Traditional Hungarian goulash stew is packed with tender beef and caramelized veggies in a rich, paprika-scented broth.

When deciding what to cook for this column, I checked the forecast and rain was predicted. A good reason to stay inside and prepare comfort food, I thought, so I headed to my kitchen and made goulash.

If winter has you wanting meals that feel warm and grounding, these comfort-focused main dishes offer simple, reliable options. Each one brings its own kind of ease without overthinking the ...