15 recipes you should be cooking right this minute

Photo of author

| Published:

Why aren’t you cooking these recipes already? This collection of 15 dishes will make you wonder why you haven’t been trying them sooner. Whether you’re tackling dinner, a weekend meal prep, or just looking to shake things up, these options are ridiculously easy and perfect for any occasion. Stop putting it off and get cooking before everyone else catches on and starts asking you for the recipes!

Two cooked tamales nestled in corn husks, with a bowl of fresh cilantro partially visible on the left side.
Tamales. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Close-up of several Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls wrapped in bacon, stuffed with cheese, and seasoned with herbs and spices, placed on crumpled parchment paper.
Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re a fan of creamy centers with a bit of a kick, Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls will hit the spot. These are packed with smoky bacon and spicy jalapeños, wrapped up in a cheesy, crunchy coating. They’re a grab-and-go snack that works just as well for a party as they do for a solo treat. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter at any gathering—everyone loves a good cheese ball.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Bacon and Jalapeño Cheese Balls

Roasted Turkey

A roasted turkey garnished with herbs, boasting a golden brown, crispy skin, presented on a gleaming glass platter.
Roasted Turkey. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The centrepiece of any festive meal, a Roasted Turkey done right is always a showstopper. With its golden-brown skin and juicy meat, it’s a familiar favorite that never disappoints. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a large family dinner, this is the dish that everyone looks forward to slicing into. Serve it up with some gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for the full experience.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey

Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

A close-up of Swedish meatballs covered in a creamy sauce, piled in a wooden bowl.
Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You no longer need to make a trip to the furniture store to indulge in those iconic Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat). These little meatballs are smothered in a rich and creamy sauce that brings comfort to any meal. They’re perfect over a bed of buttery noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. And the best part is, you can make a big batch and freeze some for later.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those who love classic Southern comfort, Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings are like a warm hug in a bowl. They bring all the creamy goodness of the Cracker Barrel original right into your kitchen. They’re simple, no-nonsense, and just plain good—a dish that reminds you of home. Even better, you can whip up this comforting classic on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving some tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs? Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe may just be your new go-to. These ribs are slow-cooked in the oven until they are perfectly tender. Add your favorite BBQ sauce, and you’re in for a real treat that’s perfect for any weekend dinner.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you’re after something that the whole family will enjoy, Easy Tater Tot Casserole is a reliable winner. It combines a savory meat and veggie base with a crispy tater tot topping. This casserole is as fun as it is filling, and it’s a surefire way to please a crowd without a lot of hassle. Kids love it, and let’s be honest, adults do too.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow cooker pot roast with mushrooms and carrots garnished with fresh rosemary.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Set it and forget it with this classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast. It’s a quintessential comfort food that fills your house with mouthwatering aromas throughout the day. The meat becomes so tender, it practically melts in your mouth, and the vegetables soak up all the rich juices. This dish is perfect for those busy days when you need dinner to be ready when you walk in the door.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

An Easy Chicken Casserole can answer the question of what’s for dinner on any given night. This is a straightforward dish that combines tender chicken pieces with vegetables and a creamy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb or cracker layer. This casserole is versatile enough to accept your leftover veggies or whatever you have on hand. It’s a practical choice for a meal that fills you up and leaves everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

A close-up image of honey chipotle seasoned roasted potatoes garnished with parsley, served alongside grilled steak and lettuce.
Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spice up your dinner routine with Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes. This dish brings together sweet and smoky flavors with a tender steak and roasted potatoes on the side. The honey chipotle sauce adds a unique kick that makes this meal stand out from your average steak dinner. It’s a hearty dish that’s straightforward to prepare, promising big rewards for your palate.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re craving burger flavors without the hassle of grilling, The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole is a perfect choice. It takes all the elements you love in a cheeseburger and puts them into an easy-to-make casserole form. Layers of ground beef, cheese, and toppings bake together for a family-friendly meal that’s ready in no time. Plus, it reheats well, so you can enjoy leftovers without compromise.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chipotle Grilled Chicken marries the smokiness of the grill with the bold flavors of chipotle seasoning. It’s a quick and easy protein option that’s versatile enough to top salads, fill tacos, or stand alone as a succulent main dish. Every bite brings a touch of heat and a charred taste that just screams summer cookout. Not to mention, it’s a healthier way to get your protein fix without skimping on taste.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Best Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole in a white baking dish.
Best Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turn to this classic Best Tuna Casserole for an effortless and fulfilling meal. This dish brings together tender noodles, creamy sauce, and hearty chunks of tuna. Topped with a crunchy breadcrumb or chip layer, it provides a pleasing contrast of textures that’s sure to be a hit. It’s a time-honored dish that brings back memories of family dinners and simpler times.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Close-up of four ham and cheese sliders on sesame seed buns, arranged in two stacks. The cheese is melting and oozing out of the sides, making these Ham and Cheese Sliders irresistible.
Ham and Cheese Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick lunch, Ham and Cheese Sliders are delicious and easy to whip up. These mini sandwiches are packed with savory ham and melted cheese nestled between soft rolls. They’re a great option when you have leftover ham and need a crowd-pleasing way to repurpose it. Just pop them in the oven and watch them disappear!
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Sliders

Tuna Noodle Casserole

A baking dish filled with golden-brown baked tuna noodle casserole, topped with breadcrumbs and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tuna Noodle Casserole is a staple that never goes out of style. It’s a simple, budget-friendly dish that combines noodles, canned tuna, and a creamy mushroom sauce. The dish is often finished with a layer of crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch. It’s a reliable weeknight meal that takes minimal preparation and still leaves everyone full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tamales

Two cooked tamales nestled in corn husks, with a bowl of fresh cilantro partially visible on the left side.
Tamales. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A labor of love, making Tamales is as much about the process as it is the eating. These little packets of corn dough are stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables and steamed inside a corn husk. They’re a traditional Mexican dish that’s perfect for large gatherings or holiday celebrations. Enjoy the experience of unwrapping a tamale to reveal the steamy, flavorful filling inside.
Get the Recipe: Tamales

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.