This homemade Greek salad dressing comes together in just a few minutes with pantry staples like olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, and honey. It's bright, fresh, and tangy with just enough richness from the olive oil. Keep a jar in the refrigerator for easy Greek salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or as a simple marinade for chicken. Once you start making homemade salad dressings, you'll wonder why you ever bought store-bought … [Read more...]
Green Lentil and Feta Salad
If you're looking for a lunch that actually keeps you full, this Green Lentil and Feta Salad is one to keep in your rotation. Tender green lentils are tossed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a bright homemade Greek vinaigrette. It's fresh, filling, and made with simple ingredients that hold up beautifully for meal prep. While I usually make it for lunch, it also makes a fresh side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or burgers. Why You'll Love This Recipe For the … [Read more...]
Creamy Garlic Chicken and Orzo
This creamy chicken and orzo recipe is an easy chicken dinner made in one pan with tender chicken, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and orzo pasta simmered in a rich cream sauce. Ready in about 40 minutes, it's one of my favorite one-pan dinners for busy weeknights because there are fewer dishes waiting in the sink afterward. I love cooking with orzo, especially now that my boys are little. Since it's such a tiny pasta, it's easy for toddlers to scoop up with a spoon or stab with a fork without … [Read more...]
Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetable Pitas
These Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetable Pitas are exactly the kind of easy dinner I reach for when I'm trying to get back into a routine. Everything cooks on one baking sheet, the ingredients are simple, and everyone can build their own pita at the table. It's a fresh, satisfying healthy dinner that doesn't require much energy at the end of a busy day. I especially love this recipe during the summer when zucchini and squash seem to multiply on my kitchen counter faster than I can use … [Read more...]
Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs
I’m always looking for a new chicken dinner to add to the rotation, and somehow I always forget about oven BBQ chicken thighs. There’s something so satisfying about that combination of smoky spices and sweet, sticky sauce. These oven BBQ chicken thighs have all the flavor of backyard barbecue without ever needing to fire up the grill. Living in Nashville, we’ve made plenty of trips to Memphis over the years, so I’m partial to that style of barbecue. But honestly, put any barbecue in front … [Read more...]
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad has been a staple in my family for years. My mom always made it whenever we were hosting summer cookouts, and it was always one of the first dishes to disappear. It’s definitely a crowd favorite. It’s light and refreshing, but still hearty enough to hold its own thanks to artichoke hearts, black olives, and a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette. The toasted pine nuts and sweet sun-dried tomatoes are one of my favorite flavor combinations, adding just the … [Read more...]
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni pizza is on weekly rotation at our house, but ordering delivery gets expensive fast these days. This easy pepperoni pizza at home saves money, tastes better than takeout, and honestly turns pizza night into something special. I have a homemade pizza dough recipe if you want extra credit, but store-bought dough works beautifully too if you’re grabbing dinner on the way home from work. Why this Recipe Works Ingredients You’ll Need Pizza Dough - You can use homemade … [Read more...]
Skillet Pizza
This cast-iron skillet pizza has become one of our go-to homemade pizza dinners when we want something comforting but still simple. It’s like a pan pizza you’d get from your favorite local pizzeria, but made right at home. Cooking the pizza in a cast iron pan gives you the best of both worlds. The pizza crust gets buttery and golden brown on the outside, while staying soft and fluffy inside. It’s the kind of cast iron pizza recipe that gives you great results every time and feels like … [Read more...]
Sweet Cornbread
Sweet cornbread is one of those sides that instantly makes dinner feel a little more special. Around here, it usually shows up next to a pot of chili or a with my slow cooker bean recipe. I know traditional Southern savory cornbread skips the sugar, and I love that version too. But this sweet cornbread has its own place at the table. It’s soft, just a little rich, and has that hint of sweetness that pairs so well with savory, comforting meals. My family members especially love this … [Read more...]
Chicken Teriyaki and Pineapple Bowls
Craving something easy, delicious, and made with real, simple ingredients for an easy weeknight meal? These teriyaki chicken pineapple bowls check all the boxes. It’s one of those meals that feels a little fun, but is secretly little effort. Everything cooks on one pan, the sauce comes together in minutes, and the best part is cleanup is basically nonexistent. Which, let’s be honest, matters just as much as the food itself some nights. I’ve been really into doing stir fry–style meals … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Beans
This is my all-purpose slow cooker beans recipe, and I make it at least twice a month. There’s something so comforting about a fresh batch of slow cooked beans. They’re rich, creamy, and honestly they are the best beans. It's a great recipe to have on hand. Don’t get me wrong, having a can of beans handy is still essential in our house. They’re convenient and lifesaving on busy nights. But when you have the time, cooking dried beans in the slow cooker gives you a pot of beans that can … [Read more...]
