Top 3 Family Favorite Meals for Comfort

Daily writing prompt

What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals?

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I think that family meals are some of the most comforting moments in life.  Over the years, my family has narrowed down our weeknight favorites, the dishes we always look forward to, the kind of meals that truly feel like home.  And while I love experimenting in the kitchen, our dinners are quite predictable.  We stick to familiar territory—beef, chicken, pasta—and they all bring plenty of comfort. 

So, what are my family’s top three favorite meals?

1. Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans – Classic comfort food that warms the heart and fills the belly.
2. Chicken Cacciatore – A family favorite for special occasions or Sunday night dinners.
3. Tuna spaghetti – Simple, quick, and surprisingly delicious, this humble dish has been a staple for generations.

These are often our go-to meals.  My dad prefers meat and potatoes and isn’t too keen on anything spicy or overly experimental.  My mom, on the other hand, will try anything and loves all food.  So, if I were cooking just for her and me, the menu might look a little bit more adventurous.  

But the one dish we have nearly every week is tuna spaghetti.  It certainly isn’t fancy, but it’s filling, wallet-friendly, and comforting in a way that makes you feel all warm inside.  My mom learned this recipe from my grandma, so it carries a little bit of family history with every bite. 

The beautiful thing about tuna spaghetti is its simplicity.  It’s essentially just a can of tuna sautéed in butter, garlic, and onions, then combined with tomato sauce and served with your favorite pasta.  We usually will have it with a side of steamed broccoli or garlic bread.  It’s incredibly easy and satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy. 

Here’s our tried-and-true recipe:

Embrace The Unseen

Tuna Spaghetti

A simple pasta dish that's cheap, easy, and delicious. Perfect for a family weeknight meal.

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Servings: 4 people

Course: dinner, Main Course

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb spaghetti (I often use rotini)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 caned tuna drained
• 3-4 garlic cloves minced
• ½ onion chopped
• 1 32oz canned tomato sauce (I use hunts)
• Parmesan cheese grated
• Italian parsley chopped (optional)

Method

 

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once sizzling, add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the tuna and sauté for an additional minute. Then, add the garlic carefully so it doesn’t burn. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in the tomato sauce, stir, and reduce the heat to let it simmer. I usually simmer it for 45 minutes to an hour to develop a deeper flavor, but 30 minutes works fine too.
4. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and return it to the pot.
5. Pour the sauce over the pasta and stir until well combined.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.

Notes

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In my family tuna spaghetti is about family, tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal together. What are your family’s top three favorite meals? I’d love to hear!