When the weather cools down, all I want to do is make hearty, comforting meals that satisfy both my cravings and my commitment to clean eating.
Paleo comfort foods are perfect for this time of year. They offer delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients that make you feel cozy without compromising your health goals.
Whether you’re looking for main dishes, crave-able side dishes, or Instant Pot recipes, this post has it all!
I’ll share some of my favorite comfort food paleo recipes, helpful grocery shopping tips, and FAQs to make your paleo lifestyle as easy and delicious as possible.
Main Dishes to Warm You Up
Paleo Chicken Pot Pie
This paleo comfort food classic is the real deal. The creamy filling made with coconut milk and chicken broth gives it that comfort food creaminess, while the almond flour crust bakes to a beautiful golden brown.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (preferably grass-fed or pasture-raised)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and green onions)
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, combine the coconut milk, chicken broth, and vegetables. Cook until the veggies are tender.
- Add the shredded chicken, almond flour, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with your favorite paleo-friendly crust.
- Bake until the crust is golden brown and bubbling.
The best part? This recipe is loved by the whole family, even the pickiest eaters!
Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Short ribs are one of my favorite comfort food recipes, especially for cold winter nights. The slow cooker does all the work, turning basic ingredients into fall-off-the-bone, flavorful short ribs.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of grass-fed beef short ribs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup paleo-friendly BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
- Place the short ribs in your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth.
- Pour the mixture over the short ribs.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or until the ribs are tender.
Serve with cauliflower rice and a side of green vegetables for a comforting meal.
Instant Pot Paleo Comfort Foods
Instant Pot Keto Chili
This keto chili is the perfect comfort food for anyone following a clean paleo diet. It’s loaded with fatty acids from grass-fed beef and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound grass-fed ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sweet potatoes, diced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté and brown the ground beef with onions.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, sweet potatoes, and spices.
- Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 15 minutes.
- Quick-release the steam, stir, and serve.
This hearty dish will warm you from the first bite to the last.
Creative Side Dishes
Sheet Pan Sweet Potatoes and Green Veggies
Sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver when you need something quick and healthy.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 bunch broccoli or green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Toss the sweet potatoes and green vegetables with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Spread evenly on a sheet pan.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and tender.
This dish pairs perfectly with any main course and adds a pop of color to your plate.
Cauliflower Rice with Green Onions
For a lighter side, cauliflower rice with a hint of green onion adds freshness to any dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower or pre-riced cauliflower
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan.
- Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in green onions and season with sea salt.
This side dish is a cheat meal upgrade that makes plain protein more exciting!
Comforting Soups and Stews
Coconut Milk Chicken Soup
This creamy soup is packed with simple ingredients that deliver next-level comfort food creaminess.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté mushrooms until tender.
- Add coconut milk, chicken broth, and shredded chicken.
- Simmer for 15 minutes and garnish with green onions.
Helpful Grocery Shopping List
Stocking up on these clean-eating staples will help you create tasty dishes in less time and with minimal wear and tear on your pantry.
- Grass-fed beef or ground beef
- Chicken broth (paleo-friendly)
- Coconut milk (full-fat, canned)
- Almond flour
- Sweet potatoes
- Green onions
- Olive oil
- Paleo-friendly BBQ sauce
- Cauliflower rice
- Sea salt and black pepper
FAQs About Paleo Comfort Food Recipes
Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Most paleo comfort food recipes, like soups and casseroles, reheat beautifully.
Q: What’s a good substitute for almond flour?
A: Cassava flour and coconut flour are great alternatives, but they require different proportions.
Q: Do I need any special equipment?
A: While an Instant Pot and a food processor can make prep easier, you can make most recipes with basic kitchen tools.
Q: How can I make meals more filling?
A: Add a side dish like roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower rice, and be sure to include healthy fats like olive oil and coconut milk.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Paleo Comfort Foods
- Use sticky notes or highlighting in your paleo recipe books to keep track of your favorite comfort food classics.
- Plan meals around peak periods when your schedule is busiest to make sure dinner arrives on time.
- Don’t be afraid to develop your own tweaks, like adding extra green onions or using different cuts of grass-fed beef.
Whether you’re flipping through a new book of recipes or revisiting your tried-and-true Paleo Running Momma favorites, there’s no shortage of creative ways to make healthy, craveable recipes.
These tasty dishes use simple ingredients to create comforting foods your whole family will love.
So, grab your sheet pan, fire up the slow cooker or Instant Pot, and enjoy the comfort of clean paleo eating—one delicious recipe at a time!
