Made with kitchen staples, these comforting recipes will help you make the most of your time at home.
Our 50 Favorite Stay-at-Home Recipes
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In stressful times, comfort food is an absolute must. That’s why we put together this list of top-rated mains, sides and desserts that will fill your belly and soothe your soul. The best part is, they’re made with ingredients that are probably already in your pantry, freezer or fridge, so you won’t have to trek to the store. Read our entire guide on how to cook, clean and make the most of your time indoors.
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Potato Kielbasa Skillet
No need to hunt through kielbasa and potato recipes, this smoky take steals the show as a hearty home-style, all-in-one meal. It's especially perfect on those cold late fall and early winter nights. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Homemade Bread Recipe
Here's a step-by-step guide to kneading, shaping and baking yeast bread for the freshest, fluffiest homemade loaves.Try one of these other all-day baking projects that will keep you busy.
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Chicken Broccoli Casserole
When you're looking for comfort and ease, this chicken broccoli casserole is the answer to your dinner dreams.
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Parmesan Baked Potatoes
It always amazed me that this simple recipe could make potatoes taste so good. Mom liked to make them for Easter because they were more special than ordinary baked potatoes. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, IowaCheck out these tricks for keeping fruit and veggies fresher for longer.
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Sweet-and-Sour Popcorn Chicken
This sweet and sour chicken dish is one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Pre-cooked, frozen popcorn chicken simmered in a thick, homemade sweet-and-sour sauce is the secret to this fast and fabulous recipe. And what a great way to dress up frozen chicken nuggets! —Amy Corlew-Sherlock, Lapeer, Michigan
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Peanut Butter, Apple and Raisin Sandwich
Tart, sweet and crunchy, these open-faced sammies are a perfect after-school (or after-work) snack. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, WisconsinDon’t forget to keep yourself hydrated! These are the best hydrating beverages to have on hand.
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Tuna Noodle Casserole
Families are sure to love the creamy texture and comforting taste of this traditional tuna casserole that goes together in a jiffy. I serve it with a green salad and warm rolls for a nutritious supper. —Ruby Wells, Cynthiana, Kentucky
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Mom's Macaroni and Cheese
The wonderful homemade goodness of this creamy Velveeta mac and cheese makes it a staple side dish in my mother's kitchen and in mine as well. It has tender noodles and a crowd-pleasing golden crumb topping. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North CarolinaHere are 100 more fun things to do and make with kids while you’re staying safe at home.
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Whipped Shortbread Cookies
These whipped shortbread cookies melt in your mouth. Mostly I make them for the holidays, but I'll also prepare them year-round for wedding showers and afternoon teas. —Jane Ficiur, Bow Island, Alberta
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Cornbread
Golden squares of buttery cornbread pair perfectly with any comfort meal. This cornbread is crisp on the outside with a soft, crumbly interior.Use this time at home to get a jump on your spring cleaning. Here’s a room-by-room checklist so you don’t miss an inch.
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Ravioli Lasagna
Our four-ingredient ravioli lasagna is the perfect shortcut meal for when you're craving lasagna but don't have as much time to cook. It's an easy and delicious meal for any night of the week.
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Oven Parmesan Chips
My husband and I avoid fried foods, but potatoes are part of our menu almost every day. These delectable sliced potatoes get nice and crispy and give our meals a likable lift. —Mary Lou Kelly, Scottdale, Pennsylvania
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Southwestern Goulash
I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
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Spanish Rice
You’ll find my easy Spanish rice is better than any found in grocery stores. Best of all, it can be prepared in the same amount of time as those so-called “quick and easy” boxes. —Anne Yaeger, Washington, DC
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Cheeseburger Cups
This is a terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives. This simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
A batch of this creamy chicken noodle soup is our answer to soup season or flu season. The soup's satiating nature and wholesome taste will deliver warmth and coziness when you need it most.
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Classic Chocolate Cake
If you need to learn how to make chocolate cake from scratch, this easy homemade chocolate cake recipe is a perfect place to start. It appeared on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California
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Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
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Easy Banana Muffins
Easy to make, easy to transport and easy to love, these easy banana muffins live up to their name. They're naturally dairy-free and perfect for bakers of any skill level.
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Cashew Chicken with Noodles
I tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
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Slow-Cooked Bean Medley
I often change the variety of beans in this classic recipe, using whatever I have on hand to total the five cans called for. The sauce makes any combination delicious! It's a gluten-free side dish that's popular with just about everyone. —Peggy Gwillim, Strasbourg, Saskatchewan
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The Best Shepherd’s Pie
Our top-rated shepherd's pie recipe delivers a cozy, filling, homestyle dinner that never disappoints.
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Chocolaty Chips
My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet and salty snack that uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake
I got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois
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Quinoa with Peas and Onion
Even picky eaters will love this protein-packed dish. If you have freshly shelled peas on hand, substitute them for the frozen. —Lori Panarella, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
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Skillet Lasagna
Skillet lasagna is made in a single skillet and features creamy, cheesy layers full of classic flavors. The best part? No oven required.
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Peanut Butter Cups
You don't have to own any fancy or expensive equipment to make irresistible peanut butter cups at home. In fact, it only takes a microwave and some mini muffin liners.
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Southwestern Casserole
I’ve been making this mild family-pleasing southwest casserole for years. It tastes wonderful and fits nicely into our budget. Best of all, the recipe makes a second casserole to freeze and enjoy later. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Lemon Blueberry Bread
Bake up some sunshine with our incredibly moist, tender and flavorful lemon blueberry bread. Loaded with zesty citrus, juicy blueberries and crunchy nuts, this will easily become your favorite take on this classic quick bread.
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Tater Tot Casserole
Thanks to a few ingredients and easy prep, this cheese-smothered Tater Tot casserole will be a recurring star at your dinner table.
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Baked Corn Pudding
Here's a sweet corn pudding that can turn even ordinary meals into something to celebrate. A yuletide favorite with our entire family, this baked corn casserole spoons up as sweet and creamy as custard. Guests give it rave reviews and always ask for the recipe. —Peggy West, Georgetown, Delaware
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Slow-Cooked Southwest Chicken
This dish needs just 15 minutes of prep, so you'll be out of the kitchen in no time. The delicious low-fat chicken gets even better with a garnish of reduced-fat sour cream and fresh cilantro. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
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Pretzel Sticks Recipe
This pretzel sticks recipe makes wonderful chewy pretzels that taste incredible when they're still warm from the oven. They're also amazing with salt or a cheese dip. As an added bonus, you likely have all or most of the ingredients already on hand.
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Beef and Rice Enchiladas
This recipe for easy beef and rice enchiladas is perfect for meal planning or a quick-and-easy weeknight dinner.
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Oven Fries
I jazz up these baked french fries with paprika and garlic powder. Something about the combination of spices packs a punch. The leftovers are even good cold! —Heather Byers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Slow-Cooker Pizza
Always a hit at our church dinners, this hearty casserole keeps folks coming back for more. —Julie Sterchi from Jackson, Missouri
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Chocolate Chip Blondies
These chocolate chip blondies are a comforting treat that's ready in just 30 minutes. Meet your new go-to potluck dessert!
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Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Chicken tortilla casserole is a favorite comfort food dinner. The lasagna-like recipe is super versatile, too!
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Everything Bread
I love to make bread from scratch and this has become one of our tried-and-true favorites to serve with any meal, casual or formal. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
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French Fry Casserole
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just a few ingredients and little prep time. It's a win-win for all! —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
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Spaetzle Dumplings
These tender homemade spaetzle noodles take only minutes to make and are a natural accompaniment to chicken. You can serve them with chicken gravy or simply butter them and sprinkle with parsley. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
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Family-Favorite Cheeseburger Pasta
I created this cheeseburger pasta recipe to satisfy a craving. What a delicious, healthy classic! —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
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Cornbread Taco Bake
Like a taco bowl, but bigger, this cornbread taco bake features a cheesy cornbread topping layered over a savory casserole of taco-seasoned ground beef, corn and peppers. Also like tacos, this casserole can be easily customized.
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Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Glazed sweet potatoes shouldn't be relegated to the holidays. Baked with a sweet, cinnamon-scented glaze, they're perfect for any weeknight meal!
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Gnocchi with White Beans
Here’s one of those no-fuss recipes you can toss together and cook in one skillet. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s also good with crumbled Italian chicken sausage if you need to please meat lovers. —Julianne Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
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Lemon Snowflakes
You’ll need just four ingredients to make these delightful lemon snowflake cookies. Confectioners’ sugar highlights the cracked tops to give them their snowflake appearance. —Linda Barry, Dianna, Texas
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Chicken Chimichangas
Our chicken chimichangas recipe is simple, delicious and baked rather than fried, which makes them healthier than similar fried dishes. It's oh so easy to assemble these so you just may skip the restaurants from now on!
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