17 next-level dinners you’ll wish you discovered sooner

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Skip boring dinners and enjoy this collection of 17 next-level dinners that will transform your weeknights (or weekends!) You’ll be wondering where these flavor bombs have been hiding all your life.

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs are so tender they effortlessly slide off the bone, and the smoky, tangy sauce is irresistible. It’s a hands-off approach to a meal you’ll wish you’d tried sooner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite for its ease and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Taco Rice Skillet combines all the beloved taco flavors in a single pan for a quick and hearty dish. With minimal ingredients and preparation, this meal is a convenient and scrumptious option you’ll wish was in your regular dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Beef tips with mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Beef Tips with gravy are the epitome of comfort food, so tender and rich you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner. The slow cooking process makes for an effortless meal that’s both filling and heartwarming.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe captures the essence of comfort with every spoonful, rivaling the Chick-fil-A favorite. It’s a heartening meal that you’ll wish you had discovered earlier, perfect for any dinner occasion.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With minimal effort, these Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs become tender and are coated in a flavorful blend of peach preserves, honey, and BBQ sauce. It’s a meal that will make you wish you had tried slow cooking ribs sooner for its simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef is a crispy, sweet, and savory dish that’s ready in a flash. You’ll wish you’d tried this kid-friendly meal sooner for its quick prep and impressive flavors that mimic a restaurant experience in mere minutes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli and carrots.
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Enjoy the familiar taste of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup at home. It’s a velvety-smooth, cheese-laden soup that’s so good you’ll wish you’d tried making it sooner. This comforting bowl is perfect for those evenings when you crave a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Cracker Barrel copycat meatloaf brings the restaurant’s comfort right to your table. It’s a nostalgic dish that’s seasoned beautifully and baked to perfection, making you wish you’d tried this recipe sooner for its homestyle charm.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

A crock pot filled with chicken and lemons.
Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs transform simple ingredients into a meal that’s extraordinary. It’s a straightforward yet flavorful dish, perfect for busy days when you need a comforting dinner to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Classic Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Minestrone Soup in a white bowl topped with basil.
Classic Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Classic Minestrone Soup is a nutritious one-pot meal that’s full of veggies and flavor. It’s an easy, 30-minute meal you’ll wish you’d tried sooner, especially on those nights when you need something both wholesome and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Classic Minestrone Soup

Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Olive garden chicken pasta on a fork.
Olive Garden Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen. It’s a creamy, cheesy delight that’s so simple to make, you’ll wish you’d tried it sooner. This dish promises a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Italian Mushroom Stew

Top view of a big pot of mushroom stew with cheese and basil on a cutting board next to the pot.
Italian Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Italian Mushroom Stew is a hearty dish that transports you to the Italian countryside. It’s a rustic, comforting meal you’ll wish you’d tried sooner, perfect for ladling over crusty bread and enjoying with family.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mushroom Stew

Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Slow Cooker Pork Chops on a plate covered with a creamy mushroom gravy and served on mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These Slow Cooker Pork Chops in a creamy mushroom sauce are the ultimate comfort food. It’s a dish you’ll wish you’d tried sooner for its ease and dreamy sauce. Just set your slow cooker and come home to a meal that’s ready to soothe any appetite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Walking Taco Casserole is a playful take on the classic dish, with layers of beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos. It’s a festive and hearty meal you’ll wish you’d tried sooner, perfect for turning dinner time into a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Asian Spare Ribs

Two ribs on a tray with sesame seeds and sesame seeds.
Asian Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The flavors of the East come alive in these Asian Spare Ribs, slow-cooked to perfection. You’ll wish you’d tried this effortless meal sooner, as it promises a special dinner with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Asian Spare Ribs

Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Plate of orange chicken in a metal bowl from the top.
Instant Pot Orange Chicken. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot Orange Chicken brings the zest and tang of your favorite takeout dish to your own table. It’s a quick and citrusy delight you’ll wish you’d tried sooner, perfect for a family-friendly meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Orange Chicken

Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken on a white plate on rice topped with parsley.
Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Olive Garden copycat Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl that’s easy to make in your slow cooker. With tender chicken and veggies, it’s a meal you’ll wish you’d tried sooner for its simplicity and rich flavors.
Get the Recipe: Olive Garden Gnocchi Soup

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