding a bright note to heavier meals. Although pickling might not add loads of calories, it turns these beans into irresistible bites that can make stopping at one serving a real challenge.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans
Turkey à la King
Looking for the ultimate comfort food? Turkey à la King is the answer! It has chunks of turkey in a creamy, rich sauce with veggies, often served over rice or bread. It’s a dish you turn to for a hearty and fulfilling meal. While it’s definitely on the richer side, it promises full bellies and happy hearts.
Get the Recipe: Turkey à la King
Smoked Cauliflower
Prepare to change the way you think about vegetables with Smoked Cauliflower. It takes the humble cauliflower and fills it with smoky flavors until it’s anything but bland. It’s a surprisingly amazing way to enjoy a veggie. It might not be the lightest dish, but it’s a great twist that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Are you all about low effort and high reward? Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops are your friend. The chops come out incredibly tender and coated in a creamy, savory sauce. It’s a dish that lets the slow cooker do all the hard work, resulting in a meal that’s ideal for those lazy weekend dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Southern Ham Salad
This is a go-to for picnics and potlucks. Southern Ham Salad has chopped ham with a blend of sweet and tangy ingredients. Although it’s often scooped up with crackers or stuffed in sandwiches, it’s not exactly a light option. It is packed with flavor that makes it hard to put down!
Get the Recipe: Southern Ham Salad
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken
Does it seem like a simple dish? Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is anything but that. The chicken is marinated and roasted with a hearty dose of oil and herbs. It turns into a fragrant and satisfying meal that’s amazing for busy weeknights. It’s easy, but with a richness that comes from the roasting process.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken