18 main dishes with cheese that are always winners at dinner

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Cheese has a magical ability to elevate any dish, transforming ordinary meals into comforting favorites that everyone loves. I’ve discovered that main dishes featuring cheese are always a hit at the dinner table, whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in. Join me as we explore these winning recipes that will not only satisfy your cravings but also become staples in your weekly dinner routine.

A creamy baked pasta dish topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon bits, served in a white ceramic dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream Cheese Chicken

A plate with chicken and green beans on it.
Cream Cheese Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to this chicken dish, making it a great choice for a dinner that feels hearty yet simple. The cheese melts into the chicken, creating a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone can enjoy. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights. Pair it with a side of vegetables or rice, and you’ve got a complete meal. It’s the kind of cheesy main dish that will always be a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Chicken

Mexican Steak Pizza

Close-up of a cheesy Mexican steak pizza on a wooden spatula.
Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Combining steak with cheese on a pizza base creates a bold, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. This recipe brings together the heartiness of steak with the gooey goodness of melted cheese, all on a crisp crust. It’s easy to prepare and has a fun twist with its Mexican-inspired flavors. Ideal for sharing, it makes a great choice for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together. A cheesy meal like this will always be a winner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions.
Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Frito chili pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s layered with cheese, making it a hearty and comforting main dish. The crunchy Fritos combined with the warmth of chili and melted cheese create a fun, filling meal. It’s easy to throw together and can feed a family without much effort. Serve it in bowls or bake it in a casserole dish for an easy dinner option. Cheese pulls everything together, ensuring this is a dinner staple.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Beef quesadillas are packed with protein and ooey-gooey cheese, making them an excellent choice for a quick and filling meal. These quesadillas come together quickly, and the crispy tortilla with melted cheese and beef creates a perfect blend of textures. They’re easy to customize with different toppings and sides, so they fit any dinner occasion. Serve them hot and fresh for a cheesy dish everyone will love. A staple for a reason, these quesadillas never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Personal Pizza

Close-up of a pepperoni pizza slice being lifted, showing melted cheese and tomato sauce.
Personal Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Personal pizzas give everyone the chance to customize their own cheesy dinner, perfect for a fun and easy meal at home. With endless topping possibilities and a generous layer of cheese, these pizzas are both quick and versatile. They’re ideal for nights when you want something filling but don’t have time to make a complicated dish. Whether baking in the oven or using a pizza stone, you’ll always end up with a cheesy and satisfying meal. These mini pizzas are a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Personal Pizza

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This shrimp pasta combines the richness of garlic butter with the smoothness of cheese for a main dish that feels special yet easy to make. The shrimp add a lightness to the dish, while the melted cheese gives it a creamy finish. With quick preparation time, this meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes like it took much more effort. Serve it with a side salad for a well-rounded meal. Cheesy pasta dishes like this are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock pot mac and cheese delivers cheesy comfort with very little hands-on time, making it a go-to for busy dinners. The slow cooker ensures the cheese melts perfectly into the pasta, creating a creamy, smooth texture. With just a few ingredients, it’s a dish that you can set and forget until dinner time. It’s also easy to adjust to feed a crowd or just your family. Cheesy mac and cheese always makes for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken bacon ranch casserole in baking dish.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken bacon ranch casserole is packed with layers of cheese, chicken, and bacon, creating a rich and satisfying dinner. The ranch seasoning ties everything together, while the melted cheese makes each bite indulgent. It’s a great one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry family. Serve with a side salad or veggies for balance. Cheesy casseroles like this are always a dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Wet Burrito

Chicken wet burrito with salsa and sour cream on a white plate.
Wet Burrito. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Wet burritos are smothered in cheese and sauce, making them a hearty and filling choice for a main dish. The combination of meat, beans, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla and covered with melted cheese ensures every bite is packed with flavor. It’s easy to make ahead and bake just before serving. Pair it with rice or chips for a complete meal. When you want a cheesy dish that hits the spot, this burrito fits the bill.
Get the Recipe: Wet Burrito

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan.
Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Individual lasagnas offer all the cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna in a perfectly portioned size. Layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese come together to create a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare ahead of time. These mini lasagnas are perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. With a balance of hearty ingredients and melted cheese, they’re sure to be a favorite. Personal portions keep the meal fun and engaging at the table.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sloppy Joe casserole combines the flavors of a classic sandwich with the cheesiness of a casserole, making it a fun and filling dinner option. The ground beef and rich sauce blend with the melted cheese to create a hearty dish that’s perfect for busy evenings. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. Serve with a simple side for a well-rounded meal. The cheesy layer on top ties it all together.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Air Fryer Tuna Melt

A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate.
Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

An air fryer tuna melt is an easy way to enjoy a warm, cheesy sandwich with minimal cooking time. The air fryer helps melt the cheese perfectly while keeping the bread crispy, making this dish quick and delicious. It’s a great choice for a light dinner or a quick lunch, especially when you need something comforting. With minimal cleanup and a rich layer of cheese, this melt is a go-to meal. The simplicity and cheesy goodness make it an ideal choice.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Alfredo steak pasta combines tender steak with creamy cheese sauce, offering a hearty dinner that feels a little special. The rich alfredo sauce brings the steak and pasta together, creating a dish that’s sure to please. It’s a filling meal that can be made relatively quickly, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Pair with some garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. The creamy cheese sauce is what makes this dish stand out.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Serving of buffalo chicken pasta bake with casserole dish.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buffalo chicken pasta bake blends the tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with a cheesy baked pasta for a comforting and bold main dish. The combination of chicken, pasta, and melted cheese creates a hearty meal that’s easy to assemble and bake. Perfect for feeding a family or making ahead for meal prep. Serve it hot and bubbly with a side of vegetables. Cheesy pasta bakes like this are always a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Divan

A casserole dish with cheese and broccoli on a napkin.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Chicken divan is a classic casserole featuring tender chicken and broccoli topped with a creamy cheese sauce. This dish offers a balance of vegetables and protein, making it a great all-in-one meal. With easy prep and baked to cheesy perfection, it’s ideal for busy nights when you need something filling. Serve with a side of rice or rolls. The cheesy topping is the key to making this dish a consistent dinner winner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Stuffed steak pinwheels sliced on platter.
Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Stuffed flank steak pinwheels are filled with cheese and other tasty ingredients, offering a unique and impressive main dish. The rolled steak not only looks great but also combines flavors in every bite, thanks to the melted cheese and seasonings inside. Despite their fancy appearance, they’re relatively easy to prepare. Perfect for a dinner that feels special but isn’t too complicated. Cheese ties all the flavors together in this standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Individual Shepherd's Pie.
Individual Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Individual shepherd’s pies offer all the comfort of the classic dish in perfectly portioned servings. Layers of seasoned meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes are topped with melted cheese for a hearty meal. These pies are easy to prepare ahead and bake when ready to serve. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. The melted cheese on top ensures each pie is rich and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Ground Pork Tacos

Two pork tacos on a white plate with lime wedges.
Ground Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground pork tacos are an easy and flavorful dinner option, topped with plenty of cheese to bring everything together. The ground pork is seasoned to perfection and pairs well with the melted cheese in a warm tortilla. Quick to assemble, they’re a great option for a busy weeknight meal. Customize with your favorite toppings and serve with rice or beans. The addition of cheese ensures these tacos are always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

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