53 Healthy Potluck Recipes

Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa

I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Pot Roast with Asian Black Bean Sauce

I love stir-fry with black bean sauce. This recipe takes the delicious flavor of black bean sauce and joins it with fork-tender pot roast. —Judy Lawson, Chelsea, Michigan

Italian Turkey Meatballs

What's not to love about moist and tender homemade Italian meatballs? Because they're made with lean turkey, they're lower in saturated fat, too! —Mary Berg, Lake Elmo, Minnesota

Makeover Meatless Lasagna

If you have never tried tofu before, go for it with this recipe. The tofu blends in with all the other ingredients, adding protein without the fat and calories of ground beef. —Mary Lou Moeller, Wooster, Ohio

Lemon-Garlic Turkey Breast

It's simple to prepare a main dish that easily morphs into tender slices of lunch meat. This turkey breast is hearty, healthy and easy to make!—Sandra Hall, Decatur, Texas

Roasted Vegetable Strata

With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia

Special Occasion Beef Bourguignon

I've found many rich and satisfying variations for boeuf bourguignon, including an intriguing peasant version that used beef cheeks for the meat and a rustic table wine. To make this stew gluten free, use white rice flour instead of all-purpose. —Leo Cotnoir, Johnson City, New York

Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas

Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

Tangy Orange Chicken Thighs

Here's a quick-prep recipe for tender, flavorful chicken in a tangy tomato-based sauce. You can easily double or triple the recipe, depending on the size of your slow cooker. —Dahlia Abrams, Detroit, Michigan

Spicy Sweet Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

I wanted to find a way to use pineapple salsa in a recipe. I came up with this super simple, delicious and quick dish! —Erin Schillo, Northfield, Ohio

Carne Guisada

While living away from Texas for a while, my boyfriend and I grew homesick for the spicy flavors of home. We've made this recipe a few times now, and it goes really well with homemade flour tortillas. We love it over rice, too. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas

Garlic Lover's Beef Stew

Wine gives a mellow flavor to this beef and carrot stew. We like to serve it over mashed potatoes, but you could also use noodles. —Alissa Brown, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

Meaty Slow-Cooked Jambalaya

Sure makes life easy having this tasty dish stashed away in the freezer! Another plus, you throw it all in the slow cooker—no skillet necessary. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia

Meat Loaf with Chili Sauce

I used to serve this meat loaf in my cafe, where so many of my customers asked for it. I adapted the recipe for my slow cooker at home, where it's quite popular, too. —Robert Cox, Las Cruces, New Mexico

Mango-Pineapple Chicken Tacos

I lived in the Caribbean when I was a child. Every time I make this yummy chicken, the fresh tropical fruits in it transport me back to those happy times.—Lissa Nelson, Provo, Utah

Mushroom Penne Bake

This is an easy, hearty and delicious meal for a chilly evening! Its cheesy goodness will have you going in for seconds. Serve with salad and garlic bread. —Sue Aschemeier, Defiance, Ohio

Italian Crumb-Crusted Beef Roast

Italian-style panko crumbs and the seasoning give this roast beef a special touch—it's a nice, effortless weeknight meal so you can put your energy into relaxing. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts

Shrimp & Broccoli Brown Rice Paella

Years ago my husband and I were vacationing in France and came across an open market where a man from Spain was making paella in a skillet; we've been hooked ever since. I love to whip this up for a large group, but if the gathering is small, I know I can easily freeze leftovers for another time. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Slow-Cooker Pepper Steak

Pepper steak is one of my favorite dishes, but sometimes the beef can be tough. This recipe solves that problem! The slow cooker keeps things simple and makes the meat very tender. I've stored leftovers in one big resealable bag and also in individual portions for quick lunches. —Julie Rhine, Zelienople, Pennsylvania

Beef Brisket Marinara

Marinara sauce and tender meat are real comfort food. Serve this brisket with mashed potatoes, rice or pasta. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

Tangy Lamb Tagine

I love lamb stew, but wanted to try something a bit different, so I created this recipe that uses Moroccan spices. It's a wonderful way to use lamb, and it's easy to make in the slow cooker. The stew tastes even better served a day or two later, when the flavors have really had a chance to meld. —Bridget Klusman, Otsego, Michigan

Black Bean Turkey Enchiladas

My best friend and I created this recipe together because we wanted a meal that’s easy to prepare, affordable and nutritious. We both have hectic schedules, so when we’re feeling crunched for time, it’s a relief to have these wholesome enchiladas waiting for us in the freezer. —Holly Baber, Seattle, Washington

Broccoli Tuna Casserole

When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my "family" away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio

Marinated Steak & Pepper Fajitas

These fajitas are the best, and a much healthier version of the typically pan-fried ones you find in restaurants. I like to serve them in flatbreads instead of tortillas. —Erin Michniacki, Manhattan, Kansas

Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Strawberry Sauce

Pork tenderloin paired with strawberries is a heavenly match, made even more special with a tangy feta garnish. Serve with roasted spring vegetables. —Katherine Wollgast, Florissant, Missouri

Salmon with Balsamic Orange Sauce

Preparing this fish is so easy that you can enjoy it on busy weeknights. You will want to serve it all the time. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Rosemary Butternut Squash Lasagna

I came up with this recipe when our garden was brimming with butternut squash. This is now our favorite way to use it. —Christine Wood, Tipton, Iowa

Easy & Elegant Tenderloin Roast

I love the simplicity of this easy beef tenderloin recipe. Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper—just add the tenderloin and pop it in the oven. In an hour or so you’ve got an impressive main dish to feed a crowd. This leaves you with more time to visit with family and less time fussing in the kitchen. —Mary Kandell, Huron, Ohio

Savory Turkey Potpies

This will perk you up on a cold, rainy day. You can use chicken in place of turkey, and I like to serve the potpies with a fresh green salad or cranberry sauce on the side. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona

Texas Oven-Roasted Beef Brisket

I was once a brisket novice, but now I cook up a dish with the taste of Texas. Thanks to a robust rub, the end result is a fork-tender cut with a crispy crust. —Audria Ausbern, Tahoka, Texas

Pesto Grilled Salmon

Buttery, colorful and flaky, this rich and impressive salmon will be a family favorite in moments. Five smart ingredients, and you’ll have just the leftovers you need for tomorrow night’s pasta dish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

Sassy Pot Roast

I love walking into my home after a long day and smelling this lovely pot roast. You can add potatoes and carrots to round out the meal, and the leftover meat makes a comforting soup for the next night. —Susan Burkett, Monroeville, Pennsylvania

Skillet Chicken Burritos

This is a go-to dish when I'm in a rush to make dinner. Preparing them in the skillet not only saves time, it gives the burritos a crispy outside and ooey-gooey inside. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

Tender Salsa Beef

This is my Mexican-style twist on comfort food. To keep it kid-friendly, use mild salsa. —Stacie Stamper, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Makeover Husband’s Dinner Delight

My husband, Steve, loves beef, and he especially loves casseroles. He likes to eat the leftovers with tortilla chips. It's like a whole new dish the second time around. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

Broiled Fish with Tarragon Sauce

The delicate flavor of this fish pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce. A yummy hint of honey comes through. Serve it with crusty bread, mixed vegetables or rice to help soak up the sauce.—Robin Pratt, Athens, Georgia

Italian Mushroom Meat Loaf

Healthful oats and flaxseed amp up the nutrition in this tasty meat loaf. —Kylie Werning, Candler, North Carolina

Pork and Green Chile Stew

This easily adaptable stew is ready in four hours if cooked on high in a slow cooker, or in less than eight hours if you cook it low and slow. —Paul Sedillo, Plainfield, Illinois

West African Chicken Stew

I really love African flavors, but you don't really encounter them much in the U.S. Here the combination of native African ingredients, all of which can be found in the States, transports you to a new culinary place. —Michael Cohen, Los Angeles, California

Lamb Stew

My grandmother used to make this stew as a special Sunday meal. It's an unforgettable treat from Ireland. —Vickie Desourdy, Washington, North Carolina

Makeover Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells

Enjoy the convenience of this make-ahead dish or bake right away. Either way, it has half the saturated fat of the original recipe but is just as meaty. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

Provolone Ziti Bake

As easy as it is filling and delicious, this Italian meal appeals to everyone—and they won’t even miss the meat. Serve with salad and hot French bread, and watch it disappear. —Vicky Palmer, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Mediterranean Shrimp Linguine

This picture-perfect linguine is a feast for the eyes and, with a hint of heat, a treat for the palate. —Megan Hidalgo, Quarryville, Pennsylvania

Garden Chicken Cacciatore

Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You will have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Turkey Meatballs and Sauce

My sweetie and I have fought the battle of the bulge forever. This is my less-fattening take on meatballs. They’re slow-cooker easy, and so flavorful! — Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida

Pan-Fried Scallops with White Wine Reduction

I learned the art of wine reduction from a cooking class...the flavor is fabulous! Despite the fancy title, pan-fried scallops are easy to prepare. —Katherine Robinson, Glenwood Springs, Colorado