Take a worry off their plate by filling it with food.
When a friend is going through a loss, you want to do anything you can to make them feel even just a tiny bit better—but it can be difficult to know exactly what they need. Everything from basic grooming to remembering to eat can be that much more difficult, which is why stepping in to take some of the little tasks off their plate is a good place to start.
You may not be able to brush their teeth for them—though you probably would if you could—but you can make sure they don’t need to worry about feeding themselves or their family. And loading up their fridge and freezer with ready-to-go meals is a great way to do it. Not only will it give them one less thing to think about, it’ll also ensure they’ve got something tasty and easy to turn to, even if they’re struggling with the reduced or non-existent appetite that’s a common part of the grieving process, Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, of Street Smart Nutrition, tells SELF.
Casseroles are always a safe bet, but they’re not the only kind of dish that holds up well to this task. You can also turn to everything from soups to stews or even components of a meal that are particularly pricey or time-consuming—big batches of cooked proteins like pulled pork and chicken meatballs, for example. Sticking to a ballpark of things they’re familiar with can be helpful, since not only can this be extra comforting, but it can also be physiologically soothing too. Sometimes your GI system can be all out of whack during grief, so anything that can compound that (like super spicy foods or unfamiliar seasonings) might end up making you feel worse, Harbstreet says. Similarly, label each dish with any allergens it contains so it’s not on your friend to inquire, she says.
The best dishes transport easily, reheat well, are full of soothing flavors and textures, and offer a bunch of servings to your friend in need. Here are 17 recipe ideas that put that all into practice—they’re the epitome of comfort, and will help you show your support to a grieving friend when words just aren’t enough.
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Chicken and Rice from A Couple Cooks“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6ded50b6c065c99acac”,”index”:0,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Chicken and Rice from A Couple Cooks
Chicken and rice is always a nice combo, but it can be especially comforting to someone seeking solace. This version keeps the seasonings simple, so it’s easy to eat even with a low appetite. And with plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates, it’ll provide energy when your grieving friend most needs it.
Get the recipe here.
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Southern Mac and Cheese from Orchids and Sweet Tea“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6ddd4794771ab41c62c”,”index”:1,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Southern Mac and Cheese from Orchids and Sweet Tea
Mac and cheese and comfort food are practically synonymous, and Harbstreet says that this culinary category really shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to grieving. “Food has the powerful ability to soothe and help us regulate strong emotions,” she says, and this creamy, beloved dish totally delivers on those sensations.
Get the recipe here.
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Freezer-Friendly Pinto Bean Cheese Burritos from Marisa Moore“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6ddd50b6c065c99acaa”,”index”:2,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Freezer-Friendly Pinto Bean Cheese Burritos from Marisa Moore
Not everyone is a meat eater, so it’s important to have a few vegetarian-friendly recipes on deck for your loved ones who aren’t. These bean and cheese burritos offer that perk, along with the fact that they’re designed to freeze well. One recipe makes four servings, but you could easily double it to stock your friend up for weeks to come.
Get the recipe here.
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Perfect Pot Roast from Damn Delicious“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6ddd565bd4a2d04a26f”,”index”:3,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Perfect Pot Roast from Damn Delicious
A warm, protein-dense stew like this is like a hug for your stomach and could be just what your friend needs in this tough time. The best part? If they or their family can’t eat it all in one go, the meat can be removed and used elsewhere for meals later on, like in a sandwich or wrap the next day.
Get the recipe here.
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Baked Ziti With Roasted Vegetables from Cookie and Kate“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6dc265284ae064114d8″,”index”:4,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Baked Ziti With Roasted Vegetables from Cookie and Kate
Here’s another vegetarian dish that’ll please everyone—even meat eaters. In addition to being a reliably satisfying mix of pasta, veggies, and creamy ricotta, it’s also a great option because of how easy it is to make. You don’t need to dash out to the store to grab anything specific aside from the cheese. Just use what vegetables you already have and get going.
Get the recipe here.
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Chicken Pot Pie from Simply LaKita“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6dcd50b6c065c99aca8″,”index”:5,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Chicken Pot Pie from Simply LaKita
Filled to the brim with a velvety cream sauce and tender chicken and topped with a flaky crust, this dish will make just about anyone happy to be on the receiving end. Don’t make it in a cast-iron skillet if you’re planning on giving it away, though. Pick up a single-use aluminum pie pan so your friend can toss it afterward instead of having to remember to give it back to you.
Get the recipe here.
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Beef Chili from Pinch of Yum“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6dbd4794771ab41c62a”,”index”:6,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Beef Chili from Pinch of Yum
One thing your friend probably isn’t thinking about while they’re grieving? Their fiber consumption. Fortunately, a recipe like chili has a lot of that evasive nutrient without trying, thanks largely to its famous inclusion of beans. Bonus: This dish freezes well and can be made in extremely big batches. Divide it into a few different containers and pop it in your friend’s freezer so they’ll always have a divine bowl of chili just a few microwavable minutes away.
Get the recipe here.
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Broccoli and Cauliflower Chicken Casserole from Primavera Kitchen“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6dbc6bcd802bc0ff2d8″,”index”:8,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Broccoli and Cauliflower Chicken Casserole from Primavera Kitchen
As far as casseroles go, it doesn’t get much more classic than this. A friend going through a loss will certainly appreciate the nostalgic touch, and probably won’t mind the way this recipe doubles up on vegetables by using both broccoli and cauliflower either.
Get the recipe here.
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Cheese Enchiladas from Isabel Eats“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6db7204e00e48f51588″,”index”:9,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Cheese Enchiladas from Isabel Eats
These enchiladas are mildly flavored on their own, and the nice thing is that you can bring toppings separately—like thinly sliced raw onions and jalapeños, salsa, and guacamole. That way, those who do want a little more excitement can dose out the extras as they see fit (or not at all if that’s what their stomach needs).
Get the recipe here.
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Chicken Noodle Soup from Well Plated“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6d9d565bd4a2d04a26a”,”index”:10,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Chicken Noodle Soup from Well Plated
Chicken noodle soup is great to eat when you’re sick because of how soothing it is, and the same principle applies when grieving too. One issue: Cooking the noodles too far ahead of time could result in them turning into mush. Instead, pack the noodles separately, and pop them in when you make your delivery. That way your friend will be able to enjoy them perfectly al dente.
Get the recipe here.
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Instant Pot Teriyaki Fried Rice from Vegan Richa“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6d973b792d66007d51a”,”index”:11,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Instant Pot Teriyaki Fried Rice from Vegan Richa
If your friend or friend’s family are vegan, it’s always helpful to have a couple specific recipes for them on standby. This one doesn’t skimp on protein or flavor thanks to its use of tofu and a flavor-packed, homemade teriyaki sauce.
Get the recipe here.
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Creamy Vegan Gnocchi Skillet Pesto from The First Mess“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6d973b792d66007d51c”,”index”:12,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Creamy Vegan Gnocchi Skillet Pesto from The First Mess
Here’s another completely plant-based recipe that’s super creamy and soothing without any actual dairy—this one uses nutritional yeast for an umami-packed cheesiness and a non-dairy milk. It’ll definitely take a little more effort to prepare something with as many niche ingredients as this, but any vegans going through a loss will recognize and greatly appreciate that extra mile.
Get the recipe here.
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Sausage Hash Brown Bake from The Real Food Dietitians“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6dd265284ae064114da”,”index”:13,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Sausage Hash Brown Bake from The Real Food Dietitians
Although it’s good to stock a grieving friend with ready-made dinners, that’s not the only meal of the day they need to eat. Consider giving them something like this, which can double as breakfast or dinner. (Or should we say breakfast for dinner?)
Get the recipe here.
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Sheet-Pan Mushroom Frittata from Joyful Healthy Eats“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6d9d50b6c065c99aca6″,”index”:14,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
Sheet-Pan Mushroom Frittata from Joyful Healthy Eats
This supersized, vegetarian frittata is another recipe that works for multiple meals (even lunch when sliced and eaten between two slices of bread). Though spinach and mushrooms are used here, you can follow the same basic frittata blueprint and swap in whichever vegetables you know your friend likes best instead.
Get the recipe here.
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15-Minute Brownies from Sunday Table“,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6617d6d973b792d66007d51b”,”index”:15,”contentType”:”photo”,”offers”:[],”component”:”gallery_slide_component”}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper”>
15-Minute Brownies from Sunday Table
Yes, it’s a good idea to give a grieving friend food that will nourish their bodies, but consider passing along a sweet treat like this to nourish their mood as well. After all, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, and these decadent brownies have quite a few spoonfuls of the sweet stuff.
Get the recipe here.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.