97 Quick and Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Looking for quick comfort food recipes? These incredibly delicious mains and desserts can be on the table in less than an hour.

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Penne alla Vodka

This easy and impressive pasta is always on the menu when my husband and I have new friends over for dinner. Years later, they’ve asked me to make this Penne alla Vodka recipe again. —Cara Langer, Overland Park, Kansas

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Buffalo Chicken Dip

This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
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Mini Brownie Treats

I like to take these quick-and-easy treats to potlucks and family gatherings. They disappear quickly! —Pam Kokes, North Loup, Nebraska
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Chicken Biscuit Potpie

This hearty meal in one takes just 10 minutes to assemble before popping it in the oven. Plus, a chicken potpie with biscuits combines two of my family’s favorite dishes, making this recipe a slam dunk. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas
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Garlic Knots

These novel knots are handy because they can be made ahead of time and re-heated when needed. —Jane Paschke, University Park, Florida
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Easy Puppy Chow

This easy puppy chow recipe uses a whole package of cereal, so there’s less messy measuring. And it makes enough to feed a hungry crowd. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Easy Pesto Pizza

Our Test Kitchen kneaded basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese into packaged bread dough for this full-flavored crust. Purchased pesto sauce keeps it big on taste and convenience.
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Easy Jambalaya

I brought this easy jambalaya to a Sunday potluck and it was quickly gobbled up. When friends asked me for the recipe, they couldn't believe how easy it was! —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
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Five-Cheese Ziti al Forno

After having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own homemade version—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
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Chocolate Chip Muffins

Both of my daughters love these chocolate chip muffins! I usually double this chocolate chip muffin recipe so I have extras to keep in the freezer for a quick breakfast or snack. —Lori Thompson, New London, Texas
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Ham & Spinach Casserole

This is down-home cooking at its best! Ham and veggies join forces with a creamy sauce and pretty topping to create a hearty one-dish meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo

This easy Alfredo sauce is creamy, comforting and coats fettuccine noodles in fine fashion. This recipe is wonderful as is, but sometimes I like to add sliced fresh mushrooms and black olives that have been sautéed in butter and garlic. —Jo Gray, Park City, Montana.
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Grilled Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches

Rich and creamy pimiento cheese is a southern favorite. It makes this grilled pimiento cheese sandwich shine, especially when sweet-hot pepper jelly is added. —Amy Freeze, Avon Park, Florida
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Oreo Rice Krispies Treats

These Oreo Rice Krispies Treats are chewy on the inside with a crispy, crunchy cookie top. Not only are they tasty, but the crumbled cookies make for a sweet presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Easy Chana Masala

I love this quick and healthy Indian-inspired dish so much I always make sure to have the ingredients stocked in my pantry. It makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. —Janeen Judah, Houston, Texas
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Italian Sausage and Zucchini Soup

Everyone in my family likes this soup recipe. Sometimes I add mini farfalle because my grandchildren say the noodles look like tiny butterflies. This recipe also works in a slow cooker. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida. If they love farfalle, then serve these farfalle recipes.
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Black Bean Burritos

My neighbor and I discovered these delicious low-fat burritos a few years ago. On nights my husband or I have a meeting, we can have a satisfying supper on the table in minutes. —Angela Studebaker, Goshen, Indiana
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Peanut Butter Whipped Cream Frosting

A luscious peanut butter whipped cream frosting is just a few ingredients away. Try it piped over your favorite chocolate cupcakes or dolloped onto hot chocolate. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Shrimp Pad Thai

This 30-minute shrimp pad thai recipe has all the iconic funky flavor of the traditional recipe, without some of the harder-to-find ingredients.
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Turkey Scallopini

Quick-cooking turkey breast slices make this recipe a winner when you only have a few minutes to fix a satisfying meal. I've also used flattened boneless skinless chicken breast halves in place of the turkey of this entree. —Karen Adams, Cleveland, Tennessee
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Spicy Peanut Chicken Chili

While spending time in the Southwest, I discovered Mexican peanut chicken and thought it would be fun to make it into a chili. Chipotle peppers give it a nice spice that's extra warming on a cold day. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO
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Paprika Pork

A classic Hungarian dish, paprika pork is served over buttery egg noodles for a hearty, homemade dish that won't take up too much of your valuable time at the stove.
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Garlic Chicken with Herbs

Pan-roasting garlic cloves turns them into rich, creamy deliciousness. This chicken is also fantastic with a loaf of crusty bread or mashed potatoes on the side. —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois
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Smoked Sausage and Veggie Sheet-Pan Supper