Vegetarian Spinach Stuffed Pizza
This vegetarian spinach stuffed pizza is one of those recipes that feels like home to me. We grew up eating this stuffed pizza, and it’s still one of my favorite comfort dinners. If you’ve never had a true stuffed pizza before, it’s different from deep dish pizza. This chicago-style pizza has two layers of crust with the fillings tucked inside and the sauce on top. It bakes up thick, cozy, and sliceable like a pie. And once you make it at home, it feels surprisingly doable. Why You'll … [Read more...]
Zesty Oven Fries
Fries are always a hit at dinner in our house. But instead of reaching for the frozen bag, I usually make these oven fries with simple whole ingredients. Just potatoes, olive oil, and a few spices from the pantry. Photos by Styled Spoon Studio They bake up crispy and golden and make the perfect side for burgers, sandwiches, or pulled pork. It’s one of those small kitchen habits that feels like a win. Same comfort food, just made from real ingredients. Why This Recipe … [Read more...]
Healing Egg Drop Soup
This Egg Drop Soup is a simple, nourishing winter soup that I make on repeat when someone in our house isn’t feeling great. It’s warm, comforting, and easy on the stomach, which makes this homemade soup perfect for sick days or nights when you want something light but still satisfying. Photos by Styled Spoon Studio The broth is flavored with garlic and ginger, giving this soup that cozy, healing feel without being heavy. You can keep it super simple or add vegetables like carrots, … [Read more...]
Spinach Lemon Pesto
This Spinach Lemon Pesto is fresh, garlicky, and loaded with lemony zing. It’s the perfect way to use up a bag of spinach before it gets sad in the back of the fridge, and it comes together in about 10 minutes flat. I love making it year round, especially when basil isn’t at its peak. Time: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy I love classic basil pesto, but spinach makes this version more affordable and a little milder, which honestly makes it more kid friendly. Toss it with pasta, spoon it … [Read more...]
Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl
If you love poke bowls but raw fish isn’t your thing, this Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl is the answer. Photos by Styled Spoon Studio These bowls are VERY customizable. Feel free to sub out tofu or chicken for the salmon. You could also substitute cauliflower rice instead of white rice if you would like a low-carb version. The contrast between the crunchy raw veggies and the soft salmon and rice is so addictive. I like to eat my poke at room temperature, so I let my cooked salmon cool a bit … [Read more...]
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables
This easy sheet pan gnocchi with roasted vegetables is one of those reliable weeknight dinners I’ve been making for years. It’s vegetarian, flexible, and requires almost zero mental energy. No boiling. Just toss everything on a sheet pan and let the oven do the work. Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Gnocchi Recipe: “Family loved it! Making it for the second time now. Because it's what I had available, we used frozen cauliflower gnocchi. … [Read more...]
Freezer-Friendly Homemade Beef Meatballs
Meatballs are a convenience food in our house, but I can never seem to find a frozen brand I actually love. So instead of buying store-bought frozen meatballs, I started making my own and keeping them on hand. Time: 1 hour | Total Meatballs: 64 | Difficulty: Easy I usually make a double batch of these homemade beef meatballs on a weekend when I have a little extra time, then stash them in the freezer for easy dinners later. They last about two months (or longer, honestly), and having … [Read more...]
Homemade Calzones
Ever open the fridge and realize dinner’s not happening unless you pull off a miracle? That’s where this freezer-friendly homemade calzones recipe saves the day. This is one of my favorite weekend prep recipes. You can make a big batch, tuck them into the freezer, and have a no-stress dinner ready to go when weeknights get busy. Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Serves: 8 | Difficulty: Easy They reheat beautifully and can be filled with whatever you’re in the mood for, or let’s be honest, … [Read more...]
Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce
I’m always looking for ways to incorporate more vegetables into our diets. This hidden veggie pasta is one of those recipes I can make a big batch of and keep stocked in the freezer for an easy weeknight win. Time: 45 minutes | Serves: 8 | Difficulty: Easy I love adding it to store bought tortellini or ravioli. It’s also great for using up any vegetables that are about to go bad. Full disclosure, you will need a blender for this recipe. And personally, I think it’d be a lot to try to … [Read more...]
Creamy Chicken Paprikash
This Creamy Chicken Paprikash will become your new favorite comfort food! It's a little peppery, creamy, and perfect over some egg noodles, spaetzle, or dumplings. I would describe the flavor as a mellow, slightly sweet, warming sauce with a rich creamy sour cream finish. You know like a beef stroganoff, but with paprika and chicken. I wouldn’t call it a traditional Hungarian recipe, because this version is quicker and pared down for busy weeknights. It’s part of our family's favorite … [Read more...]
One-Pan Chicken Couscous
Weeknight dinners can feel impossible some nights. This One-Pan Chicken Couscous takes the edge off those evenings when everyone’s hungry and you don’t have the energy to think. Tender chicken, fluffy couscous, and a splash of lemon come together in a single pan for a meal that feels comforting but takes almost no effort. There’s no chopping, well beside the chicken if you want, and it’s ready in about 20 minutes. Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy Why You’ll Love this … [Read more...]
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
There’s nothing better than a hearty breakfast that feeds a crowd without the fuss. This Easy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole with Sausage layers crispy golden tots, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese into one cozy dish. It’s perfect for holidays like a Christmas morning breakfast casserole, weekend brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner when you want something comforting but effortless. Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole Ingredients You’ll Need Breakfast … [Read more...]
Simple Alfredo Sauce
You'll be shocked how easy it is to make a delicious creamy simple Alfredo sauce is at home. No need to buy the jarred stuff as this sauce only requires 5 ingredients and comes together in 15 minutes. It's rich, velvety and foolproof once you know a few tricks. Time: 15-20 minutes | Yield: Enough Sauce for 1lb of Pasta | Difficulty: Easy This homemade Alfredo sauce recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even can be a perfect date night recipe. It looks … [Read more...]
4 Easy Sauces for Butternut Squash Ravioli
Every time I spot butternut squash ravioli at the store, I think the same thing: this would make a great dinner, but what sauce should I pair with it? That is why I put together this post to share the best butternut squash ravioli sauces you can make at home. To test it out, I tried four of my favorite pasta sauces with these golden pillows of ravioli, and they all turned out delicious. The lineup includes a bacon brown butter with crispy sage, a roasted vegetable sauce, a lemon spinach … [Read more...]
Chicken Katsu Rice Bowl
This crispy Chicken Katsu Rice Bowl is a weeknight staple at our house. It's a great balance of comfort using golden brown fried chicken and healthy using a mix of stir fry veggies. We love getting to customize our bowls using our favorite Bachan's Japanese Barbecue sauces. Time: 30–40 minutes | Yield: 2–4 bowls | Difficulty: Easy to moderate This savory bowl is inspired by the Japanese Katsu fried chicken dish. While this version is far from traditional, it is accessible and delicious … [Read more...]
Kielbasa Sausage and Peppers with Cheesy Grits
This smoky Kielbasa sausage and peppers with cheesy grits is a cozy weeknight favorite that only takes 30 minutes to whip together. It’s simple, budget-friendly comfort food the whole family will love. Why You’ll Love This Recipe Freezer tip: I like to keep a package of kielbasa polish sausage in the freezer because it take no time to thaw! For the quick defrosting method, submerge the frozen packaged sausage it in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minute until thawed. … [Read more...]
Spinach Arugula Berry Salad with Goat Cheese
Looking for a fast, no-fuss summer salad to have with dinner, bring to a potluck or pack for a light lunch? This Spinach & Arugula Berry Salad with Goat Cheese uses simple ingredients, beyond delicious and perfect for using up all that summer produce. This healthy side dish is customizable using any kind of fresh greens, different cheese and you could even add creamy avocado. You'll love this simple spinach arugula salad because it's: I love this this type of simple … [Read more...]
Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake
This Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake is a simple, budget-friendly one-pan dinner packed with Mexican flavors. It's an easy recipe the whole family will love. One of the dishes I used to get all the time at our favorite local Mexican restaurants was called Jim Nachos. It consisted of rice, shredded chicken and that glorious white queso on top of a pile of chips. This cheesy Mexican rice recipe reminds me of that comforting dish and it's impossibly easy to make. It does take some time to … [Read more...]
Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
This Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is one I come back to again and again because it’s just the right balance of tangy and sweet. There’s something about a homemade dressings that makes even a thrown-together salad feel fancy. Plus they taste so much better than a store-bought salad dressing. The best part is you probably already have everything you need since it only uses basic ingredients. Whether you're tossing it with fresh spinach, spooning it over grilled chicken, or dipping roasted … [Read more...]
Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce
This creamy Gorgonzola cream sauce turns basic dinners into something special. You can use it to to a grilled steak, toss it with pasta for decadent pasta sauce, spoon it over roasted potatoes or vegetables, or just use it as a dipping sauce. Are you a fellow cheese lover? You'll love this creamy gorgonzola sauce because it's quick and easy and comes together in 15 minutes. This thick sauce could be a great weeknight treat to accompany an easy dinner or to use on special occasions. Plus, it … [Read more...]
