Have canned goods collecting dust in the back of your pantry? Make the most of 'em with these yummy and straightforward canned food recipes.
101 Super Simple Recipes Made With Canned Foods
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Ambrosia Salad
During last-minute menu planning, I often include this classic ambrosia salad recipe because I keep the ingredients on hand. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
Take a look at these healthy canned fruit recipes.
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Spanish Rice
You'll find my easy Spanish rice is better than any boxed mix 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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Pressure-Cooker Mushroom Pork Ragout
Savory, quickly made pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It’s a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware.
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Easy Moroccan Chickpea Stew
For a 30-minute-meal that's warm and vibrant, try this hearty Moroccan chickpea stew. It's packed with squash, veggies and warm spices, and fast enough that you can whip it up on a weeknight.
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Homemade Cherry Crisp
Our family loves this pretty, tasty dessert. It uses convenient pie filling, so you can make it in no time—and it takes mere minutes to heat in the microwave. —Laurie Todd, Columbus, Mississippi
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Quick and Easy Vegetable Potpie
This meatless Monday superstar comes together quickly and is inexpensive as well. My 4-year-old always asks for seconds! You can substitute any canned or frozen beans for the canned lentils in this easy vegetable potpie. We also like using frozen edamame. —Maggie Torsney-Weir, Los Angeles, California
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Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
For a change of pace, you can substitute fresh or frozen peach slices for the pineapple in this old-fashioned recipe. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
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Slow-Cooker Cheese Dip
I brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage gives the dip plenty of zip! —Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio
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Pineapple Fluff
Pineapple fluff is a delightfully retro fruit salad—or is it a dessert?—with surprisingly delicious flavors and textures. This dish is just right for a summer picnic.
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Hamburger Soup
At family get-togethers, our children always request this spirit-warming ground beef soup along with a fresh loaf of homemade bread and tall glasses of milk. This hamburger soup has robust flavor, plenty of fresh-tasting vegetables and is easy to make. —Barbara Brown, Janesville, Wisconsin
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Pork Piperade
I like to spice up my meat dishes with peppers, and this Basque piperade—adapted from a Spanish recipe—is a family favorite. —Hyacinth Rizzo, Buffalo, New York
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80 Greek Recipes Everyone Will Love
Can’t get enough of your local Greek restaurant? This one’s for you! Here are some incredible Greek recipes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired recipes, that are sure to satisfy.
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Banana Split Fluff
This pretty pink mixture, rich with yummy fruit and nuts, is sure to disappear in a hurry. It’s a sweet and speedy treat that can be served as a dessert or salad. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
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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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Air-Fryer Taco Twists
Why serve tacos only in ordinary flour or corn tortillas? For a mouthwatering change of pace, try these air-fried tacos baked in flaky, golden crescent rolls. My family enjoys them for a warm lunch or light dinner. —Carla Kreider, Quarryville, Pennsylvania
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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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Pineapple Appetizer Meatballs
Karen Mellinger Baker of Dover, Ohio blends a can of crushed pineapple into her meatballs to create a taste-tempting treat. Best of all, the sweet and tangy glaze that coats this big batch of bite-sized snacks is a snap to prepare.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake
I created this dish to fill two pans because these sliders disappear fast. Cut the recipe in half if you want one batch. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Cherry Grunt
Back when I was cooking the hot lunch main dish for about 1,300 students a day, I liked to make this simple old-time dessert for my husband and sons. A scoop of ice cream is perfect.
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Jalapeno Popper Spread
I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
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Cran-Raspberry Gelatin Salad
Just like Grandma’s, this pretty gelatin salad has full berry flavor without being too tart. It’s perfect for any holiday dinner. —Rosemary Burch, Phoenix, Arizona
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Pronto Vegetarian Peppers
In the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania
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Taco Bowls
An utterly satisfying, one-dish dinner, taco bowls make for a fabulous weeknight meal with beef, black beans and an assortment of toppings. The best part is their versatility—customize with lentils, sweet potatoes, sautéed bell peppers or corn for a nutritious, filling, and family-friendly meal.
