17 Easy Recipes That Won’t Let You Forget Why Home Cooking Rocks

Ever tried cooking a meal that left you feeling like you just competed in a marathon? Yeah, don’t do that again. These 17 easy recipes are like a personal chef, but without the awkward small talk or the need to pay them. Minimal effort, maximum flavor—because who has time to spend hours in the kitchen when there’s a couch waiting to be lounged on?

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Perfect for a quick lunch, this recipe combines classic chicken salad with a touch of sweetness and crunch. It’s a refreshing change from the ordinary, making it a great choice for those who like their meals with a bit of texture. Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts is easy to prepare and adds a twist to your typical sandwich filler. Home-cooked goodness doesn’t have to be complicated, and this dish proves it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad With Cranberries & Walnuts

Grilled Steaks With Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks With Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re looking for a reason to dust off the grill, this recipe has you covered. The secret lies in Grilled Steaks With Cowboy Butter, which takes a regular steak to the next level with minimal effort. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s both impressive and easy to put together. No need to overthink it—just fire up the grill and let the flavor speak for itself.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks With Cowboy Butter

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those nights when you want something home-cooked but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this dish is a lifesaver. It’s all about throwing everything together and letting the oven do the work. Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is a simple yet effective way to get a full meal on the table without fuss. Plus, the cleanup is as easy as the preparation, making it a win all around.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes, you just need comfort food, and this recipe hits the mark. Think about a plate of crispy tots smothered in cheese and bacon, reminiscent of your favorite fast-food indulgence. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots bring that same fulfillment but with the bonus of being homemade. It’s a quick and easy treat that’s sure to remind you why home cooking is so great.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something fast but flavorful. Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is versatile enough to be the star of tacos, burritos, or a simple bowl with rice. It’s one of those go-to meals that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. Cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated to be good, and this dish is proof.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad served on a white rectangular plate.
Wild Rice Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a meal that’s both light and filling, this dish is a solid choice. It mixes heartiness with fresh flavors, making it an excellent option for a make-ahead lunch or a side dish. Wild Rice Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together for something truly rewarding. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make but still feels special every time.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins

Two bowls of Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing comfort food to your kitchen is easier than you think with this recipe. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins deliver that warm, home-cooked feeling in every bite. It’s perfect for those days when you want something hearty without the hassle. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a go-to when you need a little extra comfort from your cooking.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken And Dumplins

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you’re in the mood for something hearty and hands-off, this recipe is the way to go. Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs let you set it and forget it, with the reward of a comforting meal at the end of the day. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, making them a family favorite that’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Home cooking doesn’t get much simpler than this.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Pizza Pasta Salad

A fork with pizza pasta salad in a bowl.
Pizza Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Combine the best of two worlds with this fun and easy dish. Pizza Pasta Salad is a creative twist on classic pasta salad, bringing together familiar flavors in a new way. It’s ideal for potlucks or as a side for a weeknight dinner, and it’s quick to throw together with minimal prep. This dish is a great reminder that home cooking can be both playful and rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Salad

Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Top-down shot of two Leftover Steak Soft Tacos on a slate board.
Leftover Steak Soft Tacos. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Got some leftover steak in the fridge? Transform it into something new and delicious with this recipe. Leftover Steak Soft Tacos are a quick fix that turns yesterday’s dinner into today’s lunch or dinner with ease. It’s a smart way to make the most of your leftovers while keeping things exciting in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Soft Tacos

Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries

A plate of cottage cheese toast with blueberries, next to a honey dipper.
Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Looking for a simple yet delicious breakfast or snack? This recipe is a quick and easy option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries combines creamy and sweet elements for a balanced bite that’s perfect any time of day. It’s a reminder that home cooking can be both nutritious and rewarding, even when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast With Blueberries

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re craving something with bold flavors, this recipe is a must-try. Korean Galbi Ribs are known for their delicious taste, making them a great option for a home-cooked meal that feels special. They’re easy to prepare and don’t require a lot of ingredients, making it simple to bring a bit of Korean cuisine to your kitchen. This is a great example of how home cooking can take you around the world without leaving your house.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This dish is perfect for when you want something light yet filling. Chinese Chicken Salad combines fresh ingredients with a rewarding crunch, making it a great option for a quick lunch or dinner. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to go out for a meal that’s both healthy and flavorful. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Repurposing leftovers has never been easier with this recipe. Brisket Fried Rice turns yesterday’s brisket into a whole new meal that’s just as rewarding. It’s a great way to avoid waste while still enjoying something delicious and comforting. This dish is a perfect example of why home cooking rocks—it’s all about making the most of what you have.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Steak & Pasta Salad

A black bowl filled with a pasta salad containing farfalle, steak slices, radishes, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, nuts, and crumbled blue cheese, garnished with parsley, on a wooden board next to a spoon.
Steak & Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a hearty meal that doesn’t require much effort? This dish is a great option for those who want something filling without spending too much time in the kitchen. Steak & Pasta Salad combines familiar flavors in a way that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. It’s a great reminder that home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated to be fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most memorable. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots bring a touch of sweetness to your meal with minimal effort. They’re easy to prepare and make a great side dish for any occasion. This recipe is proof that home cooking doesn’t have to be complex to be enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Have some leftover steak and not sure what to do with it? This recipe turns it into something delicious with minimal effort. Leftover Steak Quesadilla is a quick and easy way to enjoy those leftovers without feeling like you’re eating the same thing twice. It’s a great way to keep things interesting in the kitchen while making the most of what you have.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

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