Grilled Sirloin Steak
When the summer sun’s out and the grill is hot, nothing brings people together like the smell of sizzling juicy steak. Grilled sirloin steaks are a good option if you are craving a nice steak that's also affordable. For backyard cookouts weeknight dinners or easy meal prep this grilled sirloin recipe is simple satisfying and family approved. Use your gas grill, charcoal grill or even a grill pan indoors (as seen in my photos) for this recipe. Sirloin is a great cut for families. … [Read more...]
Beef and Green Chili Enchiladas
These Easy Beef and Green Chili Enchiladas are a go-to dinner for hectic weeknights when your craving something hearty but low-fuss. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort that the whole family will love. You'll love these easy beef enchiladas because they are quick to prepare, use simple ingredients and they are easy to customize with whatever you have on hand. Ingredients Ground Beef - the hearty, savory base … [Read more...]
Marry Me Chicken Orzo Bake
If you're looking for a dish that's rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors, this Marry Me Chicken Orzo Bake is exactly what you need. Inspired by the popular "Marry Me Chicken," this great recipe takes things up a notch by incorporating orzo and baking everything together into a decadent, cheesy, and irresistibly good meal. The original "Marry Me Chicken" got its name because it's so good that anyone who eats it might just propose on the spot! The combination of creamy Parmesan … [Read more...]
The Best Ground Beef Taco Meat
After years of at home taco nights, I've narrowed down what I think is the best ground beef taco meat recipe. It is a staple since it can be used in so many ways such as tacos with soft tortillas, crispy shells, nachos, enchiladas, or lettuce wraps. Make a double batch and freeze some for a easy weeknight shortcut. Here is the ultimate ground beef taco meat recipe that will take your taco game to the next level! Ingredients Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial … [Read more...]
Shredded BBQ Chicken
This Shredded BBQ Chicken recipe is a timeless favorite, bringing together bold flavors, tender meat, and a rich, smoky aroma. Shredded barbecue chicken is a versatile dish that can be used in many ways. No need to pull out your slow cooker, this simple recipe is ready in 30 minutes making it a great weeknight dinner or those extra busy days. It’s also an easy meal prep option since the leftovers store well and can be repurposed in multiple dishes throughout the week. Whether you enjoy it … [Read more...]
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
One of my favorite roasted vegetable combinations is Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts. I love how crispy and nutty the Brussels sprouts get while the creamy sweetness of the sweet potatoes are the perfect compliment. They are delicious as is or spruced up with the toasted pecans and dried cranberries. They are a wonderful side dish alongside some crispy chicken or grilled sirloins, or in a grain bowl over some chewy farro or rice. Check out my favorite Fall Quinoa … [Read more...]
Classic House Salad
Something about restaurant salads taste so good and I've found the secret, season your lettuce! I've made a basic house salad recipe my family enjoys, and I encourage you to come up with your own simple house salad too! When it comes to side dishes, this classic house salad recipe holds a special place on the dining table. It's versatile, easy to prepare, and the perfect complement to any main course. This house salad recipe is adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients. … [Read more...]
Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Bring a restaurant-quality dish to your dinner table with this irresistible Blackened Chicken Alfredo! This easy recipe perfectly blends the bold, smoky flavors of Cajun-seasoned chicken with the creamy richness of homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for guests. This easy dinner will be your next family favorite. Ingredients For the Blackened Chicken: Chicken breasts - This … [Read more...]
Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes
If you’re looking to add a burst of color and flavor to your meals, this roasted purple sweet potato recipe is delicious and packed with nutrients. These Japanese sweet potatoes are mildly sweet and nutty tasting making them the perfect side dish or topping to a salad or grain bowl. There are two main types of purple sweet potatoes commonly found in markets: Okinawan sweet potatoes, originally from Japan, and Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes, developed in the United States in North Carolina. … [Read more...]
Chicken and Gravy
There's something undeniably satisfying about a tender, juicy chicken smothered in rich, homemade gravy. This chicken recipe is pure comfort food—simple ingredients, flavorful, and always hits the spot. Whether you're hosting a dinner or just craving a hearty meal, chicken and gravy is a family favorite that never disappoints. I love how versatile this gravy recipe is too. You can make this easy recipe with any cut of chicken—breasts, thighs, or even a whole roasted chicken. There are … [Read more...]
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
Nothing says comfort food like a bowl of buttery, creamy Yukon gold mashed potatoes. And if you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that restaurant-level smoothness, the secret is in choosing the right potato. Yukon gold potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and velvety texture making the best potatoes for mashing. Whether you're prepping for a weeknight dinner or planning a holiday feast, this guide will show you exactly how to get those fluffy, rich mashed potatoes every time. Plus, I’ve … [Read more...]