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Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (October 3 – 9)

The weather’s getting colder and the days are getting shorter. To no one’s surprise, we’re craving coziness at every turn. Luckily, there’s no shortage of hearty recipes to sink your teeth into this fall. Read on for seven dinners to cook this week that are the definition of comfort food (and fetch your favorite chunky sweater out of hibernation while you’re at it).

32 Low-Calorie Comfort Food Recipes That Never Disappoint


what to cook this week october 3 9 shopping list
TommL/Getty Images

Shopping List

Produce
3 shallots
8 garlic cloves
1 quart button mushrooms
1 pint baby Portobello mushrooms
3 sweet potatoes
1 avocado
2 limes
1 red bell pepper
2 sweet onions
3 carrots
2 stalks celery
1 pint cremini mushrooms
4 bunches parsley
1 bunch dill
2 bunches cilantro
1 bunch basil
1 bunch oregano
1 bunch mint
1 bunch thyme

Meat
2 pounds beef tenderloin
1 pound ground spicy Italian sausage
12 thin slices pancetta
1 large egg
1 pound ground beef
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast

Dairy
2 sticks unsalted butter
5 ounces sour cream
8 ounces halloumi cheese
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Crema, for serving
16 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
8 ounces shredded gouda cheese
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
14 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
8 ounces whole milk
4 ounces heavy cream

Grains
1 pound pappardelle
4 corn tortillas
1 pound jumbo pasta shells
8 slices white bread
6 ounces polenta
7 ounces wild rice
Ciabatta bread, for serving

Canned and Packaged Goods
12 ounces beef broth
Guacamole, for serving
Pepitas, for serving
Dried cranberries, for serving
Two 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
8 ounces frozen spinach
2 ounces panko breadcrumbs
20 ounces marinara sauce
32 ounces chicken broth

Pantry Ingredients: kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, Dijon mustard, extra-virgin olive oil, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, bay leaf

Monday: Easy 30-Minute Beef Stroganoff

Savory shallots, garlicky mushrooms, tender noodles and a beefy, creamy sauce that will soothe you to the core—all that’s missing is a glass of red. Oh, and most of the ingredients cook in a single pot, in case you need more convincing.

Tuesday: Halloumi and Caramelized Mushroom Tacos

Vegetarian tacos are nothing to scoff at, and these handheld delights are proof. Store-bought guacamole and quick-searing halloumi cheese put them only 20 minutes out of reach.

Wednesday: Sweet Potato Cheese Fries

Sheet pan loaded tots, but make ’em autumnal. Sweet potato wedges take over for frozen spuds, while seasonal toppings, like dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds, hit you right in the fall feels.

Thursday: Spinach and Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells

This skillet wonder will satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your dinner table. Ground Italian sausage keeps the dish filling, but the real star is the trio of cheeses: ricotta, Gouda and mozz.

Friday: Pancetta-Wrapped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Does it get more comforting than a gooey, herby, buttery grilled cheese encased in fancy bacon? We think not. (Actually, you could pair it with a bowl of tomato soup…)

Saturday: Polenta and Meatballs

Spaghetti, you’ll have to sit this one out. Don’t let polenta intimidate you: Contrary to popular belief, you *won’t* need to stir this one nonstop for hours on end, but rather whisk it occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the pan.

Sunday: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Crockpot season has officially arrived, and we couldn’t be more psyched. Simply dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker, leave it on low for seven hours, stir in the cream and devour. 

30 Vegan Comfort Food Recipes That Feel Like a Big Hug


For even more great recipes, check out our first cookbook, Only the Good Stuff.

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s associate food editor. A former bartender and barista, she’s been writing about all things delicious since 2016, developing recipes, reviewing restaurants and investigating food trends at Food52, New Jersey Family Magazine and Taste Talks. When she isn’t testing TikTok’s latest viral recipe, she’s having popcorn for dinner and posting about it on Instagram @cookingwithpire.


taryn pire

Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...