Busy weeknights tend to hit us out of nowhere, and the "what's for dinner" question can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. This list of 19 easy family meals is going to help you with that. This takes your daily dinner decision burden away, and these are really simple meals for busy nights that you're going to want to save.

1) Spaghetti Carbonara

We can all throw together a quick pot of spaghetti, but spaghetti carbonara takes it up a notch, and it's not that hard to do. You're simply going to make it by tossing your hot pasta with a rich sauce that is made from fresh eggs, hard cheese, pork, and black pepper.

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This dish will impress and is perfect for busy weeknights. It is a comfort food that comes together. It's silky, it's salty, and everyone is going to love it.

Spaghetti Carbonara

Classic Roman carbonara features crispy pancetta, creamy eggs and Parmesan cheese that cling to the spaghetti to create a sauce that requires no cream.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 6 oz pancetta diced
• 3 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 cloves garlic smashed
• 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1 tsp salt for pasta water

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, fry the pancetta with the smashed garlic in a cold skillet over medium heat until crisp, then discard the garlic.
3. Whisk the eggs, egg yolk, Parmesan, and black pepper together in a bowl.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the pancetta off the heat, tossing to coat in the rendered fat.
5. Quickly pour in the egg mixture and toss constantly, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce turns silky.
6. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and more black pepper on top.

Notes

Work off the heat when adding the eggs so they turn creamy instead of scrambling.

2) Chicken Alfredo Bake

This version of the Chicken Alfredo Bake takes your usual stovetop Alfredo and turns it into a baked, bubbling casserole of goodness that is meant to serve the whole family at once. What I really love about making it this way is that it is all done in one dish, and you can serve this up family style, allowing everyone to serve their own portions.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Penne with tender chicken folds into a creamy Alfredo sauce, crowned with mozzarella cheese, and baked to perfection until golden and bubbling.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and cook the penne until just shy of al dente, then drain.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook the garlic for one minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for three minutes, then whisk in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Toss the pasta and shredded chicken with the Alfredo sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
5. Scatter the mozzarella evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden, then let it rest five minutes before serving.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken makes this come together even faster.

3) Beef Tacos

Taco night can very quickly become your family's favorite night of the week, and beef tacos are so easy to throw together. You simply cook ground beef with taco seasoning, then use store-bought taco shells to make it easy on yourself, or just a pack of tortillas to make soft tacos. Put out some taco toppings, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and let your family have fun.

Beef Tacos

Ground beef seasoned perfectly fills taco shells paired with your favorite fresh and crunchy toppings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 cup water
• 8 taco shells
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 cup lettuce shredded

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika and cook for one minute.
3. Pour in the water and simmer for five minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Warm the taco shells in the oven for a few minutes until crisp.
5. Fill each shell with the beef and top with cheddar and shredded lettuce.
6. Serve right away with salsa or hot sauce on the side.

Notes

Drain excess grease before adding the spices so the seasoning clings to the meat.

4) Margherita Pizza

This pizza is a go-to in our house because it just requires three simple toppings. And this recipe gives you that perfect, crispy, blistered crust that tastes like an Italian escape for dinner, but it is so simple to make.

Margherita Pizza

A crunchy, homemade crust covered with delicious tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil, baked to perfection so that it is slightly charred and bubbling.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pizza dough ball
• 0.75 cup crushed tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
• 10 fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to its highest setting, ideally 500°F, with a baking sheet or stone inside.
2. Stir the crushed tomatoes with the garlic, salt, and one tablespoon of olive oil to make a quick sauce.
3. Stretch the dough into a round on parchment and spread the sauce thinly, leaving a border.
4. Arrange the mozzarella slices over the sauce and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is charred and the cheese bubbles.
6. Scatter fresh basil over the hot pizza and finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Notes

Pat the fresh mozzarella dry first so the pizza doesn't turn watery.

5) Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

This teriyaki chicken stir fry is going to be your takeout order every single time. It has a sticky-sweet sauce and crunchy vegetables that are not only better for your family but also so much cheaper than ordering in, and it may just surprise you how delicious this one tastes.

