25 Main Dishes So Comforting You’ll Skip the Grill

When the weather gets too hot for grilling, or you're simply craving something cozy, these comforting main dishes are perfect for you. We've gathered some of the best hearty meals that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, these dishes will hit the spot and keep everyone happy.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot. — Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a comforting main dish perfect for a cozy dinner. The sweetness of pineapple mixed with savory chicken creates a dish that's both easy to prepare and satisfying. The slow cooker method means you can set it and forget it. Serve it over rice for a complete meal. It's ideal when you want a hearty meal without using the grill.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a comforting main dish that's incredibly easy to make. With creamy cheese and tender pasta, it’s a family favorite everyone will enjoy. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other things. It's great for days when grilling isn't an option but you still want a rich, hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekends.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Individual Shepherd's Pie

Individual Shepherd's Pies are a comforting main dish perfect for a cozy dinner. These mini pies feature savory meat and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Easy to prepare and bake, they provide a hearty meal without needing a grill. Each portion is satisfying and perfect for weeknight dinners. Great for kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd's Pie

Braised Short Ribs

Braised Short Ribs offer a rich and tender comforting main dish perfect for comfort food cravings. Slow-cooked to perfection, these ribs are infused with deep flavors. The braising method ensures they are incredibly tender without the need for a grill. Serve with mashed potatoes or a side of vegetables. Ideal for a special dinner or a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

A plate of pork chops stuffed with mushrooms and cheese served with green beans. — Baked Stuffed Pork Chops. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Baked Stuffed Pork Chops are a comforting main dish filled with savory stuffing and baked to juicy perfection. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty meal. Baking instead of grilling ensures the chops remain tender and flavorful. Serve with a side of vegetables or mashed potatoes. Great for a family dinner or special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Pork Chops

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Close-up of an air-fried barbecued rib with charred edges over a white plate. — Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs are a quick and easy way to enjoy a comforting main dish without needing a grill. These ribs are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Perfect for those busy days when you still crave comfort food. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce and sides. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs

Seafood Pot Pie

Seafood Pot Pie combines a rich, creamy filling with a flaky crust, making it an excellent choice for a comforting main dish. This pie is packed with seafood, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It's a great option when you want a hearty meal without using the grill. Serve it hot for a satisfying dinner. Perfect for seafood lovers and cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan. — Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Individual Lasagnas are a comforting main dish perfect for a cozy and convenient meal. These mini lasagnas are filled with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer a hearty meal without needing a grill. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. Ideal for weeknight dinners or small gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Easy Beef Stew

Beef stew in yellow bowls. — Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Beef Stew is a comforting main dish perfect for a cozy dinner. This stew is filled with tender beef and vegetables, cooked to perfection. It's an excellent choice when grilling isn't an option but you still want a filling meal. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. Great for those cold evenings or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo Steak Pasta combines tender pieces of steak with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce for a comforting main dish. This pasta dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty meal. It's a great option when you want a filling dinner without using the grill. Serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan. — Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sloppy Joe Casserole offers a twist on the classic sandwich, making it a comforting main dish. This casserole is filled with savory beef and topped with biscuits or cornbread. It's easy to bake and perfect for a filling meal. Great for nights when grilling isn't an option. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Serving of honey butter chicken garnished with parsley on plate. — Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is a comforting main dish perfect for any occasion. The chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a sweet and savory honey butter glaze. It's a great alternative to grilled chicken. Serve with mashed potatoes or coleslaw. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie is a classic comfort food that's a comforting main dish for a cozy dinner. This pie is filled with tender chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, all encased in a flaky crust. It's easy to prepare and bake. Great for nights when you want a filling meal without using the grill. Serve hot for a satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin. — Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken Divan is a creamy and comforting main dish perfect for a hearty meal. This recipe combines chicken, broccoli, and a rich sauce, topped with cheese. It's easy to bake and ideal for a cozy dinner. Perfect for days when grilling isn't an option. Serve with rice or a fresh salad. Great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it. — Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich and comforting main dish that's easy to prepare. This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy cheese sauce. It's perfect for a filling meal without the need for a grill. Serve with pasta or a side of vegetables. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon. — Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Chili for Two is a hearty and comforting main dish perfect for a cozy dinner. This chili is filled with tender beef and beans, slow-cooked to perfection. It's an excellent choice when you want a filling meal without grilling. Serve with cornbread or over rice. Great for small households or intimate dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots on a white plate. — Whole Chicken in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Whole Chicken in Air Fryer is a convenient and comforting main dish perfect for a family dinner. The air fryer ensures the chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It's a great alternative to roasting or grilling. Serve with your favorite sides. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meals.
Get the Recipe: Whole Chicken in Air Fryer

Personal Pizza

Close-up of a pepperoni pizza slice being lifted, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce. — Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Personal Pizza is a fun and customizable comforting main dish perfect for any meal. These pizzas are easy to prepare and bake, making them a great choice for a quick dinner. You can top them with your favorite ingredients. Ideal for nights when grilling isn't an option. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake combines the flavors of buffalo chicken with pasta for a comforting main dish. This bake is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty meal. It's a great option when you want a filling dinner without grilling. Serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley. — Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a flavorful and comforting main dish perfect for a quick dinner. This pasta features tender shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce. It's easy to prepare and doesn't require grilling. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a rich and comforting main dish perfect for a hearty meal. This casserole combines chicken, bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce, baked to perfection. It's easy to prepare and great for a cozy dinner without grilling. Serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Mexican Steak Pizza

Mexican Steak Pizza is a flavorful and comforting main dish that's perfect for any meal. This pizza combines savory steak with Mexican-inspired toppings. It's easy to prepare and bake, making it a great alternative to grilling. Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Filipino Spaghetti

A bowl of spaghetti topped with a rich meat sauce placed on a red and white checkered tablecloth. — Filipino Spaghetti. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Filipino Spaghetti is a sweet and savory comforting main dish perfect for a hearty meal. This spaghetti features a unique sauce with a hint of sweetness, making it different from traditional spaghetti. It's easy to prepare and doesn't require grilling. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad. Great for family dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Pork tenderloin on a cutting board next to a slow cooker. — Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Pork Loin is a tender and flavorful comforting main dish perfect for a cozy meal. This pork loin is slow-cooked to perfection with a savory sauce. It's an easy recipe that doesn't require grilling. Serve with mashed potatoes or vegetables. Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Salmon Pasta Alfredo

Salmon Pasta Alfredo is a rich and comforting main dish perfect for a hearty meal. This pasta features tender pieces of salmon in a creamy Alfredo sauce. It's easy to prepare and doesn't require grilling. Serve with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo