We're calling all cooks with the know-how to combine from-scratch flavor with timesaving convenience products! For busy cooks, it's practical to use off-the-shelf ingredients to make meal prep easier. Most folks don't have the time to cook meals from scratch. That's why we're looking for delicious shortcut recipes that feature smart convenience foods and home-cooked flavor.

We'd love to try your main dish recipes using one or more these 10 convenience products:

  • pasta sauce
  • salsa
  • sloppy joe sauce
  • packaged macaroni and cheese dinner mix
  • frozen vegetable blends
  • rice or pasta mixes
  • refrigerated or frozen potatoes
  • canned soup
  • salad dressing
  • packaged skillet meals


Share your recipes and secrets for turning any of these 10 items into a tasty family dinner, and you could win. Simply send your best speedy supper recipes using these ingredients for a chance to win up to $500 and have your recipe published in the April/May 2013 issue of Simple & Delicious.



You Could Win Cash!


Each of the 12 winners in the Simple & Delicious "Instant Upgrade: Dinner" contest receives a wonderful prize:

  • GRAND PRIZE: $500
  • 2nd Place: $300
  • 3rd Place: $200
  • 4th Place: $100
  • 8 Runners-Up: 1-year Simple & Delicious subscription or gift subscription



Share this contest >


Contest Rules


You may enter more than one recipe. If you email or mail your recipe, be sure to print the name of the contest as well as your full name, street address and phone number, including area code, with each entry. Be specific with measurements, directions and the size of cans, packages and pans so others can successfully make your recipe. Include a few words about the origin of your recipe. Share any compliments it's received, plus any variations you recommend. If any duplicates are received, the entries with the earliest postmarks will be considered.



Submit here

or

Mail recipe to:
"Instant Upgrade: Dinner" Recipe Contest
Simple & Delicious Magazine
5400 S. 60th Street
Greendale, WI 53129