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken and bright veggies in a homemade teriyaki sauce over rice.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb chicken thighs cubed
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 0.33 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp fresh ginger grated

Method

 

1. Whisk the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to make the sauce.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
3. Push the chicken aside and add the bell pepper and broccoli, stir-frying for three minutes until crisp-tender.
4. Pour the sauce over everything and toss to coat.
5. Simmer for two minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
6. Serve hot over steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Cut the chicken into even pieces so it cooks at the same rate.

6) Vegetable Stir-Fry

This vegetable stir fry comes to life because it has a rainbow of fresh vegetables in a savory garlic sauce. This is a great way to clear out your crisper drawer before those veggies go bad. Just have fun with this one. Don't overthink it. And it may surprise you how everyone enjoys their veggies due to the flavor profile on this.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick and vibrant mix of fresh vegetables combined in a light soy sauce with garlic and ginger served over rice, or noodles.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cups snap peas
• 1 carrot julienned
• 1 zucchini sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Method

 

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the carrot and snap peas first and stir-fry for two minutes.
3. Toss in the zucchini and mushrooms and cook for another three minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for thirty seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the soy sauce and brown sugar and toss until the vegetables are evenly glazed.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

Keep the heat high and the veggies moving so they stay crisp, not soggy.

7) Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi is so easy to make, and it always feels like a fancier dish than it actually is. This takes 15 minutes to prepare, and it's simply cooking your shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce and brightening it with a lemon wine sauce. This is going to bring a restaurant-style dish right to your dining room that is fast enough to make even on a busy weeknight.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp sautéed with garlic butter, white wine, and lemon, finished with linguine and parsley.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 12 oz linguine
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup white wine
• 1 lemon juiced
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes

Method

 

1. Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet and cook the garlic and red pepper flakes for one minute.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for two minutes per side until pink and opaque.
4. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice and simmer for two minutes.
5. Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet to coat in the sauce.
6. Finish with chopped parsley and serve right away.

Notes

Don't overcook the shrimp; they're done the moment they curl and turn pink.

8) Taco Salad

This taco salad is just a healthier alternative to making some tacos, and what makes it really great is that it has a build-your-own flexibility. So you're getting that same flavor as tacos, but everyone gets to build their own version, making this a really fun family weeknight dish.

Taco Salad

Seasoned beef on a bed of lettuce with beans, cheese, tomatoes, and crunchy crushed tortilla chips.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
• 1 can black beans drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 avocado diced
• 2 cups tortilla chips crushed
• 0.5 cup ranch dressing

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat and drain off the grease.
2. Stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water and simmer for three minutes.
3. Pile the chopped romaine into a large serving bowl.
4. Top with the seasoned beef, black beans, tomatoes, cheddar, and avocado.
5. Scatter the crushed tortilla chips over the top for crunch.
6. Drizzle with ranch dressing and toss just before serving.

Notes

Add the chips and dressing at the last minute so nothing goes soggy.

9) BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

These chicken sandwiches are a classic, and they are easy to make, handheld, and the perfect weeknight meal that you will make with shredded chicken and a smoky sauce, and put that on some soft buns. To save time on this one, get a rotisserie chicken.

Don't overthink it. Shred that up, douse it with your sauce, and serve this up. I like to do it with a side of chips.

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Chicken that is slow cooked and shredded is mixed with BBQ sauce and placed onto toasted buns along with crunchy slaw.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 4 brioche buns toasted
• 1.5 cups coleslaw mix
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

Method

 

1. Simmer the chicken breasts in the chicken broth in a covered pot for 15 minutes until cooked through.
2. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the pot.
3. Stir in the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika and simmer for five minutes.
4. Toss the coleslaw mix with the vinegar and mayonnaise to make a quick slaw.
5. Pile the saucy chicken onto the toasted buns.
6. Top each sandwich with slaw and close it up to serve.

Notes

A scoop of slaw right on top adds the perfect cool crunch.

10) Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are really great because they are customizable. This recipe in particular calls for a beef and rice mixture that you will bake until it is soft and cheesy. But you can also stuff these with chicken or beans. You can really switch these up, and that is why stuffed bell peppers are such a win in our house.