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Tropical Compote Dessert
To make a more adult version of this recipe, use brandy instead of the extra tropical fruit juice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Pumpkin Hummus
This perfectly delicious pumpkin hummus dip is a beautiful blend of creamy, decadent hummus and warm, autumnal pumpkin.
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Nacho Triangles with Salsa-Ranch Dipping Sauce
These nacho bites are a fun fusion of Greek appetizers and flavors of the American Southwest. The simple dipping sauce is a perfect match—the ranch balances out the heat of the jalapeno and chipotle peppers—and takes the recipe to the next level. —Angela Spengler, Niceville, Florida
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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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Simmered Turkey Enchiladas
I discovered a different way to serve economical turkey thighs. I simmer them in tomato sauce, green chiles and seasonings until they're tender and flavorful, then serve them in tortillas with our favorite fresh toppings. —Stella Schams, Tempe, Arizona
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Dutch Oven Chocolate Dump Cake
Looking for a super quick dessert that will make people think you spent all day in the kitchen? This easy dessert will wow your guests. Feel free to use your favorite pie filling in place of cherry. — Rashanda Cobbins, Aurora, Colorado
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Hearty Pasta Fagioli
Here's a convenient spin on a classic Italian favorite. Spaghetti sauce and canned broth form the flavorful base. —Cindy Garland, Limestone, Tennessee
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Baked Ham with Pineapple
I first learned the technique for baked ham with pineapple for a themed dinner my husband and I hosted. Since it is widely known as the symbol of hospitality, pineapple was the star ingredient on our menu and on this lovely baked ham. —JoAnn Fox, Johnson City, Tennessee
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Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers
While exploring Mexican restaurants, I tasted chiles rellenos and wanted to make them at home. My husband and I teamed up to create this stuffed poblano peppers recipe, which is one of our favorites. —Lorrie Grabczynski, Commerce Township, Michigan
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Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake
I love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
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Mexican Bean Soup
This Mexican bean soup recipe is healthy, hearty and perfect for a busy day, as it comes together in about 20 minutes. A helping of queso fresco on top makes this dish extra delish!
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Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
Many years ago after I had had knee surgery, a friend brought me a big casserole of mac and cheese along with the recipe. I have fiddled with the recipe over the years, most recently adding jalapenos at the request of my son. What an awesome spicy twist! —Teresa Gustafson, Elkton, Maryland
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Frosted Pumpkin Cranberry Bars
With tangy dried cranberries tucked inside and a creamy brown butter frosting, these mildly spiced pumpkin bars are doubly delightful. It's a good thing the recipe makes lots, because once you taste one, you won't be able to resist going back for more! -Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona
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Tex-Mex Bean Bake with Cornbread Topping
I frequently cooked this dish when I was on the cross-country team in college. We loved this veggie-packed bake so much I would have to make two! For a meaty version, substitute shredded chicken for half of the potato. —Samantha Westveer, Kentwood, Michigan
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One-Skillet Lasagna
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Red Pepper Chicken
Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia
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Slow-Cooked Peachy Spareribs
Canned peaches make a delightful addition to my flavorful sparerib sauce. Served over rice, the sweet-tangy ribs make a sensational meal any time of the year. —Jeanne Brino, Woodbury, Minnesota
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Ham & Cheese Potato Casserole
This recipe makes two cheesy, delicious casseroles. Have one tonight and put the other on ice for a future busy weeknight. It's like having money in the bank when things get hectic! —Kari Adams, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Empanada Beef Chili
While I lived in Mexico in the 1960s, a friend's mother gave me her grandmother's empanada recipe. I've made it over the years and passed it down to my grandchildren. To shed some carbs, I converted the recipe into a chili. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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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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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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Creamy Turkey Casserole
I sometimes make turkey just so I have the extras for this casserole! —Mary Jo O'Brien, Hastings, Minnesota
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Citrus Cornmeal Cake
Cornmeal adds a rustic quality to this delicate dessert flavored with citrus and almond. It makes a great holiday party hostess gift and is sure to be a staple in your recipe collection. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
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Spicy Goulash
Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up my goulash recipe. Even the elbow macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana
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Grandmother’s Orange Salad
This orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to all ages! —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
