Few things in life hit the spot like comfort food.

Whether it’s a favorite dish from your childhood, or you just want something hearty and delicious, it can be satisfying on so many levels. Some of these eats are also made with budget-friendly ingredients, which could justify a second serving.

So, get cozy and prepare your taste buds for four low-cost comfort food recipes:

1. Creamy pumpkin soup

Ingredients:

• 6 cups chicken stock
• 5 whole black peppercorns
• 4 cans of pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Instructions: Combine the stock, peppercorns, pumpkin puree, salt, onion, garlic and thyme in a pot. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 30 minutes uncovered. Next, puree the soup one cup at a time in a food proccessor or blender. Pour the pureed soup into a separate bowl. When all of the soup has been pureed, pour the contents of the bowl back into the pot and bring it to a boil once again. Reduce the heat to low, allow to simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream. Pour into bowls to serve and fresh thyme if desired.

recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com

2. Smoked Gouda mac & cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry macaroni
  
• 2 cups grated smoked Gouda cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tbsp. of unsalted butter
  
• 2 tbsp. flour
  
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and heat a skillet on medium heat. Once the skillet is hot enough, use it to melt the butter and add the flour. Whisk for one minute. Next, pour in the milk and whisk until smooth. Continue cooking at medium heat until the milk simmers and starts to thicken. After it has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese until the sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper if you wish. Once the sauce is ready, add the macaroni and pour the contents of the skillet into a baking dish. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling throughout. If desired, add a fresh layer of cheese on top and place under the broiler until the cheese is browned.

recipe courtesy of "The View from Great Island"

3. Beef & bean chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef  
• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans  
• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans  
  
• 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
• 1 yellow onion  
• 1 cup water
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tbsp. olive oil  
• Chili seasoning (cook’s choice)

Instructions: Heat a large pot on medium heat. Dice the onion, mince the garlic and combine with the olive oil in the pot. Cook the mixture until the onion and garlic are soft. Next, add the ground beef and cook until the beef is browned. Once the beef is fully browned, add the beans, tomatoes, tomato paste and 1 cup of water. Be sure to drain the beans before you add them to the pot. Stir all of the ingredients together and add your favorite chili seasoning. After the ingredients and seasoning have been blended together, put a lid on the pot and turn the heat down to low. Stir the pot occasionally and serve once the chili reaches your preferred temperature.

recipe courtesy of "BUDGET BYTE$"

4. Banana cream pie

Ingredients:

• 4 bananas, sliced
• 3 egg yolks, beaten
• 1 (9-inch) baked pastry shell, cooled
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions: Combine the sugar, flour and salt in a saucepan. Slowly pour in the milk and stir the ingredients together. Once blended together, cook the mixture over medium heat and stir until the liquid starts to bubble. Continue cooking and stirring for two minutes, then remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour a small quantity of the mixture into the beaten egg yolk. Stir, then combine the egg yolks with the mixture in the saucepan. Return the pan to the heat, continue stirring and cook for an additional two minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the butter and vanilla and stir until it reaches a smooth, pudding consistency. Do not return the saucepan to heat. Next, place the sliced bananas inside the pastry shell and fill the shell with the pudding mixture. Bake the pie at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Chill for one hour.

recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Ok. Time for a nap.

No matter which dish you prefer, there’s one universal ingredient in every comfort food recipe: happiness. We hope you enjoy one (or more) of these recipes that are light on the wallet, and heavy on satisfaction.