No matter your financial status, comfort food is something everyone can agree on. Whether you’re the average person or the ultra-wealthy, there are certain inexpensive dishes that remain universally loved.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting bowl only features five ingredients, making it a low-cost meal. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect option if you want an easy meal on a weeknight. Not only is chicken noodle soup rich in flavor, but it’s also great for keeping you warm.
Alphabet Soup
This nostalgic dish brings back so many childhood memories. You can either cook it straight from the can or source the ingredients yourself and make it from scratch. It’s a simple meal that anyone can enjoy, especially when you’re wanting something comforting.
Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
This soup gives you café-style comfort at home for far less money. You can cook this soup either on the stovetop from scratch or purchase it in a readymade Instant Pot. It’s a creamy and satisfying soup that’s perfect for anyone looking for some home comfort.
Sloppy Joe Pizza
Quorn writes, “This family favorite is easy to prepare and sure to be loved.” This dish combines the beloved flavors of Sloppy Joes with pizza. It’s not as messy as it sounds and can be created in just one dish. It offers a delightful and tasty experience that anyone, rich or poor, can enjoy.
Swedish Meatballs
This classic dish may have gained popularity at Ikea, but now it’s loved beyond the furniture brand. These meatballs taste just as good on their own as they do when served over pasta. The meatballs are known for their comforting flavors and easy preparation.
Chicken Enchiladas
This hearty dish features shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and tortillas. When both the chicken and sauce are seasoned to perfection, it’s easy to understand why it’s loved so much. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish where it doesn’t matter how much money is in your bank account.
Sausage Gravy & Drop Biscuits
What started out as a southern dish has now become popular nationwide. It’s also an easy-to-cook meal; for example, Taste of Home writes, “In just one pan, you cook the sausage, make a roux, and let the gravy thicken. Then you feast.” It’s a great meal for busy schedules, and it has a great selection of flavors.
Cabbage Roll Soup
This comfort food is a warming and nutritious option for cold days, and this goes for people who are rich or poor. It combines cabbage rolls in soup form and is both economical and healthy. It makes for a great lunch on days when you need a pick-me-up.
Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes
Even if you’re vegan, you’re still going to want to indulge in comfort foods. Vegan vanilla cupcakes have a basic ingredient list, which also makes them cheap to create. They’re a sweet treat loved by all, no matter how much money you have. You can even include extra ingredients such as orange zest and chocolate chips.
Slow-Cooked Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Nothing is more comforting than mac ‘n’ cheese, especially when it’s baked in the slow cooker, leaving the macaroni to go extra soft. Making this in the slow cooker is also convenient, as you can leave it all day. It’s a rich and hearty meal that’s extra cheesy.
Instant Pot Pulled Porchetta Sandwiches
These sandwiches feature tender, porchetta-style pulled pork that tastes just as good as it sounds. It’s served on crusty rolls, which you can also warm up to make it an extra comforting meal. It’s a perfect meal to have if you have any gatherings coming up or as a fancy lunch.
Fish Tacos
You don’t have to be rich to enjoy fish tacos; you can instead create them from budget-friendly white fish. The fish and taco seasoning create a beautiful flavor together that’s sure to leave your mouth watering. They’re perfect for outdoor gatherings or simple family meals.
Chili Hash
Yahoo! Finance writes, “The only thing better than a steaming bowl of chili for dinner is a bowl of beef chili hash, which somehow manages to be even heartier than the regular chili we all know and love.” It’s a quick and satisfying meal that can even be microwaved for extra convenience.
Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
These tasty pulled pork sandwiches are made from tenderloin with a homemade BBQ sauce. If you want your meat to be extra tender, then you can think about slow-cooking it, which will also increase the flavor. To make it extra comforting, serve the pork on toasted buns.
Creole Shrimp & Sausage
This meal is a simple take on a Louisiana classic. It’s easy to prepare with creole seasoning, and the shrimp and sausage will make it a flavorful dinner. It’s the perfect food to add some low-country cuisine to your menu, regardless of whether you’re rich or poor.
Chicken & Bacon Tart
To enhance this favorite dish, you can add jalapeño, pepper jelly, and bacon. For ease when it comes to preparing the meal, you can also use frozen chicken strips and puff pastry. It’s a spicy and savory comfort meal that’s perfect if you’re after a bit of heat in your food.
No-Guilt Brownies
As a healthier brownie option, you can indulge in these without feeling guilty afterward. They’re great for chocolate lovers, as they use ingredients that aren’t as high in calories. These brownies will satisfy any sweet cravings and provide some comfort, just in a more nutritious way.
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
If you want something quick to make, then creamy crack chicken soup is the perfect option. For example, It Is A Keeper writes, “It only takes 35 minutes to make start to finish, prep time included.” It’s hearty and healthy and it’s the perfect meal for weeknights.