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Quickpea Curry
This colorful curry is a nice change of pace for a busy weeknight. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they're in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
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Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas
For our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
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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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Creamy Frozen Fruit Cups
I love to prepare these cool, fluffy fruit cups to give a refreshing boost to many meals. They've been well received at family gatherings and summer barbecues. There's no last-minute fuss since you make them well in advance. —Karen Hatcher, St. Amant, Louisiana
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Slow-Cooker Italian Sloppy Joes
These tasty sloppy joes with plenty of mass appeal are perfect for a gathering. If you're taking them to an event, simplify things by cooking the beef mixture and stirring in other ingredients the night before. Cool the meat sauce in shallow bowls in the fridge, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker to keep it warm for the party. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
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Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup
The spices really liven up this filling chicken tortilla soup. I often double the recipe, freezing leftovers for future dinners or quick lunches. —Anne Smithson, Cary, North Carolina
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Sweet-and-Sour Beef Stew
This chunky meal in a bowl makes terrific use of nutrient-packed vegetables. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho
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Pineapple Chicken
I'm always on the lookout for low-fat recipes that are scrumptious, too, like this pineapple chicken recipe. Quick-cooking chicken breasts get wonderful, sweet flavor from pineapple, honey and teriyaki sauce. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
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Sausage Tortilla Breakfast Bake
This casserole combines spices of the Southwest with the comfort of a hearty breakfast that is perfect for brunch. You can spice it up by adding cayenne and hot peppers, or mellow it out by replacing the tomatoes and green chiles with mild salsa. It’s versatile and easy—no wonder it’s a longtime family favorite. —Darlene Buerger, Peoria, Arizona
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Penne and Smoked Sausage
This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
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Tropical Muffins
I entered these muffins at our county fair and won the grand champion award for baked goods. They're so moist, they don't need butter. —Sylvia Osborn, Clay Center, Kansas
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Cajun Corn Soup
I found this recipe years ago and substituted Cajun stewed tomatoes for a bolder taste. Now I prepare this dish for out-of-state guests who want to taste some Cajun food. Everyone who tries it gives it high marks. Plus, it's easy to prepare. —Sue Fontenot, Kinder, Louisiana
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Best Ever Beans and Sausage
When my wife asks what she should make for a gathering, she's always told to bring this—and a couple of copies of the recipe! — Robert Saulnier, Clarksburg, Massachusetts
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Spanish Spirals
I usually cook for only me and my husband, so I try to scale down most recipes. But I make this dish just the way it is because my husband loves the leftovers.—Sandy Pelfrey, North Canton, Ohio
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Mexican Stuffed Peppers
This nutritious yet economical summer meal makes the most of my home-grown peppers. I like to top it with sour cream and serve with tortilla chips and salsa, but it’s wonderful on its own, too. —Kimberly Coleman, Columbia, South Carolina
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Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
This chicken and wild rice casserole is the perfect dinner for when you need something easy, balanced and friendly for the whole family. Precooked chicken and rice make it even quicker.
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Peach Cobbler Dump Cake
Homemade peach cobbler dump cake uses shortcut ingredients—canned peaches and a cake mix—to deliver a cozy, tender cake that's impossible to serve without a scoop of ice cream.
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Texas Black Bean Soup
This hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes as if it's made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.
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Air-Fryer Mini Chimichangas
My family raves about these air-fryer chimichangas. Infused with green chiles, the beefy snacks are guaranteed to liven up the party! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
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Quick Ambrosia Fruit Salad
I start this with plenty of fruit, add the yogurt for dressing, then mix in just enough marshmallows and coconut so it tastes like the fresh and creamy version I grew up with. It’s a well-loved recipe in my home now. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Polynesian Meatballs
With pretty bits of pineapple, these meatballs are sure to attract attention—and the sweet-tart sauce brings people back for seconds. —Carol Wakley, North East, Pennsylvania
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Southwest Vegetarian Bake
This veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It's a healthy canned vegetable recipe that's perfect any time I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. —Patricia Gale, Monticello, Illinois
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Roasted Chickpeas
Crispy chickpeas will become a favorite when you need something crunchy on your salads and bowls. An added bonus? They're vegan!
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Slow-Cooker Pork Pozole
I make this heartwarming stew with pork ribs and hominy often. It's a filling recipe of lightly spiced comfort. —Genie Gunn, Asheville, North Carolina
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Slow-Cooker Spiced Fruit
My late aunt who lived in Hawaii gave me this cherished recipe. She would prepare a traditional tropical meal for us whenever we visited and always included this fruity delight. I always think of her when I make it, whether it is for the holidays or an everyday meal. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Double-Duty Layered Enchilada Casserole
Here's a heap of cozy comfort. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen took my recipe for chili without beans and turned it into a scrumptious enchilada casserole. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio
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Beef ‘n’ Biscuit Bake
This recipe is quick, easy and satisfying. With its beef and corn combo, it's cozy cuisine at its best! —Erin Schneider, St. Peters, Missouri
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Makeover Peach Upside-Down Cake
This peachy delight has charmed folks for years. Our lightened version is even better with less fat and calories than other similar recipes.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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White Turkey Chili
Here's proof that chili doesn't have to be red. I combined several recipes and changed flavors until the recipe was just right. Trust me, this one is a keeper. —Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas
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Cashew Chicken Casserole
I especially like this dish because I can get it ready the day before I need it. It's easy to whip up with common pantry items, including macaroni, canned soup and saltine crackers. —Julie Ridlon, Solway, Minnesota
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Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked Chili
This chili may be already chock-full, but we love to build it up even more with toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
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Easy Chicken Enchiladas
With a few staple ingredients, these easy chicken enchiladas are so quick to make, dinner will be on the table before you know it.
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Butternut Squash Chili
Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
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Seafood Casserole
This baked seafood casserole is simple to put together. Shrimp, crab, vegetables and rice are combined in a single dish, bathed in a rich sauce and topped with crunchy, golden bread crumbs.
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Confetti Kielbasa Skillet
Here's one of my husband's favorite dishes. When it's in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas
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Chicken & Cheese Noodle Bake
This is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
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Italian Casserole
A hearty casserole is always a good choice for a family meal or a potluck, and this Italian casserole is no exception! Packed with ground beef, sausage, noodles, cheese and olives in a tomato sauce, it's comforting any time you make it.
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Easy Chicken Corn Chowder
When I haven’t planned for dinner, I often play around with ingredients in my pantry instead of running to the store. This recipe was a happy experiment. Cut some fat by omitting the bacon—it’s still tasty. —Barbara Banski, Fenton, Michigan
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Chili Mac Casserole
This cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
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Chicken Noodle Casserole
Everyone needs a chicken noodle casserole recipe in their repertoire. This one is a simple version that produces a creamy, comforting dish that you can make ahead for busier days.
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White Bean Soup with Escarole
This escarole and bean soup recipe is tasty enough to make everyone forget how healthy it is. Better yet, it's quick and easy.
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Chicken Burrito Skillet
We love Mexican night at our house, and I love to re-create dishes from our favorite restaurants. This burrito-inspired dish is ready for the table in almost no time! —Krista Marshall, Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Fluffed Fruit Salad
I like this recipe since I can prepare it in advance when entertaining. Even people who don't care for cranberries usually like this treat.—Christine Halandras, Meeker, Colorado
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Chicken Noodle Casserole
Everyone who tries this comforting cheesy chicken casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel as if I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas
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Old-Fashioned Fruit Compote
A perfect partner for your Christmas goose, this warm and fruity side dish can simmer while you prepare the rest of your menu, or make it a day ahead and reheat before serving. —Shirley A. Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
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Crunchy Almond Turkey Casserole
A special cousin shared the recipe for this comforting casserole. The almonds and water chestnuts give it a nice crunch. —Jill Black, Troy, Ontario
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Black Beans with Bell Peppers & Rice
My meat and potatoes husband goes for this cheesy, hearty black beans and rice recipe, and the kids gobble it up. For extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce. —Stephanie Lambert, Moseley, Virgina
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Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
These filling and flavorful vegetarian stuffed peppers are an updated version of my mom's stuffed peppers, which were a favorite when I was growing up in upstate New York. Whenever I make them, I'm reminded of home. —Melissa McCabe, Long Beach, California
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