Spaghetti Pie

A nice change from the traditional spaghetti and meat sauce, this pasta bakes into a pie shell, making the outside layer crispy. Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating recommends two to three servings of meat and alternatives each day. One serving of cooked meat is about 3 ounces (90 grams), on which we are basing the sauce, then we're bulking it up with vegetables. Canned tomato products have the highest amounts of lycopene, which can reduce the risk of certain cancers. Serve with Light Caesar Salad.

Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Stuffing and Pan-Seared Onion and Apples

Hearty Turkey Pot Pies

A peppery cream sauce speckled with fragrant thyme makes these individual pot pies the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Look for a packaged whole grain blend that cooks in 15 minutes or less to ensure the grains become tender while you're baking the pies.

Vegetarian Chili with Fries

Just about everyone loves fries and chili, and this vegetarian version lends a comfort note to any gathering. The chili makes more than you'll need, but you can never have too much. Serve the fries with small forks.

Risotto Primavera

Risotto is most fluid and creamy immediately after it has finished cooking, so if you're not serving it right away, stir in 1/2 cup (125 mL) additional stock or water before reheating. Serve with extra cheese at the table.

Potato-Topped Chicken Pot Pies

These tasty, steaming hot pies, with their golden potato topping, are the ultimate comfort food.

Hearty Minestrone

This meal-in-a-bowl from our November 2005 "Loaf & Ladle" story will disappear quickly, but if you do have leftovers, adjust consistency with a little liquid.

Bistro Squash & Lentil Soup

This flavourful soup is packed with vitamins A, C and E, which help bolster the immune system.

Pastitsio Goes Light

This is the Greek variation of lasagna, made with less fuss and less fat, too. It's great for company — make it the day before, then pop it in the oven. Serve with a light green salad tossed with a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette.

Moroccan Lamb Shank Soup

Simmering whole shanks adds tons of flavour from the bones, and the rich gelatin from any marrow gives the soup body. To round out the meal, serve with a side of couscous.