This recipe is tasty, quick and easily doubled for last-minute dinner guests. Cook it in the oven or on the grill, and add the veggies of your choice. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
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Hoisin Pork Tenderloin

Hoisin pork tenderloin shows that you don't need a lot of fancy ingredients (or know-how) to make an Asian restaurant-style dish. This one comes together in less than 30 minutes, with a quick-roasted tenderloin and a five-minute sauce.
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Easy Key Lime Pie Trifle

I came up with this easy Key lime pie trifle because I adore Key lime pie in all its forms. It's a refreshing treat on a hot summer day, and since it can be made ahead, it's ideal for entertaining, too. The pie is easier to cut when still a little frozen, but be sure to let the pieces finish thawing before starting the recipe. —Barbara Moorhead, Gaffney, South Carolina
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Veggie Tacos

Filled with vegetables, chiles and black beans, these vibrant veggie tacos are a delicious and nutritious option for any day of the week.
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Parmesan Pork Medallions

Here's one of the best pork medallion recipes I've found. With my own special tweaks, I have served this tender pork countless times for family and friends. It takes very little prep time and adapts easily to serve any number. —Angela Ciocca, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

This chicken bacon ranch pizza is a fantastic family recipe. The flavor is out of control thanks to shredded chicken and savory bacon, multiple types of cheese, a creamy white sauce base and a DIY ranch drizzle. All that, plus a crunchy lettuce and refreshing tomato topper.
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Coconut Macaroons

These crunchy, golden and chewy coconut macaroons are ideal for their simplicity and texture, and you can have this treat on the table in 30 minutes or less.
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Tuna Nicoise Salad

Tuna Nicoise salad is a perfect lunch for a weekend or even to make ahead for the work week. Our recipe is traditional with tuna, tomatoes and beans, but is easily adaptable to suit your tastes.
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Chocolate Malted Cookies

These cookies are the next best thing to a good old-fashioned malted milk. With malted milk powder, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips and chunks, these are the best cookies I've ever tasted … and with six kids, I've made a lot of cookies over the years! —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
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Sausage and Squash Penne

I love using frozen cooked winter squash because the hard work—peeling, chopping and cooking—is all done for me. — Jennifer Roberts, South Burlington, Vermont
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Cheesy Pepperoni Buns

A pizza version of the sloppy joe, this hot and melty open-faced sandwich is a surefire kid pleaser. Adults love it, too! —Tanya Belt, Newcomerstown, Ohio
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Spicy Chicken Enchiladas

Cooked chicken strips and canned enchilada sauce hurry along this zesty entree. I came up with this spicy chicken enchiladas recipe shortly after I got married. It's a delicious dinner for two that's easy to double for company. &mdashAmy Dando, Apalachin, New York
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Chocolate Pudding

Bring your favorite childhood lunchbox treat to life with this rich and decadent homemade chocolate pudding recipe.
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Chicken Chiles Rellenos Strata

This versatile dish can be made as a entree, brunch or potluck dish. It’s also one of the easiest meals to assemble on a busy weeknight. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
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Chicken Parmesan Burgers

A restaurant-quality burger that’s topped with marinara and loaded with cheese—what’s not to love? Fresh basil adds even more flavor if you'd like. —Brooke Petras, Alpine, California
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Penne with Veggies and Black Beans

Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Spiced Sweet Potato Fries

A spicy homemade seasoning blend shakes up everyone’s favorite finger food in this rendition of sweet potato fries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

We live way out in the county, and the nearest grocery store is 25 miles away. So I’ve become quite skilled at turning leftovers into second-time-around successes like this turkey shepherd’s pie. —Linda Howe, Jackman, Maine
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Pecan Cobbler

On those days when you can't decide between cobbler and pie, try this pecan cobbler recipe for the best of both worlds. It's gooey and delicious!
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Lazy Lasagna

This five-ingredient lazy lasagna recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It captures all the flavor of traditional lasagna, but it’s ready to eat in only 30 minutes.
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Potato and Pepper Sausage Bake

When my family smells this dish baking in the oven, they know they are in for a treat! If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or switch the mild Italian sausage to hot Italian sausage. —Ashli Claytor, Chesapeake, Virginia
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Quick Mango Sorbet

Last summer, I decided to try my hand at making a passion fruit and mango sorbet. But fresh fruits require more prep and are difficult to find ripened at the same time. So I experimented using frozen fruit and juice, and voila! Both are readily available and inexpensive too. —Carol Klein, Franklin Square, New York
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Easy Peasy Biscuits

I love that I can make these biscuits and have enough left over to freeze for another meal. They're a healthier version of a classic American staple. —Amanda West, Shelbyville, Tennessee
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Stovetop Cheeseburger Pasta

Cheeseburgers are delicious in any form, but I'm partial to this creamy pasta dish that seriously tastes just like the real thing. It's weeknight comfort in a bowl. —Tracy Avis, Peterborough, Ontario
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Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Love red sauce? You've got to try fra diavolo: a spicy, garlicky recipe that just might be the perfect tomato sauce.
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Turkey Biscuit Skillet

My mother always made this skillet while we were growing up. Now I make it for my husband and kids. I use the small-size biscuits because the larger ones don't seem to brown up as nicely on the top. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
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Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Orzo

Broccoli and rice casserole tops my family's comfort food list, but when we need something fast, this is the stuff. Chicken and veggie orzo cooked on the stovetop speeds everything up. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
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Weekday Beef Stew

Beef stew capped with flaky puff pastry adds comfort to the weeknight menu—my family is always glad to see this meal. Make a salad and call your crowd to the table. —Daniel Anderson, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Frito Pie

Crunchy, salty Fritos corn chips are the star ingredient of Frito pie. Make this cheesy Tex-Mex favorite for dinner or game day.
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Quicker Chicken and Dumplings

Ready in just 30 minutes, this homey meal relies on convenience items and timesaving drop-style dumplings. It couldn’t be any easier! —Willie DeWaard, Coralville, Iowa
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Homemade Fish Sticks

I am a nutritionist and needed a healthy fish fix. Moist inside and crunchy outside, these are amazing with oven fries or roasted veggies and low-fat homemade tartar sauce. —Jennifer Rowland, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
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Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls

When you don't have time to make them the traditional way, apple dumplings with crescent rolls make for an easy and delicious dessert. Forget fussing with a crust, just roll these up and pop them in the oven.
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Chicken Quinoa Salad

We pile our favorite gyro fixin’s into nutritious quinoa bowls. Our local gyro guy has a cool but spicy sauce that transforms his sandwiches. It’s a must here, too. —Leah Lyon, Ada, Oklahoma
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Skillet Mac and Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese is so simple it’s almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I’ve never met an adult who didn’t love it just as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
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Inside-Out Stuffed Cabbage

Preparing stuffed cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, but this version with butternut squash has the classic flavors —and it’s table ready in just 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Blue Cheese-Crusted Sirloin Steaks

My wife adores this steak—and me when I fix it for her. She thinks it’s the ideal dish for Friday night after a long workweek. —Michael Rouse, Minot, North Dakota
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Kipplens

My Great-Aunt Hilda makes this recipe every Christmas, and everybody loves them! Kipplens taste a lot like Mexican wedding cakes, but I like my aunt's version better. —Susan Bohannon, Kokomo, Indiana
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Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup

When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois
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Reuben Pizza

This one will definitely be a hit on pizza night! Reuben pizza captures all the meaty, cheesy, tangy flavors of your favorite sandwich—just in pizza form.
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Pork Salad

A richly flavored and nourishing dish, this savory pork salad will soon become a favorite in your home.
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Crescent Turkey Casserole

How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn’t take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota
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Burger Sliders with Secret Sauce

These sliders are super easy to put together and are always a hit! I love that they are “fast food” without having to go to a restaurant. Take them to a party, make them for dinner or serve them on game day. The meat can also be made ahead of time in preparation for your gathering. —April Lee Wiencek, Chicago, Illinois
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Waffle-Iron Pizzas

These little pizza pockets put together using the waffle maker are a fun mashup. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
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Cereal & Milk Ice Cream Sandwiches

Go ahead and buy those sweet cereals you normally stay away from. This is dessert! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Skillet Ham & Rice

Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan
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Meatball Stroganoff

A quick and delicious twist on the classic, our meatball stroganoff uses frozen meatballs to get dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
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Bratwurst Soup

I came up with this recipe one day when I had some leftover bratwurst. It has been a favorite of my husband's ever since and is requested whenever the guys are hanging out. —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
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Chili Dog Pizza

My girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
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Whole Wheat Pasta Bake

With a casserole this rich and saucy, it’s tempting to skip the crunchy topping and dip a fork straight into the skillet. But as one taster noted: “The bread crumbs on top make this one extra special.” —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken

I was born in 1936 to a family of eight. Much of our food came from our garden and the henhouse. Mother served fried chicken every Sunday, but sometimes she surprised us with this broccoli-stuffed chicken. No arguments then as to who got what piece of chicken! —Donald Laugherty, Connellsville, Pennsylvania
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Old-Fashioned Gingersnaps

I discovered this recipe many years ago, and it's been a favorite among our family and friends ever since. Gingersnaps are timeless—a classic holiday cookie that's welcome year-round. —Francis Stoops, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
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Pizza-Flavored Pasta Sauce

I’ve been cooking since I was 6 years old and I’m always watching for recipes my friends and family will love. So when I tasted an unforgettable spaghetti sauce at a local restaurant, I just had to make my own version. —Angelina Falzarano, Midlothian, Texas
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Mushroom & Herb Chicken

My easy skillet dish is a comfort food classic. It's also delicious with rice instead of noodles. No one will guess they're eating healthy with this one. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
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Hamburger Mac and Cheese

Rich in protein, veggies and flavor, this hamburger mac and cheese is a recipe your family will love—and you won't mind making. This enhanced mac and cheese is a fast and filling meal that's always enjoyed.
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Crab Corn Chowder

No time to make a homemade soup? Think again! You'll be ladling out steamy bowls of satisfying chowder in no time. Canned corn and crab blend beautifully in this creamy, colorful soup. —Sarah McClanahan, Raleigh, North Carolina
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De-Lightful Tuna Casserole

This mild, homemade tuna casserole will truly satisfy your family's craving for comfort food without all the fat! —Colleen Willey, Hamburg, New York
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Shortbread

I live in Missouri, but many of our family recipes come from New Zealand, where I lived as a youngster. I proudly claim a Down Under heritage! These special-occasion cookies bring back warm and sweet memories of my childhood, and I'm going to make sure they're passed on to the next generation in my family—no matter where they live. —A. Swenson, Camdenton, Missouri
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Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet

When you don't have hours to whip up a slow-cooked meal, this hearty pulled pork pasta recipe is a great shortcut; it tastes as if it cooked all day but can be ready in just 25 minutes.
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How to Grill Chicken Breasts

Learn how to grill chicken breast for the easiest summer dinner. The days of dull, dry chicken are over.
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Fire-Roasted Ziti with Sausage

We punch up our pasta with smoked sausage and fire-roasted tomato sauce. It's an easy recipe to switch up—use whatever noodles and spaghetti sauce are in your pantry. —Jean Komlos, Plymouth, Michigan
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Quick Chili Mac

This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
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Pork and Orzo

Take a trip to a waterfront locale with protein-rich, health-minded Mediterranean pork and orzo. Tomatoes, spinach and feta add bright punches of color to the meat and pasta.
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Mozzarella Beef Roll-Ups

The kids will love these pepperoni and beef wraps. They're easy to assemble because each tortilla is simply wrapped around a portion of hearty meat filling with a piece of string cheese. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Oreo Ice Cream Cake

Everyone loves Oreo ice cream cake, it has to be because of the double chocolate layers of Oreos and fudge, and the ice cream, of course!
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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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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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Coconut-Layered Pound Cake

If you love chocolate, almonds and coconut, this cake is for you. It comes together in a flash and tastes just like an Almond Joy candy bar! —Linda L. Nichols, Steubenville, Ohio
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Tenderloin Steak Diane

Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
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Skillet Beef Tamales

I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
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Chocolaty S'mores Bars

One night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas
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Chicken Enchiladas for Four

These chicken enchiladas put a little zip into any menu. The rolled tortillas are filled with a hearty mixture of cheese, chicken and green chiles, and then topped with a creamy sauce and more cheese. I sometimes use leftover turkey instead of chicken. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
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Veggie Chowder

Packed with potatoes, carrots and corn, this soup is a great healthy dinner choice. It's not too heavy, so it also makes a nice light partner for a sandwich. —Vicki Kerr, Portland, Maine
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Candy Bar Fudge

My manager at work, who knows I like to try new treat recipes, shared this one with me. I've made this chewy and chocolaty fudge many times since. Packed with nuts and caramel, it's like a candy bar. Everyone who's tried it loves it. —Lois Freeman, Oxford, Michigan
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Chicken & Waffles

My first experience with this dish sent my taste buds into orbit. I first made this chicken and waffles recipe into appetizers, but we all love them as a main course, too. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri