The only 19 dishes you ever need to make

Photo of author

| Published:

Who knew you only needed 19 dishes to keep everyone at the table happy? This list is all about making your life easier while still serving up some seriously tasty meals. From comforting classics to dishes that’ll dress up any dinner table, these recipes are straightforward, crowd-pleasing, and, most importantly, delicious. So, whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, you’ve got this.

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs on a platter.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish makes a simple weeknight dinner feel like a feast. Juicy chicken thighs are paired with a rich creamy onion gravy, creating a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you of home, no matter where you are.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Onion Gravy

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A hearty and nourishing Italian classic, this soup combines pasta and beans in a tomato-based broth for a meal that warms you from the inside out. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and taste, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

A casserole dish with chicken and vegetables in it.
Shrimp and Grits Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Southern-inspired casserole takes the traditional shrimp and grits to new heights. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy grits, succulent shrimp, and a touch of cheese, making it a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing the flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen, this chicken bake is loaded with herbs, tomatoes, and olives. It’s a colorful, one-dish meal that offers a hassle-free way to enjoy a range of vibrant flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine the best parts of spaghetti and lasagna coming together in one dish. That’s Million Dollar Spaghetti, a cheesy, meaty pasta bake that lives up to its name. It’s a guaranteed hit that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish offers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine with its smoky, spicy tomato sauce and tender shredded chicken. Chicken Tinga is as versatile as it is delicious, perfect for tacos, tostadas, or simply served over rice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light and flaky cod gets a Mediterranean makeover with olives, tomatoes, and a hint of lemon. It’s a simple dish that packs a punch of flavor, perfect for those nights when you want a meal that’s both quick and light.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Turning a side dish into the star of the show, Baked Spanish Rice is rich with tomatoes, peppers, and a hint of smoky paprika. It’s an easy, flavorful base for any meal, adding a colorful touch to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Ham & Asparagus Pizza

A pizza with ham and asparagus on a pizza stone.
Ham & Asparagus Pizza. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This pizza combines the savory taste of ham with the freshness of asparagus on a crispy crust. It’s a delightful twist on the classic pizza that brings a taste of spring to your table, proving that homemade pizza can be both easy and extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Asparagus Pizza

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dive into the rich flavors of Hungary with a traditional goulash. This stew is a hearty mix of meat, vegetables, and spices, simmered to perfection. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup

Two bowls of cream of caramelized onion & mushroom soup with garlic and thyme.
Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a soup that’s rich in flavor and texture, look no further. This blend of caramelized onions and earthy mushrooms creates a creamy soup that’s both luxurious and comforting. It’s a perfect starter or a light meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Soup

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Wheat Berry Salad with Tomato & Tuna in a bowl.
Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This salad is a refreshing mix of chewy wheat berries, flaky tuna, and ripe tomatoes, dressed in a simple vinaigrette. It’s a nutritious and satisfying option for lunch or a light dinner, showcasing how wholesome ingredients can come together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Tuna & Tomatoes

Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

A closeup shot of two tacos filled with smoked pork belly and vegetables.
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing the irresistible flavor of smoked pork belly into taco form, these tacos are a true celebration of taste. Topped with fresh ingredients, they’re a fusion of textures and flavors that are sure to excite. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on taco night.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These green beans are slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing a wealth of flavors from bacon and onions. It’s a fuss-free side dish that complements any Southern meal, showcasing the power of the slow cooker to transform simple ingredients into something special.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a BBQ dish that’s irresistibly tender and flavorful, try these burnt ends. They’re little bites of heaven that melt in your mouth, offering a smoky and savory treat that’s perfect for sharing. It’s a standout dish that’s surprisingly straightforward to make.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze on a round platter.
Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These chicken legs are elevated with a smoky exterior and a sweet, spicy glaze. The combination of flavors makes for a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress. It’s a great way to enjoy the deep, complex flavors of smoked meat with a fiery finish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

Steak & Pasta Salad

Overheat shot of steakhouse pasta salad.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining tender, grilled steak slices with al dente pasta and a medley of fresh vegetables, this salad is a hearty meal all on its own. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making Steak & Pasta Salad a satisfying choice for any occasion, especially when you’re craving something filling yet refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Braised Beef Short Ribs with gravy and mashed potatoes.
Braised Beef Short Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love

Slow-cooked to perfection, these beef short ribs fall apart at the touch of a fork, infused with the rich flavor of garlic throughout. Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs are a comfort food classic, offering a deeply savory and tender meal that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Braised Beef Short Ribs

Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Curried chicken salad in a blue bowl.
Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This isn’t your average chicken salad. The Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins brings together the warmth of curry spices with the sweet pop of raisins, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. It’s a fresh take on chicken salad that’s as suitable for a casual lunch as it is for an elegant brunch, proving that a few well-chosen ingredients can elevate a simple dish into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Curried Chicken Salad with Raisins

Leave a Comment

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