These 33 recipes keep things interesting without getting weird for the sake of being weird. They’re big on flavor, low on fuss, and mercifully free of anything that requires a culinary degree or a blowtorch. The goal here is simple: good food that surprises people in a “where’d you learn to make this?” way. All upside, no stress, and nothing you’ll have to Google twice.
Mediterranean Cod
Looking to add something fresh and flavorful to your dinner table? Mediterranean Cod offers a light, satisfying dish that doesn’t require much effort. The bold flavors come together beautifully without overwhelming the fish, making this an easy go-to. You don’t need to be a seafood expert to pull this off, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod
Chicken Paprikash
A rich, flavorful dish doesn’t have to be difficult to make. Chicken Paprikash offers just the right mix of creamy sauce and tender chicken, bringing comfort with ease. It’s a classic dish that’s surprisingly simple but full of depth. The flavors meld together in the most satisfying way, making it an ideal dinner when you want something both hearty and easy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
The Backyard Table
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- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
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Buy Now!Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Rich and hearty, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Authentic Hungarian Goulash delivers deep, satisfying flavor without any complicated techniques. It’s one of those meals that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but it’s actually pretty quick to make. The flavors are bold but balanced, making it an easy option for when you want something filling without a ton of prep.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
This one-pan dish is the answer to busy weeknights. Mediterranean Chicken Bake brings together bright, bold flavors with minimal effort. The chicken cooks perfectly while the rest of the ingredients just do their thing. It’s an easy, no-fuss meal that brings something special to the table without any complex steps involved.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Chicken Tinga
Spicy and smoky flavors make this dish an instant favorite. Chicken Tinga brings a satisfying depth of taste without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for when you want something that feels special but still simple to make. With a few easy steps, this dish will have everyone wondering how you pulled it off with so little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Looking for something hearty and comforting? Pasta e Fagioli Soup is just what you need. It’s packed with flavor and offers a filling meal without a lot of complicated work. This dish is simple yet satisfying, with layers of taste that make it feel like you’ve been cooking all day. Perfect for cozy nights when you need comfort without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Looking for a quick, crispy dinner? Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs make it easy to get that perfect crunch without deep frying. The sweet and savory glaze brings a ton of flavor in a short amount of time. You won’t need any complicated techniques—just pop them in the air fryer and enjoy a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
This recipe is all about simple comfort food with a twist. Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy deliver crispy chicken with a smooth, rich gravy that brings everything together. You get maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect choice for a no-stress dinner. The onion gravy ties it all together in a way that feels fancy but is actually easy.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy
Pork Belly Burnt Ends
If you’re looking for big flavor, this dish is for you. Pork Belly Burnt Ends bring that perfect combination of crispy outside and tender inside without needing a ton of special equipment. They’re simple to make and packed with smoky, savory goodness. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to create a dish that feels like it came straight from a BBQ master.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends
Pizza Raclette
Want to take your pizza night to a whole new level? Pizza Raclette adds rich, melty cheese in a fun, interactive way. It’s easy to make and offers a unique spin on the pizza experience. With minimal effort, you get a cheesy, satisfying meal that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Raclette
Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup
For a cozy, comforting meal, this soup hits all the right notes. Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup is rich and savory, offering deep, balanced flavors. It’s a dish that feels special but doesn’t require complex steps to pull off. Perfect for cooler days when you want something warm, hearty, and easy.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
If you’re looking for a light yet filling meal, this dish has you covered. Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes offers a fresh, satisfying balance of flavors. The wheat berries give it great texture, while the tuna adds a nice protein boost. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a quick lunch or dinner that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes
Steak & Pasta Salad
Want a filling salad that’s anything but boring? Steak & Pasta Salad combines the best of both worlds—tender steak and fresh pasta—into one hearty dish. It’s simple to make but packs a ton of flavor, making it perfect for a no-fuss dinner. The balance of protein and carbs will keep you satisfied without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Pizza night just got a little more interesting. Ham & Asparagus Pizza offers a fun twist on the classic, with a crispy crust and satisfying toppings. It’s simple to make and perfect for those times you want something different but still easy. This dish offers a fresh take without requiring advanced skills, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze
Smoky and spicy, this dish packs a punch. Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze are juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of heat. The glaze adds a nice sweetness and complexity without overwhelming the chicken. You’ll get a dish that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day but is actually quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Looking for tacos with a twist? Smoked Pork Belly Tacos deliver all the flavor you want with a little extra richness. The smoky pork belly is tender and juicy, making these tacos the perfect combination of satisfying and simple. No need to be a pro at grilling; just follow a few basic steps and enjoy big flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
This Southern side dish is all about deep, rich flavor. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are simple to prepare and cook slowly to perfection. You won’t need to hover over the stove—just set it and forget it. The end result is a dish that feels like it’s been simmering for hours, but it’s easy to make and requires very little work.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Million Dollar Spaghetti
This dish takes pasta night to the next level without adding complexity. Million Dollar Spaghetti is cheesy, comforting, and simple to make, with layers of flavor that make it feel fancy. It’s a great option when you want a meal that looks impressive but doesn’t require a culinary degree. With just a few steps, you get a hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Baked Spanish Rice
Looking for a side dish that’s full of flavor without a ton of prep? Baked Spanish Rice delivers just that. It’s an easy, hands-off dish that complements any main course. The rice comes out perfectly cooked, with just the right balance of flavors. Perfect for when you want something filling but don’t want to hover over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Shrimp and Grits Casserole combines Southern comfort with minimal effort. The creamy grits and tender shrimp create a satisfying dish that doesn’t take a lot of time to make. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent without requiring advanced cooking skills. The casserole form makes it easy to serve a crowd, too.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
This dish adds a flavorful twist to your usual chicken salad. Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins brings just the right amount of spice with a hint of sweetness. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner, and it’s easy to put together. The balance of flavors will have everyone asking for your secret, but it’s actually simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops are a set-it-and-forget-it dish that brings great flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker makes the pork chops tender and juicy, while the rest of the ingredients just come together. You don’t need any advanced skills to get this right, just throw it in and let it cook. It’s a perfect meal for busy days when you want something comforting and easy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Swiss Pork Chops
Dutch Oven Carnitas
When you want something flavorful with minimal work, Dutch Oven Carnitas is the way to go. The slow cooking method makes the pork melt-in-your-mouth tender, with minimal prep needed. It’s one of those dishes that feels impressive but is actually simple to prepare. You’ll love how easy it is to make this flavorful, filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas
Beef Bourguignon
This rich, hearty stew is perfect for when you want something indulgent without spending hours cooking. Beef Bourguignon offers all the comfort of a French classic, with deep, savory flavors that make it feel special. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, even though it tastes like it came from a professional kitchen. A perfect choice for when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bourguignon
Cuban Sandwich Casserole
If you love Cuban sandwiches, this casserole is a must-try. Cuban Sandwich Casserole combines all the familiar flavors of a Cuban sandwich into an easy-to-make dish. You get the rich, savory taste without any complicated steps or ingredients. It’s perfect for when you want something filling and flavorful without the usual sandwich prep.
Get the Recipe: Cuban Sandwich Casserole
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs
Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs bring rich, tender beef to the table with minimal effort. The slow braising process gives the meat a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the garlic adds a depth of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it’s been simmering all day, but it’s actually pretty simple. The result is a satisfying, comforting meal without the stress of a complex recipe.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs
Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Turkey Pot Pie Soup brings all the cozy flavors of a pot pie without the fuss of making a crust. It’s creamy, rich, and full of familiar flavors that’ll make you feel right at home. A simple dish that delivers big comfort in a bowl, with no complicated steps required.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Pot Pie Soup
Seafood Stuffed Salmon
Seafood Stuffed Salmon takes salmon to a whole new level with a rich, savory filling that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. You get the perfect balance of tender fish and a hearty stuffing, all with minimal effort. It’s perfect for when you want something impressive but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. A simple way to make seafood feel gourmet.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Stuffed Salmon
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
These aren’t your ordinary stuffed shells—they’re giant and packed with cheesy goodness. Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells are perfect for those times you want a comforting, filling meal that’s easy to make. The large shells hold a generous amount of cheese, making each bite creamy and satisfying. It’s a dish that looks impressive but requires very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Corned Beef Fritters
If you love crispy bites of savory goodness, these are for you. Corned Beef Fritters take a classic ingredient and turn it into a fun, easy-to-eat snack or meal. The golden crisp exterior gives way to a juicy, flavorful center that’ll keep you coming back for more. Perfect for when you want something simple but satisfying, without the need for complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone
This isn’t your average tomato soup. Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone adds a rich, smoky flavor with a creamy finish that takes it to the next level. It’s easy to make and perfect for cozy nights when you need a comforting meal. The mascarpone cheese adds a smooth texture without overwhelming the dish, making it feel indulgent yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone
Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
These aren’t your average stuffed shells—Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto are packed with flavor. The turkey filling is light yet hearty, and the pesto gives it a fresh twist that’ll surprise you. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but is quick to pull together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. You’ll get a flavorful, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Stuffed Shells with Pesto
Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist
If you’re a mac & cheese fan, this recipe is a game-changer. Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist brings all the creamy, cheesy goodness you love, with a fun twist that makes it stand out. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for those nights when you want something indulgent but simple. A dish that feels like a treat without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist