15 recipes you need to get on your plate today

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Looking to shake up your meal routine without getting too crazy? We’ve got 15 recipes that promise not to bore your socks off. From a casserole that could potentially win an award for “Most Layers” to a mystery meal that leaves you guessing with every spoonful, your dinner table is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Check them out and give your usual dinner a well-earned break!

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with enticing aromas, making everyone eager to gather around the table. Cowboy Casserole is a robust, hearty dish that could probably fuel a long cattle drive, or at least help you tackle your busy week. Packed with flavors that meld together in a hearty, fulfilling way, this casserole is a nod to the rustic outdoors and hearty appetites.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Refreshing and robust, it’s a midday meal that truly reinvigorates. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is here to rescue you from any lunchtime slump. With a hint of sweetness and a fulfilling crunch, it’s a lunch that promises not to be dull. Who knew chicken salad could be so lively? This recipe combines the tang of cranberries with the nutty texture of pecans for a lunch experience that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving that burger joint taste without the drive-thru hassle? Copycat Smash Burger delivers all that beloved burger joy right from your own kitchen. It’s a surefire hit for any burger enthusiast looking to replicate that crispy, juicy experience at home. Craft your own masterpiece and maybe toss in a twist that makes it uniquely yours. This burger isn’t just a meal; it’s a creative expression, sizzling right off your skillet.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just trying to spruce up your lunch, this salad is a reliable crowd-pleaser that never disappoints. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is a refreshing take on your standard salad game. It’s crunchy, it’s creamy, and it brings a dash of unexpected to the table. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a statement piece that promises to steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Think of loading up a fluffy baked potato with the fresh punch of buffalo chicken. Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes are exactly that—a twist on a classic that’s sure to keep things interesting at your dinner table. Merging comfort and excitement, this dish is a perfect blend of familiar and adventurous, making it a must-try for anyone looking to jazz up their meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Why settle for the ordinary when you can dine like an Italian tonight? Italian Pasta with Salami isn’t just dinner—it’s a mini vacation to Italy, minus the airfare. This dish brings the robust flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table, wrapped in a warm, inviting package. It’s the perfect way to end a long day, promising an escape that pleases and satisfies with each forkful.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Homemade Corn Dogs

Close-up of a bitten corn dog showing its interior with a layer of crispy fried batter and a hot dog inside.
Homemade Corn Dogs. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who can resist the allure of Homemade Corn Dogs, the quintessential fair food right in your own kitchen? This recipe brings all the nostalgic fun of a day at the fair, minus the crowds. Perfect for a family treat or a unique party snack, these corn dogs are sure to be a hit. Gather around and enjoy a bite of nostalgia; after all, who says you can’t recreate the magic of childhood favorites at home?
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Dogs

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into a cheesy baked dish topped with sliced green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ready for game day or any day where you crave a bit of spice, Buffalo Chicken Dip is the powerhouse of snack tables. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it packs that buffalo punch. Ideal for dipping, spreading, or straight-up spooning if that’s your style. This dip turns any gathering into a flavor fiesta, leaving guests guessing just how you made it so addictively delicious.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Why not make tonight a little more festive with this crowd-pleaser? Taco Casserole takes the beloved flavors of taco night and layers them into a dish that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat. This is the ultimate comfort food with a twist, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or just dishing up a fulfilling family dinner. Each layer is a discovery of flavors that turns any evening into a fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Kung Pao Chicken

A close-up of a stir-fry dish featuring pieces of chicken, snap peas, red bell peppers, scallions, and black sesame seeds.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If your weeknight dinner routine is screaming for a shakeup, Kung Pao Chicken is the call to answer. This dish is a whirlwind of flavors that manages to be both comforting and thrilling, perfect for those evenings when you want something familiar yet exciting. With just enough kick to keep things interesting, it’s a journey that brings a little adventure to your dinner table. Dig into this dish and let your palate do the traveling.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Close-up of a Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish topped with ground meat, corn, black beans, and chopped green onions.
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Think of if your favorite enchilada met up with tortellini at a dinner party—Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini would be their delicious collaboration. It’s a fusion that’s just as fun to eat as it is to say, packed with bold flavors and a twist that will surprise and satisfy. Ready to spice up your dinner plans? This is your go-to, where every bite is an exploration of taste.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

A dish of seasoned chicken breasts garnished with parsley, surrounded by carrots and potatoes in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Enjoy the simplicity and the taste that makes a busy day worth it. Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken is the set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that waits patiently to wow you. Perfect for those who want to come home to a meal that’s ready to serve, this dish offers a tender, flavorful escape from the daily rush. It’s a comforting staple that invites you to relax while the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken

Huevos Rancheros

A plate of huevos rancheros with sunny-side-up eggs, avocado slices, refried beans, tomato sauce, crumbled cheese, and garnished with green onions and cilantro.
Huevos Rancheros. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who said breakfast has to be boring? Huevos Rancheros is here to kickstart your morning with a bang, or at least with a bit more flair than your usual cereal. It’s the kind of breakfast that might just have you waking up earlier on purpose. With a reputation for turning morning frowns upside down, this dish packs a punch that will make your morning memorable. Go ahead, and spice up your sunrise with this vibrant choice!
Get the Recipe: Huevos Rancheros

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a bun, with fries in the background.
Homemade KFC Zinger Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’ve ever craved that signature crunch and kick, Homemade KFC Zinger Burger brings the fast-food favorite to your kitchen. This recipe captures the perfect blend of spice and crunch that has made the original a global favorite. It’s a thrilling venture into homemade fast food that might just end up on your regular menu rotation. Treat yourself to a zinger of a meal that promises to bring the heat and the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade KFC Zinger Burger

Easy Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Forget about takeout; Easy Chow Mein brings the essence of the noodle shop right into your kitchen. It’s quick, it’s hearty, and it skips the fuss, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. Whether you’re looking for a speedy meal or just want to impress with minimal effort, this recipe has you covered. Noodles, tossed and turned in a savory mix, promise a delicious escape from the everyday.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

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