What is really nice is you are getting a complete meal in one vegetable. So you're not only getting your protein, but your veggies all in one. And the kids don't know the difference. It just looks like another fun dish.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell pepper halves filled with ground beef, rice, and tomatoes, and topped with cheese.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 bell peppers halved and seeded
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can diced tomatoes drained
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.5 tsp salt

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and arrange the pepper halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic, then drain off the grease.
3. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and salt.
4. Spoon the filling into each pepper half and pack it in gently.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes until the peppers soften.
6. Uncover, top with mozzarella, and bake 10 more minutes until melted and golden.

Notes

Use a mix of pepper colors for the prettiest dinner table.

11) Turkey Meatloaf

Here is a lighter version of your classic beef meatloaf. And what may surprise you about this one is that it actually stays really juicy and tender despite the swap. You can finish this one off with a sweet-and-tangy glaze that will bring the flavor to life and create a weeknight meal everyone enjoys.

Turkey Meatloaf

Lean ground turkey mixed with spices and breadcrumbs, then baked with a glaze of brown sugar and ketchup.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion grated
• 2 eggs
• 0.25 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Mix the turkey, breadcrumbs, grated onion, eggs, milk, garlic, and salt until just combined.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf on the prepared sheet.
4. Stir the ketchup and brown sugar together and brush half over the loaf.
5. Bake for 40 minutes, then brush on the remaining glaze.
6. Bake 10 more minutes until the glaze is set and the loaf reaches 165°F, then rest before slicing.

Notes

Grating the onion keeps the meatloaf moist without chunky bits.

12) Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Another classic dish, and it's really easy to throw together. Chicken thighs on this one tend to stay really juicy, and it turns a basic cut of meat into something special with minimal effort. That lemon is going to not only bring a fun citrus flavor to this dish, but it also brings a color that just makes it exciting to eat.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Chicken thighs are seared until golden and then roasted in the same pan with garlic, lemon, and fresh rosemary for a deliciously aromatic one-pan dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lemons one juiced, one sliced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup chicken broth

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and pat the chicken thighs dry.
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Sear the thighs skin-side down in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until golden.
4. Flip the chicken and add the lemon juice, lemon slices, and chicken broth to the pan.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 25 minutes until cooked through.
6. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Searing the skin first gives you that irresistible crispy edge.

13) Pulled Pork Sliders

I love to cook my pork in a crock pot all day so it really just gets super tender, and it's easy to shred. These are just melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and you can easily put them together on Hawaiian rolls. You can also put out a variety of different barbecue sauce flavors. Let your family pick and choose and really make this one their own.

Pulled Pork Sliders

Pulled pork cooked until tender and mixed with BBQ sauce and served on soft slider buns.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 lb pork shoulder
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 12 slider buns
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Method

 

1. Rub the pork shoulder all over with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pork in a slow cooker with the chicken broth and cook on low for eight hours until fork-tender.
3. Shred the pork with two forks and discard any large pieces of fat.
4. Stir the barbecue sauce into the shredded pork until coated.
5. Pile the pork onto the slider buns.
6. Serve warm with extra sauce and pickles on the side.

Notes

Low and slow is the secret; don't rush the cook time.

14) Baked Ziti

This one's another classic, and it is the perfect crowd-feeding comfort dish. You're going to have layers of sauce and cheese baked together on this one. I love to do a mixture of Italian sausage and beef and a couple of different cheeses to just really make this a comfort meal that my family is asking for again and again.

Baked Ziti

Ziti coated in marinara and ricotta, then layered with mozzarella and baked until golden and bubbling.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and cook the ziti until just shy of al dente, then drain.
2. Brown the Italian sausage with the garlic in a skillet, then stir in the marinara sauce.
3. Mix the ricotta with the egg, Parmesan, and basil in a bowl.
4. Combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce, then fold in the ricotta mixture.
5. Spread half in a baking dish, layer with mozzarella, then top with the rest and more mozzarella.
6. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbling and golden, then rest before serving.

Notes

Let it sit 10 minutes after baking so the slices hold together.

15) Sweet and Sour Chicken

This sweet and sour chicken is another one that is going to be your takeout order. These are crispy chicken bites tossed in a sweet and sour glaze that are served up perfectly with jasmine rice. I love to go with Ben's original jasmine rice; toss it in the microwave for 90 seconds.

