17 recipes that take dinner from mundane to marvelous

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Are you stuck in a dinner rut, cycling through the same few recipes week after week? It’s easy to fall into the trap of making those go-to meals that, while reliable, can become a bit mundane over time. But dinner doesn’t have to be dull!

Dinner can be fun again with a few great recipes, some new ingredients, and a little adventurous spirit. You can turn out these extraordinary dishes in a regular kitchen! So grab your shopping list, and let’s meal plan some excitement back into dinnertime.

Stuffing and pork chops in a frying pan.
Pork Chops and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Pork Chops and Stuffing Casserole

Pork Chops and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines juicy pork chops with a savory stuffing layer, all baked to perfection. It’s a fantastic way to bring a twist to your dinner table, offering a complete meal with minimal fuss. Serve it up on a busy weeknight to satisfy your family with a warm, flavorful dish that feels like a hug on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops and Stuffing Casserole

Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. Lean chicken, wild rice, and vegetables simmer together in a creamy broth, making this soup a nutritious and easy option for any night. Let your slow cooker do the work, and come home to a deliciously fragrant kitchen ready to serve up comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A warm pot of tomato soup, perfect for cozy winter dinners.
Lasagne Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska..

Lasagne Soup

Lasagne Soup brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty, easy-to-make soup. With ground beef, noodles, and plenty of cheese in a rich tomato broth, it’s a crowd-pleaser that simplifies lasagna into a one-pot meal. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave the comfort of lasagna without the effort.
Get the Recipe: Lasagne Soup

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf combines the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting form of a meatloaf. Juicy, cheesy, and wrapped in bacon, this dish is a fun twist on traditional meatloaf and a sure way to rev up dinner time. Serve it sliced with your favorite sides for a meal that’s both familiar and excitingly different.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

A platter of salad with croutons.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto Salad is a vibrant, no-cook salad packed with the flavors of Italy. With a mix of cured meats, cheese, olives, and vegetables, tossed in a zesty dressing, it’s a colorful and easy dish that’s perfect for a light dinner or as a side. It’s a great way to bring a taste of Italian antipasto platters to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Bbq ribs and potato wedges on a tray.
Oven Baked BBQ Ribs. Photo Credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Oven Baked BBQ Ribs


Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs are a foolproof way to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone meat without needing a grill. This recipe involves slow-cooking the ribs in the oven at a low temperature, which locks in flavor and ensures they become perfectly tender.
Get the Recipe: Oven BBQ Ribs

A bowl of soup with croutons and parsley.
Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Soup is a creamy, comforting blend of roasted cauliflower and melted cheese, perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s a simple way to elevate cauliflower into a rich and satisfying soup that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and watch it disappear!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, comforting soup filled with tender chicken, soft gnocchi, and vegetables. It’s a perfect meal to warm up with on a cold day, offering a deliciously hearty and satisfying bowl that’s sure to please the whole family. This soup is a wonderful way to add a touch of elegance to your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Wild rice and mushroom soup in a white bowl with sprigs of sage.
Creamy Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Creamy Mushroom Soup is a rich, earthy soup that’s both simple and luxurious. With a velvety texture and deep mushroom flavor, it’s a perfect starter or main dish for those seeking something warm and comforting. Serve it with a swirl of cream and some fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Soup

Stuffed shell in a spoon with mozzarella cheese stretching.
Stuffed Shells. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Stuffed Shells

Stuffed Shells are a fun and delicious way to enjoy pasta night. Jumbo pasta shells filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, make for a visually impressive and satisfying dish. It’s a great recipe to get everyone involved in the kitchen and enjoy a family-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells

Meatball Subs

Meatball Subs are a classic favorite that never fails to satisfy. Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and nestled in a soft roll, topped with melted cheese, make for a delicious and filling meal. They’re perfect for a casual dinner or when you’re craving the comfort of classic Italian-American flavors.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Subs

Blackened Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Downsizing Dinner.

Blackened Chicken Thighs

Blackened Chicken Thighs offer a spicy kick to dinner time with their flavorful, crispy crust. This easy-to-make dish brings a taste of Cajun cuisine to your table, perfect for when you’re looking to spice up your meal routine. Serve with a side of rice or vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

Roast beef, potatoes, and carrots in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Pot Roast is the ultimate comfort food, with tender beef that falls apart, carrots, and potatoes all cooked to perfection in a flavorful broth. This set-it-and-forget-it meal is perfect for busy days, resulting in a comforting, hearty dish that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu

Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu simplifies a classic dish into an easy, slow-cooked meal. Chicken breasts, ham, and Swiss cheese cook together in a creamy sauce, creating a deliciously tender version of the traditional recipe. It’s a great way to enjoy sophisticated flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu

A baking dish full of stuffed chicken breasts.
Stuffed Chicken. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Stuffed Chicken

Stuffed Chicken is a versatile and impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Fill chicken breasts with a cheesy spinach filling for a meal that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s a great way to make dinner feel like a special occasion any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Chicken

Mississippi Pot Roast

Mississippi Pot Roast brings together a few simple ingredients to create a mouthwateringly tender roast with a rich, complex flavor. This easy recipe involves slow cooking a beef roast with pepperoncini peppers, butter, and ranch seasoning, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast

Beer Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Beer Cheese Soup

Beer Cheese Soup is a creamy, comforting blend of cheese and beer, creating a rich and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in. With its smooth texture and robust taste, it’s a hit with adults and a fun way to bring a little pub-style cuisine into your home.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

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