My 29 Best Recipes That Bring The Fun Back To Cooking

ByMandy

Cooking shouldn’t feel like a chore, and these 29 recipes make sure it never does. Whether you’re looking for bold flavors, quick fixes, or a little kitchen adventure, there’s something here to shake things up. Get ready to enjoy the process as much as the meal—no stress, just good food.

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Beef Pot Pie

A golden-brown homemade pie with a flaky crust, garnished with a sprig of rosemary on the side.
Beef Pot Pie. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm up with a classic comfort dish that packs a hearty punch. Slide a serving of Beef Pot Pie onto your plate for a fulfilling meal that brings you home-style cooking without the fuss. It’s a true testament to traditional recipes with a personal twist.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie

Corn Chowder

A close-up of a hearty potato and corn chowder with diced vegetables and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with fresh parsley.
Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soup’s on and it’s not just any soup, it’s one with a creamy base that can make any dinner feel like an occasion. Corn Chowder merges simple cooking with homely charm, resulting in a bowl of goodness that resonates with childhood memories. It’s easy, it’s comforting, and it might just be what you’re looking for on a casual day in.
Get the Recipe: Corn Chowder

Lamb Chops

Grilled lamb chops garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.
Lamb Chops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you thought fancy dinners at home were a chore, these might just change your mind. You can get a little upscale at dinner with Lamb Chops without trying too hard. It’s about bringing that restaurant-quality meal to your own table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Chops

Copycat Impossible Burger

Close-up of a burger with a plant-based patty, lettuce, and sauce in a bun.
Copycat Impossible Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You love the taste of your favorite burger joint but want to keep it plant-based? Try your hand at a Copycat Impossible Burger and bring the fast-food flavors to your kitchen. It’s all about making conscious choices without giving up on the things you fancy.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese.
Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bite-sized always means you can have more than one, especially if it’s something as good as Italian Sliders. They’re perfect for gatherings where you want to serve something that gets everyone talking. These sliders combine the warmth of Italian flavors with the convenience of finger food.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Take a cue from the old Wild West and whip up something that feels like a warm welcome after a long day. Cattle Drive Casserole is your ticket to a hearty meal that’s both rustic and pleasing. Imagine the perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together in a dish that fills you up and keeps you happy.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Avocado Toast

Various avocado toasts with toppings including cherry tomatoes, fried eggs, black olives, and feta cheese on a parchment-lined surface.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Jump on a trend that’s here to stay and make something quick, nutritious, and utterly Instagrammable. Avocado Toast is customizable, simple, and it can be anything from a light snack to a filling breakfast. It’s one of those rare healthy treats that actually feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring a bit of country flair to your dinner lineup with a dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor or filling. Cowboy Casserole is all about those robust tastes that keep you coming back for more. It’s akin to throwing the best of your kitchen into one pot and watching magic happen.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Marry Me Chicken

Creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and black pepper, served with spaghetti on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Get ready for flavors that could make someone pop the question, at least that’s the legend behind Marry Me Chicken. This dish is perfect for when you need a bit of romance in the kitchen or just an excellent meal. It promises an experience that’s both indulgent and heartwarming, no strings attached.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken

Creamy Beef Stroganoff

A close-up of fettuccine pasta with creamy sauce, reminiscent of Beef Stroganoff, paired with sliced beef, mushrooms, and sprigs of rosemary.
Creamy Beef Stroganoff. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s something timeless about a dish that continues to be a favorite generation after generation. Enjoy a plate of Creamy Beef Stroganoff and find out why it’s stood the test of time. It combines comfort with a touch of elegance, delivering a meal that’s equally suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Stroganoff

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for something that feels a little more high-end without the extra work? Consider Asparagus Casserole, a dish that improves a simple veggie to star status. It’s about adding a touch of sophistication to your typical casserole selection. When your dinner rotation needs shaking up, this could very well be your next hit.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, you crave that one dish you can only get at a certain restaurant, but here’s a twist: make it at home. Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings brings that sought-after taste right to your table. It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when comfort is not just wanted, but needed.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Breakfast Bagel Sliders

A sesame seed bagel sits on top of a serving of scrambled eggs with melted cheese on a white plate.
Breakfast Bagel Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be the same old cereal or toast, especially when you can get a little more creative. Make mornings exciting with Breakfast Bagel Sliders, the perfect change to your usual routine. They’re compact, they’re filled with morning goodness, and best of all, they’re quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Bagel Sliders

Steak Fajita Nacho

A tray of loaded nachos topped with sliced beef, red and green peppers, jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges on the side.
Steak Fajita Nacho. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dinner can be a party platter with something meant to be shared, or not – we won’t judge. Prepare Steak Fajita Nacho for a meal that’s laid back yet entirely indulgent. They’re versatile – have them while watching a game, at a casual get-together, or as a fun family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Steak Fajita Nacho

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing says “good morning” like a casserole that makes you want to wake up just to have it. With Hashbrown Casserole, you’re combining breakfast favorites into one irresistible dish. This dish can double as a side for dinner, proving its versatility.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Breakfast Burritos

Close-up of a burrito cut in half, showing fillings of scrambled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, cheese, and herbs wrapped in a tortilla.
Breakfast Burritos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it portable and delicious? Breakfast Burritos are your answer to a handheld meal that’s both pleasing and convenient. They’re fully customizable – you decide what goes in to start your day off right.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Burritos

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A spoonful of stuffed pepper casserole with ground meat, red and green bell peppers, cheese, and rice, garnished with herbs.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you enjoy stuffed peppers but want to skip the hassle, there’s a casserole for that. Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes all those familiar flavors and puts them in an easy-to-make and easy-to-enjoy dish. Think of it as deconstructed stuffed peppers, minus the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Need something light, healthy, and filling all at once? Go for Dense Bean Salad, a dish that promises to be full of texture and nutrients. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a fresh side dish. Get all the benefits of beans in a salad that’s simple yet flavorful, and watch it become a staple at your table.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring the essence of sushi to your oven with a twist on a Japanese favorite. Sushi Bake is like a deconstructed sushi roll, warm and ready to enjoy with a spoonful of joy. It’s a novel way to experience flavors you love without the need for rolling skills.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Close-up of a savory biscuit with a creamy ham filling, looking like a gourmet twist on a Biscuits and Gravy Casserole, served elegantly on a plate.
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Transform a Southern classic into something you can slice and serve for the ultimate comfort food experience. Biscuits and Gravy Casserole puts a new spin on breakfast with layers of love. It’s cozy, it’s filling, and it might just become your new weekend breakfast tradition.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Close-up of a cinnamon roll cake slice topped with icing and sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate.
Cinnamon Roll Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You could stick to traditional desserts, or you could mix things up with a sweet treat that doubles as breakfast. Enjoy Cinnamon Roll Cake, where the essence of cinnamon rolls meets the form of a cake. This dish is all about indulging in that warm cinnamon flavor with less work.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cake

7 Layer Dip

A clear glass bowl with 7 Layer Dip featuring beans, white cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce, and black olives.
7 Layer Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who says a dip can’t be the star of the show? 7 Layer Dip brings together a plethora of flavors in one go-to party dish. It’s a stack of yumminess that guarantees to be the talk of any gathering. If you want something that people can dig into while they mingle, this dip does the trick.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Dip

Cashew Chicken

Close-up of Cashew Chicken featuring tender chicken, broccoli, edamame, cashews, and red bell peppers. This delightful dish is topped with sesame seeds and served over a bed of rice.
Cashew Chicken. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Ditch the takeout and cook up something that’s likely to become a weeknight favorite. Cashew Chicken captures the essence of an Asian dish with a pleasing crunch. It’s all about striking that balance between saucy and nutty, sweet and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Cashew Chicken

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Give your usual side of bread an upgrade with something that’s a pleasure to pull apart. Garlic Knots are not just there to complement your meal; they can easily become the main event. While they are a perfect match for pastas, these knots stand strong solo too.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Beef Stew

A close-up of a beef stew with green peas and chopped parsley, showing a spoon partially submerged in the rich, red sauce.
Beef Stew. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For chilly days or whenever you need something to warm your core, nothing beats a classic. Beef Stew is there for you, offering up a pot filled with hearty ingredients that meld together over time. It’s about minimal effort and maximum taste, a slow-cooked treat that rewards your patience.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Merge the simplicity of a casserole with the sweet taste of corn for a dish that suits any occasion. Corn Casserole is your soft, spoonable side that complements a wide range of main dishes. Whether it’s a holiday table or a weekday dinner, this casserole fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Spinach Artichoke Dip

A bowl of creamy spinach dip garnished with herbs, surrounded by slices of crusty bread on a blue patterned cloth.
Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Dip into a bowl that’s both rich and right for any get-together or solo snack time. Spinach Artichoke Dip combines leafy greens and chunky artichokes in a creamy affair. It’s the kind of appetizer that’s often gone way too soon; it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Dip

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Switch up your grain game with a casserole that brings a nutty and chewy variation to the mix. Wild Rice Casserole is a hearty side that plays well with so many different flavors. This dish is great for those looking to introduce a hearty yet wholesome element to a meal.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

No need to drive to the nearest taco place when you can mimic their star item in your kitchen. Crunchwrap Supreme is that perfect fold of flavors you can make exactly to your liking. It’s part convenience, part novelty, and entirely delicious. Perfect for a night when you crave something quick and packed with layers of yum.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

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