It's good to go. Top it with this chicken, and you have a meal that is going to impress your whole family.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Battered chicken pieces coated in a shiny sweet-and-sour pineapple sauce with peppers.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb chicken breast cubed
• 0.5 cup cornstarch
• 2 eggs beaten
• 0.33 cup vegetable oil
• 1 bell pepper chunked
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 0.33 cup rice vinegar
• 0.25 cup brown sugar

Method

 

1. Toss the chicken cubes in cornstarch, then dip in the beaten eggs.
2. Fry the chicken in the hot oil until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
3. Whisk the ketchup, rice vinegar, and brown sugar together for the sauce.
4. Stir-fry the bell pepper and pineapple in the same pan for two minutes.
5. Pour in the sauce and simmer until it thickens and turns glossy.
6. Add the crispy chicken back in, toss to coat, and serve over rice.

Notes

Add the chicken to the sauce at the very end to keep it crispy.

16) Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Here's another comfort food that you are going to want just for the coziness factor alone. This is going to feel like it is hugging you from the inside out. Soup is really easy to throw together, and this one can also be made in the crockpot all day, making your house smell delicious and creating a dish your whole family looks forward to because they're smelling it all day.

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Savory golden broth filled with chicken, carrots, celery, and herbs.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb chicken breasts
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 3 carrots sliced
• 3 stalks celery sliced
• 1 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and cook the onion, carrots, and celery for five minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook for one minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
6. Stir in the fresh parsley and season to taste before serving.

Notes

Add cooked noodles or rice at the end if you want it heartier.

17) Mushroom Risotto

For every minute spent stirring, you’ll be rewarded with creamy risotto that has delectable mushrooms.

Mushroom Risotto

Rich and creamy Arborio rice slowly simmered with savory mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups arborio rice
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
• 5 cups vegetable broth warmed
• 0.5 cup white wine
• 1 shallot minced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped

Method

 

1. Sauté the mushrooms in the olive oil until golden, then set them aside.
2. Melt the butter in the same pan and cook the shallot until soft.
3. Stir in the arborio rice and toast for two minutes, then pour in the white wine.
4. Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding more.
5. Continue for about 20 minutes until the rice is creamy and tender.
6. Fold in the mushrooms, Parmesan, and parsley, then serve right away.

Notes

Keep the broth warm and add it gradually for the creamiest texture.

18) Fish Tacos

These fish tacos give you that fun twist on taco night that you didn't know your family needed. You are going to serve your seasoned, crispy fish on warm tortillas with a creamy slaw and a splash of lime. This feels like a meal you would get on vacation, which makes it a fun one to serve up every time.

Fish Tacos

Seasoned flaky white fish in soft tortillas, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and zesty crema.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lb white fish fillets
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups cabbage shredded
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 lime juiced
• 0.25 cup cilantro chopped

Method

 

1. Pat the fish dry and season both sides with chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and cook the fish for three minutes per side until flaky.
3. Stir the sour cream with the lime juice to make a quick crema.
4. Toss the shredded cabbage with a little of the crema for the slaw.
5. Warm the tortillas, then flake the fish into them.
6. Top with the slaw, a drizzle of crema, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Char the tortillas over an open flame for extra smoky flavor.

19) Classic Beef Stew

This is the go-to slow-cooked comfort dish you need in rotation. This one is sitting in the crockpot all day long with beef and vegetables, and you are cooking this until it is fork-tender. I love to finish this one off in the last 30 minutes with a beef stew packet and stir it around, really bringing all those flavors together.

Serve this up with some crackers, and you have a dish that everyone is going to love. Beef stew also makes wonderful leftovers, providing you and your family with a lunch the next day as well.

Classic Beef Stew

Beef pieces, potatoes, carrots, and herbs are cooked in a thick, rich and savory tomato-beef gravy.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb beef chuck cubed
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 potatoes cubed
• 3 carrots sliced

Method

 

1. Toss the beef cubes in the flour to coat, then brown them in the olive oil in batches.
2. Set the beef aside and cook the onion and garlic in the same pot until soft.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the beef broth, scraping up the browned bits.
4. Return the beef to the pot and simmer covered for 90 minutes.
5. Add the potatoes and carrots and simmer 30 more minutes until everything is tender.
6. Season to taste and serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

Browning the beef well builds the deep, rich flavor of the stew.